Student using radiography scanning equipment with test dummy

BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography

Course type
Undergraduate
Course qualification
BSc (Hons)
Subject area
Allied Health Professions
Delivery mode
Full-time
With placement
Course length
Three year

Accredited by the Society and College of Radiographers, this course will equip you with the skills to be a highly professional radiographer.

Course summary

What is the fee?

For all course options, see fees and funding

Where will I study?

School of Health and Society

What is the UCAS code?

B821

How long will I study?

Three year

Overview

Please note, this course is now closed for September 2026. The next entry point is September 2027.

This course will equip you with the skills to be a highly professional radiographer. Radiography combines science, technology and patient care to provide a vital role in patient diagnosis and treatment.

Radiographers use a range of different imaging techniques and sophisticated technology to produce high-quality images to aid diagnosis for injury or disease as part of the multi-professional healthcare team. The career structure provides opportunities for radiographers to specialise in many areas including ultrasound, CT/MRI scanning, image reporting, teaching and management.

We are proud to be ranked in the top 20 in the UK for Diagnostic Radiography (source: The Complete University Guide 2026).
98% of our Diagnostic Radiography graduates are in highly skilled employment or further study (source: The Complete University Guide 2026).

You will:

  • Develop ‘digital ready’ skills to prepare you for a career in medical imaging
  • Study in a world-class environment for teaching, learning, and research
  • Develop your skills and understanding by active learning, role play and simulation activities

Course accreditations

HCPC (Health & Care Professions Council) logo

This is for you if...

1.

You have an interest in science and technology

2.

You are a problem solver

3.

You have a caring and compassionate nature

How you learn

What will I be doing?

Teaching

You will be allocated to one of our placement hospitals and this is where you will gain the majority of your clinical experience throughout the course. There will be opportunities for shorter placements at other hospitals for additional experience in special interest areas.

Over the three years, 50% of your time will be spent at your placement. You will rotate around a cluster of placements over the three years to ensure that everyone has the same experience of trauma imaging and specialised areas. We work closely with all our placement site trusts to ensure that the course fully prepares you.

Assessment

Clinical skills are continuously assessed with summative assessments at key stages of the course. Academic skills are assessed at the end of each semester, using a range of assessment techniques including:

  • Assignments
  • Written exams
  • Clinical exams
  • Presentations
  • Article critique

Feedback is given at timely intervals.

Future careers

When you complete the degree you will be eligible to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a qualified diagnostic radiographer, which allows you to work in the NHS, the private sector and many countries abroad. There are also opportunities in education, industry and research.

You will be able to further your career and work in a number of different settings, for example, children's hospitals, casualty departments or hospitals dedicated to heart problems. You could become an advanced or consultant practitioner. 

If you decide to pursue further studies, we offer a range of postgraduate master's degrees and short courses for continuing professional development. 

A taste of what you could become

A Radiographer

and more...

Career Links

The department has a formal partnership with General Electric (GE). This strong link with industry enables some teaching and learning with technical experts in addition to external clinical experts. In addition, we have a very strong partnership with the NHS which means your learning is current and relevant to practice. The majority of your clinical placements will be within the NHS. 

Further study

Our master's programme in Advanced Medical Imaging aims to help healthcare professionals achieve specialist, advanced and consultant practitioner status in the field of medical imaging. It also offers pathways which will further the professional development of qualified sonographers and mammographers. 

If you want to develop ultrasound competencies in musculoskeletal, abdominal, obstetrics and gynaecology scanning then we also offer a postgraduate programme in Ultrasound Imaging

Modules

Your development as a learner and a practitioner are facilitated by both our academic and clinical teams who aim to provide a positive and encouraging learning environment for you to thrive. 

Year one
Scientific Principles for Diagnostic Radiography

This module introduces the fundamental scientific principles of diagnostic radiography along with the technology used to acquire and optimise images of the chest and appendicular skeleton. 

Patient Centred Care In Medical Imaging

The role of the professional radiographer is to provide high quality patient centred care. This module will explore the fundamentals of patient-centred care and discuss the applications of this in the context of medical imaging and radiography. It will provide the students with background knowledge on the key issues linked to patient-centred care and how these can be applied in radiography and medical imaging

Professional Practice 1

This module will prepare you for and support you through your first year of practice placement through facilitated simulation within the Medical Imaging Facility at the University, to prepare you for your professional practice placement within NHS and/or private environments.

Introduction to Digital Skills for Radiography

This module introduces you to digital skills in order to develop an understanding of reliability and reproducibility within medical imaging. In addition, you will gain an understanding of the importance of a scientific approach to image acquisition for A.I, big data and data mining

Year two
Research Methods

This module is designed to introduce level 5 students to research methods. The content covers both qualitative and quantitative approaches with an overview of paradigms, critical review skills and data analysis. A mix of lectures, workshops and practical experiments provide essential research skills for graduates and links to the College of Radiographers Research Strategy (2021).

Applied Imaging

This module introduces the underpinning science, technology, radiographic anatomy & physiology as applicable to more advanced imaging techniques, such as CT and fluoroscopy, building on prior learning. It will also look at the advantages and disadvantages of other imaging modalities within common patient care pathways, such as nuclear medicine, mammography, ultrasound and MRI. 

 The radiographer’s role within common patient pathways will be examined and discussed. Consideration of the patients journey within these pathways, and adaption of previously developed key communication skills to ensure the appropriate delivery of patient centred care. 

Introduction to Personal and Professional Development

This module will allow you to begin to develop your personal and professional identity, supporting your development, and in preparation for your transition from student to practitioner. Through a series of lectures, blended learning, and Q&A sessions you will develop an understanding of the regulatory requirements of personal and professional development. You will engage with sessions that will provide a range of employability skills to prepare you for entering the Radiography workforce.  

Professional Practice 2

This module will prepare you for and support you through your second year of practice placement through facilitated simulation within the Medical Imaging facility at the University, to prepare you for your professional practice placement within the NHS and/or private environments. It will build on your level 4 anatomy knowledge and technique to allow you to develop the skills required for adaptation of technique and more specialised imaging. 

Year three
Into Employment (Radiography)

This module will give you a greater understanding of complex healthcare services and change management to effect quality improvement. Additionally, the professional specific content will enable you to examine professional behaviours and their affect upon safe, effective practice. You will be able to describe and evaluate drivers for change and the effect of regulation upon healthcare.  

Applied Research Methods

This module is designed to develop the research skills of level 6 students by providing the opportunity to produce a piece of independent research on a topic of their choice, guided by a supervisor. Students have a choice of qualitative research proposal, an experimental design research project or a systematic review. This module will provide essential research skills for graduates and links to the College of Radiographers Research Strategy (2021).

Clinical Governance

This module will develop your knowledge and understanding of Clinical Governance and how this performance management framework impacts upon your professional practice and upon the quality of healthcare. Through lectures and tutorials, you will learn how to undertake a clinical audit of your own practice and use it to develop your future practice. Through lectures and blended learning, you will explore how human factors impact upon patient care and safety, and understand how systems of work impact upon healthcare delivery and quality. 

Preliminary Clinical Evaluation

This module employs a range of student-centred learning to enable the student to develop their ability to evaluate radiographic images for signs of abnormality. The module is supported within the clinical learning environment in a professional practice setting and within the University. 

Managing Trauma and Challenging Examinations

This module will develop your knowledge and understanding and pathophysiology within trauma imaging and the management of challenging examinations, including the multi-disciplinary trauma team, commensurate with first -post competency.

Professional Practice 3

This module will prepare you for and support you through your third and final year through a professional practice placement within the NHS and/or private environments. It will build on your level 4 and 5 anatomy knowledge and technique to allow you to develop the additional skills required for the preparation of competency for autonomous practice as a Diagnostic Radiographer

We take a flexible approach to our course delivery that promotes diversity and inclusivity and provides a blended learning experience, which will vary to meet specific programme requirements. This learning time includes formal lectures and interactive activities such as seminars, tutorials, practical sessions, laboratory and studio learning. Smaller classes may be used to support collaborative activities such as project and group work and presentations. A range of different assessments and feedback is offered to meet the needs of both our diverse student body and specific subject needs.

Our undergraduate courses are normally made up of 20 credit modules which are equal to 200 hours of learning time. A three-year degree qualification typically comprises a total of 360 credits (120 credits per year).

Please note that exact modules and content offered may vary in order to keep content current and, for courses that offer optional modules, may depend on the number of students selecting particular options. When accepting your offer of a place to study on a programme with optional modules, you should be aware that optional modules may not all run each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you can undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.

Entry requirements

Applicant profile

Please note that all applicants must be aged over 18 at the start of their course.

We are looking for students with an interest in science and technology and patient care. You will have good communication skills and a caring nature. Good interpersonal skills and being able to contribute to group discussions is essential. Diagnostic Radiography is a ‘hands-on’ skills-based profession, our practical skills teaching sessions reflect this. Practising positioning on each other in practical-based skills sessions under supervision is involved. Entry to the course is highly competitive with approximately one place per ten applicants. Within your personal statement, you should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role of the radiographer and the radiography profession. 

Although not essential, it is desirable that applicants undertake a clinical visit to a Radiology department to gain an understanding of the role of Diagnostic Radiographers. An applicant who completes a clinical visit will strengthen their application. 

We have a history of accepting people with a wide range of qualifications and the list below is not exhaustive. If your qualification is not on the list or more information/clarification is required, please contact either the Central Admissions Team or come along to one of our Open Days and speak to an admissions tutor. If your qualifications are more than five years old then you would not normally be considered. However, you may qualify for Accreditation of Prior Learning which would enable you to apply for the degree course. Please contact the admissions tutor to discuss your options. 

All applications received between September and the January UCAS deadline will be reviewed. Please keep reviewing UCAS Track for updates on the status of your application and the outcome of your interview. 

English language requirements

If you are an international student and not from a majority English-speaking country, you will need IELTS 7.0 with no element below 6.5. We also accept a range of other English language qualifications. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take the Pre-Sessional English course to gain entry onto this degree. 

Standard entry requirements
GCSE

Five GCSEs at grade B/5 or above, all obtained in one sitting.

Compulsory subjects include English Language, Maths, and Science (covering all three areas: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics; or Combined Science).

Applicants with retakes will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

UCAS Tariff points

120 UCAS Tariff points from three A2s including at least one science (chemistry, biology, physics, psychology) mandatory. 

A level

120 UCAS Tariff points. To include at least one science mandatory from physics, biology, human biology, chemistry, or psychology at grade B.

BTEC National Diploma

DDD Applied Science (biology and physics) preferred.

DDD Health and Social Care

Extended Certificate in Applied Science or Health and Social Care will only be considered if you also have another Level 3 science subject. 

T-Level

You will need a T Level at Merit level in one of the following subjects:

  • Assisting with Healthcare Science
  • Health
  • Healthcare Science
  • Laboratory Science
  • Science

Please note that other T Level qualifications may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Access to HE

120 UCAS Tariff Points

Access courses should include Biology content, or Access to Medicine, Diagnostic Radiography or Applied Science.

Scottish Highers

120 UCAS Tariff points to include one of the following: Biology, Chemistry Physics or Psychology at Grade B or above.

Irish Leaving Certificate

120 UCAS Tariff points required, points from H1-H3 grades (A/B grades in the old system) considered only. H4 grade (C grade in the old system) and below will not contribute towards tariff requirement.

Must include English, Mathematics and a Science at Higher H6 grade or above (D3 grade in the old system) or Ordinary O4 grade or above (C2 grade in the old system). At least one science subject, preferably biology/human biology, at grade H3 (or B3 in the old system) is required. Applicants without biology/human biology but with other science subjects (physics, chemistry, psychology or Biology) will be considered.

International Baccalaureate

32 points.

European Baccalaureate

Pass in Diploma of at least 65% and including one of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Psychology.

International Students

We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.

Alternative entry requirements
The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)

The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) (both Certified Prior Learning and/or one Prior Experiential Learning) is used as per the university’s Admissions and Retention Policy. If you are made an offer, you’ll be notified about what you need to do next to proceed with this route.

APL allows us to consider students who may not have the traditional entry criteria, but do have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully. Assessment may consider employer references, previous coursework/examinations or a portfolio of your work. You can find out more about APL on the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme Page.

To be considered for APL you must have already achieved or be working towards GCSE Maths and English Grade C/4 (or equivalent). 

Fees and funding

ADDITIONAL FUNDING SUPPORT FOR HEALTHCARE STUDENTS

The NHS Learning Support Fund might be available to students studying the following courses:

  • Diagnostic Radiography
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physiotherapy
  • Podiatry
  • Prosthetics and Orthotics
  • Midwifery
  • Nursing (adult, child, mental health, learning disability, joint nursing/social work)

Visit the NHSBSA website for further information. 

2026/27

Type of study Fees
Full-time £9,790 per year

2026/27

Type of study Fees
Full-time £19,500 per year

The tuition fees shown are for the first year only. If your course lasts longer than one year, fees may increase each year in line with inflation, up to the maximum limits set by the UK Government.

Additional costs

For more information about uniforms, DBS, Occupational Health clearance, and immunisations, visit our Information for Students page.

You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.

Scholarships for international students

If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Explore our International Scholarships

How to apply

Still have some questions? Register for one of our Open Days or contact us: 

Enrolment dates

September 2026

September 2027

Student information

Terms and conditions

UCAS information

Course ID B821

Institution S03