Radiotherapy and Oncology

UCAS code: B824

Here's what Cardiff University says about its Radiotherapy and Oncology course.

Do you have a passion for science, technology and the human body? Then why not join a programme that is ranked in the UK Top 10 under Medical Technology by the Complete University Guide 2019 and is accredited by the Society and College of Radiographers. This full time, three-year BSc (Hons) Radiotherapy & Oncology programme will help you to develop the skills necessary to become a qualified therapeutic radiographer who is proactive and responsive to the rapidly changing landscape of clinical radiotherapy. Therapeutic radiographers play a key role in the treatment and care of people with cancer. This challenging and rewarding profession uses high energy ionising radiations in the treatment of malignant and non-malignant disease. You will be introduced to behavioural, imaging and radiation sciences and be supported to develop a firm understanding of human anatomy, physiology and cancer as a disease process. As a therapeutic radiographer you will work closely with doctors, medical physicists and other members of the healthcare team, to provide personal and supportive care to people of all ages, who often have a life-threatening disease. You will work closely at all stages of a person’s treatment including, pre-treatment support, planning the radiotherapy, treatment delivery and evaluation, and management of side effects and post treatment support. People are at the heart of our practice and the development of skills to aid your care of individuals is a central focus of the programme. The School provides an interdisciplinary environment, with opportunities for shared learning and inter-professional education. Therefore, opportunities to learn with and from other healthcare students, especially in respect of person-centred care will be part of the programme. We offer an integrated mixture of university-based study and practice placements in the clinical setting. We work collaboratively with NHS organisations across Wales so that you are competitive in the employment market upon qualification. You will have the opportunity to delve into an original research project representing the culmination of your three years of study. The research study aims to equip you with the necessary skills for ongoing professional development and evidence-based practice.

Distinctive Features

As part of a large School based at the University Hospital of Wales, we’ll help you to enjoy an academically rich and fulfilling experience. Here are some of the key features of our programme:

• Radiotherapy & Oncology at Cardiff was in the UK Top 10 under Medical Technology by The Complete University Guide 2019.

• Studying at Cardiff means that you will be following the only radiotherapy and oncology programme available in Wales.

• Practice placements are offered in radiotherapy departments across Wales, providing a range of clinical experiences and opportunities to work with linear accelerators from the two major manufacturers. This will allow you to meet the required standards for registration with the Health and Care professions Council (HCPC) and make you competitive in the employment market.

• You will have the opportunity to hear first-hand accounts of service user and carers experiences of their cancer journey giving you an insight into the psychosocial impacts of a cancer diagnosis.

• Practical teaching takes place in a specially designed mould room which allows the opportunity to practice and develop skills which are not always available in the practice setting.

• The use of our Virtual Environment for Radiotherapy (VERT) suite is a key component of teaching within the School and is used to provide 3-dimensional anatomy learning.

• You will have access to our Oncentra Masterplan planning system and Prosoma which enables you to develop skills in outlining and planning radiotherapy treatments.

• There is the opportunity to work or volunteer abroad as part of your university experience.