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Diagnostic Radiography (Pre-registration)

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What you'll need

As part of the application process, you'll need to submit:

  • School or college transcripts/certificates
  • University transcripts and certified translations if applicable
  • Degree certificates
  • Personal statement outlining your learning ambitions

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  • We'll email you when a decision has been made
  • If you've been made an offer, you can then accept or decline it using the Postgraduate Application Tracker.

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There are twenty-three courses related to Diagnostic Radiography (Pre-registration) that you might be interested in.

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Master of Science

A Master of Science (MSc) is a master’s degree awarded for a postgraduate programme in the sciences.

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Course overview

Gain eligibility to apply to the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) for professional registration as a diagnostic radiographer on completion of this MSc. You’ll discover the radiographic techniques and imaging technologies required to conduct patient x-rays and scans on a course underpinned by team-based and problem-based learning.

Introduction

If you want to work as a diagnostic radiographer, x-raying and scanning patients in an NHS or private setting, this pre-registration MSc combines the academic knowledge and clinical learning experience you’ll need.

The programme will immerse you in the theory and practice of a comprehensive range of radiographic techniques needed for first post competencies working in the modern healthcare sector.

You’ll build awareness of anatomy, physiology and pathology and gain experience working with radiographic and cross-sectional images. You’ll also achieve an understanding of radiological science which is associated with medical imaging and radiation protection.

An introduction to research methods in health care will highlight the importance of evidence-based practice in diagnostic radiography.

You’ll develop into a diagnostic radiographer with the skills, knowledge and understanding required for safe and ethical practice. This expertise will be underpinned by a caring approach to patients, providing care in a professional, culturally sensitive and emotionally intelligent manner, with the ability to identify potential improvements in service delivery.

On completion of the course, you’ll be eligible to apply for professional registration with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC). This registration is required to work as a diagnostic radiographer in the UK.

Who is this course for?

We are looking for science graduates, or those with degrees in related subjects, such as psychology. You should be a caring, empathetic person who is energetic and wants to make a difference to people’s lives.

What you'll learn

  • How to deliver safe, effective and professional practice as a diagnostic radiographer
  • Diagnostic imaging techniques
  • Knowledge and understanding of anatomy, physiology and pathology
  • Radiographic and contrast imaging procedures
  • An understanding of radiological science and radiation protection
  • Advanced imaging techniques including ultrasound and nuclear medicine
  • How to make informed decisions about diagnostic image quality and patient dose
  • Key skills and methodologies for healthcare research
  • Professionalism and role development in radiography

Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Year one

Compulsory modules

Clinical and Professional Practice (DRAD403)

Credits: 20 / Semester: whole session

This is the first of two modules that relate to Clinical Practice and Professionalism. This module combines personal and professional development with the first practice placement experience which takes place over 14 weeks during Year 1. The student will be introduced to the importance of professionalism, skills and attitudes in preparation for first post competencies and lifelong learning. The clinical practice experience enforces the university-based learning to ensure the student will meet the Health and Care Professions Council Standards of Proficiency for Radiographers for safe and effective practice.
This module will also enable students to develop their clinical knowledge and skills in the university and clinical environments. Within this module, diagnostic imaging techniques of the chest, abdomen, appendicular and axial skeletons will be taught, practised and assessed at University and undertaken whilst on clinical placement. During their placement the student will undertake imaging techniques of the chest, abdomen, appendicular and axial skeleton (lateral skull, facial bones and dental techniques), under close supervision.

The learning and teaching strategy for this module will take a student centred approach and will consist of university based lectures, tutorials, practicals, simulation and supportive online resources. The practical tutorials and simulation will take place in the Rose Thompson imaging lab and Florence Nightingale clinical simulation suite. Practice placements will facilitate the supervised practice and consolidation of skills, related to communication, patient-centred care and radiographic practice. The module will be assessed by three components: assessment of radiographic imaging techniques and patient care, reflective writing assignment, to demonstrate personal development/patient-centred care and assessment of clinical practice using the ‘Practice Assessment Record and Evaluation’ (PARE). In preparation for these assessments, the student will also be provided with formative feedback relating to academic and professional practice.

Musculoskeletal and Soft Tissue Imaging Systems 1 (DRAD402)

Credits: 20 / Semester: semester 2

This module is the first of the anatomy/patho-physiology and image interpretation modules in the Diagnostic Radiography Post-Graduate Pre-Registration Masters programme.

On successful completion the student will have developed knowledge of anatomy, patho-physiology and image interpretation of the skeleton, thoracic and abdominal cavities and their associated organs.

The module will be delivered using ‘Team Based Learning’ (TBL) and image viewing tutorials using both projection radiography (x-ray) and cross-sectional images, covering normal radiographic anatomy and common pathologies of the skeleton, thoracic and abdominal cavities. Teaching sessions in the Human Anatomy Resource Centre (HARC) contribute to this module and enable the student to visualise the anatomical body parts, giving a clearer understanding.

The module will be assessed via 2 on-campus written examinations.

The content of this module is delivered in the first teaching block, prior to clinical placement where students have the opportunity to apply this knowledge over the summer period.

Radiographic Science and Imaging Technologies (DRAD401)

Credits: 20 / Semester: semester 2

This Year 1 module provides a solid theoretical foundation in radiologic science to allow the student to make informed decisions about diagnostic image quality and patient dose. This module also provides a working knowledge of radiation protection and the relevant legislative framework in order to work safely in the clinical environment. This module also introduces a range of ionising and non-ionising imaging technologies used in radiography.
The module will be delivered via lectures to provide a theoretical foundation, while sessions using radiographic simulation software will demonstrate the application of the concepts to medical imaging. Tutorials will allow consolidation of the concepts covered in the lectures. The blended learning approach will be enhanced with a range of interactive educational technologies (e.g. Kahoot) to facilitate e-learning made available on the VLE. In addition to the ongoing formative quizzes in the VLE, a revision session will be available towards the end of the module to help students prepare for the assessment. The final assessment will be an electronic exam.

Musculoskeletal and Soft Tissue Imaging Systems 2 (DRAD404)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This module is the second of the anatomy, patho-physiology and image interpretation modules in the Diagnostic Radiography Pre-registration Masters programme. It also includes some radiographic procedures related to imaging these anatomical areas.

On successful completion, the student will have developed an understanding of anatomy, physiology and pathology of the central and peripheral nervous systems, skull, facial bones and dentition. Additionally they will be introduced to contrast imaging procedures of the cranial, thoracic and abdominal cavities.

The module will be delivered using ‘Team Based Learning’ (TBL) and image viewing tutorials, using both projection radiography (x-ray) and cross-sectional images , covering normal radiographic anatomy and common pathologies of the cranial, thoracic and abdominal cavities

Teaching sessions in the Human Anatomy Resource Centre (HARC) contribute to this module.

The module will be assessed via 2 on-campus written examinations.

The content of this module is delivered in the second teaching block, after clinical placement.
It prepares the students for the forthcoming radiographic techniques of year 2.

Research Methods in Healthcare Practice (HEAL417)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This module will enable students to develop a research proposal for either a review of evidence, empirical project, clinical audit or service evaluation that will contribute to the development of evidence-based healthcare practice.

The module is aimed at graduates from a range of different disciplines/subjects who have a range of knowledge and experience of research methods at undergraduate level and are looking to develop their research knowledge and skills further and prepare for a masters level research project in their own area of clinical practice e.g. diagnostic radiography, mental health nursing, occupational therapy or physiotherapy. The likely range of research skills in students from different undergraduate programmes is recognised and this module is designed to raise them all to the appropriate master level in the subject.
At the end of this module, students will be able to understand and appropriately critique the elements of ‘the research journey’ from conception of research question, through development of a proposal. They will be both consumers and producers of research who will meet the requirements of the standard of proficiency, for each profession, as laid down by the Health and Care Professions Council and the requirements of each professional body for evidence based practice.
The proposal produced in this module will then be undertaken as the students’ dissertation in the final year of their pre-registration master programme.

The syllabus for this module is aligned to the Curriculum 2021 Hallmarks and demonstrates active learning and authentic assessment, designed to create students with greater confidence to understand research evidence, contribute to that evidence and be able to develop research in their own area of professional practice.

The module delivery will use a blended approach with face to face and online delivery supported with synchronous and asynchronous lectures, quizzes and profession specific interactive discussion boards and tutorials.

The assessments for this module will be a Research Proposal. The assessments can be tailored to focus on the student’s area of interest and area of speciality and will include consideration of the ethical requirements of the selected project.

Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.

Our curriculum

The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:

  • Digital fluency
  • Confidence
  • Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

  • Research-connected teaching
  • Active learning
  • Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

Your experience

Diagnostic Radiography students at the University of Liverpool benefit from the School of Allied Health Professions and Nursing experience in delivering more than 100 years of teaching across practical and professionally focused programmes.

Healthcare partners across the North West provide exciting placement opportunities which allow you to bring your studies to life by gaining a breadth of patient-focused practical experience in a region with a particularly diverse population, providing an invaluable insight to future roles.

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Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

An exciting place to study

  • Major centre for education and research in health sciences
  • State-of-the-art facilities
  • Opportunities for in-depth study and development of advanced clinical skills
  • Flexible programmes for postgraduate study
  • Active research environment
  • Provides specialist training with taught and clinical placement components.

Careers and employability

Graduates in diagnostic radiography are a vital part of modern health care and in high demand both in the UK and abroad.

Successful completion of the programme confers eligibility to apply for professional registration as a qualified diagnostic radiographer with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

You will also be eligible to become a member of the Society and College of Radiographers.

You’ll be capable of challenging current clinical practice with an evidence-based approach and have the expertise to drive improvements in radiology services and patient-centred care.

Career planning

Three career coaches standing outside the Careers Studio

Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.

From education to employment

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We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.

Networking events

Postgraduate students hold a discussion while sat round a table in in the Liverpool Guild of Students.

You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.

Your future

Upon successful registration with the HCPC, you’ll be eligible to apply to work as a band 5 diagnostic radiographer in either the NHS or private sector. There is an excellent chance of immediate post-qualification employment.

Your future career plans could involve undertaking post-registration qualifications with the HCPC in preparation for advanced and consultant practice. This could lead to opportunities to specialise in areas including medical ultrasound, computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, radionuclide imaging or mammography.

You could alternatively choose to pursue a managerial qualification, such as an MBA, or consider PhD study and a potential career in academia as a radiography educator or researcher.

Some radiographers also take up the opportunity of progressing into the business side of radiography in the private sector and become sales reps or product specialists.

99% of Allied Health Professions and Nursing students from the University of Liverpool find their main activity after graduation meaningful.

Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year £9,250
International fees
Full-time place, per year £29,100
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.

If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about fees and funding.

Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.

Additional study costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about additional study costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.

We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom. Change it here


Postgraduate Global Advancement Scholarship – Achievement

  • International students

If you’re an international student joining a master’s course with us, you could be eligible to receive a tuition fee discount of £2,500, based on your prior academic achievement, choice of course, and you not having studied with us before.

Postgraduate Global Advancement Scholarship – Country

  • International students
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Australia
  • Bangladesh
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Brunei
  • Canada
  • Cyprus
  • Dominica
  • Egypt
  • Ghana
  • Grenada
  • Guyana
  • India
  • Jamaica
  • Japan
  • Kenya
  • Malaysia
  • Mauritius
  • Mexico
  • New Zealand
  • Nigeria
  • Pakistan
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Vincent and The Grenadines
  • Singapore
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • Sri Lanka
  • Tanzania
  • Thailand
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Turkey
  • Uganda
  • Vietnam

If you’re an international student joining a master’s course with us, you could be eligible to receive a tuition fee discount of £2,500, based on your nationality, choice of course, and you not having studied with us before.

Chilean National Agency for Research and Development (ANID) Scholarship

  • International students
  • Chile

If you’re a Chilean student joining a master’s degree, you could be eligible to apply for a 20% discount on your tuition fees with a Chilean National Agency for Research and Development (ANID) Scholarship.

Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia (CONACyT) Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

If you’re a Mexican student joining a master’s degree, you could be eligible to apply for a 30% discount on your tuition fees with a CONACyT Award.

Fund for the Development of Human Resources (FIDERH) Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

If you’re a Mexican student joining a master’s degree and you’re in receipt of a FIDERH graduate loan, you could be eligible to benefit from a 20% discount on your tuition fees with a FIDERH Award.

FUNED Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

If you’re a Mexican student joining a master’s degree and you’re in receipt of a FUNED loan, you can apply to be considered for a 20% tuition fee discount. A total of up to 50 awards will be available to master’s and PhD students per academic year.

Hong Kong Graduate Association & Tung Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships

  • International students
  • China
  • Hong Kong

If you’re a master’s student from Hong Kong or the People’s Republic of China who can demonstrate academic excellence, you may be eligible to apply for a scholarship worth up to £10,000 in partnership with the Tung Foundation.

HRH Princess Sirindhorn University of Liverpool Scholarship (Thailand)

  • International students
  • Thailand

If you’re a student from Thailand joining a one-year master’s degree, you might be eligible to apply to have your tuition fees paid in full and receive help with living costs. One award is available and only students who are new to the University will be considered.

John Lennon Memorial Scholarship

  • Home students

If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.

JuventudEsGto Scholarship

  • International students
  • Mexico

If you’re a resident of the state of Guanajuato in Mexico joining a master’s degree, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees with a JuventudEsGto Scholarship.

Marshall Scholarship

  • International students
  • United States

If you’re a USA student joining an eligible master’s with us, you could be eligible to apply for a Marshall Scholarship. If your application is successful, your master’s tuition fees will be paid in full. One Marshall Scholarship for master’s study is available in each academic year.

Postgraduate Opportunity Bursary

  • Home students

If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.

Sport Liverpool Performance Programme

  • Home and international students

Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.

Turkish Ministry of Education Scholarship

  • International students
  • Turkey

If you’re a Turkish student joining a master’s degree, you could be eligible to apply for a 20% discount on your tuition fees with a Turkish Ministry of Education Scholarship.

Graduate Loyalty Advancement Scholarship

  • Home and international students

If you’re a University of Liverpool graduate starting a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive a loyalty discount of up to £2,500 off your master’s tuition fees.

University of Liverpool International College Impact Progression Scholarships

  • International students

If you’re a University of Liverpool International College student awarded a Kaplan Impact Scholarship, we’ll also consider you for an Impact Progression Scholarship. If selected, you’ll receive a fee discount worth £3,000 off the first year of your master’s course.

Vice-Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship for Mainland China

  • International students
  • China

Are you a high-achieving graduate from the People’s Republic of China with a degree from a Chinese university? You could be eligible to apply for a £5,000 fee discount if you’re joining an eligible master’s course. Up to 15 eligible students will receive this scholarship.

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

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Your qualification Requirements

About our typical entry requirements

Postgraduate entry requirements

You should include a personal statement of no more than 700 words in support of your application. This should reflect on your understanding of the profession and relevant qualities valuable to a healthcare professional.

You will normally need a 2:1 honours degree, or above, or equivalent in a relevant subject, such as biological sciences, physics, psychology or health sciences.

Applicants with a 2:2 honours degree will be considered, subject to providing details of recent relevant experience or further study. Non-health related degrees and professional qualifications may also be accepted, with each application considered on its own merits.

GCSEs in Mathematics, English Language and a Science at a minimum of grade 5 or C or above are required.

You should demonstrate a good understanding of the scope of diagnostic radiography practice, including an awareness of the various settings a diagnostic radiographer might work in. This could preferably be indicated by observation experience of diagnostic radiographers working in a variety of clinical areas, or by other experience which can be related to the skills and qualities required to work in a radiography environment.

Experience in a paid or voluntary capacity working with the general public, children, older persons or people with special needs will also help to strengthen your application.

You should include a personal statement of no more than 700 words in support of your application. This should reflect on your understanding of the profession and relevant qualities valuable to a healthcare professional.

An interview forms part of the selection process. The interview follows the values-based recruitment (VBR) process and you will be expected to demonstrate the relevance of the NHS’ values and pertinent skills required to work in diagnostic radiography.

Please note: meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee a place on the programme as competition is high. You are encouraged to present the strongest possible application.

Declaration of criminal background
You will understand that as a health sciences student, and when you qualify, you will be asked to treat children and other vulnerable people. We therefore need information about any criminal offences of which you may have been convicted, or with which you have been charged. The information you provide may later be checked with the police.

If selected for interview you will be provided with the appropriate form to complete.

Health screening
The University and the School of Health Sciences has an obligation to undertake health screening on all prospective healthcare students. Any offer of a place to study is conditional on completion of a health questionnaire and a satisfactory assessment of fitness to train from the University’s Occupational Health Service. This will include some obligatory immunisations and blood tests. Please visit the Higher Education Occupational Practitioners website for further information.

International qualifications

If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this MSc, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool.

English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.

We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.

International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.

English language qualification Requirements
IELTS 7.0 overall, with no component below 6.5. Please note, your IELTS test must have been sat and completed in person and not online.

About our entry requirements

Our entry requirements may change from time to time both according to national application trends and the availability of places at Liverpool for particular courses. We review our requirements before the start of the new application cycle each year and publish any changes on our website so that applicants are aware of our typical entry requirements before they submit their application.

We believe in treating applicants as individuals, and in making offers that are appropriate to their personal circumstances and background. Therefore the offer any individual applicant receives may differ slightly from the typical offer quoted on the website.

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Why Liverpool?

Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.

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Accommodation

To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.

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Fees and Finance

Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.

Changes to Diagnostic Radiography (Pre-registration) MSc

See what updates we've made to this course since it was published. We document changes to information such as course content, entry requirements and how you'll be taught.

23 March 2023: New postgraduate taught course pages

New course pages launched.

18 April 2023: International qualifications update

English language requirements have been updated – IELTS.