Diagnostic Radiography
UCAS code B821
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Duration
- 3 years
- Start date and application deadlines
-
- Start date
- September 2025
- Apply by:
- Starts on:
About this course
Study Diagnostic Radiography and we will prepare you personally and professionally, for the role of a competent caring radiographer, within the diagnostic imaging department.
Introduction
You will gain the knowledge and skills, to undertake a comprehensive range of radiographic techniques needed for first post competencies working in the modern healthcare sector.
Students will develop an awareness of anatomy, physiology and pathology, using radiographic and cross sectional images, along with an understanding of radiological science, associated with medical imaging and radiation protection. You will also acquire an appreciation of research methods with respect to diagnostic radiography and the importance of evidence-based practice in relation to the profession.
This is a vocational programme with approximately 50:50 ratio theory to practice and is delivered in both the university academic setting and at clinical placement sites throughout the region. The modules, which are delivered at the University, follow four strategic themes. These include: patient centred radiographic practice, anatomy, physiology and pathology, radiation science and research methods. There is an onsite imaging suite and CT scanner to assist in the delivery.
As a student, you will be allocated a hospital placement to attend in several clinical blocks, throughout each of the three years. The focus of each of these placements is closely linked to the academic modules, which are taught using a variety of student centred teaching styles including traditional lectures and small group tutorials. You will also have the opportunity to engage in the award winning team based learning (TBL) approach, an internationally recognised effective teaching method, well evaluated by our current students. You will participate in problem-based learning, where discussions around ‘patient-specific’ scenarios help to enhance your understanding of related issues. You will also be involved in interprofessional learning, which features in all three years of the programme and assists you in understanding the multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach to healthcare.
A continuous clinical assessment scheme, linked to the radiographic practice modules is used in the clinical sites, to record your clinical performance and give you regular feedback, which will enhance your clinical learning. The information is stored on an iPad, which will be for you to use throughout the duration of the programme. During the programme, you will also have the opportunity to enrich your clinical experience by undertaking an elective placement in an imaging department of your choice, which can be locally, nationally or internationally.
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 Radiography
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year one
Year one will equip you with foundational knowledge and skills, which will be developed in the subsequent years of the programme. The modules in this year follow the previously mentioned themes: patient centred radiographic practice, anatomy, physiology and pathology, radiation science and research methods.
All modules are compulsory and must be successfully completed before progression to the next year of study.
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year two
The aim of year two is to consolidate the learning experiences from year one and extend them further to provide a foundation for more complex examinations involving specialist equipment. Professional practice will inspire students to become increasingly autonomous, encouraging an appreciation of the challenging issues relating to healthcare.
All modules are compulsory and must be successfully completed before progression to the next year of study.
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year three
The aim of year three is to expand your knowledge of the specialist clinical areas and to promote a level of independence and professional responsibility in preparation for graduation and registration with the Health and Care Profession Council (HCPC). As a qualified diagnostic radiographer you can become a member of the Society of Radiographers.
All modules are compulsory and must be successfully completed before progression to the next year of study.
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching and assessment
How you'll learn
Learning is promoted through a wide variety of activities which that enables students to become autonomous and independent continuous learners. An award winning team based learning approach features in many of the modules, along with interactive lectures and student led seminars. Problem-based learning is used to cover patient centred scenarios and collaborative projects are often used to teach research and evidence based practice. The programme has the benefit of an onsite digital imaging suite and CT scanner to enhance clinical skills teaching and there is access to the Human Anatomy Resource Centre, which complements students’ learning.
Throughout the programme there are shared lectures, and tutorials with students from other directorates within the School of Allied Health Professions and Nursing. This is to promote inter-professional education and learning opportunities across all healthcare professions.
How you're assessed
Using a mixture of coursework and examination, a range of assessment methods can be seen across the programmes. These include seen and unseen written examinations, essay assignments with specific word lengths, multiple choice questions, case study presentations, video analysis and interactive practical examinations. Assessment of the work-based learning element of all programmes is an important aspect. 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.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
- Digital fluency
- Confidence
- Global citizenship
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
- Research-connected teaching
- Active learning
- Authentic assessment
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Global opportunities
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide.
Summer abroad
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
- Spend a summer abroad in addition to your degree programme
- Study abroad without adding an extra year
- Choose any summer between your first and final year of study
- Get the chance to study subjects outside your discipline
Where can I spend a summer abroad on this course?
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- South Korea
Language study
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
- A dedicated languages degree
- A language as a joint or major/minor degree
- Language modules (selected degrees)
- Language classes alongside your studies
Your experience
Diagnostic Radiography students at the University of Liverpool 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.
Explore where you'll study
Virtual tour
Supporting your learning
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
- Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
- A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
- Confidential counselling and support to help students with personal problems affecting their studies and general wellbeing
- Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
An exciting place to study
- Major centre for education and research in health sciences
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Opportunities for in-depth study and development of advanced clinical skills
- Flexible programmes for postgraduate study
- Active research environment
- Provides specialist training with taught and clinical placement components.
One of the things I find most interesting about the course is the placement, which offers new experiences every day. When you go into the hospital you never quite know what you are going to come across, you meet new people and new challenges – and every day your technique and communication skills develop. One of the benefits of Liverpool is that it offers you the placement experience on top of sound academic training in the first and second years.
Chat with our students
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
A day in the life of Allied Health Professions and Nursing student Charmain Yip
Careers and employability
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). You will have gained a qualification that meets the Government’s criteria for ‘fitness for purpose’ and ‘fitness for practice’ as well as developing transferable skills such as communication, information technology, problem solving and teamwork.
You can look to explore careers in:
- National Health Service
- Social Services
- Private sector