Diagnostic Radiography BSc(Hons)

Course structure 

The Diagnostic Radiography degree course is delivered full-time over three years. Theoretical modules are delivered in blocks alongside clinical placements.

Teaching at the university includes lectures, seminars, workshops, simulation and skills laboratory sessions.

You’ll go on placement to healthcare settings throughout each academic year to gain hands-on learning and assessment opportunities with a range of diagnostic imaging modalities. 

The final dissertation provides you with a project on a topic of your choice. 

Making sure that what you learn with us is relevant, up to date and what employers are looking for is our priority, so courses are reviewed and enhanced on an ongoing basis. When you have applied to us, you’ll be told about any new developments through Student View.

Areas of study

Our Diagnostic Radiography degree will ensure you graduate as a competent Diagnostic Radiographer. You'll be able to obtain high quality diagnostic images using a range of complex imaging equipment such as X-rays, cross-sectional imaging methods (Computed Tomography or CT) and fluoroscopy. 

You’ll also have opportunities to gain experience in other imaging modalities for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), breast imaging and nuclear medicine. 

You’ll also experience working with a broad range of patients, from all ages, including with mental and physical disabilities, and the terminally ill.

Year 1 

Modules

• Introduction to Diagnostic Radiography

  This module introduces you to diagnostic radiographic practice, helping you to understand the patient pathway from referral to discharge. You'll begin to the clinical skills that will enable you to provide high-quality patient-focused care.

• Radiation Physics

  This module introduces radiation physics, radiographic equipment, radiation protection, legislation and radiobiology. You'll explore the principles of radiography equipment design and x-ray generation. You'll learn about the factors affecting radiation dose, its effects on the body and how to minimise these through good practice.

• Foundations of Professional Practice in Diagnostic Radiography

  Develop your understanding of the role of the radiographer in the clinical setting. You'll prepare for placement by examining professional standards, different types of communication, and relevant healthcare legislation and how it impacts on patient care.

• Introduction to Anatomy, Physiology and Pathophysiology

  Develop your understanding of human anatomy and function and anatomical relationships on radiographic imaging. You will develop a comprehensive knowledge of the normal anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal, respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

• Practice Learning Diagnostic Radiography 1

  Put diagnostic your radiography learning into practice in this clinical-based module. You'll develop your clinical and professional skills in a specified range of examinations and healthcare settings.

Year 2 

Modules

• Applied Anatomy, Physiology and Pathophysiology
• Professional Practice in Diagnostic Radiography
• Science and Technology in Diagnostic Radiography
• Research Methods in Healthcare
• Practice Learning Diagnostic Radiography 2

Year 3

Modules

• Image Interpretation
• Enhanced Professional Practice in Diagnostic Radiography
• Practice Learning Diagnostic Radiography 3
• Research-based Project

Placements

Placement learning is integrated into the degree as the 40-credit module, Practice Learning Diagnostic Radiography. The module is taken in each year and will account for around 50% of the degree.

There is a focus on competence, rather than a set number of hours or a set number of X-rays taken.

Clinical placements will be provided by our local trusts partners who are located throughout the South East in Sussex, Surrey and Kent. You will need to be prepared to travel the region for your placements to ensure exposure to a broad range of practice settings.

You will do shifts, including weekends, to ensure you are fully prepared for the realities of working in the healthcare sector upon graduation.

Placements will take place in a variety of diagnostic radiography settings in hospitals, community and private sector.

All areas of projectional radiography will be covered for theory and practice learning in general radiography, A&E (minor injuries/major trauma imaging), operating theatres, fluoroscopy, paediatrics and community settings.

There will also be opportunities for experience with CT, PET scanning, nuclear medicine, MRI, neuroradiography, interventional radiography, cardiac cath labs, ultrasound and contrast media.

You’ll be supported and overseen by a mentor in the healthcare setting.

Facilities for learning

The University of Brighton has a wide range of facilities to support the learning of our health students which enable students to develop their skills in real-life scenarios.

For this new course we have created a Clinical Imaging Suite for our diagnostic radiography students which includes:

• X-ray table and tube
• PACS/DICOM image store
• Clinical imaging simulation software.

In our well-stocked libraries you will have access to relevant books and journals to support your development as a radiographer.

Meet the team

Charlene Wallace, course leader

Charlene is a Diagnostic Radiographer who has worked both in the NHS and private sector. Charlene initially completed a BSc(Hons) in Diagnostic Radiography at the University of Portsmouth. After working in clinical practice for several years, Charlene specialised in ultrasound by completing a PG Diploma in Medical Ultrasound at Kings College London. Charlene holds a range of ultrasound competencies and continued to develop her role by undertaking a Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Postgraduate module at Canterbury Christ Church University. 

In 2021 Charlene began a new chapter in her career as Senior Lecturer and Course Leader of BSc(Hons) in Diagnostic Radiography at the University of Brighton. Her main areas of lecturing work are professional practice in diagnostic radiography, and anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology. 

Charlene is passionate about a student-focused course and wants to inspire radiography students to reach their own unique potential.

"The course here at the University of Brighton combines academic study and simulation-based education at the university, with placement learning in clinical practice. These experiences will equip you with the skills required to put service users at the heart of all you do, whilst providing high quality diagnostic images. On completion of the degree, you will be able to register as a Diagnostic Radiographer with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and begin your diverse and exciting career,"

View Charlene's full academic profile. 

Other members of the team

• Peter Dick, Lecturer
• Sara Savidge, Lecturer
• Vicky Ballard, Lecturer

International requirements and visas

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

Visas and immigration advice

Course fees

Additional funding support

UK students studying nursing, midwifery and some allied health professions subjects receive a non-repayable grant of at least £5,000 each academic year. Shortage specialisms, such as radiography, receive an additional £1,000. Find out more on the NHS website.

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2023–24.

Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and are subject to an annual increase of no more than 5% or RPI (whichever is the greater). The annual increase for UK students, who are subject to regulated fees, will increase no more than the statutory maximum fee.

You can find out more about our fees in the university's student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf).

The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full-time or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take.

Campus where this course is taught

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