Overview

Diagnostic radiography plays a key role in modern medicine. It is a care-giving role but also one of the fastest developing technical areas of the health sector. Radiographers produce images to obtain or confirm a diagnosis and are involved in guiding therapeutic procedures like angioplasty.

From September 2020 all new and continuing students on this course will receive a £5,000 maintenance grant each year if they’re eligible. They will not need to pay it back.
Full details here

You could work in one of several sections within a hospital medical-imaging department and carry out a variety of imaging investigations, including projection radiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. This course is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).This course combines academic study with practice placements in hospital imaging departments across the North East. You develop the knowledge, skills and experience for a rewarding career in diagnostic radiography. Throughout the course, as part of the placement experience, you will be required to participate in a shift pattern rota including weekends.

Prospective applicants are advised to research the profession of diagnostic radiography prior to writing their personal statements and attendance at the selection event. The very best way to gain an impression of the role is to spend time in the clinical department or gaining experience working or volunteering for vulnerable persons. While recognising that this is difficult to arrange, we do provide a form to capture such experiences and this can be brought to selection events or posted to us prior to the (end of the UCAS cycle/May).

The School is committed to the development of quality courses and to the enhancement of the student experience. To that end the Student Voice is central to the design and delivery of the learning experience. We invite you to provide feedback at key points in your student journey and ensure that we respond to your feedback through our 'you said, we did' approach.

Course details

In Year 1 you are introduced to subjects such as regional anatomy, radiographic practice, x-ray production, pathophysiology, creative thinking and preparing for professional practice. You spend 12 weeks in clinical practice where you may work full shifts and collect evidence of achievement of first-year clinical competency.

The more technical aspects of radiography are covered in Year 2. You explore ethical issues relating to the imaging of diverse patient groups and develop your research skills further. You develop image interpretation and evaluation skills, and gain competence in specialised modalities such as computed computed tomography (CT) and some experience of other radiographic modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). During this year you complete another 12 weeks of clinical placement at your base hospital and, having completed Year 2 clinical competencies, negotiate a further four weeks of placement of your choice in a relevant imaging department (this is organised by you and you receive guidance on how to do this).

In Year 3 you develop a research proposal and explore the impact of the government agenda on the profession. You develop further image interpretation skills using our world leading image database, and explore options for improving the imaging service. During your final 12 weeks of full shift in placement you work on a portfolio which evidences your professional development and clinical competence in preparation for first post competence.

*subject to approval

Introductory Physics and Legislative*

*subject to approval

Preparation For Practice

By exploring skills and development issues relating to the core theme of professionalism you get an understanding of professional practice issues.

You focus on key transferable skills and essential practice skills – preparing you for the demands of practice placements, and ensuring you are sufficiently informed and equipped to practice safely.

Preparation for practice has the essential ingredients if you are new to health and social care – setting the tone for both personal and professional development.

Assessment is by practical examination and online discussion.

Radiographic Practice 1

You are introduced to the profession of radiography. It is partly studied at the University where the physical principles of x-ray production, its interaction with matter and radiation protection are taught.

In addition you learn the principles of radiographic technique and have the opportunity to practice some basic radiographic techniques in the simulated skills lab and use simulation through the use of virtual radiography.

The second half of the module, is undertaken in clinical practice where you put the theory into practice under the guidance and supervision of qualified radiographers.

Regional Autonomy

Radiographers require a detailed knowledge of anatomy. You look at surface markings and how you use these anatomical features to assist you in positioning patients for x-ray examinations. You also look at detailed internal anatomy that you then apply to the radiographic image so you can decide whether the image is normal or abnormal.

You learn through keynote lectures, seminars on prepared work, practical sessions, and individual tutorials. While on clinical placement, you engage with radiographs on a daily basis and gain an appreciation of anatomical variation – clinical mentors facilitate your learning of radiographic anatomy.

How you learn

A variety of learning and teaching methods are used throughout the course. These include lectures, practical seminars, simulation (both practical and computer labs), problem-based learning and small group work. Constructive feedback is given throughout the course to enhance your learning opportunities and experiences in University and when in practice.

On placement you are supervised by experienced clinicians and trained mentors. You receive support from your University personal tutor who will visit you regularly. You should be prepared to travel for your placements across the North East.

How you are assessed

You are assessed by a variety of means including assignment, presentations, group work, examination, portfolio and observed tasks. Assessment is carefully matched to module outcomes. Practice assessment is conducted by clinical mentors in a range of clinical situations against radiographic benchmark clinical competencies. Essential competencies must be met for this course which include:

Career opportunities

Radiographers are in demand in the UK and overseas within the NHS and private sectors.