Program Overview

Radiotherapy and Oncology - BSc (Hons)

Overview

The Radiotherapy and Oncology degree programme is tailored to provide the education and training required for first post therapeutic radiographers.

Summary

The BSc Hons Radiotherapy and Oncology programme is designed to provide vocational education at undergraduate level for careers in therapeutic radiography. Therapeutic Radiography involves the use of ionising radiation in the treatment of cancer and non-malignant disorders. A therapeutic radiographer is responsible for the planning and delivery of the treatment prescription together with the general healthcare of the patient. It is important to note that radiotherapy involves working with ill and vulnerable patients and that patient care is as vitally important as the technical aspects of the role.

About this course

Attendance

Three years, full-time including eight week long clinical placements each summer between Year 1 and 2 and between Year 2 and 3.

Academic semesters, Monday to Friday, 12 weeks of on-campus contact hours: Year 1 (level 4) averaging 20 hrs /wk, year 2 (level 5) averaging 16 hrs/wk, year 3 (level 6) averaging 12 hrs/wk. The total effort hours per semester (contact time and self-directed study) is 600 hours, averaging 40 hrs/wk. Clinical Placement modules - Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.00pm, 40 hrs/wk.

Start dates

• September 2025

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

The programme is delivered by a combination of academic and professional practice modules. The academic subjects include a basic education and training in human anatomy, physiology and pathology, physics applied to radiotherapy, radiation protection, clinical studies and an introduction to clinical oncology and radiotherapy science. Individuals undertake professional practice/clinical placement training within a designated hospital radiotherapy department. Much of the professional practice is undertaken during the summer months.

Modules

Year one

• Foundations for Interprofessional Practice
• Anatomy & Physiology for Radiotherapy
• Radiotherapy Physics 1
• Preparation for Radiotherapy Practice
• Radiotherapy and Oncology 1
• Radiotherapy Legislation and Procedures
• Professional Practice Placement (R&O) 1

Year two

• Health Science Research
• Imaging in Radiotherapy
• Radiotherapy Physics 2
• Radiotherapy and Oncology 2
• Psychosocial & Palliative Care
• Professional Practice Placement (Rad & Onc) 2

Year three

• Research Project
• Radiotherapy and Oncology 3
• Radiotherapy Physics 3
• Professional Practice Placement (Rad & Onc) 3
• Cancer Service Evaluation (optional)
• European Radiotherapy Exchange Placement (optional)

Standard entry conditions

• A level: BBB to include one from: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Double Award Life & Health Sciences (Grade BB) or Double Award Applied Science (Grade BB).
• Applied General Qualifications: RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma. Applicants must meet the GCSE Science requirements for the course.
• Irish Leaving Certificate: Grades H3,H3,H3,H3,H3 to include English, Maths, Physics (Physics with Chemistry acceptable), plus one of Biology or Chemistry.
• Access to Higher Education (HE): Overall profile of 65% (120 credit Access course) (NI Access course), including 65% in each Level 3 module to include Physics and one of Biology or Chemistry.
• GCSE: For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language, additionally GCSE Mathematics Grade C/4. Plus GCSE Physics Grade C/4 and either GCSE Biology or GCSE Chemistry Grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science Grade BB/66.

English Language Requirements

• Academic IELTS 7.0 with no band score less than 6.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Additional Entry Requirements

• As part of the selection for this course, applicants who meet the subject entry criteria will be required to undertake the Medical Selection Admissions Test (MSAT-Ulster).
• You will be required to demonstrate good health prior to commencing the course. You will therefore complete a health declaration form which will be screened by the University’s Occupational Health Department who will confirm your medical fitness to undertake the course.
• Acceptable alternative qualifications include: HND (Science related e.g. Applied Science/Biology) entry requirement: Pass HND with overall Merit to include 60 distinctions in Level 5 credits/units. Applicants must also meet the GCSE Science requirements for the course.

Careers & opportunities

• Graduate employers: Radiotherapy Departments - UK wide, The Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Western Trust - Radiotherapy Centre.
• Job roles: Therapeutic Radiographer, Radiographer (Therapeutic), Radiation Therapist.
• Career options: Excellent employment opportunities for Radiotherapy and Oncology graduates exist within the National Health Service, in private medicine and in those companies concerned with the manufacture and sale of radiotherapy equipment.
• Work placement / study abroad: The Radiotherapy and Oncology students undertake professional practice placement modules as an integral part of the programme. Final year students have the opportunity to undertake an elective clinical placement at a hospital of their choosing either at home or abroad.

Professional Recognition

• Approved by the College of Radiographers (CoR).
• Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for the purpose of providing eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC as a radiographer.

Fees and funding

• Funding is available for this course.
• Additional mandatory costs include: AccessNI Check, Health Screening, Membership of Society of Radiographers, Placement Expenses, Uniforms.