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RADIOGRAPHY

Diagnostic radiography is the practice of using various forms of radiation to produce high-quality images which aid in the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of injury and disease. It is a technologically dependent discipline, which has patient care as its main concern.

In the past, the main form of radiation used by the radiographer was the X-ray. But with advances in technology, radiography now embraces techniques such as computerised tomography (CT scanning), diagnostic ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging and radionuclide imaging. As a qualified radiographer, you will have the opportunity to master all these techniques, and to play a vital role in patient care.

SPECIAL FEATURES

The Division of Radiography is based in the School of Health Studies, close to St Luke’s hospital

You will have access to our own fully-functioning X-ray and ultrasound suite for practical exercises and for your own research

The Division has an impressive selection of modern image quality test equipment, and excellent library facilities

COURSE CONTENT

The practice of diagnostic radiography requires a wide base of knowledge in the pure and the social sciences, with an emphasis on their application in the clinical environment. Our three-year degree course contains all the theoretical studies and clinical practice needed to become a State Registered Diagnostic Radiographer.

The course has two main elements; theory, and clinical practice, which are taught in alternating blocks. Each year you will spend 20 weeks attending lectures and tutorials in the University, and 20 weeks in a clinical X-ray department, working with actual patients under the supervision of qualified practitioners. These blocks are carefully co-ordinated so that you have an opportunity to exercise in a clinical setting what you have learned while studying in the academic setting.

Radiography is a clinically-oriented profession, with the emphasis on direct patient contact. You therefore need a detailed understanding of the structure, function and pathology of the human body. It also involves the use of highly-sophisticated, expensive and potentially dangerous equipment, which you need both to understand, and to learn to use safely and with confidence.

Radiography is not practised in isolation, but in the context of the structure and politics of the National Health Service. To enable you to understand the environment in which it operates, and the constraints which govern the way it is carried out, you will learn how health care is managed and delivered.

APPLICATION AND ADMISSION

Our normal offer to candidates taking A levels is C,C,C; of which at least one should preferably be a science. English and Mathematics or Physics are required at GCSE.

You can also qualify with a science-based BTEC (one distinction and three merits), or an Advanced GNVQ in Science or Health and Social Care (either a distinction, or a merit plus one A level). We also consider candidates taking Scottish or Irish qualifications (C,C,C,C,C), and experienced mature students, who may not be required to fulfil all the academic requirements above.

We admit approximately 20 students each year. If we decide to make you an offer, you will be invited to an interview at which we will assess your suitability to work in a hospital environment as well as your academic potential. You will be expected to spend some time gaining experience in an X-ray department before the interview.

UCAS code B810 BSc/DRad

ASSESSMENT

Assessment includes written examinations, assignments, clinical assessments, case studies, oral presentations, and a final-year research project. Your final degree classification therefore depends on your performance throughout the course, and not just on examinations at the end of each year.

CAREER PROSPECTS

Job prospects for radiographers are usually good, as the numbers of graduates are closely regulated to match demand. Most new graduates obtain their first posts in hospitals within the NHS.

If you choose to remain within the NHS, you can progress through the grades to the eventual position of superintendent, responsible for the whole of the imaging service in a hospital or even a region. You can choose to specialise in one of the rapidly-expanding branches of radionuclide imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, CT or digital vascular imaging. Or you could move into management or education within the NHS. Or you could join one of the internationally-renowned companies in the medical imaging industry, researching, developing and marketing new products to the health care sector.

DIVISION OF RADIOGRAPHY

Head of Studies and Admissions Tutor
Mr Steve Milner
DCR HDCR TDCR BA CertMHS

Tel: 01274 386315

Fax: 01274 386390

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