Course overview
Transform the lives of your patients and work at the cutting edge of healthcare
An incredible 95% of people will interact with a diagnostic radiographer at some point in their lives. Diagnostic radiographers are highly skilled practitioners who carry out medical imaging for diagnoses using specialised technical equipment such as X-ray, CT scanning, MRI scanning, Nuclear medicine and Ultrasound.
Our BSc (Hons) Radiography (Diagnostic Imaging) course provides you with all the training and knowledge you need to become a fully qualified practitioner and you’ll learn a variety of skills that will enable you to shape the future health and wellbeing of both individuals and society. You’ll be taught how to work under pressure and to make decisions under significant time restraints.
This course will teach you to think critically and analytically and will encourage you to become self-aware, reflective and empathetic.
Once you’ve completed the course you’ll have the ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team across the hospital, from A&E to surgery, and will be fully equipped to embark on a challenging and rewarding career in radiography.
*This course is accredited by the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) for eligibility to apply for registration.*
Key Information
- Course title:
- BSc (Hons) Radiography (Diagnostic Imaging)
- UCAS Code:
- B821
- Qualification:
- BSc (Hons)
- Duration:
- 3 years
- Study mode:
- Full-time
- Typical offer:
- UCAS Tariff points 112-120
- Accreditation:
- Accredited by the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) for eligibility to apply for registration
Course leader

Matthew Southam
Clinical Imaging Lead
Matthew is the Clinical Imaging Lead at AECC UC, where he oversees the clinical imaging services offered by the School of Radiology. Matt joined AECC in 2016 as an Associate Lecturer, from December 2019 he became a Lecturer in Ultrasound/Radiography and Diagnostic Imaging Course lead. Matt is involved in the development and delivery of the Radiography and Medical Ultrasound courses in the School of Radiology.
Course details
During the BSc (Hons) Radiography (Diagnostic Imaging) course you will also benefit from a high-performance digital X-ray suite, including a direct radiography (DR) room and mock ward to simulate the hospital setting. With on-campus Ultrasound, MRI, X-Ray, and Fluoroscopy you can expected to be well prepared for your first clinical placements with AECC University College hospital partners in the NHS.
Together with small group working, practical sessions, and lectures you will be able to take advantage of working on placement at local providers seeing the real world working without the pressures of a busy NHS department.
Assessment
On the completion of topics, you will be supported through interactive quizzes and shown example assignments to focus your critical evaluation and knowledge retention.
Formal assessments take the form of practical exams undertaken in the clinical environment on placement, together with a competency record and placement logbook.
Academic understanding and knowledge are confirmed through written assignments and computer-based short question exams.
Case Studies
"The Reason I Became a Diagnostic Radiographer"
Matt Southam is Clinical Imaging lead for the department of radiology. We spoke to Matt about why he became a Diagnostic Radiographer and the opportunities radiography students have at AECC UC.
"AECC UC is the right size campus for our cohort size. We are learning so much and having so many opportunities."
Gary Hicks is a First Year student on our BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography course he tells us about his passion to work in a health-care setting, making a difference to the lives of his patients and how he is learning something new every day from his inspiring lecturers and use of AECC University College’s industry-leading facilities.
Unit breakdown
Diagnostic Radiography (Diagnostic Imaging)
- Professional Practice and Patient Care
- Radiation Physics
- Anatomy and Physiology for the Radiographer
- Research Skills and Principles
- Equipment of Diagnostic Radiography
- Pathophysiology for Diagnostic Radiographers part 1
- Introduction to Radiobiology
- Professional Practice and Wellbeing
- Scientific principles of Medical Imaging part 1
- Radiographic Anatomy
- Research Methods
- Pathophysiology for Diagnostic Radiographers part 2
- Multidisciplinary Working
- Professional Practice and Clinical Confidence
- Advanced practice in Diagnostic Imaging
- Image Interpretation
- Scientific Principles of Medical Imaging part 2
Entry Requirements
If you’re applying from the UK or Ireland
Essential for entry
Please note that applicants must hold 5 GCSEs A*-C including Maths and English, or equivalent (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above) to be considered for the programme.
A-levels
BBB-BBC or above to include one of; Biology/Human Biology/Mathematics/Chemistry or Physics. General Studies will not be considered.
BTEC Extended Diploma
DMM or above in a relevant Extended Diploma for example; Applied Science, Medical Science or Health and Social Care.
Access to HE Diploma
A total of 112-120 UCAS points in a relevant Access to HE Diploma for example; Science, Medicine, Human Science, Allied Health Professions.
International Baccalaureate
Overall grade of 30-32 points or higher to include either Biology/Human Biology/Mathematics/Chemistry or Physics at Higher Level.
Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers
BBBBB or above in 5 Higher/Advanced Higher subjects to include either Biology/Human Biology/Mathematics/Chemistry or Physics.
Irish Leaving Certificate
H3,H3,H3,H3,H3 from 5 subjects at Higher Level to include either Biology/Human Biology/Mathematics/Chemistry or Physics.
T Level
Merit in any Health and Science pathway accepted.
If you have undertaken a qualification that’s not listed, it may still be considered. Get in touch with our Admissions team by completing the form below or call us on 01202 436200 and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have.
Is there anything else that is required?
If you live in the UK, we’ll need a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. It’s standard for all UK students and we’ll be there to guide you through the process once you’ve applied.
To gain a place on the course applicants must also successfully undergo an interview process. More information about this process will be provided if/when applicants are invited to the interview stage.
Occupational Health Checks are required, we will guide you through this process.
Please note that an NHS placement is required as part of this course.
For more information about our admissions policies and procedures, including our Admissions Complaints and Appeals Policy, see our latest policies.
International Students
If you require a visa to study in the UK we are currently unable to sponsor overseas students due to placement constraints.
If your qualification is not listed here, please take a look at our international entry requirements page or get in touch with our admissions team on the form below. Please note, to be accepted onto this course; you will also need to demonstrate that you meet the minimum standards of English. For further information on English language requirements, please see the dedicated English language requirements page. More information on permission to study in the UK, can be found on our Visas and Immigration page.
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS? LET US ANSWER THEM IN OUR APPLICATION FAQS
Course Fees
A new £5,000 annual maintenance grant will be available for Radiography students from September 2020. This is in addition to existing support available, including student loans. Students who study radiography (diagnostic and therapeutic) are also entitled to an additional £1,000, as the subject is seen as a ‘shortage specialism’ and important to delivering the NHS long term plan.
Tuition fees
UK/ROI/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year
International - £15,774 per year
Please note that these fees are for the 2023-24 academic year only and may be subject to increase in subsequent years of study. Any increase will be in line with our Tuition Fees Policy but will not be more than 5%.
Additional course costs
Your tuition fees will cover the cost of all mandatory elements of your course. There are additional course related costs are not included in the tuition fees. So you will need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
For further fees guidance for all students at AECC University College whether full time or part time please refer to our Tuition fees policy.
Visit our student finance pages for more information on:
Note: For students to be eligible for funding from Student Finance England, they must be studying on an eligible course at a provider registered with the Office for Students (OfS). AECC University College is registered with the OfS. View the register and search for AECC University College.
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