Diagnostic Radiography

UCAS code: BSDI

Here's what Buckinghamshire New University says about its Diagnostic Radiography course.

Our BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography degree equips you with the scientific knowledge, technical skills, and clinical experience needed to play a vital role in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of a variety of conditions.

Cutting-edge facilities We’ve developed a modern, forward-thinking degree designed to give you the technical expertise and hands-on experience needed for today’s clinical environments.

At the heart of your training is our state-of-the-art, fully digital Radiography Skills Laboratory, equipped with the latest imaging technology, including artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. This means you'll train on the same advanced systems used in hospitals, gaining practical experience that mirrors real-world practice. Alongside your clinical placements, this ensures you're fully prepared to work confidently with a wide range of diagnostic imaging equipment upon graduation.

You'll also benefit from our cutting-edge anatomy teaching resources, including an interactive 3D digital anatomy platform, allowing you to explore, dissect, and understand the human body in a hands-on and intuitive way. These tools will support your understanding of the body systems you'll be imaging in clinical practice.

Recognised qualification We have structured the degree in line with the professional frameworks and standards set by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the College of Radiographers (CoR). This includes a strong focus on evidence-based practice, patient-centred care, ethical decision-making, and the safe and effective use of advanced imaging technologies.

Upon successful completion of the course, you’ll be eligible to apply for registration with the HCPC as a qualified Diagnostic Radiographer.

Practice placements As part of this course, you will be required to complete practice placements in clinical settings. These placements are carefully integrated throughout the programme to give you the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to real-world healthcare environments.

By working alongside qualified radiographers and other healthcare professionals within local NHS Trusts and imaging departments, you’ll gain invaluable hands-on experience with patients, imaging equipment, and clinical workflows. This not only enhances your learning but allows you to build connections within the healthcare sector early in your career, all while accumulating the mandatory practice hours required for professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

What will I study? Throughout the course, you will study a wide range of topics designed to build both your technical expertise and professional confidence as a diagnostic radiographer. You'll learn how to use diagnostic imaging equipment safely and effectively, with a strong focus on legal, ethical, and workplace best practices. The course will deepen your understanding of health, disease, and disorders commonly encountered in radiographic practice, while also exploring the role of screening, health promotion, and patient education in supporting healthy living.

You’ll examine the principles of quality control, assurance, and clinical audit, as well as develop a strong technical understanding of various imaging modalities and their applications. Interpreting diagnostic data accurately and linking it to human anatomy, physiology, and pathology is a key focus, supported by training in image interpretation.

In addition, you’ll explore the importance of patient-centred care and effective communication, which are essential in delivering safe, compassionate healthcare. The course also encourages critical thinking, allowing you to evaluate current practice and contribute ideas for innovation and improvement.

By the end of your studies, you’ll have the knowledge, technical skills, and professional attributes needed to begin a rewarding career as a diagnostic radiographer.

Year 1 Core Modules Professional Practice Radiation Imaging and Science Imaging Practice 1 – Appendicular Imaging Practice 2 – Axial Imaging Practice 3 – Chest and Thorax Imaging Practice 4 – Abdomen Clinical Practice 1

Year 2 Core Modules Evidence Based Practice Medical Imaging Modalities Medical Imaging and Patient Pathways 1 Medical Imaging and Patient Pathways 2 Managing Complexity in Practice Clinical Practice 2

Year 3 Core Modules Independent Evidence Based Practice (Dissertation) Becoming an Autonomous Practitioner Clinical Judgement and Decision Making 1 Clinical Judgement and Decision Making 2 Clinical Practice 3

The degree is delivered primarily through in-person, face-to-face learning, offering a rich and interactive educational experience. A variety of teaching and learning methods are used to support different learning styles and ensure a well-rounded understanding of the subject. These include practical workshops, simulated practice in our radiography suite, seminars, tutorials, and problem-based learning in small groups.

In addition to face-to-face teaching, some theoretical content is delivered online through webinars, recorded lectures, videos, and interactive discussion forums, providing flexibility while supporting your independent study.

Developing your clinical skills is a core element of the course. These are cultivated through a combination of clinical observations, practical classes, e-learning resources, and extended clinical placements in real healthcare settings.

You will be assessed using a variety of methods to reflect the diverse skills required in professional practice. These include:

Written examinations Oral assessments Poster presentations Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) Written assignments Reflective and clinical portfolios

This combination of teaching methods and assessments ensures that you graduate with the academic knowledge, practical experience, and professional skills needed to thrive as a diagnostic radiographer.