BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography and Medical Imaging
University of Portsmouth
Key Information
Campus location
Southsea, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
3 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
GBP 9,250 / per year
Application deadline
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Introduction
Diagnostic radiographers are a vital part of healthcare teams – they use powerful equipment to take images of inside the body and then interpret these images to diagnose and understand patients' health conditions.
This BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography and Medical Imaging degree will prepare you for a career identifying illnesses and helping to save lives.
Course highlights
- Learn how to examine patients safely using X-ray, CT scanning, fluoroscopy, MRI, ultrasound and more
- Practise your skills under expert supervision in our Centre for Simulation in Health and Care, complete with a digital X-ray suite
- Spend at least 14 weeks each year on clinical placements, working alongside experienced radiographers in real hospitals and NHS Trusts
- Become eligible to register with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) when you graduate, ready for a career as a Diagnostic Radiographer or to train further and enter advanced practice, research, teaching or health management
Accredited by:
This course was approved by The College of Radiographers for 5 years from 16 March 2020. It's also approved by the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).
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Curriculum
Modules
Year 1
Core modules
- Core Radiographic Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology - 40 credits
- Foundation Of Evidence-Based Practice – 20 credits
- Foundations of Diagnostic Radiography Professional Practice – 40 credits
- Radiation Physics – 20 credits
Year 2
Core modules
- Applied Diagnostic Radiography Professional Practice – 40 credits
- Engaging with Service Improvement – 20 credits
- Evidence-Based Decision-Making – 20 credits
- Human Biological Principles – 20 credits
- Imaging Science and Clinical Governance – 20 credits
Year 3
Core modules
- Enhancing Diagnostic Radiography Professional Practice – 40 credits
- Image Interpretation – 20 credits
- Medical Imaging Modalities – 20 credits
- Project – 40 credits
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry, and some optional modules may not run every year. If a module doesn’t run, we’ll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Clinical placements
You'll attend clinical placements on this course, supported by clinical mentors and registered healthcare professionals. You'll have 2 or 3 placement blocks in each academic year, each lasting between 6 and 9 weeks. You'll spend at least 14 weeks on placement each year.
Your placements may be at one or more of the following locations, among others:
- Portsmouth Hospitals University Trust - Queen Alexandra Hospital
- University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust - Southampton General Hospital
- Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust - Royal Hampshire County Hospital, Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital
- Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust - Salisbury District Hospital
- University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust - Poole Hospital, Royal Bournemouth Hospital
- Isle of Wight NHS Trust - St. Mary's Hospital
On placement, you'll take part in all imaging modalities, including conventional imaging and remote imaging, theatre imaging, fluoroscopy, CT, MRI, ultrasound and radionuclide imaging. You'll be supervised by an experienced radiographer at all times to ensure a safe environment and the highest levels of patient care.
You'll be looked after by University Link Radiographers, who will monitor your progress, provide expert guidance and support, and oversee all aspects of your placement experience.
Career Opportunities
Without diagnostic radiographers, it would be harder to diagnose, treat and manage illness and disease. They provide essential services to millions of people every year and are often the first people patients and service users come into contact with during their care.
Demand for diagnostic radiographers is rising too. Just before the pandemic, an independent report for NHS England highlighted the need for 3,500 additional radiographers over the next five years, and a 2020 census by The College of Radiographers revealed high vacancy rates in the field.
So, with this degree qualification, you can expect a rewarding career and high demand for your skills.
What can you do with a Diagnostic Radiography and Medical Imaging degree?
Most of our students quickly secure roles as Diagnostic Radiographers in the NHS.
As a newly qualified NHS Diagnostic Radiographer in 2021, you could earn a starting salary of £25,655, moving up to £31,354 (Band 5).
With more experience, you could earn up to £39,027 (Band 6), and with a role in management or advanced practice, you could make between £40,057 and £53,219 (Bands 7 to 8a) or more as a consultant.
You could also work as a diagnostic radiographer for independent providers, industrial companies and veterinary clinics as you progress your career.
With experience and additional training, you could go into:
- postgraduate study or research in specialisms such as computed tomography, medical magnetic resonance, ultrasound, nuclear medicine and medical physics
- health management through the NHS Graduate Scheme
- teaching
Graduates have gone on to work for these institutions:
- Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust
- University Hospital Southampton
- Southampton General Hospital
- Spire Southampton
- Western Sussex NHS Hospital Trust
- Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary
- St George's NHS Foundation Trust, London
Ongoing careers support
After you graduate, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability Service as you advance in your career.
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English Language Requirements
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