BSc (Honours) Diagnostic Radiography
Three years full-time
UCAS code • B821
Location • Collegiate Campus
Subject area • Diagnostic radiography
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2014 entry requirements
You must have some experience of delivering care in a professional or voluntary capacity and a reference from a current or recent employer or educational institution.
You must be 18 years old before beginning the course. This is a requirement under the Ionising Radiation Regulations 1999 to be able to operate x-ray equipment.
Normally a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade C or above, including one science, English language and mathematics, plus one of the following
• 320 UCAS tariff points from A-levels with at least 100 points from either biology, chemistry, physics or mathematics. AS levels and general studies do not count.
• 320 UCAS tariff points from a BTEC National Diploma in Health Studies or Sciences, health and social care is not accepted.
• Access – Access to HE Diploma from a QAA recognised Access to HE course in health studies, health science, nursing or another science-based course. Normally we require 15 credits at level 2 and 45 at level 3 of which at least 30 credits should be graded at distinction level. Eighteen of the level 3 distinction credits must be from science units.
• graduate applicants need a 2.2 in a relevant science degree with honours or a 2.2 in any degree with honours plus an A level in a science subject with a minimum of 100 UCAS tariff points
IELTS
If English is not your first language you are required to achieve an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no single element less than 6.0 and 6.5 in the spoken element. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.5 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score. An overall IELTS of 7.0 with no single element less than 6.5 is required to gain registration onto the Health and Care Professionals Council register as a radiographer.
Care experience
Before you apply for health courses, we require you to have gained some practical experience relating to your subject area. Download our applicant experience guidelines for information about the kinds of experience we expect you to have and the best places to gain it. Evidence of the experience gained, understanding of the profession and a genuine, reasoned commitment to studying a professional course must be explicit in your personal statement to be selected for interview.
Clinical experience
All candidates must complete either a short period of work experience (minimum one day) in a diagnostic imaging department or attend a Sheffield Hallam University recognised clinical open day in a diagnostic imaging department. We have guidance on arranging work experience in a diagnostic imaging department or a visit to clinical open day. While on your visit you should complete our student work sheet to ensure you learn essential information about working as a radiographer.
Personal qualities
You must be able to demonstrate the following qualities
• good communication skills
• a caring personality
• awareness of the needs of others
• ability to function as part of a team
• initiative, reliability, honesty and responsibility
• good spatial awareness*
*All candidates are advised to visit www.radbench.org to learn more about image interpretation. The site provides an entry level experience into examining x-ray images to identify fractures. The test on the site is similar to a test that is part of the selection event at Sheffield Hallam University.
Course enrolment requirements
Before enrolling, you must fully declare during the admissions process any
• unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings. For further information on convictions that must be declared see the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) website.
• disciplinary proceedings during paid or voluntary employment or educational establishments
• involvement with safeguarding proceedings, social services or related organisations
You also need to complete
• a DBS Enhanced Disclosure, and provide us with a copy of your DBS Enhanced Disclosure Certificate if requested. Enrolment also depends on the DBS check being deemed suitable for professional training.
• an occupational health screening, and an approved programme of immunisation, as recommended by the Department of Health. Health screening and immunisation are provided by the University.
If any of your personal circumstances change during the admissions process or during the course you must immediately disclose them to us.
Shortlisted applicants are invited to attend a selection event.
If you are a disabled person or have a long term health condition, you are advised to read the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) booklet: A disabled persons guide to becoming a health professional.
We also strongly recommend that you tell us about your disability so that we can assess whether we can deliver the course in such a way that you can meet the HCPC standards of proficiency and take part without disadvantage. You can contact our University student support staff on 0114 225 3964 (voice and Minicom) to discuss any queries you may have.
International applicants entry criteria
Applications are welcomed from international students and students from EU member countries.
• you must have researched healthcare careers and gained some work experience in diagnostic radiography to inform their career choice
• 320 points from 3 x A2 subjects achieving at least 100 points in a science subject. Other equivalent qualifications are considered. Overseas qualifications are checked for equivalence by making reference to the National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC).
International application process
You must
• apply formally through UCAS
• complete a telephone interview
• attend the University International Student Orientation week before enrolling
Each UCAS form is individually reviewed by the admissions tutor any formal offer is made through the UCAS system.
2013 entry requirements
You must be 18 years old before beginning the course. This is a requirement under the Ionising Radiation Regulations 1999 to be able to operate x-ray equipment.
Normally a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade C or above, including one science, English language and mathematics, plus one of the following
• 320 points from three GCE/VCE A2 levels, with at least 100 points from a science subject, or BTEC National diploma qualifications in a science subject. Science subjects include • biology • chemistry • physics • mathematics. AS levels and general studies do not count towards the points total.
You apply for this course through UCAS.
2013/14 academic year
If you are studying a course funded by the Department of Health you will not normally pay any fees yourself, as they will be paid for you by the Department of Health.
You may be eligible for an NHS bursary but you will not be eligible for the bursaries and scholarships described in the Sheffield Hallam University Bursary Scheme. For more information on NHS bursaries visit www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/Students/4002.aspx
Your clinical placements may not be in Sheffield, so you may need to pay for separate accommodation while on placement. NHS bursary students may be able to claim the cost of this back.
For 2013 entry, membership of a professional body is included in the course fee.
The course fee may be subject to annual inflationary increase. For further information on fees and funding see www.shu.ac.uk/study/ug/fees-and-funding
2013/14 academic year
Typically £13,880 a year
Your clinical placements may not be in Sheffield, so you may also need to pay for additional accommodation while on placement.
2014/15 academic year
Typically £14,380 a year
Your clinical placements may not be in Sheffield, so you may also need to pay for additional accommodation while on placement.
The course fee may be subject to annual inflationary increase. For further information on fees, scholarships and bursaries see www.shu.ac.uk/international/fees
• assignments • case studies • project work • professional development portfolio • research project
This course is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Graduates are eligible to apply to register with them and also apply to become members of the Society and College of Radiographers. You must be registered with the HCPC in order to practise as a diagnostic radiographer in the UK.
Trudi Brook
BSc (Honours) Diagnostic Radiography, Final year
'When applying I had the choice between Leeds and Sheffield Hallam and must admit that Sheffield was the easiest for me to commute to, as I am married. I am also a fan of Professor Robert Winston, so knowing that I was going to study at a University that he was involved with helped too.
'I was in the Ambulance Service in the late 1980’s early 90’s and have always been interested in medicine. Due to my ‘mature’ age I felt that the three year course was long enough and radiography was also of interest.
'Before I came to Sheffield Hallam my husband and I had a business which unfortunately ceased to trade, so I took stock of my situation and decided to get a good career. I had previously been in administration and found my motivation lacking in that field as I wanted to do something that gave me the sense of personal satisfaction. I like to help people so a career in Health Care seemed the right path to go on.
'My only worry before starting the course was “Am I too old to go back to studying?” Doing a year at college before going to University helped me get back into studying and gave me the confidence I needed. Otherwise I knew that as long as I put my mind to the task I could achieve the end result. Of course there is always the trepidation at the start of any academic task given to me, but I think that is normal and everyone goes through it.
'The highlight of the course for me has been meeting new people and gaining new friends of all ages. Training on placement has been an enjoyable experience also.
'For prospective students with family commitments, they will probably find it more difficult to juggle everything and meet deadlines, but it can be done. I have no children so I have only had my husband to consider, but he has been very supportive and understanding. You are never too old to do this course and I can only recommend it highly.'
Jason Tagg
BSc Diagnostic Radiography, third year
'I chose Sheffield as a place to study as I live in Sheffield and know it to be a good city to live and work.
'I spent some time working at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals before starting my course. I asked the qualified workers where they had studied and why. I found that even those from further away had made efforts to study at Sheffield Hallam University as it is still recognised as one of the best, if not the best place to learn radiography.
'The services available at the University are of a high standard, both in teaching and practice equipment. All the lecturers have extensive knowledge and previous employment in radiography, with each having their specialist areas of knowledge. There is also a fully functioning X-ray room with practice dummies within the University.
'The course feels like an apprenticeship where you learn the fundamental knowledge prior to placements and then hone your skills whilst there.
'I would definitely recommend Sheffield Hallam University to friends - for healthcare courses it is by far one of the best universities available.
'If you are interested in doing this course my advice would be don't expect to be living the typical student life. You will be spending 4-5 hours a day in university and working 9-5 shifts four days a week whilst on placements.
'Sheffield has plenty of drinking areas such as the town centre and West Street. There's around six main nightclubs, plenty of gyms and sports centres and shopping centres such as Meadowhall and the town centre.
'It is generally an all round place that has something for everyone.'
Amy Phillips
BSc (Honours) Diagnostic Radiography
Studying for BSc
'I studied biology at A level and really enjoyed learning about human anatomy which made me start to think about a career in healthcare. After researching diagnostic radiography I decided I liked the fact that it combined both patient care alongside physics and applied science. I also felt reassured that I would get a job once completing my university degree and putting what I had learnt straight into practice.
'I did two work-based placements at King's Mill Hospital, Newark and Lincoln. Although a lot of time was spent on placement this was such a valuable experience that allowed me to immediately begin practising as a confident and competent newly qualified radiographer. I trained in a really supportive department (King's Mill Hospital) which later employed me on completion of my degree. It is really useful being able to build up professional working relationships through placements within NHS departments, as this can aid future employment as it did for me. I am still really grateful for this opportunity as it resulted in me being employed by a department that would later invest in further training at a Masters level in order to allow me to become a sonographer.
'The best thing about the course is the hands on experience that I learned through clinical placements.
Studying for PG diploma
'I decided to continue with further study because I have always been interested in continuous professional development and decided to train to become a sonographer as the autonomy and increased responsibility of reporting appealed, without losing any patient care and contact. I was offered a fantastic opportunity by King's Mill hospital to train at Sheffield Hallam University which has allowed me to develop and now work as an autonomous practitioner within the NHS, influencing patient care, the treatment they receive and the care pathway they follow.
'I am currently employed as a sonographer at King's Mill Hospital. I am qualified to scan in the following clinical areas • abdominal • gynaecological • obstetric and vascular (leg dopplers).
'I independently scan and report each patient, varying from routine screening in obstetric care to reporting fetal abnormalities, some early cancer detections, gynaecological complications and DVT's.
'The aspects of practice that I enjoy the most is dealing with patients and ensuring that I deliver the best patient care. It is fascinating interacting with such a wide range of patient's and other healthcare professionals. At times my job is stressful and emotional but I take pride in ensuring I deliver a good quality service that allows patients to receive the correct care and treatment. I am usually rewarded with patient appreciation either through a personal thank you or at times a thank you card. That makes my job worthwhile.'
Hannah Ludbrook
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BSc Diagnostic Radiography, 2010 graduate speaking in 2009
'When I was deciding which university to come to I liked the way Sheffield seemed to be a really friendly and proud city.
'I love the fact that the city is on the edge of the Peak District making it easy to get out into the countryside, especially for climbers. The city is one of the main reasons I chose Sheffield Hallam but also it is regarded highly for radiography training.
'The University has a high standard of modern x-ray equipment so students can learn in a realistic, safe environment. At Sheffield Hallam student radiographers go out on placement very early on compared to some other universities. I found this really helpful as we didn't have time to get too nervous and we could put the basic, early theory into practice.
'The course is split approximately 50/50 into academic blocks and clinical blocks so we get a huge amount of practical experience, making us competent radiographers when we qualify.
'One of the highlights is going on special placements at the end of second year and start of third year. These are a week in specialist areas such as paediatrics, cardiac and neuro angiography, the private sector and dental. I found this really interesting and it greatly broadened my knowledge and experience.
'As well as those above, we spend our first and third year clinical time in the same placement hospital, mine was Sheffield which includes the Northern General and the Hallamshire, and our second year somewhere different. I was in Grimsby which gave me a good contrast between big teaching hospitals like Sheffield and smaller district generals like Grimsby.
'When I qualify in summer I hope to get a job as a radiographer in a teaching hospital with a busy accident and emergency department.'
Profiles
Trudi Brook
BSc (Honours) Diagnostic Radiography, Final year
Jason Tagg
BSc Diagnostic Radiography, third year
Amy Phillips
BSc (Honours) Diagnostic Radiography
Hannah Ludbrook
BSc Diagnostic Radiography, 2010 graduate speaking in 2009
 DIAGNOSTIC RADIOGRAPHY.jpg)
X-ray suite
We have a fully equipped x-ray suite located at Robert Winston building which replicates the settings in which you learn and work.
Together in the real world of health and social care
Our health and social care courses place a strong emphasis on interprofessional learning. This means that you train alongside practitioners from other health professions. So, depending on your course you could spend time working alongside
• nurses
• midwives
• operating department practitioners
This gives you a fresh perspective on situations. And it also prepares you for the real world. Collaboration between health professionals is increasing as organisations try to provide a more integrated and effective service. At Sheffield Hallam we understand that by working together we can we give the best possible care.
Staff profiles
Visit the Department of Allied Health Professions website to view profiles of the staff who teach in this subject area.
