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Two doctors discussing patients x-ray and MRI scans

Diagnostic Radiography (pre-registration) MSc

  • Intro
  • Course
    content
  • Careers
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    criteria
  • Fees
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Intro

The Diagnostic Radiography MSc degree prepares you to become a registered diagnostic radiographer in two years. You’ll study for a masters and meet statutory requirements to gain a professionally recognised qualification.

The degree is ideal for graduates with related first degrees who wish to gain both a professional and academic qualification and start a career in this highly rewarding field.

As a diagnostic radiographer you’ll play a key role in medical teams taking high-quality imaging to help diagnose and monitor illness or injuries to enable patients to receive the right treatment.

You’ll develop the required technical skills and knowledge, and the caring skills needed for a successful career. emphasising how statutory requirements are met. Around 50% of your course will be spent gaining experience on placement.

The teaching team includes experienced radiographers. You’ll also benefit from visiting lecturers from collaborating healthcare organisations.

The focus on interdisciplinary learning across all our health courses enriches your experience while also preparing you for the reality of professional practice.

Recognising that patients come first in everything the NHS does, and the values of the NHS constitution – respect, dignity, compassion and working together for patients – are embedded in our curriculum.

Find out about postgraduate events

Key facts

Location Brighton: Falmer 

Full-time 2 years 

Approved by the College of Radiographers, and the Health and Care Professions Council.

New for 2023

This course is full for 2023

This means we are not accepting applications for September 2023.

Your next opportunity to start this course is September 2024 – online applications will open in October.

Top 20 for health professions courses - Guardian University Guide 2023

Course content

Course structure

The Diagnostic Radiography MSc full-time degree will be a mix of clinical practice and academic study and runs for 45 weeks on each of the two years.

Clinical practice modules will be delivered throughout the programme with external clinical educators within NHS and private healthcare services.

This embedded approach allows you to engage in a diverse range of practice-based learning environments and is designed in a block pattern to consolidate recent academic learning.

Placements will account for around 50% of the course. You will work in several sites with additional specialist rotations to ensure you meet all learning outcomes for your practice-based learning.

Teaching at the university includes keynote lectures from subject specialists and expert patients, workshops, pre-recorded content, student led case-based group work, presentations, seminars, webinars, peer teaching and learning, guided independent study, self-directed study, clinically-based activities and e-learning including group work in Wikis and blogs, video analysis and discussion boards.

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

You’ll be encouraged to be research active and this translates directly into developing creative relationships between teaching, learning and research.

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 MSc degree will ensure you graduate as a competent Diagnostic Radiographer able to obtain high quality diagnostic images using a range of complex imaging equipment such as X-rays, Computed Tomography (CT) and fluoroscopy.

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

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

adjusting the xray equipment

Year 1

You’ll be introduced to diagnostic radiographic practice and to the principles of radiation physics, radiographic equipment, radiation protection, legislation and radiobiology to enable understanding of radiographic processes and safe practice for transfer into the clinical setting.

You will complete all required mandatory training prior to beginning clinical practice placements.

You will also study research methodology and its applications in healthcare, develop further science and technology comprehension in the specialist modalities, and complete an anatomy module which includes all body systems. Professional practice education will look at examinations on patients with additional needs, health promotion, contrast media and quality issues in radiography.

Your clinical placements in this year focus on radiographic technique and begin to introduce you to the specialist modalities to consolidate your academic learning.

Modules

  • Introduction to Diagnostic Radiography and Radiation Physics
  • Science and Technology in Diagnostic Radiography
  • Anatomy, Physiology and Pathophysiology
  • Professional Practice in Diagnostic Radiography
  • MSc Practice Learning Diagnostic Radiography 1
looking at the anatomy of a skeleton

Year 2

In the second year the professional focus is on understanding the wider scope of the role and factors affecting quality service provision to prepare you for practice as a qualified diagnostic radiographer.

Your clinical focus will be on special care groups and their management alongside completing your experience of the specialist modalities.  You will also complete an image interpretation module to include medicolegal aspects of radiographer reporting and performance measurement.

In addition you will produce a dissertation focusing on an area of subject specific professional practice to complete your MSc.

Modules

  • Research Design and Ethics
  • Image Interpretation
  • Enhanced Professional Practice in Diagnostic Radiography
  • MSc Practice Learning Diagnostic Radiography 2
  • Dissertation
students and lecturer in the radiography suite

Placements

In each year you’ll go on placement in healthcare settings to gain hands-on learning and assessment opportunities with a range of diagnostic imaging modalities. You’ll be on placement for around 50% of your course.

Placement learning focuses on competence, rather than a set number of hours or a set number of X-rays.

Practice blocks will comprise of a 35-hour week with the shift pattern determined by the placement provider in line with their staffing template. You will also be expected to work night shifts in year 2 to prepare you for autonomous practice as a qualified diagnostic radiographer.

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.

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

All areas of diagnostic radiography will be covered for theory and practice learning in general, A&E, dental, paediatrics, community and private settings.

You will also gain experience in fluoroscopy, CT, ultrasound, interventional radiography, cardiac catheterisation, MRI, neuroangiography, nuclear medicine and PET-CT.

You’ll be supported and overseen throughout your placements 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 libraries you will have access to relevant books and journals to support your development as a radiographer.

students with lecturer

Becoming a diagnostic radiographer

There is a growing demand for radiographers.

To practice as a radiographer you need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) – successful completion of our Diagnostic Radiography MSc means that you'll be eligible to apply for HCPC registration.

If you work for the NHS, you're likely to work in the radiology and imaging department providing a service for most departments within the hospital including accident and emergency, outpatients, operating theatres and wards. You may work in private clinics and hospitals.

As well working with other health professionals including healthcare scientists working in non-ionising imaging, you may supervise the work of radiography assistants or imaging support assistants.

You could choose to specialise in a particular type of imaging such as computerised tomography or sonography or working with a specific group of patients such as children or stroke patients. 

You could also move into management of local radiology services.

As a radiographer in the NHS you'll start your career as a Band 5. Pay scales can be found on the NHS website. 

College of Radiographers (CoR) logo

HCPC logo-319

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 MSc in Diagnostic Radiography (Pre-Registration) 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.

"This accelerated two-year MSc course at the University of Brighton, is an intense course for those who have completed a first degree. The course aims to enhance your critical thinking and research skills through academic study, simulation-based education, and clinical placement. 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 masters, 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
Charlene Wallace Diagnostic Radiography course leader

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Careers

There is a growing demand for radiographers.

To practice as a radiographer you need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) – successful completion of our Diagnostic Radiography BSc(Hons) means that you'll be eligible to apply for HCPC registration. 

If you work for the NHS, you're likely to work in the radiology and imaging department providing a service for most departments within the hospital including accident and emergency, outpatients, operating theatres and wards. You may work in private clinics and hospitals.

As well working with other health professionals including healthcare scientists working in non-ionising imaging, you may supervise the work of radiography assistants or imaging support assistants.

You could choose to specialise in a particular type of imaging such as computerised tomography or sonography or working with a specific group of patients such as children or stroke patients. 

You could also move into management of local radiology services.

As a radiographer in the NHS you'll start your career as a Band 5. Pay scales can be found on the NHS website. 

adjusting the xray table

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

Degree and experience
Typically an undergraduate degree of 2:2 or above.

Candidates without a healthcare or science background may be considered with some evidence of having studied science, such as A-level biology, or with an appropriate level of recent practical experience in healthcare or science.

Normally, applicants would be expected to provide recent evidence of formal study within the last five years.

Observation experience in a radiography setting would be an advantage.

COVID-19 vaccine requirement

The COVID-19 vaccination requirement has been removed. Find out more about this decision.

Studied before or got relevant experience?
If you have studied appropriate level 6 or masters-level modules at another recognised institution, you may wish to apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL) and transfer of these credits towards the course.

Students wishing to apply for RPL should contact the course leader initially. The request will be considered in accordance General Examination and Assessment Regulations (GEAR) of the university.

English language requirements
IELTS 7.0 overall, with no part below 6.5.

Interview
Applicants will be required to attend an interview.

You'll also need to pass occupational health and Disclosure and Barring (DBS) checks.

International requirements and visas

International requirements by country
Country name
Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belgium
Bermuda
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Bulgaria
Burma (Myanmar)
Cameroon
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Ecuador
Egypt
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Guyana
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kosovo
Kuwait
Latvia
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Libya
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Malaysia
Malawi
Malta
Mexico
Moldova
Montenegro
Morocco
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palestinian National Authority
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russian Federation
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sri Lanka
Syria
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United States
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

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

Visit our language centre

For English language preparation courses.

Visit our International College

For degree preparation courses.

Visas and immigration advice

Applying for a student visa

Check out our step-by-step guidance.

Fees

Course fees

UK (full-time) 9,250 GBP

International (full-time)  16,700 GBP

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.

Scholarships, bursaries and loans

We offer a range of scholarships for postgraduate students. Bursaries and loans may also be available to you.

Find out more about postgraduate fees and funding.

Info

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.

Location and student life

Campus where this course is taught

Falmer campus

Set in the South Downs, our Falmer campus is around four miles from Brighton city centre. Students based here study a range of subjects – from 2024 these will include education studies, teaching, sport and exercise, nursing and midwifery, allied health professions and medicine. Brighton and Hove Albion's Amex stadium and beautiful Stanmer Park are right next door.

Falmer campus has two halls of residence on site, as well as a library, restaurant, cafes and the students' union shop and bar.

The campus sports centre has a fitness suite, activity studios and a sports hall. There is also a floodlit astroturf football pitch, netball and tennis courts.

Specialist learning facilities at Falmer include the curriculum centre used by teaching and education students, which houses over 30,000 teaching resources, and clinical skills and simulation suites used by health students. New facilities are being developed ready for September 2024 when all of our sport and health students will be based here. Learn more about the changes at Falmer.

Cycle lanes link Falmer with our other campuses and the city centre. There are regular bus services to the city centre and other campuses. Falmer train station is right next to campus and a nine minute journey to central Brighton.

Newly refurbished atrium in the Checkland Building

Accommodation

Brighton: Falmer

We guarantee an offer of a place in halls of residence to all eligible students.

Halls of residence
We have self-catered halls on all our campuses, within minutes of your classes, and other options that are very nearby.

  • You can apply for any of our halls, but the options closest to your study location are:
  • Falmer campus is linked to the halls on Falmer campus and at Varley Park. All halls are self-catered.
    • Paddock Field and Great Wilkins halls offer a range of rooms on our Falmer campus, minutes from your classes, and on the edge of the South Downs.
    • Varley Park is a popular dedicated halls site, offering a mix of rooms and bathroom options at different prices. It is around two miles from Falmer campus and four miles from the city centre. Public transport in the city is excellent, and there’s a shuttle bus between our Brighton campuses during term time.

Want to live independently? We can help – find out more about private renting.

Outside views at Falmer accommodation

Outside views at Falmer accommodation

Extensive facilities at Falmer sports centre

Extensive facilities at Falmer sports centre

Students dining at Westlain

Students dining at Westlain

Local area

About Brighton

The University of Brighton is at the heart of our city's reputation as a welcoming, forward-thinking place which leads the way when it comes to the arts, music, sustainability and creative technology. Brighton is home to a thriving creative community and a digital sector worth £1bn a year to the local economy, as much as tourism.

Many of the work-based learning opportunities offered on our courses such as placements and guest lectures are provided by businesses and organisations based in the city.

You can also get involved with city festivals and events such as the Brighton Festival, the Fringe, Brighton Digital Festival, Brighton Science Festival, the London to Brighton bike ride, and the Great Escape festival of new music to name but a few. Other annual highlights include Pride, the Brighton Marathon, and Burning the Clocks which marks the winter solstice.

You'll find living in Brighton enriches your learning experience and by the end of your course you will still be finding new things to explore and inspire you.

It's only 50 minutes by train from Brighton to central London and less than 40 minutes to Eastbourne. There are also daily direct trains to Bristol, Bedford, Cambridge, Gatwick Airport, Portsmouth and Southampton.

Map showing distance to London from Brighton
Brighton Beach sunset

Maps

Falmer campus

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Support and wellbeing

Your course team

Your personal academic tutor, course leader and other tutors are all there to help you with your personal and academic progress. You'll also have a student support and guidance tutor (SSGT) who can help with everything from homesickness, managing stress or accommodation issues.

Your academic skills

Our Brighton Student Skills Hub gives you extra support and resources to develop the skills you'll need for university study, whatever your level of experience so far.

Your mental health and wellbeing

As well as being supported to succeed, we want you to feel good too. You'll be part of a community that builds you up, with lots of ways to connect with one another, as well having access to dedicated experts if you need them. Find out more.

Students talking in a social area

Sport at Brighton

Sport Brighton

Sport Brighton brings together our sport and recreation services. As a Brighton student you'll have use of sport and fitness facilities across all our campuses and there are opportunities to play for fun, fitness or take part in serious competition. 

Find out more about Sport Brighton.

Sports scholarships

Our sports scholarship scheme is designed to help students develop their full sporting potential to train and compete at the highest level. We offer scholarships for elite athletes, elite disabled athletes and talented sports performers.

Find out more about sport scholarships.

Students playing frisbee

Stay in touch

Find out about postgraduate events

Ask a question about this course

If you have a question about this course, our enquiries team will be happy to help.

01273 644644

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