Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: See fees section below
International/EU: £19,155 per year -
How long will I study?
4 Years
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Where will I study?
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What are the entry requirements?
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What is the UCAS code?
BB14
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When do I start?
September 2025
Course summary
- Explore the intricacies of anatomy and physiology of the human body firsthand.
- Use cutting-edge techniques to produce images of the body to diagnose diseases.
- Prepare for the profession, ready to use and engage in groundbreaking research.
- Master imaging techniques for musculoskeletal and soft tissue systems.
This challenging and inspiring course provides the foundational knowledge and skills you’ll need to safely operate a variety of diagnostic imaging equipment. As part of a multidisciplinary team, you'll ensure patients receive high standards of care. After graduating you'll be eligible to apply for registration as a diagnostic radiographer with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
The Foundation Year course is designed for anyone who feels they would benefit from extra preparation before undertaking degree-level study or who does not meet the entry requirements for the BSc (Hons) course (due to lower predicted grades or lower performance at a selection event). The academic staff leading selection event processes are well placed to advice on the benefits of additional study or wider preparation in advance of joining a degree course.

Come to an open day
Find out more at our postgraduate open days. Book now for your place.
How you learn
All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating and challenging you to think in new ways, providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.
While specialising in diagnostic radiography, you’ll have opportunities to learn with, from and about practitioners from a range of health and social care professions – as part of a community of practice. These can include therapeutic radiographers, nurses and midwives, paramedics, physiotherapists, social workers, operation department practitioners and occupational therapists – as well as other radiography students, the course team and guest lecturers. These collaborations enable you to develop an in-depth understanding of person-centred care and patient pathways.
You’ll experience a blended approach to learning and teaching – on campus, online and in practice placements. You’ll be taught by professionals who are active in their field of practice and research – providing contemporary, interprofessional practice knowledge and experiences.
You learn through:
- Lectures
- Guest speakers
- Seminars and tutorials
- Group work
- Practical activities
- Simulation, including digital, in imaging, ward and theatre suites
- Image interpretation activities
Key Themes
As you progress through the course, you'll use cutting-edge imaging technologies and techniques to learn how to diagnose diseases by producing body images. You'll be equipped with the essential skills, practical experience and technological know-how required for a career in diagnostic radiography.
You’ll graduate with a strong professional identity, along with the skills, knowledge, values and clinical reasoning to thrive in a dynamic health and social care environment. You'll understand the importance of teamwork – focusing on people’s needs – and you'll have the confidence and resilience for autonomous working.
The course's practice-based learning, simulation and real-world clinical scenarios offer opportunities to develop skills within the four pillars of practice: clinical, research, leadership and education. These prepare you for highly skilled employment in the current and future workforce.
Ultimately, the course aims to mould you into a competent and effective diagnostic radiographer, ready to work in various hospital settings and contribute to modern healthcare delivery.
Course Support
You’ll be supported in your learning journey towards highly skilled, graduate-level employment through a range of key areas. These include:
- Access to specialist support services to help with your personal, academic and career development
- Access to our Skills Centre with one to ones, webinars and online resources, where you can get help with planning and structuring your assignments
- Industry-specific employability activities such as live projects, learning in simulated environments and networking opportunities
- Opportunities to learn as part of a community of practice, to be networked into national and regional learning events and conferences
Course leaders and tutors
Applied learning
Live Projects
You’ll gain real-world skills in different practice-based learning environments, reflecting the range of ways healthcare services are currently delivered. These include simulated practice workshops – using our state-of-the-art imaging equipment. You’ll also develop key research skills and undertake projects to evaluate and develop health services.
These learning experiences are designed to help you build your skills, confidence, creativity, resilience, integrity and curiosity. By applying theory to practice, you’ll be able to develop critical and ethical approaches to become life-long, competent professionals.
Work Placements
You’ll undertake practice placements in a diagnostic imaging department, as well as experiences within the NHS – which may also include private sector or equipment manufacturing.
We’ll ensure the practice-based learning element of your course complies with the requirements of the Professional and Statutory Regulatory Body (PSRB) which governs the diagnostic radiography profession.
Networking Opportunities
Guest speakers are part of the course each year. These are great opportunities to learn from and about the role of a diagnostic radiographer – in a range of specialities and professional experience.
You’ll have opportunities to network both at Sheffield Hallam and on partnership placements – where you can learn with and from diagnostic radiography students studying at other universities, as well as healthcare professionals.
You’ll also have the chance to attend extra-curricular research seminars.
Future careers
By the end of the course, you’ll have demonstrated the requirements that confer your eligibility to apply for registration as a professional diagnostic radiographer with the HCPC – qualified to work in diagnostic imaging departments throughout the UK and overseas.
Previous graduates have gone on to work in specialist areas including:
- The NHS
- Private sector imaging services in the UK and internationally
- Further and higher education
- Management
- Quality assurance
- Equipment design and sales
Where will I study?
You study at Collegiate Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
Collegiate campus
Collegiate Campus can be found just off Ecclesall Road, a bustling student district.
Collegiate Campus map | Campus facilities

Collegiate library
Collegiate Library can be found just off Ecclesall Road. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
Our on-campus teaching is conducted in and around clinical and ward settings. You’ll have access to all the equipment and furniture found in a contemporary hospital clinical space.
On this course you work with:
- A fully equipped digital X-ray suite
- Mobile X-ray units
- An operating theatre C-arm
- Dental imaging equipment
- Virtual reality imaging and PACs software
- A wide and diverse range of imaging phantoms and life-like patient models
We have invested over £100m in new facilities to help you study how and when you want. This means 24-hour libraries and study spaces designed by our students.
Entry requirements
All students
UCAS points
- 64
This must include at least 24 (Grade D) from one A level or equivalent BTEC National qualifications. For example:
- DDE at A Level.
- MPP in BTEC Extended Diploma
- Pass overall from a T level qualification with D or E from core
- A combination of qualifications, which may include AS levels and EPQ.
You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.
GCSE
- Science at grade C or 4 or equivalents*
- Maths at grade D or 4 or equivalents**
- English Language or Literature at grade C or 4 or equivalents***
*GCSE Science equivalents
- OCR Science level 2
- Science units gained on a level 3 BTEC or OCR National Diploma or Extended Diploma qualification
- Science credits gained on Access to Higher Education Diplomas (at least 12 credits at level 2 or 6 credits gained at level 3)
- Science equivalency test from www.equivalencytesting.co.uk
**GCSE Maths equivalents
- Level 2 Key Skills/ Application of Number/ Level 2 Maths credits from an Access course
- Maths equivalency test from www.equivalencytesting.co.uk
***GCSE English equivalents
- Level 2 Literacy
- Level 2 Key Skills
• Access - an Access to HE Diploma from a QAA recognised Access to HE course in a science based subject. Normally we require 15 credits at level 2 and 45 at level 3.
If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 7.0 or above, with a minimum score of 6.5 in each skill.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Modules
Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
Module Aim
This module will develop your knowledge and understanding of academic, personal, and professional skills that enable transition into Level 4 study and future employability.
The module will be delivered through a combination of face-to-face and digital lectures and seminars, practical's, Academic advising, and simulations.
Indicative content
Content of the module is agile and flexible to allow for changing professional situations and contemporary perspectives. Typical indicative content includes:
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Fundamental principles of health care
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Key organisations, agencies, services, professional bodies.
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Professionalism, Professional standards, and code of conduct/ethics/practice within relevant work-related roles.
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Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
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Academic writing conventions
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Sciences related the 11 health professionals including biology, physics and chemistry.
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All sciences will cover fundamentals and basic overview also exploring links to professional specific knowledge.
Module Aim
In this module you will develop your knowledge and understanding of a range of contemporary issues that currently influence healthcare. It will focus on developing your ability to find, select and apply appropriate research and evidence.
The module will be delivered through workshops and seminars.
Also, Academic advising session within this module.
Indicative content
Content of the module is agile and flexible to allow for changing professional situations and contemporary perspectives. You should be able to:
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Search and identify appropriate evidence.
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Explore issues impacting on Healthcare.
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Identify policies and actions that lead to sustainable healthcare.
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Explore the challenges of working with diverse communities.
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Recognise strategic delivery partners Healthcare.
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Examine the use of interventions to address challenges in healthcare.
Year 2
Compulsory modules
This module introduces you to the biopsychosocial, cognitive, political, economic, and medical factors which influence the health and wellbeing of individuals, diverse populations and communities. You’ll work with peers from other professions to consider how collaborative practice impacts on health and wellbeing outcomes, and helps you thrive in your own professional practice.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Models of care, support and empowerment
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Social capital and cultural humility
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Social accountability and determinants of health
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Safeguarding practice
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Public health agendas, inquiries and evidence-based reports
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Building effective, trusting relationships
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Community profiles and place-based care systems
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Person-centred service delivery
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Behaviour change and microaggressions
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Diversity and inclusion
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The effects of planetary health on wellbeing
This module will develop your understanding and application of the topics covered in semester 1. You’ll explore X-ray physics, equipment used, anatomy, radiographic technique and relevant legislation – building your confidence and knowledge of the role of the diagnostic radiographer.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Application of exposure factors
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Image optimisation, grids and automatic exposure controls (AECs)
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Extra departmental projectional radiography
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Anatomy and routine imaging of digestive, renal, nervous and skeletal systems
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Patient and professional perspective of contrast: pharmacology, safety, adverse reactions and contraindications
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Skeletal anatomy attachment sites and routine imaging appearances on modalities
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Ultrasound (U/S), positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT), nuclear med, fluoroscopy
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Systematic approach in image evaluation
This module enables you to demonstrate an appropriate level of competent, accurate and safe practice for a range of clinical skills. You’ll apply the professional attitudes and behaviours expected within the boundaries of legal, ethical and professional frameworks – as required by the HCPC.
You’ll apply skills and learning such as:
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Effective and efficient communication with staff, service users and carers
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Knowledge of surface and radiographic anatomy
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Recording objectives and reflections on placements
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Acting on feedback for skills development
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Working within departmental policies and protocols, IR(ME)R, SCoR code of conduct and HCPC standards
This module will develop your understanding and application of the topics covered in semester 1. You’ll explore X-ray physics, equipment used, anatomy, radiographic technique and relevant legislation – building your confidence and knowledge of the role of the diagnostic radiographer.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Application of exposure factors
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Image optimisation, grids and automatic exposure controls (AECs)
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Extra departmental projectional radiography
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Anatomy and routine imaging of digestive, renal, nervous and skeletal systems
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Patient and professional perspective of contrast: pharmacology, safety, adverse reactions and contraindications
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Skeletal anatomy attachment sites and routine imaging appearances on modalities
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Ultrasound (U/S), positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT), nuclear med, fluoroscopy
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Systematic approach in image evaluation
This module consolidates your progression to graduate-level study and professional practice, reflecting on your role as a professional who delivers safe and effective person-centred care. You’ll be supported to identify influencing factors on your professional practice – developing strategies which support you to thrive personally, professionally and academically.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Reflective practice and writing skills
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Personal and professional development and identity
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Emotional intelligence
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Self-perception, privilege and introduction intersectionality and allyship
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Self-management, feedback and leadership
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Ethics in professional practice
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Communication methods and techniques
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Contemporary policy for professional practice
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Teamwork and collaborating across professional boundaries
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Personal behaviour and self-assessment techniques
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The impact of behaviours, values, research and anti-oppressive and inclusive practice
Year 3
Compulsory modules
This module is your chance to apply your professional knowledge, skills and values in an integrated manner. You’ll work collaboratively with peers from other disciplines to assess, intervene and overcome the challenges of complex health and social care situations – supporting individuals, groups and communities.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Drivers for integrated and person-centred health and social care
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Inter-professional teamworking across multiple service interfaces
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Shared ethical decision-making, collaboration and co-production
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Assessment, treatment planning, evaluation and risk management
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The realities of living with long-term conditions and multi-morbidities
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Mental capacity, best interest assessment, equality and reasonable adjustments
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Resilience, communication, breaking bad news, difficult conversations
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Interpersonal and systemic discrimination in health and social care
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Inclusive language and terminology including challenging microaggressions
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Technology-enabled care and digitalisation within integrated care systems
This module evaluates diagnostic imaging modalities within themed practice areas, synthesising knowledge and justifying approaches to imaging practice throughout the patient pathway.
You’ll use a problem-based learning approach to imaging and disease pathways, linking with a range of healthcare clinics, the patient journey and the role of imaging.
You’ll study topics such as:
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The paediatric patient
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Patient management techniques
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Medicines and pharmacology
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Radiation protection/exposures
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Patient-centred care for children and the elderly
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Neurology
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Orthopaedics and rheumatology
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Respiratory
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Mobile imaging
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Infection control
This module builds further knowledge by evaluating diagnostic imaging modalities within themed practice areas – justifying approaches and techniques to imaging practice throughout the patient pathway. You’ll develop an enquiry-based learning approach to imaging and disease pathways, building an awareness of informed clinical decision making and covering a range of aspects.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Consent
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Prioritisation
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Leadership
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NICE guidelines and relevant standards of practice (SoPs)
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Extra departmental imaging including operating department practice
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Gynaecology
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Urology
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Gastroenterology
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Vascular (including cardiac)
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ENT and dental
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Oncology
This module enables you to demonstrate an appropriate level of competent, accurate and safe practice for a range of clinical skills. You’ll also be able to show the professional attitudes and behaviours expected within the boundaries of legal, ethical and professional frameworks, as required by the HCPC.
You’ll apply skills and learning such as:
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Effective communication skills with staff, service users and carers
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Application of theory to practice
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Knowledge of surface and radiographic anatomy
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Varied experiences to aid skills development for qualification
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Recording objectives and reflections on placements
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Acting on feedback for skills development
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Working within departmental policies and protocols, IR(ME)R, SCoR code of conduct and HCPC standards
This module introduces you to research and enquiry design and methods. You’ll be able to apply them to an area of investigation – considering factors that impact on literature appraisal – preparing you to undertake and manage an investigation as a professional practitioner.
You’ll study topics such as:
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What makes a good question
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Research design, types of evidence and suitability of methods
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Co-production – patient and public involvement
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Inclusive perspectives of research
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Data collection methods, strengths and weaknesses
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Analysis techniques
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Usefulness/impact and implications for practice
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Ethics and governance
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Sample of existing appraisal tools
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Searching and critically reviewing the literature
Final year
Compulsory modules
This module develops your systematic understanding of leadership and education concepts in practice. You’ll critically reflect on these in the context of collaboration within health and social care practice – considering how you can effectively support people who use services, their carers and families, and communities who have complex health and care needs to thrive.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Differences between management, leadership and the role of the critical follower
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Leadership theories, models and styles most relevant to health and social care
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Self-awareness and seeing ourselves as leaders
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Recognising our own personal impact, rank, power and privilege
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Professional cultures, traditional hierarchies and becoming an agent of change
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Leading psychologically safe, anti-racist and inclusive teams
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Resilience, volatility and acknowledging the wellbeing needs of the workforce
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Sustainable practice, quality improvement and leadership
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Tackling inequalities in health and social care through advocacy and education
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Technology-enabled care and digitalisation within integrated care systems
This module enables you to demonstrate an appropriate level of competent, accurate and safe practice for a range of clinical skills. You’ll also be able to show the professional attitudes and behaviours expected within the boundaries of legal, ethical and professional frameworks, as required by the HCPC.
You’ll apply skills and learning such as:
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Effective communication skills with staff, service users and carers
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Application of theory to practice
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Knowledge of surface and radiographic anatomy
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Varied experiences to aid skills development for qualification
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Recording objectives and reflections on placements
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Acting on feedback for skills development
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Working within departmental policies and protocols, IR(ME)R, SCoR code of conduct and HCPC standards
This module enables you to undertake a sustained, in-depth piece of independent learning, demonstrating a critical understanding and applying appropriate research methods within a piece of work. This work will challenge and contribute to improvements in areas of practice through the dissemination of findings to professional communities.
You’ll apply learning and skills such as:
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An individual independent project/dissertation
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Creating and contributing to research and evaluation for practice
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Application of approaches to research
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Research, improvement and evaluation methodologies
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Addressing inclusivity in your research process
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Dissemination of project outcomes
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Challenges in applying research outcomes to practice
This module consolidates your understanding of how imaging outcomes inform the treatment pathways in relation to overall patient management. You’ll develop your clinical reasoning skills and increase your own confidence in key decision-making processes.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Image evaluation and critique
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Development of systematic processes and approaches
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Identification of key pathologies in a range of imaging
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Effective communication of your findings
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Developing an informed practice
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Clinical reasoning and decisions at different levels of practice
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Screening programmes
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Relevant policy and guidance, locally and nationally
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First post competencies in HCPC standards and the SCoR
This module prepares you for a future career in diagnostic radiography, exploring a range of specialisms. You’ll critically reflect on your own professional journey while exploring contemporary and extended roles – recognising the professional legal frameworks which govern practice.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Radiographers in research, education and practice
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Mammography, sonography, nuclear medicine and PETCT
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Forensic and paediatric imaging
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Artificial Intelligence
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Consultancyt, /reporting and veterinary radiography,
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Army, cruise ships and prisons
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Public health and making every contact count (MECC)
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Exploring the role of allied health professionals (AHP)
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Disease prevention and community diagnostic centres (CDCs)
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HCPC and governance
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students on full-time undergraduate degree courses in 2025/26 is £9,535 per year (capped at a maximum of 20% of this during your placement year). These fees are regulated by the UK government and therefore subject to change in future years.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £19,155, which includes an annual placement supplement of £2,000.

Health and social care funding
Home fee-paying students can access a non-repayable maintenance grant of at least £5,000 per year. You may also be eligible for additional financial support based on your circumstances.
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for Health and Social Care (PDF, 165.7KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.