Program Overview

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Introduction to the Radiography Program

The Radiography program at University College Dublin (UCD) is a comprehensive course designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and expertise necessary to become competent radiographers. Radiographers play a crucial role in the healthcare system, utilizing medical imaging technologies to produce high-quality images that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

Program Overview

The BSc Radiography program is accredited by the Health and Social Care Professionals council (CORU) and is designed to meet the needs of modern healthcare. The program is delivered in a state-of-the-art, interdisciplinary environment by expert staff from within the UCD School of Medicine and throughout the clinical training network.

Key Features of the Program

• Innovative and technology-driven curriculum
• State-of-the-art facilities, including 3D virtual reality rooms, anatomy labs, and a fully functioning x-ray room
• Clinical immersion, where students work alongside radiography colleagues and other health professionals to learn and refine their professional skills
• Development of professional knowledge and practice in an evidence-based, research-oriented, and international context

What Will I Study?

The program covers a wide range of topics, including radiation science and technology, human anatomy, radiographic technique, healthcare imaging and information systems, and clinical placement. Students will also develop their professional skills, including communication, teamwork, and patient care.

First Year

In the first year, students are introduced to the fundamental concepts of radiation science and technology, human anatomy, and radiographic technique. They will also interact with patients at one of the teaching hospitals.

• Anatomy
• Practice of Radiography
• Technology of Radiography
• Healthcare Imaging and Information Systems
• Clinical Placement
• Professional Skills
• Elective Module

Second Year

During the second year, students develop and refine their scientific knowledge, undertake physiology modules, and build their expertise with regard to radiographic equipment and examination.

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Practice of Radiography
• Technology: Radiology Informatics
• Radiographic Image Interpretation
• Clinical Placement
• Radiation Protection
• Paediatric Radiography
• Professionalism
• Elective Module

Third Year

In the third year, students deepen their knowledge of radiographic technique and introduce the study of pathology. New diagnostic technologies are also introduced, including computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, and radionuclide imaging.

• Computed Tomography
• Ultrasound
• Research and Evidence-Based Practice
• Mechanisms of Disease
• DXA and Mammography
• Clinical Placement
• Cross Sectional Anatomy
• Interventional Radiology

Fourth Year

Throughout the fourth year, the study of pathology is integrated with and underpins a critical approach to imaging techniques and radiographic image evaluation. Students also submit a dissertation towards the end of the stage.

• Professional Completion
• Legal Medicine
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Nuclear Medicine
• Research Project
• Systematic Pathology
• Erasmus opportunities
• Clinical placement

Learning Environment

The program is delivered in a world-class imaging and clinical facility, with access to a networked Picture Archive and Communication System (PACS) and a teleconference equipped lecture theatre. Students will also have the opportunity to work in a network of teaching hospitals, refining their professional skills alongside radiography colleagues.

Professional Clinical Experience

Students will undertake in excess of 1,000 hours of hospital-based training over the course of the degree in some of the 23 clinical training centers across Ireland. Handling radiographic equipment will first be practiced in UCD's own imaging facilities before progressing to performing examinations on patients under professional radiographer supervision.

International Study Opportunities

Students may apply for a three-month Erasmus exchange with one of the European partner institutions. Further elective opportunities include visiting the USA and Austria.

Career and Graduate Study Opportunities

Diagnostic imaging is a growth area in Ireland and internationally, with all graduates in the past five years obtaining employment as radiographers. Radiographers can also be employed outside of the radiology department as clinical applications specialists, sales specialists, and hospital management. Some graduates proceed to PhD studies, pursuing research and/or developing specialist clinical skills.

Admissions

Irish/EU applicants will be required to apply via the Central Applications Office (CAO) system, presenting their State or International School Leaving Examination. Non-EU applicants will be required to apply directly to UCD International Admissions, presenting their relevant School Leaving Examination results, two letters of reference, and a short personal statement.

Programme Requirements

Students must fulfill specific program requirements, including health screening, Garda vetting, commitment to ethical and professional conduct, and requirements for participation in clinical education.

Conclusion

The Radiography program at UCD offers a comprehensive education in radiography, combining academic knowledge with hands-on clinical training. With its innovative curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, and international study opportunities, this program is ideal for students interested in pursuing a career in radiography.