Diagnostic Radiography (Pre-registration)
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Duration
- 24 months
- Start date and application deadlines
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- Start date
- January 2026
- Apply by:
- Starts on:
About this course
Gain eligibility to apply to the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) for professional registration as a diagnostic radiographer on completion of this MSc. You’ll discover the radiographic techniques and imaging technologies required to conduct patient x-rays and scans on a course underpinned by team-based and problem-based learning.
Introduction
If you want to work as a diagnostic radiographer, x-raying and scanning patients in an NHS or private setting, this pre-registration MSc combines the academic knowledge and clinical learning experience you’ll need.
The programme will immerse you in the theory and practice of a comprehensive range of radiographic techniques needed for first post competencies working in the modern healthcare sector.
You’ll build awareness of anatomy, physiology and pathology and gain experience working with radiographic and cross-sectional images. You’ll also achieve an understanding of radiological science which is associated with medical imaging and radiation protection.
An introduction to research methods in health care will highlight the importance of evidence-based practice in diagnostic radiography.
You’ll develop into a diagnostic radiographer with the skills, knowledge and understanding required for safe and ethical practice. This expertise will be underpinned by a caring approach to patients, providing care in a professional, culturally sensitive and emotionally intelligent manner, with the ability to identify potential improvements in service delivery.
On completion of the course, you’ll be eligible to apply for professional registration with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC). This registration is required to work as a diagnostic radiographer in the UK.
Who is this course for?
We are looking for science graduates, or those with degrees in related subjects, such as psychology. You should be a caring, empathetic person who is energetic and wants to make a difference to people’s lives.
What you'll learn
- How to deliver safe, effective and professional practice as a diagnostic radiographer
- Diagnostic imaging techniques
- Knowledge and understanding of anatomy, physiology and pathology
- Radiographic and contrast imaging procedures
- An understanding of radiological science and radiation protection
- Advanced imaging techniques including ultrasound and nuclear medicine
- How to make informed decisions about diagnostic image quality and patient dose
- Key skills and methodologies for healthcare research
- Professionalism and role development in radiography
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year one
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year two
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching and assessment
How you'll learn
Team-based learning, problem-based learning and research-connected teaching are central elements of the programme.
You’ll be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, laboratory work, practical workshops, simulations, clinical placements and independent study.
A range of interactive digital tools will also be used.
How you're assessed
A variety of authentic assessments provide the opportunity to demonstrate your clinical competence.
There are exams which involve a mix of seen and unseen tasks, multiple choice questions, short-answer exercises, medical image viewing assessments and anatomical diagrams which need to be annotated.
You’ll also produce a research proposal and complete a research project which is submitted in the form of a journal.
Weekly assessments in clinical practice will review your performance and ensure you receive regular feedback.
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.
Your experience
Diagnostic Radiography students at the University of Liverpool benefit from the School of Allied Health Professions and Nursing experience in delivering more than 100 years of teaching across practical and professionally focused programmes.
Healthcare partners across the North West provide exciting placement opportunities which allow 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.
Explore where you'll study
An introduction to MSc Diagnostic Radiography (Pre-registration) with Dr Stuart MacKay
MSc Diagnostic Radiography in-depth with Colette Bennion
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.
Chat with our students
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
Careers and employability
Graduates in diagnostic radiography are a vital part of modern health care and in high demand both in the UK and abroad.
Successful completion of the programme confers eligibility to apply for professional registration as a qualified diagnostic radiographer with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
You will also be eligible to become a member of the Society and College of Radiographers.
You’ll be capable of challenging current clinical practice with an evidence-based approach and have the expertise to drive improvements in radiology services and patient-centred care.
Upon successful registration with the HCPC, you’ll be eligible to apply to work as a band 5 diagnostic radiographer in either the NHS or private sector. There is an excellent chance of immediate post-qualification employment.
Your future career plans could involve undertaking post-registration qualifications with the HCPC in preparation for advanced and consultant practice. This could lead to opportunities to specialise in areas including medical ultrasound, computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, radionuclide imaging or mammography.
You could alternatively choose to pursue a managerial qualification, such as an MBA, or consider PhD study and a potential career in academia as a radiography educator or researcher.
Some radiographers also take up the opportunity of progressing into the business side of radiography in the private sector and become sales reps or product specialists.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
Career planning
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
From education to employment
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
Networking events
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
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
International fees
Full-time place, per year - £29,100
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
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You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
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All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
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International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies..
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 could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
John Lennon Memorial Scholarship
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
Postgraduate Opportunity Bursary
If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.
Sport Liverpool Performance Programme
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
Entry requirements
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | You should include a personal statement of no more than 700 words in support of your application. This should reflect on your understanding of the profession and relevant qualities valuable to a healthcare professional. The programme will recruit graduates from across a range of disciplines, eg biological sciences, physics, health sciences, who have obtained at least a 2:2 classification in their degree. We will also consider those who are able to provide wider contextual information of recent relevant experience or further study. Non-health related degrees and professional qualifications may be accepted but each application will be considered on its own merits. GCSEs in Mathematics, English Language and a Science at a minimum of grade 5 or C or above are required. You should demonstrate a good understanding of the scope of diagnostic radiography practice, including an awareness of the various settings a diagnostic radiographer might work in. This could preferably be indicated by observation experience of diagnostic radiographers working in a variety of clinical areas, or by other experience which can be related to the skills and qualities required to work in a radiography environment. Experience in a paid or voluntary capacity working with the general public, children, older persons or people with special needs will also help to strengthen your application. You should include a personal statement of no more than 700 words in support of your application. This should reflect on your understanding of the profession and relevant qualities valuable to a healthcare professional. An interview forms part of the selection process. The interview follows the values-based recruitment (VBR) process and you will be expected to demonstrate the relevance of the NHS’ values and pertinent skills required to work in diagnostic radiography. Please note: meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee a place on the programme as competition is high. You are encouraged to present the strongest possible application. Declaration of criminal background If selected for interview you will be provided with the appropriate form to complete. Health screening |
| International qualifications |
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this MSc, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool. |
English language requirements
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
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.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 7.0 overall, with no component below 6.5. Please note, your IELTS test must have been sat and completed in person and not online. |
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Last updated 13 March 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions