Program Overview

Introduction to the Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging Program

The Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging program is a full-time, three-year undergraduate course that aims to produce diagnostic radiographers who are proactive and responsive to the rapidly changing landscape of clinical radiography. This program is accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council and the Society and College of Radiographers.

Why Study This Course

Ranked 2nd in the UK by The Complete University Guide 2025, this program offers outstanding facilities, including a functional diagnostic x-ray room, virtual radiography simulation, and image viewing suite. Students will have early clinical exposure, spending valuable time on placement, learning and working with real patients alongside supportive and knowledgeable staff. Funding is available, with NHS bursary funding for UK students, including support with both tuition fees and living costs.

Program Aims and Objectives

The program aims to produce diagnostic radiographers who are responsible, adaptable, courageous, and resilient, with a focus on evidence-informed practice. Graduates will recognize the importance of knowledge, understanding, and questioning their current and future professional practice. They will be able to transfer knowledge and skills across different learning environments, with people at the heart of their practice, while working within a moral and ethical framework.

Accreditations

The program is accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Society and College of Radiographers (SCoR).

Entry Requirements

We accept a combination of A-levels and other qualifications, as well as equivalent international qualifications, subject to entry requirements. Typical offers are:

• A-level: BBB-BBC, must include grade B in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Psychology
• International Baccalaureate: 31-30 overall or 665-655 in 3 HL subjects, must include grade 5 in HL Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Psychology
• Baccalaureate Wales: accepted in lieu of one A-Level, excluding any specified subjects
• GCSE and other essential requirements: English language or Welsh language at GCSE grade B/6 or an equivalent, four GCSEs at grade C/4, must include Maths, and two sciences (from Biology, Chemistry, and Physics), or equivalent qualifications

English Language Requirements

• GCSE: Grade B or grade 6 in GCSE English Language
• IELTS (academic): at least 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in all subskills
• TOEFL iBT: at least 100 overall with a minimum of 22 in all subskills
• PTE Academic: at least 76 overall with a minimum of 69 in all communicative skills
• Trinity ISE II/III: III, at least a Merit in all components

Interview or Selection Process

We won't make an offer without first interviewing an applicant. The interview process helps us determine if you can think on your feet, have thought about some of the issues that are important to the profession, can critically appraise information, and can communicate ideas effectively.

Tuition Fees

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. A full NHS bursary, including tuition fees and a non-repayable bursary for living costs, is available to applicants from the UK.

Course Structure

The program is modular in format, with each level of study consisting of academic and clinical modules. Each academic level consists of 120 credits, with the final degree requiring successful completion of 360 credits.

Year One

Subjects studied in Year one are Professional Practice and Patient Care, Practice of Imaging, Imaging Technology, and Clinical Practice one. These subjects will introduce you to the theoretical basis of diagnostic radiography practice and include professional behaviors and practice, imaging and radiation sciences, the delivery of patient-centered care, and anatomy and techniques related to the projectional imaging of the skeletal system, chest, and abdomen.

Year Two

Year two develops and supplements the radiographic skills and knowledge gained at level 4, with modules in Imaging Modalities and Research, Enhanced Radiographic Practice, Radiological Imaging, and Anatomy and Clinical Practice two.

Year Three

Year three focuses on enhancing the skills and knowledge already gained, encouraging you to critically analyze and evaluate, demonstrate a sense of judgment, and apply decision-making to a wide range of complex clinical situations.

Learning and Assessment

The program has been designed to focus on the integrated relationship between all of the subjects and topics, with a key focus on the application of theory to the practice of diagnostic radiography in all modules. Diverse learning and teaching methods are used throughout to reflect module content, students' developing knowledge, and growing expertise.

Careers and Placements

On successful completion of this program, you will be eligible for registration as a diagnostic radiographer with the HCPC. In 2019, 100% of graduates were employed or undertaking further study within six months of graduating. Students will undertake required clinical placement learning in all three academic years, with a minimum number of 1460 attendance hours required by all students.

Graduate Careers

Graduates can pursue careers as Diagnostic Radiographers or Therapeutic Radiographers.

Conclusion

The Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging program at Cardiff University is a comprehensive and accredited course that prepares students for a successful career in diagnostic radiography. With its strong focus on clinical practice, research, and patient-centered care, this program is an excellent choice for those who want to make a difference in the healthcare industry.