Train to work in a rewarding and dynamic career as a diagnostic radiographer and earn while you learn. 

About the apprenticeship

Course length: 33 months, part-time, plus 3 month end-point assessment

Start date: March

Course level: Level 6

University award: BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography

How much it costs: Funded through the employer

Accredited by: Health & Care Professionals Council (HCPC) and Society & College of Radiographers (ScoR) 

Course summary

• You will learn anatomy and physiology and safely use cutting-edge imaging technologies and techniques to produce images of the body for disease diagnosis.
• This course is suitable for those already employed in healthcare, such as radiography assistants and support workers, as well as new recruits such as school leavers.

This course will equip you with the underpinning knowledge and interpersonal skills to enable you to provide high-quality care to patients and their families as part of a multidisciplinary team. 

Upon qualification, you will be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council as a Diagnostic Radiographer. 

This course meets the diagnostic radiographer apprenticeship standard.

How you learn

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

You’ll learn through: 

• Lectures (face-to-face and online)  
• Seminars and tutorials (face-to-face and online) 
• Group work (face to face and online synchronous) 
• Practical activities 
• Simulation, including digital, imaging, ward and theatre suites 
• Image interpretation activities 
• Application of taught theories in safe, practice environments

This course enhances your employability skills, preparing you as a vital allied health professional in a dynamic workplace. You will engage in problem-solving tasks and enquiry-based learning to support the module and promote independent study and research.

The end-point assessment is integrated into the course, culminating in a final assessment to consolidate knowledge and ensure all apprenticeship standards are met. This process is supported by your workplace mentor, apprenticeship coach, and the academic team.

Applied learning

All three years of the course are structured around applied learning. This links your studies to real-world situations.

Practice-based learning environments
You'll experience the diverse delivery of healthcare services through simulated practice workshops with state-of-the-art equipment and hands-on work in a diagnostic imaging department. You’ll have access to equipment found in a contemporary hospital clinical space, including a fully functioning digital x-ray room. 

Healthcare professionals
You'll learn from various health and social care professionals, including therapeutic radiographers, nurses, midwives, paramedics, physiotherapists, social workers, and occupational therapists, alongside your radiography peers. This will help you develop an in-depth understanding of person-centred care and patient pathways.

Work-based mentor
You will be supported by a dedicated workplace mentor who ensures your work aligns with academic learning outcomes. Regular reviews will help you discuss priorities and plan your development.

Professional teaching
You will be taught by professionals who are active in their field of practice and research, providing cutting-edge, interprofessional practice knowledge and experiences. 

Apprenticeship coach
You will be supported throughout your study by an apprenticeship coach, they work with you and your work-based mentor to align your learning and clinical development with the apprenticeship standard and support your understanding of the essential components of apprenticeships.

Campus facilities

You'll learn in modern facilities at our Collegiate Campus including practical rooms, clinical suites and ward environments. Our campus offers cutting-edge facilities to enhance your learning experience.

On this course you work with:

• State-of-the-art imaging suite with fully DR x-ray room
• Mobile x-ray machine
• Simulated ward environment with image intensifier and dental imaging room
• Virtual reality and a range of radiographic software including an emulated CT scanner and emulated Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS).

The degree apprenticeship in diagnostic radiography leverages the new South Yorkshire Institute of Technology (SYIoT) building, featuring simulated spaces and industry-leading technology.

Entry requirements

The entry requirements ensure the apprenticeship is accessible to a diverse range of applicants while maintaining appropriate standards.

Applicants must:

• have the right to abode in the UK
• meet the course entry requirements

GCSE (or equivalent)

Maths and English at level 2 or above (grade 4, or previously C).

If you don't have this yet, we will refer you to our functional skills training partner where you'll need to complete the relevant qualifications during the first year of your apprenticeship.

If English is not your first language, you will also need an IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or equivalent. If your level of English language is below IELTS 6.5 we will recommend an appropriate pre-sessional English course. Which will allow you to achieve the required level of English.

Additional qualifications

Plus the following: 

• Evidence of successful formal study at Level 3 
• A minimum of six months experience in a health and social care capacity, including any placements or work-based learning undertaken as part of a Level 3 qualification. 

If you do not have a minimum of six months experience working in a health and social care capacity, you should hold one of the following:  

• 96 UCAS points from three A levels or equivalent qualifications such as BTEC Nationals, Cambridge Technicals, OCR Nationals and T Levels.
• Access to HE Diploma from a QAA recognised Access to HE course.
• Level 3 Apprenticeship
• Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQ’s) New or existing Level 4 or 5 qualifications such as HNDs, Foundation Degrees, Certificate HE or Diploma HE. 
• Previous degree

Other qualifications may be considered in discussion with the university. 

You will also be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check and/or an Occupational Health check. 

Modules

The course is designed so that learners will apply their learning back to the workplace as part of every module. Delivered through a combination of academic learning and work-based learning.

Year one

• Introduction to diagnostic imaging practice
• Applied diagnostic imaging practice
• Personal & professional development 1
• DRAD apprentice clinical practice 1

Year two

• Contemporary imaging practice 1
• Contemporary imaging practice 2
• Personal & professional development 2
• DRAD apprentice clinical practice 2
• Research in practice 

Year three

• The future practitioner 
• Image interpretation for imaging professionals
• Applied research in practice
• Personal & professional development 3
• DRAD apprentice clinical practice 3

Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change.

Next steps

If you are an applicant

You must be employed by the NHS to apply for this apprenticeship. 

To apply to join the National Health Service, visit NHS jobs.

If you are an employer

If you want to offer an apprenticeship for an existing employee or a new recruit, get in touch.