The Diagnostic Radiography andImagingdegree is designed to provide education at undergraduate level for careers in diagnostic radiography.
The BSc Hons Diagnostic Radiography & Imaging programme is designed to provide vocational education at undergraduate level for careers in diagnostic radiography.
The BSc Hons Diagnostic Radiography & Imaging course is a full-time programme of study of three-years duration. On completion, successful graduates are eligible to apply for registration under the protected title of "Radiographer" or "Diagnostic Radiographer" with theHealth and Care Professions Council (HCPC), the statutory regulatory body responsible for ensuring continuing standards of education, training and professionalproficiency in order to protect the public.The course is also recognised and endorsedby the Society and College of Radiographers, both students and graduates of the programme are eligible to apply for membership of the Society of Radiographers.
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In this section
The BSc Hons Diagnostic Radiography & Imaging programme is designed to provide vocational education at undergraduate level for careers in diagnostic radiography.
Diagnostic radiographers undertake imaging examinations essential to the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of disease and injury. This can also include the examination of apparently healthy individuals as part ofscreening programmes. As a diagnostic radiographer you will be required to evaluate the diagnostic and technical quality of images whilst at the same time recognising normal and abnormal appearances. Apart from the application of X-rays (including CT scanning), diagnostic radiography embraces ultrasound, radionuclide imaging, magnetic resonance imaging and other developing technologies. It is important to note that radiography involves working with ill and vulnerable patients, and that patient care is as vitally important as the technical aspects of the role.
The BSc Hons Diagnostic Radiography & Imaging course is a full-time programme of study of three-years duration leading to the award of an Honours degree with eligibility for registration with the HCPC. The course is also recognised by the Society and College of Radiographers, both students and graduates of the programme are eligible to apply for membership of the Society of Radiographers.
Three years, full-time including eight week long clinical placements each summer between Year 1 and 2 and between Year 2 and 3.
Academic semesters consisting of 12 weeks of on-campus contact hours: level 4 averaging 20 hrs /wk, level 5 averaging 16 hrs/wk, level 6 averaging 12 hrs/wk. The total effort hours per semester (contact time and self-directed study) is 600 hours, averaging 40 hrs/wk. Clinical Placement modules which are carried out in various hospitals, approved for clinical education and training of students throughout Northern Ireland. Students are required to work 37.5 hours per week during clinical placement periods. Some of this will be accumulated during normal working hours ie Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm, but will also include evening and weekend duties, in accordance with satisfying clinical training requirements. It should be noted that Placement 1 and 3 occur during the summer months.
Teaching and learning will be through lectures, seminars, practical classes in a Diagnostic Imaging suite on campus as well as professional practice placement periods in Diagnostic Imaging departments.
A range of assessment will be used including computer based assignments, case studies, completion of a portfolio, practical tasks and written exams. These will be both formative and summative in nature throughout the course.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (20%) or Lecturers (55%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advanced HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures correct for academic year 2021-2022.
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Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
In this section
Year: 1
Status: C
This module provides opportunities to learn in an interprofessional context. Students will acquire skills for both academic and practice based learning. It will provide them with an opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills on issues relating to professional practice and personal development within a supportive environment.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module will enable the student to gain knowledge and understanding of the physical principles and capabilities of X-ray equipment and image formation, essential for safe and competent diagnostic or therapeutic radiography practice. It provides a fundamental understanding of the principles and describes the design and use of diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy treatment equipment and associated information technology such as PACS, RIS, EPR and RMS.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module introduces the student to the essentials of Human anatomy and appendicular skeleton. The skills and knowledge gained will facilitate the understanding of skeletal anatomy and interactions in relation to normal and abnormal appearances in radiographic images.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module will introduce the student to first patient contact and the skills and understanding required to produce high quality routine radiographic images of the appendicular skeleton. This knowledge gained will prepare the student for orientation placement. This module will also cover the safe clinical application of techniques in diagnostic radiography including patient care, health and safety and radiation protection.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module will enable the student to gain knowledge and understanding of the digital image, image formation and associated quality assurance essential for safe and competent diagnostic radiography practice. It provides a fundamental understanding of the principles and describes the design and use of digital diagnostic imaging equipment and associated information technology such as PACS, RIS, EPR and RMS.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module allows the student to develop an understanding of the human anatomy, physiology pathology and radiographic technique of the axial skeleton, shoulder girdle, chest and abdominal cavities as well as the recognition and understanding of the disease processes. The student will also develop an understanding of selection of equipment, imaging techniques of the pelvic girdle and axial skeleton and the use of appropriate exposure parameters.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module will prepare students for the clinical environment. The students will be introduced to the professional behaviour and the roles and responsibilities of the radiographer. General patient care and patient care related to specific patient groups will be addressed. Students will consider how to adapt radiographic practice for each special group to optimise delivery of care. The module will discuss legislation and guidelines relating to the clinical environment including radiation protection, patient communication, consent and confidentiality.
Year: 1
Status: C
This placement will enable the student to develop his/her professional and caring skills within the hospital environment and to work as a member of the healthcare team. He/she will acquire the skills necessary for the radiographic examination of the abdomen, respiratory and skeletal systems. Experience will also be gained in the areas of image processing, clerical management and nursing procedures.
Year: 2
Status: C
The module develops research knowledge and skills for using published evidence to inform practice and for designing and conducting research and clinical audit post-registration. The focus is on research design and qualitative and quantitative methods appropriate for healthcare research. A series of lectures and seminars will develop research knowledge and its application in using and producing research evidence. Workshops will provide practical experience of research activities including data analysis. In addition, course specific seminars will provide guidance on the development of a research idea and presentation of an outline research proposal.
Year: 2
Status: C
During this placement the student will perform radiographic examinations and undertake duties of increasing complexity as he/she gains experience and acquires further skills in the imaging process. The student will also gain competence in adapting procedures and examinations to suit the physical and psychological condition of the patient.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module provides an understanding of the key concepts of science, technology and safety relating to the specialised imaging modalities currently used in diagnostic imaging, as required by Radiography practitioners. Participants will develop an understanding of digital image quality and effective image manipulation.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module covers homeostasis, anatomy, physiology, pathology and the specialist imaging diagnostic imaging including interventional procedures of the urinary and reproductive systems including mammography. The student will also gain knowledge of the use of contrast media and pharmaceuticals commonly used in these diagnostic examinations and interventional radiological procedures.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module gives the student a sound knowledge of the structural organization of the human body and a comprehensive understanding of the anatomy, physiology and pathology of the cardiovascular, respiratory and lymphatic systems. This module extends the students' knowledge of the practice of diagnostic radiography to more specialised techniques including interventional. The development and use of the different imaging modalities are evaluated especially in relation to the acutely ill patient.
This understanding of anatomy, physiology, and pathology is essential to enable the student to perform effectively in the clinical setting.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module covers anatomy, physiology, pathology and the specialist imaging diagnostic imaging including interventional procedures of the dental, gastrointestinal and hepato-biliary, systems. The student will also gain knowledge of the use of contrast media and pharmaceuticals commonly used in these diagnostic examinations and interventional radiological procedures.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module will facilitate and enhance the student's appreciation of their role as a practising radiographer and explore opportunities for role development. The module will examine the importance of entrepreneurial skills and health promotion activity in the professional setting and examine their application to radiography or radiotherapy. Mechanisms to ensure the protection and safety of the patient and service users are examined.
Year: 3
Status: C
In this module students will develop research skills by undertaking a research study on a topic related to practice. Each student, with support, will have an opportunity to undertake one of the following types of research project: (i) a systematic critical review to inform practice;(ii) a research protocol involving the design of a research study or health promotion activity or (iii) a research report involving the collection and/or analysis of data to produce evidence to inform practice. Lectures and clinics, supplemented by online material, will provide the theoretical knowledge and guidance required to undertake the research task. Workshops will provide support for practical skills such as systematic searching for literature, using critical appraisal tools and data management and analysis.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module provides an element of choice in facilitating the opportunity for the student to participate in either an elective placement of their own choice, or alternatively an international exchange network comprising European partner institutions as part of the ERASMUS Radiography Group. The placement is intended primarily to be work-based to enable development and honing of skills prior to exiting the programme as a qualified practitioner. Both experiences will enable the student to appreciate existing variations in practice that exist between departments including protocol and procedures, as well as affording the student the opportunity to gain further skills with different types of diagnostic imaging equipment.
Year: 3
Status: C
This placement will enable the student to continue to develop competence in performing a wide variety of radiographic examinations as well as gaining experience of the other imaging modalities. The student will be
able to demonstrate evidence of progression in his/her practical ability and image recognition skills. The student will also be introduced to undertaking imaging examinations in the ward and operating theatre.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module aims to consolidate the student radiographer's previous learning from both the academic and clinical environment. It is designed to ensure the student radiographer aspires to levels associated with practitioner standards. It encourages the student to assimilate learning across modules and enable them to make sound professional judgements and subsequently promote effective clinical practice following registration with a regulatory body.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module introduces the student to the trauma patient and necessary modifications. It explores appropriate adaptations of technique to ensure optimum image quality without risk of exacerbating injuries. The complimentary role of other specialist imaging modalities is considered and the subsequent role of imaging in the ward and theatre environments along with forensic investigations and child protection is also explored in relation to policy guidelines and legislation
Year: 3
Status: C
This module provides an understanding of the anatomy, pathology, physiology and diagnostic and therapeutic imaging of the nervous system, endocrine system and special senses for diagnostic radiography practitioners.
Year: 3
Status: C
The student will be given the opportunity to develop confidence and expertise in all skills required for professional practice, working with trauma patients gaining further experience in the modification of techniques to suit the clinical presentation of the patient. He/she will be encouraged to use initiative in situations of varying complexity performing professionally and efficiently with all grades of the multi-professional health care team.
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
In this section
Grades BBB to include a grade B from one of the following: Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, CCEA Single Award Life & Health Sciences (first taught September 2016), Double Award Life & Health Sciences (grade BB) or Double Award Applied Science (grade BB).
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2016 Suite) (relevant science based BTEC). Applicants must also meet the GCSE science requirements for the course.
Award profile of DDM
Recognised RQF BTEC National Extended Diplomas include Applied Science or Health & Social Care (all BTECs to have enough relevant science content).
RQF BTEC National Extended Diploma Health & Social Care to include compulsory module: Anatomy & Physiology for Health and Social Care plus four modules from: Scientific Techniques for Health Science, Mircobiology for Health Science, Medical Physics Application in Health Sector, Genetics, Biomedical Science.
OR
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2012 Suite) (relevant science based BTEC). Applicants must also meet the GCSE science requirements for the course.
Award profile of DDD
For applicants taking the Pearson QCF level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma (first teaching 2010) the requirement will be DDD in a relevant science based BTEC eg Health Sciences. Applicants are required to have at least six of the following modules: Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology for Health and Social Care, Physiology of Fluid Balance, Biochemistry for Health, Science in Practice for Health, Mobility and Exercise for Health and Social Care, Human Inheritance for Health and Social Care, Introduction to Microbiology for Health and Social Care.
You may also meet the course entry requirements with combinations of different qualifications to the same standard (provided subject requirements are met). Examples of combinations include:
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (2012 Suite)(relevant science based BTEC)
Award profile of DD plus A Level Grade B
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (2016 Suite)(relevant science based BTEC)
Award profile of DM plus A Level Grade B
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Introductory Diploma (2012 Suite)
Award profile of D plus A Level Grades BB
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Certificate (2016 Suite)
Award profile of D plus A Level Grades BB
For further information on the entry requirements for this course please contact the administrator as listed in Contact details.
Grades H3,H3,H3,H3,H3 to include English, Maths, Physics (Physics with Chemistry acceptable), plus one of Biology or Chemistry.
Overall Access profile pass with an overall markof 65%, including 65% in each level 3 module to include physics and one of biology or chemistry. To include a 20 credit Level 2 Mathematics module, passed at 40% or successful completion of NICATS Mathematics as part of the pre-2021 Access Diploma.
Overall Access profile of 24 credits at distinction plus 21 merits in graded units (60 credit Access course) (GB Access course) in a relevant science subject (which must include physics). Plus GCSE Mathematics and English language grade C. For further information on the entry requirements for this course please contact the administrator as listed in the Contact details.
For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language, additionally GCSE maths Grade C/4.
Plus GCSE Physics grade C/4 and either GCSE Biology or GCSE Chemistry grade C/4, or GCSE Double Award Science grade BB/66.
Please note that for purposes of entry to this course the Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number is NOT regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Maths.
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 7.0 with no band score less than 6.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
As part of the selection method applicants will be required to undertake a successful video interview. Interviews will occur after the 25 January 2023 deadline.
As you will be engaged in 'regulated activity' involving children or vulnerable adults as part of this course, there is a compulsory, legal requirement to obtain an Enhanced Disclosure from Access NI. You will be liable for the cost of the disclosure which is currently £33. More information on Enhanced Disclosures may be accessed at http://www.accessni.gov.uk/
You will also be required to demonstrate good health prior to commencing the course. You will therefore complete a health declaration form which will be screened by Occupational Health who will confirm your medical fitness to undertake the course. Following the screening, you may be required to undertake a vaccination programme. You will be liable for the cost of both the health screening and vaccinations. Costs will be confirmed.
HND (science related) entry requirement:
Pass HND with overall Merit to include 60 distinctions in level 5 credits/units.
HNC (science related) entry requirement:
Pass HNC with overall Distinction to include 90 distinctions in level 4/5 credits/units.
Ulster Foundation Degree
Pass in Foundation Degree in a science related area with an overall mark of 55% in level 5 modules. Applicants will be considered for year one entry only.
Given the requirement on the Faculty to stay within the DHSSPS (NI) limits, some element of control is necessary to ensure that inward transfers do not undermine the achievement of target numbers which is managed through the admissions process.
Therefore, due to the nature and structure of the programme, exemptions and transfer are very unlikely, however each case is determined individually.
In this section
Graduates from this course are now working for:
With this degree you could become:
There are many employment opportunities for Diagnostic Radiography graduates within the National Health Service, in private medicine and in companies concerned with the manufacture and sale of Radiography equipment and/or services. There are also many research opportunities for suitably qualified graduates both at this university and elsewhere.
Further information regarding careers in Radiography may be found at:
Periods of Professional Practice Placement are scheduled at regular intervals throughout the course enabling you to develop your technical imaging skills, as well as patient care and communication skills. In total you will complete 40 weeks of clinical experience across the duration of the programme, see schedule below. Elective placement in final year enables the opportunity to participate in optional placement schemes abroad such as ERASMUS exchange, or Work the World which is endorsed by the Society & College of Radiographers.
YEAR 1 - Level 4
SEMESTER 1 Sept/Oct – end of Jan (Orientation Placement scheduled first 3 weeks in Jan)
SEMESTER 2 Jan/Feb – end of May (comprises 12 weeks academic study followed by examination period)
(Clinical Placement One contributing to Year One is scheduled at start of summer period during June/July for 8 weeks duration)
YEAR 2 - Level 5
SEMESTER 1 –Sept/Oct – end of Jan –commences with 8 weeks academic study followed by 5 weeks Clinical Placement Twowhich commences mid Nov until end of Dec.
SEMESTER 2 Jan/Feb – end of May (comprises 12 weeks academic study followed by examination period
SUMMER PERIOD June - Sept (see below)
YEAR 3 – Level 6
(Clinical Placement Threecontributing to Year 3 is scheduled at end of summer period during August/Sept for 8 weeks duration)
SEMESTER 1 – Sept/Oct – end of Jan –(comprises 12 weeks academic study followed by examination period)
SEMESTER 2 Jan/Feb – end of May (is entirely clinical based and comprises 16 weeks Clinical Placement Four plus a period of Elective placement)
Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for the purpose of providing eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC as a radiographer.
Approved by the Society and College of Radiographers (SCoR).
Funding is available for this course - find out more
Additional costs include - AccessNI Check, Health Screening, Membership of Society of Radiographers, Placement Expenses, Uniforms.
Uniforms: as part of your course, you will be required to purchase a uniform during the first week of the semester. 2020/21 costs were approx. 100.
Membership of Society of Radiographers: You will be required to join the Society of Radiographers. The cost of student membership will cost approximately 100 for the three years.
Placement Expenses: students may incur expenses during periods of placement associated with costs of travel and accommodation. Costs of accomodation, when required are variable depending on the trust site or independent provider. Some placements, organised as part of Elective experiencemay be outside Northern Ireland and will incur additional costs.
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
