BSc (Honours) Diagnostic Radiography
Three years full-time
UCAS code • B821
Location • Collegiate Campus
Subject area • Diagnostic radiography
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Our health and social care courses place a strong emphasis on interprofessional learning. This means that you train alongside practitioners from other health professions. Find out more.
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, mathematics or other evidence of literacy and numeracy such as Level 2 Adult Literacy/Numeracy or Key Skills Level 2 Communication/Application of Number or Functional Skills Level 2 English/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.
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. 18 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
You also need to demonstrate an ability to
study academic subjects at degree level
debate topics and issues
draw on conclusions from written material
study independently as well as a member of a group
use computers and technology associated with contemporary teaching, learning and assessment methods
successfully complete a range of assignments including researched essays and practical examinations
These are normally achieved by completing academic study at level three or above in the last four years.
For other qualifications contact Admissions on 0114 225 5555
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.
You also need to
have a full criminal records check when enrolling. You must declare any criminal convictions, cautions and bindings over, including those considered spent during the admissions process. Criminal convictions do not necessarily prevent acceptance on the course, but some may be regarded by an employer or professional body as excluding you from practice.
undergo health screening to assess your fitness to begin the course. You must also complete an approved programme of immunisation, as recommended by the Department of Health. Health screening and immunisation are provided by the University. It is your responsibility to inform the course leader of any change of circumstances in your health once you have enrolled.
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 Professions Council (HPC) 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 HPC 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.
Independent Safeguarding Authority
This course may involve regular access to children and/or vulnerable adults, which is also known as regulated activity. The Independent Safeguarding Authority hold information on individuals who are barred from working with children and/or vulnerable adults. A person who is barred from working with children or vulnerable adults will be breaking the law if they work or volunteer, or try to work or volunteer with those groups.
The Independent Safeguarding Authority will merge in the future with the Criminal Records Bureau. We are currently awaiting further details with regards to these future changes
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
complete and return a CRB and health declaration
attend the University International Student Orientation week before enroling
Each UCAS form is individually reviewed by the admissions tutor any formal offer is made through the UCAS system.
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 Professionals Council register as a radiographer.
Care experience
Before you apply for health courses, we require you to have gained some practical experience relating 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.
2012 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, mathematics or other evidence of literacy and numeracy such as Level 2 Adult Literacy/Numeracy or Key Skills Level 2 Communication/Application of Number or Functional Skills Level 2 English/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 geography psychology sociology sports studies. AS levels and general studies do not count towards the points total.
Access - Access to Higher Education Diploma from a QAA recognised Access to HE course in either Access to Science or Access to Health achieving at least 45 credits at level 3 of which at least 39 level 3 credits should be graded at merit or above
You apply for this course through UCAS.
2012/13 academic year
If you are studying a course funded by the Department of Health (nursing, midwifery or the allied health professions) 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 described in the Sheffield Hallam University Bursary Scheme.
Further information for students starting a course in 2012 is available on the NHS website.
For information on fees and funding see www.shu.ac.uk/study/ug/fees-and-funding
2012/13 academic year
Typically £13,520 a year
2013/14 academic year
Typically £13,520 a year
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
For more information or to check the progress of your application phone +44 (0)114 225 5555, fax +44 (0)114 225 2167, e-mail admissions@shu.ac.uk
This course is approved by the Health Professions Council (HPC). 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 HPC in order to practise as a diagnostic radiographer in the UK.
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.'
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.'
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 1980s early 90s 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.'
Profiles
Jason Tagg
BSc Diagnostic Radiography, third year
Hannah Ludbrook
BSc Diagnostic Radiography, 2010 graduate speaking in 2009
Trudi Brook
BSc (Honours) Diagnostic Radiography, Final year
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.


