BSc (Honours) Radiotherapy and Oncology
UCAS code
B822Attendance
Full-time
Three years full-timeAssessment
examinations assignments project work portfolio poster presentations continuous assessment of clinical practice
Fees
Home and EU students 2011/12 academic year
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.
How to apply
You apply for this course through UCAS.
Contact details
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
Professional recognition
This course is approved by the Health Professions Council (HPC). Graduates are eligible to apply to register with the HPC and apply to become members of the Society and College of Radiographers. You must be registered with the HPC in order to practise as a therapeutic radiographer in the UK.
About this course
There is an increasing demand for graduate therapeutic radiographers in the health service, especially those who can do clinical research.
Your studies focus on applying theory to clinical practice and we encourage you to question and analyse, not simply accept theories without thought. You analyse and evaluate your clinical practice to learn and improve your skills.
During the course you learn to use software and systems for treatment and treatment planning. You also learn to apply theory to practice and tailor the treatment to the patient by accurately targeting high dose radiation beams and sparing surrounding normal tissues.
We normally base our teaching in our modern, £13 million, purpose-built Robert Winston Building on Collegiate Crescent Campus. It has teaching rooms that reproduce the work environment of hospitals and other related settings. These contain the latest teaching and clinical equipment and technology.
Our immersive visualisation suite comprises state-of-the-art imaging technology and uses the virtual environment for radiotherapy training (VERT) system to create a life-size 3D replica of a clinical environment. We have 20 networked eclipse planning computers with specialist staff on hand to teach you radiotherapy planning. We are one of the only universities outside of the USA that can offer these facilities. This enables you to develop vital practical skills in realistic clinical situations.
We recognise and emphasise that radiotherapy treatment is never given in isolation. A therapeutic radiographer is part of a team including caring professionals such as nurses, dieticians and oncologists. Decisions about a patients care and treatment always take into account their views, the expertise and opinion of other team members and sound scientific principles.
You study some interprofessional education modules alongside students from other health disciplines, such as nurses and paramedics. This shared learning experience allows you to develop teamworking and understand the contribution different professionals make.
Clinical practice placements make up more than half of the course and take place at
St Jamess University Hospital, Leeds
The Royal Derby Hospital, Derby
James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough
Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester
Lincoln County Hospital, Lincoln
Freeman Hospital, Newcastle
Nottingham City Hospital, Nottingham
Queens Centre for Oncology and Haematology, Castle Hill Hospital, Hull
Weston Park Hospital, Sheffield
As part of the course you complete a Level 2 award in understanding health improvement which provides you with a certificate from the Royal Society of Public Health. We are currently the only university in the UK that offers this as part of our healthcare courses.
Your student membership fees for the Society and College of Radiographers are paid, enabling you to access the services they provide.
We also offer a PgDip Radiotherapy and Oncology in Practice. This is a two year fast track award for graduates in a health and social care or science subject wanting a career in radiotherapy.
Associated careers
You can work as a therapeutic radiographer delivering a technically advanced but caring service in hospitals around the world.
For more information on careers in radiotherapy, please visit www.radiographycareers.co.uk or www.nhscareers.nhs.uk
Entry requirements
2013 entry requirements
You need a reference from a current or recent employer or from an educational institution where you have completed recent study.
Normally five GCSEs at grade C or above, including mathematics, English language and a science subject, plus one of the followinG
280 UCAS tariff points to include at least 80 points from a science subject, or BTEC National qualifications. We do not accept general studies A level. AS levels do not count towards the points total.
Access Access to HE Diploma for 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 39 level 3 credits should be graded at merit or above.
We welcome applications from people of any age with evidence of recent study. We may be flexible in our normal offer if you can show a commitment to succeed and have the relevant skills and experience. This must show that you will benefit from and finish the course successfully.
You 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
This is normally by completing academic study at level three or above in the last four years.
If you already hold a first degree in a healthcare or science subject, with upper second class honours or above, you may be eligible for the two year Postgraduate Diploma Radiotherapy and Oncology in Practice, which allows you to register with the Health Professions Council.
You also need to
have been living in the UK for over three years and have indefinite leave to remain or refugee status or be a resident of the EU
have spent at least one day in a radiotherapy department and provide evidence of it. Download our department visit guidance for further information.
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 an interview 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 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 disability co- ordinator for radiotherapy and oncology on 0114 224 4410 to discuss any queries you may have or you can contact our University student support staff on 0114 225 3964 (voice and Minicom).
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
IELTS
If English is not your first language you must have an IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills or equivalent. 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.
2012 entry requirements
You need a reference from a current or recent employer or from an educational institution where you have completed recent study.
Normally five GCSEs at grade C or above, including mathematics, English language and a science subject, plus one of the followinG
280 UCAS tariff points to include at least 80 points from a science subject, or BTEC National qualifications. We do not accept general studies A level. AS levels do not count towards the points total.
Course content
Year one modules
principles of radiation oncology 1 and 2 principles of anatomy and image interpretation radiotherapy physics and equipment 1 clinical education using knowledge and evidence to support study and practice introduction to interprofessional practice
Year two modules
principles of radiation oncology 3 and 4 radiotherapy physics and equipment 2 clinical education competence for practice 1 developing collaborative practice using and evaluating evidence to inform practice
Year three modules
preparation for practice accuracy and reproducibility clinical education competence for practice 2 capable collaborative working generating and evaluating evidence for practice