Program Overview

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Diagnostic Radiography and Medical Imaging BSc (Hons)

Overview

Gain the specialist medical imaging and radiography skills to become eligible to register with the HCPC as a Diagnostic Radiographer. Learn in our on-campus Simulation Centre and on clinical placements in real healthcare settings.

Key Information

UCAS Code:

BB81

Typical Offer:

112-120 UCAS points from 3 A levels, or equivalent, including a minimum of 32 UCAS points from a Science subject

Study Mode and Duration:

• 3 years full-time

Start Date:

• September 2025

Course Information

Overview

Diagnostic radiographers are a vital part of healthcare teams – they use medical imaging equipment to take images of inside the body, then interpret these images to diagnose and understand patients' health conditions.

This BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography and Medical Imaging degree prepares you for a career identifying illnesses and helping to save lives.

Course Highlights

• Learn how to examine patients safely using X-ray, CT scanning, fluoroscopy, MRI, ultrasound and more
• Practise your skills under expert supervision in our Centre for Simulation in Health and Care, complete with our brand new digital X-ray suite and digital mobile unit
• Spend at least 10 weeks each year on clinical placement, working alongside qualified radiographers in real healthcare environments
• Become eligible to register with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) when you graduate, ready for a career as a Diagnostic Radiographer or to train further and enter advanced practice, research, teaching or health management

Approved By:

The Diagnostic Radiography and Medical Imaging course offered by the University of Portsmouth was approved by the College of Radiographers for a period of five years from 16/03/2020.

This course is also approved by the Health and Care professions Council (HCPC).

Entry Requirements

Typical Offer (September 2025 Start)

• A levels - BBB-BBC
• UCAS points - 112-120 points from 3 A levels, or equivalent, including a minimum of 32 points from a Science subject (preferably Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics). A levels in Applied Science, PE, Psychology and Sports Science are considered. BTEC Extended Diploma in a Science based subject and Science based Access to Higher Education awards are also welcomed (calculate your UCAS points)
• T-levels - Merit. Acceptable T Level Subjects: T Level in Healthcare Science, T Level in Science (Acceptable Occupational Specialisms: Laboratory sciences, Metrology sciences)
• BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
• International Baccalaureate - 29

Selection Process

• All shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview in support of their application.
• Applicants must pass Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Occupational Health checks before starting the course.
• If successful, applicants will be required to declare if they have been subject to any disciplinary procedures of fitness to practice by any other regulator, professional body, employer or educational establishment.

English Language Requirements

• English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 7.0 with no component score below 6.5.

Careers and Opportunities

Without diagnostic radiographers it would be harder to diagnose, treat and manage illness and disease. They provide essential services to millions of people every year and are often the first people patients and service users come into contact with during their care.

Demand for diagnostic radiographers is rising too. Just before the pandemic, an independent report for NHS England highlighted the need for 3,500 additional radiographers over the next five years, and a 2021 census by The College of Radiographers revealed high vacancy rates in the field.

So, with this degree qualification, you can expect a rewarding career and high demand for your skills.

What Can You Do with a Diagnostic Radiography and Medical Imaging Degree?

Most of our students quickly secure roles as Diagnostic Radiographers in the NHS.

As a newly qualified NHS Diagnostic Radiographer in 2021, you could earn a starting salary of £25,655, moving up to £31,354 (Band 5).

With more experience, you could earn up to £39,027 (Band 6), and with a role in management or advanced practice, you could make between £40,057 and £53,219 (Bands 7 to 8a), or more as a consultant.

You could also work as a diagnostic radiographer for independent providers, industrial companies and veterinary clinics as you progress your career.

With Experience and Additional Training, You Could Go Into:

• postgraduate study or research in specialisms such as computed tomography, medical magnetic resonance, ultrasound, nuclear medicine and medical physics
• health management through the NHS Graduate Scheme
• teaching

Graduates Have Gone On to Work For These Institutions:

• Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust
• University Hospital Southampton
• Southampton General Hospital
• Spire Southampton
• Western Sussex NHS Hospital Trust
• Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary
• St George's NHS Foundation Trust, London

Clinical Placements

You'll attend clinical placements on this course, supported by clinical mentors and registered healthcare professionals. You'll have 2 or 3 placement blocks in each academic year, each lasting between 6 and 9 weeks. You'll spend at least 14 weeks on placement each year.

Your placements may be at one or more of the following locations, among others:

• Portsmouth Hospitals University Trust - Queen Alexandra Hospital
• University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust - Southampton General Hospital
• Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust - Royal Hampshire County Hospital, Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital
• Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust - Salisbury District Hospital
• University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust - Poole Hospital, Royal Bournemouth Hospital
• Isle of Wight NHS Trust - St. Mary's Hospital

On placement, you'll take part in all imaging modalities, including conventional imaging and remote imaging, theatre imaging, fluoroscopy, CT, MRI, ultrasound and radionuclide imaging. You'll be supervised by an experienced radiographer at all times to ensure a safe environment and the highest levels of patient care.

You'll be looked after by University Link Radiographers, who will monitor your progress, provide expert guidance and support, and oversee all aspects of your placement experience.

Modules

Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.

In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, four modules worth 20 credits and one module worth 40 credits.

What You'll Study

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3

Core Modules

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Professional Skills for Diagnostic Radiography - 20 credits

This module introduces and aims to provide the basic skills that are necessary to work in healthcare.

It aims to develop the key professional and graduate skills whilst providing a foundation for future professional development.

Radiation Science - 20 credits

This module provides introductory knowledge of radiation physics, legislation, and relevant imaging equipment.

It will focus upon the essential science underpinning conventional radiographic imaging and relevant imaging acquisition methods whilst outlining the legislative framework pertaining to the use of ionising radiation for medical imaging. Attainment of this knowledge is essential to practice in a safe and informed manner.

Radiographic Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology 1 - 40 credits

This module will introduce students to the fundamentals of radiographic anatomy, physiology and pathology.

On this module you'll:

• Describe the structure and function of cells and tissues.
• Demonstrate the use of appropriate terminology to identify anatomical structures, regions, planes and body orientation.
• Describe the anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, urinary and immune systems to include endocrinology.
• Recognise and describe pathophysiological processes associated with the musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, urinary and immune systems.
• Understand the pharmacology, associated risks and appropriate use of contrast agents in imaging the musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular and urinary systems.

Radiographic Professional Practice 1 - 40 credits

This module provides an introduction to diagnostic radiography practice and begins to develop underpinning knowledge required to ensure patient centred clinical practice.

Supervised clinical practice is a fundamental aspect of this module to ensure threshold skills and professional behaviour outcomes are achieved. These are documented via the Practice Assessment Document with skills being assessed continuously against set descriptors for the level of study.

Core Modules

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Evidence Based Decision Making (Radiography) - 20 credits

This dynamic module equips you with an in-depth understanding of research and evidence and how this informs decision making in healthcare.

By exploring ethical considerations and selecting appropriate approaches, you'll explore the stages involved in the design and planning of a project in health or social care. You'll discuss the strengths and weaknesses of published evidence that inform practice and consider the barriers, enablers, and contextual factors surrounding evidence based decision-making.

Leadership in Healthcare - 20 credits

This module aims to introduce the basic concepts of health service management applicable to diagnostic radiography.

It's designed to equip you with knowledge of Health and Social Care commissioning processes in relation to imaging service provision. This will allow you to analyse and respond to the needs of a community with respect to service delivery, improvement and transformation. Subsequently service user groups and their preferences will be considered. With respect to service transformation, you'll explore management and leadership theories and how these might be applied in the context of diagnostic radiography with respect to organisational culture, behaviour and change. Concepts of leadership, management, coaching and mentoring in relation to performance management, service delivery and service improvement will be introduced.

Radiographic Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology 2 - 20 credits

This module builds upon the knowledge, skills and understanding attained from Radiographic Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology 1 to ensure that you have professionally relevant knowledge and understanding of all of the organ systems in the human body.

It will focus on providing you with knowledge of normal cross-sectional human anatomy of the brain, neck, thoracic cavity and abdominopelvic cavity. With respect to these areas, you'll also attain knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology and imaging of the neurological, digestive, and reproductive systems. Owing to the nature of the imaging practices covered, the issues surrounding the use of contrast and pharmacological agents will be considered where appropriate and within the professional context.

Radiographic Imaging Modalities - 20 credits

Radiographic imaging involves the use of additional modalities to aid with diagnosis.

This module intends to cover the principles and instrumentation for Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Ultrasound (US) and Nuclear Medicine whilst also considering the equipment used for mammography, dynamic imaging, angiography, and interventional procedures. As diagnostic radiographers are required to perform and assist with examinations using these modalities, knowledge of the relevant equipment is therefore necessary to practice in a safe and informed manner.

Radiographic Professional Practice 2 - 40 credits

This module continues to build on skills and knowledge developed in Radiographic Professional Practice 1 and Developing Skills for Diagnostic Radiography.

You'll develop additional skills in working with patients with complex needs and in a variety of imaging modalities across medical imaging. Supervised clinical practice is a fundamental aspect of this module to ensure threshold skills and professional behaviour outcomes are achieved. These are documented via the Practice Assessment Document with skills being assessed continuously against set descriptors for the level of study.

Core Modules

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Image Interpretation - 20 credits

Develop essential skills in interpreting diagnostic radiology images through this engaging module.

You'll gain knowledge of legal and ethical considerations surrounding image interpretation – crucial for professional practice. Through a blend of academic and clinical learning, you'll become competent in analysing radiographic images to reach accurate diagnoses. Key skills include incorporating clinical information with image appearances, evaluating your interpretation against standards, and effectively communicating radiological findings. You'll interpret plain images for diverse examinations, laying foundations to become a skilled practitioner. By completing this module, you move closer towards meeting several HCPC Standards of Proficiency for radiographers.

Project - 40 credits

Design and undertake an in-depth project in your area of interest in this module.

You'll collect and analyse evidence from a variety of sources and explore an area of best practice. From this research, you'll then develop a plan that communicates and critically discusses your findings.

Quality Assurance and Clinical Governance - 20 credits

This module encourages a systematic approach to equipment evaluation, performance, and quality enhancement procedures.

Diagnostic radiographers are required to provide a high standard of service provision. This includes producing high quality medical images while ensuring that the patient dose is as low as reasonably practicable. In light of what is expected of diagnostic radiographers, it is imperative that they are able to evaluate the performance of medical imaging equipment and the service that is provided.

Radiographic Professional Practice 3 - 40 credits

This module will prepare students for practice in their first post as a qualified radiographer.

This module continues to build on skills and knowledge developed in professional Diagnostic Radiography practice. You'll develop additional skills in working with patients with complex needs, including trauma, and in a variety of imaging modalities across medical imaging. Supervised clinical practice is a fundamental aspect of this module to ensure threshold skills and professional behaviour outcomes are achieved. These are documented via the Practice Assessment Document with skills being assessed continuously against set descriptors for the level of study.

How You'll Spend Your Time

One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.

We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.

A Typical Week

We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your Diagnostic Radiography and Medical Imaging degree. In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as tutorials, lectures, seminars and practical classes and workshops for about 20 hours a week. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course. You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.

Most timetabled teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. You may occasionally need to go to University and course events in the evenings and at weekends.

You'll need to be prepared to work evenings, nights and weekends when you're on placement.

Supporting You

The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:

Types of Support

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Personal Tutor

Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.

As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.

Learning Support Tutors

You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.

They can help with:

• improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
• understanding and using assignment feedback
• managing your time and workload
• revision and exam techniques

Academic Skills Support

During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.

Support is available for skills including:

• University study
• Getting into the right study mindset
• Note-taking and note-making skills
• Referencing
• Presentation skills
• Time management, planning, and goal setting
• Critical thinking
• Avoiding plagiarism

If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.

Wellbeing and Mental Health Support

Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.

You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.

Disability Advice and Additional Support

If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.

They'll help you to:

• discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
• liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
• access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
• liaise with external services

Library Support

Library staff are available in person or by email, phone or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from the faculty librarian for science.

The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.

Course Costs and Funding

Tuition Fees

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September 2025 Start

• UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,535 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
• EU students – £9,535 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
• International students – £17,900 per year (may be subject to annual increase)

Additional Funding – at Least £5,000 a Year

UK students on this course may be eligible for additional funding through the NHS Learning Support Fund of at least £5,000 a year. The bursary is non-repayable and is in addition to any other support you are eligible for, including Government student loans.

Additional Course Costs

These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.

Additional Costs

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Accommodation and Living Costs

Our accommodation section show your accommodation options and highlight how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.

Recommended Reading

You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.

You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.

General Costs

We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.

Final Year Project

If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.

Replacement Uniforms and Footwear

Your uniform is included as part of your course fee, but you’ll need to pay £17–£23 for extra or replacement uniforms. You’ll also need to supply your own suitable footwear for placements.

Replacement Equipment

The accessory equipment, such as anatomical side markers, are included in your course costs. You’ll need to pay for replacements if you lose them. These costs will vary, but are normally around £15–£20.

Clinical Placements

You’ll need to meet the costs of accommodation and travel for your clinical placements. Clinical accommodation costs around £400 a month, and travel costs vary. The NHS may meet some of these costs for students eligible for the NHS Learning Support Fund.