Diagnostic Radiography

To achieve the award and register as a Diagnostic Radiographer, students must pass all modules at all levels.

Year 1 provides an introduction to Radiographic Imaging. The key focus of this year is plain film radiography of the musculo-skeletal system, thorax and abdomen. You’ll also develop essential, skills such as communication skills, patient care skills, radiographic technique and teamwork.

In year 2 you’ll further develop your knowledge and skills from year 1 to explore the range of specialist imaging methods available, such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound and isotope imaging. You’ll learn about how these methods are used to image a range of body systems, including the respiratory system, the gastro-intestinal tract, the cardio-vascular system and the urinary system.

Year 3 covers the more challenging and specialist aspects of radiography, where the radiographer has to evaluate and adapt imaging investigations to meet the patient’s needs. You’ll develop a level of independence and professional responsibility in preparation for graduation and state registration. Optional modules provide an opportunity to focus on a specific area of interest, such as paediatrics, ultrasound and trauma radiography or for a brief period of study abroad
Key themes run through each year of the programme, developing your knowledge, skills and understanding:

• Medical Imaging Science (physics and technology related to diagnostic imaging)
• Anatomy, Physiology and Pathophysiology
• Pattern Recognition (students develop preliminary image evaluation skills)
• Professional Practice (practical “hand-on” experience, gained from working in clinical placements)
• Interdisciplinary learning (learning with other students to develop multidisciplinary team working and explore the radiographer’s role)
• Diagnostic Imaging Technique (underpinning knowledge and theory for the diverse range of diagnostic imaging examinations)
• Research

The taught programme is closely integrated with the clinical experience you’ll gain. You’ll spend approximately 50% of the course in clinical placements in the Yorkshire and Humber region, allowing you to develop the necessary clinical skills to be a capable practitioner in the modern health service.

You’ll undertake placements in radiography practice areas throughout the programme. Elective placements at the end of the programme provide opportunities for you to arrange work placements of your choice, both in the UK and abroad. Read "Study abroad and work placements".

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Musculoskeletal Anatomy and Radiographic Pattern Recognition 20 credits
• Medical Imaging Science 1 30 credits
• Professional Practice 1 40 credits
• Diagnostic Imaging Technique 1 10 credits
• Introduction to the Role of the Healthcare Professional 20 credits

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Anatomy, Physiology and Associated Diagnostic Pattern Recognition 1 30 credits
• Research Methods and Evaluation 10 credits
• Medical Imaging Science 2 20 credits
• Diagnostic Imaging Technique 2 20 credits
• Professional Practice 2 40 credits

Year 3

Compulsory modules

• Professional Practice 3 30 credits
• Research Project 30 credits
• Diagnostic Imaging Technique 3 10 credits
• Preparation for Practice 10 credits
• Pathophysiology and Diagnostic Pattern Recognition 20 credits

Optional modules

You’ll also study 20 credits from a range of options

For more information on typical modules, read Diagnostic Radiography BSc in the course catalogue

Broadening your academic horizons

At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. On this course you broaden your learning through core and/or optional modules. Find out more on the Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

We use variety of teaching and learning methods across all three years of the programme to accommodate different learning styles. These include formal lectures, tutorials, student-led seminars, group work, online learning, clinical skills practice and independent learning. Lectures are the main means of delivering key information and allow staff to explain fundamental principles and observe individual student engagement.

Tutorials and student-led seminars support formal lectures, identifying areas of clarification, as well as providing support for assessment preparation. Group work plays an important part in all the modules, allowing students to work as a team to address specific tasks, which allow tutors to monitor progress and group dynamics, as well as enhancing student communication, confidence and self-esteem. Feedback will be presented to the group and students can seek feedback on an individual basis.

Additional resources, such as radiographic technique demonstration videos and e-books have been developed to help support student learning. Apps such as “Socrative” have been also been introduced to enhance student learning by making sessions more interactive and designing quizzes to help students gauge their ongoing learning needs.

Facilities

In addition to your learning on placements, you’ll also benefit from our clinical skills room – a general x-ray room that is rented from a local hospital trust and used instead of a simulated suite. It provides an opportunity for small groups of students to work with patients in a controlled learning environment with ongoing support, advice and tuition from clinical tutors.

Assessment

We use variety of summative assessment methods to reflect the range of learning outcomes in the programme and suite of modules. They enable you to demonstrate your capabilities and achievements, and take into account your individual assessment strengths. Academic assessments include unseen written exams, written assignments, poster presentations, oral presentations, online multiple choice question exams, and practical workbooks.

You’ll need to demonstrate the knowledge and application of standard concepts, information and techniques relevant to the discipline, as well as your emerging abilities, skills and competencies. You’ll need to produce work that is typically both evaluative and creative and show you can conduct independent, in-depth enquiry within the discipline. You need to be able to draw on a wide variety of material and be able to evaluate and criticise received opinion.