Program Overview

Bachelor of Radiography in Diagnostics

Programme Information

The Bachelor of Radiography in Diagnostics is a healthcare science occupation dealing with medical diagnostic images. It is one of the rapidly growing occupations in modern healthcare. The degree involves learning about professional, technical, and clinical aspects of radiography. Students follow an academic and work-integrated learning programme. Students rotate at different provincial hospitals and private practices to gain the compulsory clinical training. The programme meets the national legislative requirements of DHET, CHE, and SAQA approval of minimum 480 credits qualification (NQF Level 8).

Programme Content

The Bachelor of Radiography in Diagnostics programme requires four years of full-time study, followed by one year of compulsory community service. Clinical tuition takes place in the radiology departments at various hospitals and private radiological practices. Students are allocated to these centres to gain the compulsory clinical experience needed to conduct various radiographic examinations and procedures competently.

• Categories of radiography offered at the University of Pretoria:
  • Diagnostic radiography honours: an in-depth study of specialised aspects and imaging modalities.
  • Radiotherapy: entails the use of high-energy radiation in the treatment of benign and malignant tumours.
  • Nuclear medicine: entails the administration of a radiopharmaceutical substance to a patient to demonstrate the anatomy and functioning of organs.
  • Diagnostic ultrasound at honours level: contributes to the early diagnosis and possible treatment of clinical conditions that affect different categories of patients.

Career Opportunities

Radiographers, academics, and researchers.

Faculty Notes

Modules will be presented only in English, which is the University's official language of tuition, communication, and correspondence. The Faculty of Health Sciences continues to exemplify and build on the University of Pretoria's vision of being a leading research-intensive university in Africa.

Admission Requirements

• Minimum requirements:
  • Achievement level:
    • English Home Language or English First Additional Language: 4
    • Mathematics: 4
    • Physical Sciences: 4
    • APS: 30
• Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS.
• Applicants currently in Grade 12 must apply with their final Grade 11 (or equivalent) results.
• Applicants who have completed Grade 12 must apply with their final NSC or equivalent qualification results.
• Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.

Selection Process

• Selection criteria are available on the faculty's webpage.
• Sixty (60) first-year students are selected annually.
• Only first-choice applicants are considered.

Minimum Duration

4 years, full-time.

Programme Details

• The personal characteristics of a radiographer include a genuine desire to help sick and injured patients.
• Self-discipline, accuracy, and responsibility will assist the radiographer in dealing with any situation.
• The ideal candidate must have the following characteristics:
  • Good moral character
  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Able to make quick and responsible decisions
  • Critical thinking (problem-solving) skills
  • Pays attention to detail (remains focused)
  • Demonstrates initiative
  • Works well under stress
  • Can accept and use constructive criticism

Closing Dates

• South Africa: 30/06/2025
• International: 30/06/2025

Transferring Students

A transferring student is a student who, at the time of applying at the University of Pretoria (UP), is/was a registered student at another tertiary institution. A transferring student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance. Students who have been dismissed from other institutions due to poor academic performance will not be considered for admission to UP.

Returning Students

A returning student is a student who, at the time of application for a degree programme, is/was a registered student at UP, and wants to transfer to another degree at UP. A returning student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance. Students who have been excluded/dismissed from a faculty due to poor academic performance may be considered for admission to another programme at UP, as per faculty-specific requirements. Only ONE transfer between UP faculties and TWO transfers within a faculty will be allowed. Admission of returning students will always depend on the faculty concerned and the availability of space in the programmes for which they apply.