Undergraduate

Diagnostic Radiography

Aerial image of a group of students viewing X ray images on a tablet computer

Look around

woman looking at skull x-ray.
This two-year accelerated degree is the first in the country.
We’ve invested £28-million in our campus including our award winning Allam Medical Building.
Put your learning into practice on clinical placements.
Aerial image of a group of students viewing X ray images on a tablet computer
Allam Medical Building First Floor
woman looking at skull x-ray.

Code

Duration

Mode

This two-year accelerated degree is the first in the country.

That means that you'll graduate quicker, ready to make a real difference to your patients' lives.

The demand for medical imaging is rising fast, and imaging technology is developing at an incredible speed. This course will equip you with the skills to rise to the challenge. 

  • 100% of students

    in work or further study 15 months after graduating 1

  • Accelerated

    degree programme

  • Clinical placements

    with NHS and private partners

  • Award winning

    Allam Medical Building on campus

  • Cutting edge technology

    at your disposal

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Course overview
Module options

About this course

Diagnostic Radiography (medical imaging) is one of the most high-tech parts of modern healthcare and nearly every patient has some form of medical imaging to help diagnose their condition or to monitor their treatment or disease.

This means that the demand for medical imaging like X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, ultrasound and scans using radioactive tracers is rising fast, and imaging technology is developing at an incredible speed.

Alongside the care skills required, diagnostic radiography is a science and technology-based discipline. Over the two years of this accelerated degree programme, you'll learn about the human body and medical imaging science, techniques and technology alongside the patient care skills needed to deliver high quality compassionate care.

You'll be trained to use cutting-edge technology to produce and process images of internal body structures like the bones, blood vessels and organs, or provide real time imaging to guide lifesaving surgery like the removal of a blood clot causing a stroke.

And then you'll put everything you've learned into practice in clinical placements, training alongside and supported by healthcare professionals and specialists as a valued member of their team.

When you graduate, you'll be eligible to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)2.

Scheduled study hours and how you’re assessed

Throughout your degree, you’re expected to study for 1,200 hours per year. That’s based on 200 hours per 20 credit module. And it includes scheduled hours, time spent on placement and independent study. How this time is divided across the year varies and depends on the module you are studying.

How you'll be assessed depends on the course you study, and the modules you choose. You may be assessed through a mix of examinations, coursework, presentations and group projects.

Choose your modules

Each year, you’ll study nine modules worth a certain number of credits. You need 180 credits in first year and 200 in your second year. Most modules are 20 credits. Your Research Project, which you undertake in your second year is worth 40 credits.

Imaging 1: Appendicular and Axial Skeleton, Chest and Abdomen

Learn about the regional anatomy of the human body, focusing on the appendicular and axial skeleton, chest, respiratory system, and abdomen. Understand their anatomy, physiology, and pathology. Get introduced to radiographic positioning and terminology to develop radiographic techniques and improve patient care.  

Core20 credits

Preparation for Practice and Evidence Based Practice

Gain knowledge of healthcare principles and evidence-based practices for safe and effective clinical care through this module. Prepare to work with the NHS, embodying its constitution and core values. Develop essential personal skills such as resilience, constructive feedback response, communication, and teamwork within the inter-professional healthcare team. 

Core20 credits

Principles of Imaging and Radiation Protection

Learn the scientific principles of X-ray production, its interaction with body tissue and the capture of the emergent X-ray beam, and associated radiation protection legislation. Develop essential knowledge of X-ray equipment, image acquisition, and manipulation techniques. 

Core20 credits

Practice Placement 1

Apply your theoretical knowledge in hands-on clinical practice, honing radiographic skills for your first year. Bridge theory with practice through experience in imaging departments alongside supervising radiographers. Conduct radiographic exams on the musculoskeletal system, thorax, and abdomen. Refine your interpersonal skills with staff and patients, and gain insight into your role in patient care and safety protocols. 

Core20 credits

Imaging 2: Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Systems

Understand the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary systems. Build on your knowledge of radiographic projection imaging and learn common procedures for imaging these systems. In practice placements, link theory with practice through tutorials by practice educators and specialists. 

Core20 credits

Imaging 3: Cardiovascular, Urinary and Reproductive Systems

Understand the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the cardiovascular, urinary, and reproductive systems. Build on your radiographic projection imaging knowledge and learn various imaging procedures for these systems. In practice placements, link theory with practice through tutorials by educators and specialists.

Core20 credits

Imaging 4: Trauma, Orthopaedic and Mobile Imaging

Master orthopaedic and trauma imaging of the chest and appendicular skeleton by understanding conditions, adapting techniques, and interpreting images. Evaluate this area of radiography to enhance diagnostic efficacy. Gain insight into radiographic support in complex surgical procedures and explore the diverse role of the radiographer in the multidisciplinary team. 

Core20 credits

Research Methods

Prepare and complete a small action research project to develop skills that will help you across your studies. It's hands-on learning about research methodology, ethical approval, data analysis and formulating research questions.

Core20 credits

Practice Placement 2

Apply your knowledge from Level 5 Imaging modules through structured practice placements. Use your understanding of endocrine and central nervous systems in a practice setting. Build on Level 4 experience to gain competence in trauma, orthopaedic, and mobile imaging techniques. Work with practice educators and supervising practitioners to use various imaging modalities, focusing on image acquisition and manipulation. 

Core20 credits
9 Modules

Imaging 5: Endocrine and Central Nervous System

Understand the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the lymphatic, endocrine, and central nervous systems. Build on your radiographic projection knowledge and learn various imaging procedures for the endocrine and central nervous systems. 

Core20 credits

Advanced Medical Imaging Modalities

Provide safe and accurate imaging for diagnosing and managing complex conditions across various situations, including acute, chronic, trauma, and health screening. Use advanced medical imaging modalities and understand the technology to ensure appropriate and safe practice. 

Core20 credits

Practice Placement 2

Apply your knowledge from Level 5 Imaging modules through structured practice placements. Use your understanding of endocrine and central nervous systems in a practice setting. Build on Level 4 experience to gain competence in trauma, orthopaedic, and mobile imaging techniques. Work with practice educators and supervising practitioners to use various imaging modalities, focusing on image acquisition and manipulation. 

Core20 credits

Research Project

This module supports you in the design and completion of a final-year independent or collaborative research project. Develop your intellectual autonomy and produce a distinctive and dynamic project which reflects your growing expertise as a researcher in any field of English Studies.

Core40 credits

Preliminary Image Evaluation

Develop skills in image interpretation, clinical reporting, and decision-making through academic and clinical components.  

Core20 credits

Practice Placement 3

Develop your knowledge and skills through structured practice placements, linking theory from Level 6 Imaging modules to practice. Apply image interpretation, clinical reporting, and decision-making skills with support from practice educators and supervisors. Build on Level 4 and 5 foundations, gaining competence in projection radiography, CT, and MRI of the brain. Play an active role in patient care and the interprofessional team. 

Core20 credits

Contemporary Issues in Diagnostic Imaging

Explore advances and new developments in imaging to understand their safe and appropriate clinical use. Choose a topical or specialist subject in medical imaging to study in depth. 

Core20 credits

Becoming a Diagnostic Radiographer

Prepare for your first radiographer role by developing a portfolio of skills. Explore professional issues, government policies, and the NHS constitution while reflecting critically on role transition. Learn principles of teaching, supervision, and mentoring, and maintain professional standards by considering the impact of your actions on yourself and the profession. 

Core20 credits

The Radiography Service User

Learn to recognise and respect the diverse needs of diagnostic imaging service users, including mental and physical disabilities, sociological and psychological issues, and age-related factors. Adapt techniques and skills to meet these needs while ensuring equality of access according to current healthcare policies and guidelines. 

Core20 credits
9 Modules

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Course Overview 2 mins

Allam Medical Building

Course highlight 3 mins

Teaching facilities

University Life 1 min

Life on campus

University Life 2 mins

Entry requirements

What do I need?

When it comes to applying to university, you'll need a certain number of UCAS points. Different qualifications and grades are worth a different amount of points. For this course, you'll need…

We consider experience and qualifications from the UK and worldwide which may not exactly match the combinations above.

But it's not just about the grades - we'll look at your whole application. We want to know what makes you tick, and about your previous experience, so make sure that you complete your personal statement.

Have questions? Our admissions team will be happy to help.

What do I need?

If you require a student visa to study or if your first language is not English you will be required to provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

See other English language proficiency qualifications accepted by the University of Hull.

If your English currently does not reach the University’s required standard for this programme, you may be interested in one of our English language courses.

Visit your country page to find out more about our entry requirements.

Fees & funding

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Additional Information - Diagnostic Radiography

The tuition fee charged by the University for an accelerated degree is £11,440 per year. As accelerated degree students study throughout the year, the maximum amount of Maintenance Loan you can apply for is higher than that available to students studying a standard three-year degree. You can find out more about the Long Courses Loan here.

The amount of Maintenance Loan you can take out will depend on your household income and where you’ll live while studying. The Maintenance Loan is paid directly into your bank account to help you with your living costs, like accommodation or rent, travel, and food. You can use the table below to give you an idea of how much you’ll receive:

Household income Living away from home Living at home (with parents)
<£25,000 £12,647 £10,216
£30,000 £11,917 £9,493
£35,000 £11,186 £8,769
£40,000 £10,432 £8,023
£45,000 £9,128 £6,726
£50,000 £7,788 £5,430
£55,000 £6,520 £4,269
£60,000 £5,217 £3,790
£62,347+ £4,767 £3,790


When your application for student finance has been assessed Student Finance England will tell you exactly how much you’ll receive. You can apply for your student finance now on the gov.uk site.

The deadline for applications is 17 May. If you apply late your first Maintenance Loan payment may be late too.

Students studying this course will receive a payment of at least £5,000 a year. This doesn't need to be paid back and is in addition to any financial support received through your student loan. 

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme (including registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examination).

There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make. The list below has some examples, and any extra costs will vary.

  • Books (you’ll have access to books from your module reading lists in the library, but you may want to buy your own copies)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (including travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (including travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and PC’s on campus, but you may want to buy your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel and food – to name just a few.

How do I pay for it?

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Additional Information - Diagnostic Radiography

The tuition fee charged by the University for an accelerated degree is £11,440 per year. As accelerated degree students study throughout the year, the maximum amount of Maintenance Loan you can apply for is higher than that available to students studying a standard three-year degree. You can find out more about the Long Courses Loan here.

The amount of Maintenance Loan you can take out will depend on your household income and where you’ll live while studying. The Maintenance Loan is paid directly into your bank account to help you with your living costs, like accommodation or rent, travel, and food. You can use the table below to give you an idea of how much you’ll receive:

Household income Living away from home Living at home (with parents)
<£25,000 £12,647 £10,216
£30,000 £11,917 £9,493
£35,000 £11,186 £8,769
£40,000 £10,432 £8,023
£45,000 £9,128 £6,726
£50,000 £7,788 £5,430
£55,000 £6,520 £4,269
£60,000 £5,217 £3,790
£62,347+ £4,767 £3,790


When your application for student finance has been assessed Student Finance England will tell you exactly how much you’ll receive. You can apply for your student finance now on the gov.uk site.

The deadline for applications is 17 May. If you apply late your first Maintenance Loan payment may be late too.

Students studying this course will receive a payment of at least £5,000 a year. This doesn't need to be paid back and is in addition to any financial support received through your student loan. 

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme (including registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examination).

There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make. The list below has some examples, and any extra costs will vary.

  • Books (you’ll have access to books from your module reading lists in the library, but you may want to buy your own copies)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (including travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (including travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and PC’s on campus, but you may want to buy your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel and food – to name just a few.

How do I pay for it?

Our academics

Our world-leading academics specialise in areas including cancer imaging, cardiovascular, haemostasis, diabetes, metabolism, respiratory and wound healing.

Researchers in our Biomedical Institute for Multimorbidity carry out work to understand the complex interplay between disease.

See more academics for this subject

Take a look at our facilities

Health Campus

Our home for the healthcare professionals of the future. Equipped with a simulated hospital ward, intensive care unit, resuscitation unit, and more.

Allam Medical Building

The award winning Allam Medical Building is the centre of our Health Campus, packed with cutting edge features including mock hospital wards and operating theatres.

Microscopy Suite

You could carry out research in our Microscopy Suite – an imaging facility for investigating the diagnosis of cancer and metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.

See more in our virtual tour
Allam Medical Building - Open Evening

Look around

Microscope
Allam Medical Building - Open Evening
Allam Medical Building First Floor
Microscope
student in biomedical science lab with microscope

Future prospects

A Diagnostic degree from Hull equips you with highly sought after skills and experience for a career in radiography in the NHS and beyond. And this accelerated course means that you'll be working with patients even sooner.

You’ll be eligible to work in health services like the NHS, as well as in the Armed Forces and private providers. Your experience will open doors to specialist, advanced practitioner and consultant radiographer roles as well.

Outside of health services, there are opportunities in sectors like industrial, veterinary and forensic radiography.

University of Hull Open Day

Your next steps

Like what you’ve seen? Then it’s time to apply.

The standard way to apply for this course is through UCAS. This will give you the chance to showcase your skill, qualities and passion for the subject, as well as providing your academic qualifications.

Not ready to apply?

Visit our next Open Day, and see all that Hull has to offer for yourself. Talk to our lecturers about your subject, find out what university is really like from our current students, and take a tour of our beautiful campus and amazing facilities.

1. 100% employability (Perioperative Care) UK domicile full-time first degree leavers; Higher Education Graduate Outcomes statistics, for the academic year 2021/22, published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency June 2024.

 

All modules presented on this course page are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

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