Our Therapeutic Radiography and Oncology programme allows students the traditional academic and clinical learning opportunities to develop into competent and resilient radiographers, equipped with the necessary skills to flourish in a wide array of professional environments.
Introduction
With an integrated case based approach enabling you to study all aspects of the radiotherapy patient pathway, through connecting your academic lectures, clinical placement experience and clinical simulation.
This programme aims to produce competent, reflective, research active, caring, safe, proactive and progressive Therapeutic Radiographers, through an innovative and authentic teaching and assessment strategy encompassing real world radiotherapy research and radiotherapy clinical simulation.
Programme in detail
The programme has been designed using a case based approach, this means that a cancer patient case will bring to life the radiotherapy patient journey and provide a framework to connect content delivered. The programme content is organised into four key themes:
Radiotherapy physics, technology and radiobiology
Radiation oncology and patient care
Preparation for practice and professionalism
Research methods in radiotherapy.
You will study a range of profession specific modules, engage in interprofessional learning through activities with fellow students in the School of Allied Health Professions and Nursing and attend clinical placement during academic terms. The clinical placements increase in length from year one through to year three. All placements are arranged in a variety of Radiotherapy Cancer Centres and there is an opportunity to spend an elective period in a radiotherapy department of your choice.
What you'll learn
Research gathering techniques
Critical thinking skills
Communication skills
Self-directed learning techniques
Patient care
Physics, radiobiology and technology skills relating to Radiotherapy
Teaching Excellence Framework 2023
We’re proud to announce we’ve been awarded a
Gold rating for educational excellence.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year one
Year one of the programme is concerned primarily with the acquisition of knowledge, with some integration and application of this knowledge to clinical practice. It provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental concepts and principles that underpin therapeutic radiography and its role in the management of cancer.
Compulsory modules
FOUNDATIONS OF RADIOTHERAPY, ONCOLOGY AND PATIENT CARE 1 (RADT118)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: semester 1
Using a blended approach, this module will enable students to develop the skills-base needed for safe and effective radiotherapy practice. It will also develop their basic operating skills of a linear accelerator for clinical practice. In addition the students will be introduced to the fundamentals of oncology. The student will be taught and assessed in both University and placement sites in the radonc modules.
FOUNDATIONS OF RADIATION ONCOLOGY AND PATIENT CARE 2 (BREAST) (RADT121)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: semester 2
To provide learners with knowledge and understanding of breast cancer management and holistic care.
RADIOTHERAPY PRACTICE 1 (RADIOTHERAPY CLINICAL LEARNING AND FOUNDATIONS OF PROFESSIONALISM (RADT123)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: whole session
The module aim is to provide learners with a range of opportunities to develop foundation level clinical skills and professional knowledge relevant to the therapeutic radiographer.
RADIOTHERAPY PHYSICS, TECHNOLOGY AND RADIOBIOLOGY 1 (RADT114)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module aims to equip learners with the necessary understanding to enable them to use radiation safely. It provides learners with understanding of fundamental terminology, radiobiology, physical concepts and technology relevant to radiotherapy. The module also aims to prepare learners for more advanced application of these physical principles in subsequent radiation physics, technology and radiobiology modules.
RADIOTHERAPY PHYSICS, TECHNOLOGY AND RADIOBIOLOGY 2 (RADT151)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module develops further the physics concepts introduced in the first semester physics module (RADT114) with specific focus on the clinical application of these concepts. The module will cover physical principles, key components, design, safe use of and clinical application of radiotherapy equipment for localisation, planning and treatment delivery of both radical and palliative pathways. Module learning outcomes are assessed using a written unseen exam.
RESEARCH METHODS IN RADIOTHERAPY (RADT134)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module introduces learners to the philosophy, principles and methods of radiotherapy research. Learners will gain understanding of the importance of research in modern radiotherapy within the context of evidence-based practice.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Year two
Year two of the programme expands the previously acquired knowledge with an increasing emphasis on the understanding and application of principles to clinical practice. You are encouraged to develop the skills of interpretation and evaluation and to relate them to all areas of the programme.
Compulsory modules
APPLIED RESEARCH METHODS IN RADIOTHERAPY (RADT221)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module aims to support learners as they formulate and articulate a research question relevant to radiotherapy practice and plan a research project to answer the question.
radiotherapy practice 2 (radiotherapy clinical learning and developing professionalism) (RADT234)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: whole session
The module aim is to provide learners with a range of opportunities to develop academic, clinical and professional knowledge and skills relevant to the therapeutic radiographer.
PRINCIPLES OF RADIATION ONCOLOGY AND PATIENT CARE 3 (PELVIS) (RADT210)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: semester 1
To provide learners with knowledge, understanding and skills in the field of pelvic cancer management and the associated holistic care.
PRINCIPLES OF RADIATION ONCOLOGY AND PATIENT CARE 4 (HEAD, NECK AND THORAX) (RADT220)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: semester 2
To provide students with knowledge and understanding of the diagnosis, treatment and care pathway for patients diagnosed with cancers of the head, neck and thorax .
Radiotherapy Physics, Technology and Radiobiology 3 (RADT214)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module aims to equip students with the necessary physics and radiobiology knowledge and understanding of how radiation dose to the patient is standardised and measured, and the biological effects of treatment. The module also aims to prepare students for more advanced radiotherapy practices, such as particle beam therapy
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Year three
Year three of the programme enables you to develop critical analysis of the impact of innovation and technological advances on practice. The greater part of this year is spent in the clinical environment allowing you to consolidate and develop skills enabling you to become clinically competent and safe to practice.
Compulsory modules
ADVANCED RADIATION ONCOLOGY AND PATIENT CARE 5 (RADT317)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: semester 1
To provide learners with knowledge and understanding of the management and care involved in treating patients with rare, complex, or challenging cancers including paediatrics and young adults.
RADTIOTHERAPY PRACTICE 3 (RADIOTHERAPY CLINICAL LEARNING AND ADVANCING PROFESSIONALISM) (RADT334)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: whole session
The module aim is to provide learners with a range of opportunities to develop the clinical skills and professional knowledge required to practice as a Therapeutic Radiographer.
RADIOTHERAPY PHYSICS, TECHNOLOGY AND RADIOBIOLOGY 4 (RADT318)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: semester 1
This module aims to enable students to appraise new radiotherapy technological systems and processes and justify clinical decision making in treatment planning and image-guided radiotherapy.
RADIOTHERAPY RESEARCH DISSERTATION (RADT312)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: whole session
To enable learners to study, in depth, a chosen area of radiotherapy through the application and development of research skills, academic writing and critical appraisal of literaure.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
How you'll learn
Learning is promoted through a wide variety of activities that enable students to become autonomous and continuous learners. Interactive lectures, practical and clinical skills group work, simulation, directed study, role play, problem based learning, small group work, student-led seminars, collaborative project work and interactive tutorials are key learning strategies for this programme.
Practical work using our imaging suite digital equipment, 3D virtual reality radiotherapy facility, Clinical Skills Resource Room and the Human Anatomy Resource Centre complement teaching activities.
Face-to-face interactions between all students will occur at shared lectures, tutorials and group work and online interaction will be encouraged and facilitated as are inter-professional education and learning opportunities across all healthcare professions programmes.
How you're assessed
Using a mixture of coursework and examination, a range of assessment methods can be seen across this programme. These include seen and unseen written examinations, essay assignments with specific word lengths, multiple choice questions, case study presentations and interactive practical examinations.
Assessment of the work-based learning element of all programmes will be an important aspect of your studies. You will be required to communicate your views orally and in written form; analyse, implement and evaluate your practice; and to extend the research and evidence base of your chosen profession.
The various methods of assessments have been chosen to provide a balance that will permit the undergraduates to demonstrate their intellectual abilities in all areas to the full.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Therapeutic Radiography and Oncology students at the School of Allied Health Professions and Nursing benefit from our experience in delivering more than 100 years of teaching across practical and professionally focused programmes.
Our curriculum is developed and assessed by leading healthcare providers throughout the North West. Many such partners across the North West provide exciting placement opportunities which allows you to bring your studies to life by gaining a breadth of patient-focused practical experience in a region with a particularly diverse population, providing an invaluable insight to future roles.
We place an emphasis on interprofessional learning modules in order to reflect the multi-professional environments you will encounter in today’s healthcare settings.
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
What students say...
I came on a couple of Open Days to the University of Liverpool and it really appealed to me once I had talked to some of the staff members, and Liverpool is a nice city. Therefore, I thought I would come here. I think my time here will put me in a very good position when applying for jobs. It teaches us to treat cancer using radiation so we can get a job working as a qualified radiotherapist.
A day in the life of Allied Health Professions and Nursing student Charmain Yip
Careers and employability
With an ageing population and improved cancer detection techniques, there is a high demand for suitably qualified healthcare professionals to support cancer patients.
As a graduate of the School of Allied Health Professions and Nursing you’ll be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and you will become a member of the Society of Radiographers.
You can look to explore careers in:
National Health Service
Social Services
Private sector.
99% of School of Allied Health Professions and Nursing students find their main activity after graduation meaningful.
Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£9,535
Year abroad fee
£1,385
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£29,100
Year abroad fee
£14,550
The UK full-time tuition fee, international course fee and fee for the year abroad for international students shown are correct for 2025/26 entry. We are currently awaiting confirmation of whether the year abroad fee for UK students will change, so the fee shown is for 2024/25. Please note that the year abroad fee also applies to the year in China.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about fees and funding.
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This may include a laptop, books, or stationery. Additional costs for this course could include professional association fees and travel to placements.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
NHS Values will be assessed in all areas of an application including UCAS Personal Statement and at interview. For more details, please download our explanation of Value Based Recruitment.
We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom.
Change it here
T levels considered in a relevant subject, Health and Science (Health, Healthcare Science and Science pathways) is accepted with an overall grade of Distinction to include in the core.
5 GCSEs at Grades A* - C which must include English Language, Mathematics and Science. Where numerical grading is introduced these subject me be offered at a minimum of Grade 5. English Language, Biology/Human Biology, Mathematics or Physics MUST be offered at Grade C. (Science Dual Award is acceptable). Applied GCSEs will not be considered.
Subject requirements
For applicants from England: Where a science has been taken at A level (Chemistry, Biology or Physics), a pass in the Science practical of each subject will be required.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma
BTEC Nationals are considered in addition to 5 GCSEs grades A* – C, which must include English Language, Maths and a Science. Where numerical grading has been introduced, English Language, Maths and a Science will be required at Grade 5 or above. Please note that Science dual award is acceptable but Core Science and Applied GCSEs will not be considered.
BTEC National Extended Certificate
We will accept one subject at a minimum of Distinction. This must be accompanied by two A2 subjects at Grade B, of which one subject should include Biology/Human Biology, Physics, Maths or Chemistry. Three separate subjects must be taken between the two qualifications.
BTEC National Diploma
We will accept Health and Social Care or Applied Science/ Medical Science graded at DD. This must be accompanied by one A2 subject at grade B. In total, between the two qualifications, two separate subjects must be taken.
BTEC National Extended Diploma
We will accept Health and Social Care or Applied Science/Medical Science at DDD.
International Baccalaureate
Applicants should normally present with 30 points including 3 Higher Level subjects at minimum Grade 5.
Higher Level subjects must include Mathematics and Biology or Physics.
European Baccalaureate
74% overall with a minimum mark of 8 in Biology and no other subject less than a 6.
Irish Leaving Certificate
2 subjects at H2 or above to include a science subject (Maths, Physics, Biology, Chemistry) and 4 subjects at H3 or above to include a further science subject and/or Maths.
Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher
Scottish Certificate of Education
Advanced Higher/Higher Level
Accepted in addition to five national 5’s graded upper A –C, which must include English Language, Mathematics and a Science subject. A minimum of five B’s from any combination of Advanced Higher/Higher Level. Consideration will only be given to Advanced Highers in different subjects to those of Highers level subjects offered.
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced
Accepted
Cambridge Pre-U Diploma
Will be considered
Graduate application
We welcome applications from graduates holding a minimum of a 2:2 classification. If your degree is not in a Science related subject please contact the admission unit for further information. If it is 5 years or more since you last studied you may be advised to study an A level in Biology / Human Biology. The degree qualification should be supported by a strong academic background, with a minimum of 5 GCSEs A* – C to include English Language, Mathematics and a Science subject.
Access
Essential: 45 credits at Level 3 (all should be new learning, ie. GCSE awards cannot be APL’d against the Diploma). 30 credits passed at distinction (which must include a minimum of 15 credits in modules relating to Biology, Maths and Physics). The remaining 15 credits must be passed at merit or higher.
2 GCSEs in English Language and Maths at grade 4/C. We will also accept Functional Skills in Maths at a pass.
Academic Reference
An academic reference must be included within the UCAS application. If the applicant is a graduate and has been working since graduating (within three years), an employer reference is acceptable.
Profession-specific knowledge and skills required
The UCAS Personal Statement, must demonstrate an understanding of the Therapeutic Radiography & Oncology role. Applicants should also consider visiting a Diagnostic Radiography Department to give them an awareness of the differences between the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiography professions. Applicants should have an appreciation of the demands of the programme and a realistic understanding of what is required when on clinical placement.
Having experience of working with the general public, children, the elderly or people with disabilities, in a paid or voluntary capacity will strengthen an application.
Declaration of criminal background
You will understand that as an allied health professions and nursing student, and when you qualify, you will be asked to treat children and other vulnerable people. We therefore need information about any criminal offences of which you may have been convicted, or with which you have been charged. The information you provide may later be checked with the police.
If selected for interview you will be provided with the appropriate form to complete.
Health screening
The University and the School of Allied Health Professions and Nursing has an obligation to undertake health screening on all prospective healthcare students. Any offer of a place to study is conditional on completion of a health questionnaire and a satisfactory assessment of fitness to train from the University’s Occupational Health Service. This will include some obligatory immunisations and blood tests.
International qualifications
The IELTS requirement is an overall score of 7.0 with no component less than 6.5.
Please note – whilst we do accept IELTS qualifications, we do not accept IELTS qualifications that have been sat and gained online. We only accept qualifications that have been sat and gained in person.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification
Requirements
IELTS
7.0 overall, with no component below 6.5
International Baccalaureate English A: Literature or Language & Literature
Grade 6 at Standard Level or grade 6 at Higher Level
International Baccalaureate English B
Grade 7 at Higher Level
Alternative entry requirements
If your qualification isn't listed here, or you're taking a combination of qualifications, contact us for advice
