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Undergraduate Study

BSc Medical Imaging (Diagnostic Radiography) - 2024 entry

Please note: The below is for 2024 entries. Click here for 2025 entries.
UCAS code B821
Duration 3 years (or 4 years Integrated Masters)
Entry year 2024
Campus St Luke's Campus
Discipline Medical Imaging (Diagnostic Radiography)
Contact

Web: Enquire online
Phone: +44 (0)1392 724061

Typical offer

View full entry requirements

A levels: BBB
IB: 30/555
BTEC: DDM

Contextual offers

A-Level: BCC
IB: 26/544
BTEC: DMM

Overview

  • 88% of graduates in or due to start employment or further study fifteen months after graduation*
  • You will become involve in learning about evidence-based practice and research approaches throughout the degree, which is led by our research-informed teaching.
  • You’ll go on placements for 16 weeks each year, allowing you to fully integrate into your team and understand the full clinical experience
  • Non-repayable maintenance grant between £5-8k per year
  • Some students may be eligible to transfer to a four year Integrated Masters (MSci) programme at the end of year two. This offer will be made on the basis of academic performance in years one and two.
*based on full-time, first degree, UK domiciled graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes survey 2018/19

View 2025 Entry

Request a prospectus

Open Days and visiting us

How to apply

Contact

Web: Enquire online

Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72

Radiography images

Top 15 icon

Top 15 in the UK for Medical Technology

13th in the Complete University Guide 2024

Jigsaw pieces icon

4-month placement blocks each year - become part of the team

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Option to transfer to an Integrated Masters (MSci) programme at the end of Year 2*

*(depending on academic performance in years 1 and 2)

Accreditations

Society and College of Radiographers logo
Health & Care Professions Council logo

BSc Medical Imaging (Diagnostic Radiography) is approved by the Health & Care Professions Council and the Society and College of Radiographers

Entry requirements (typical offer)

Qualification Typical offer Required subjects
A-Level BBB GCE AL science grade B
GCE AL science includes: Biology/Human Biology*; Chemistry; Computing; Design and Technology; Electronics; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies; Geography; Geology; Maths/Pure Maths/Further Maths*; Life and Health Sciences; Physical Education; Physics; Psychology; Science (applied); Statistics.
*If more than one of these is taken they would only count as one 'science' but could count as two A-levels towards our general requirements.
IB 30/555 IB science HL5
BTEC DDM Applicants studying a BTEC National Extended Diploma in a science subject will be considered without GCE AL requirement. Applicants offering a BTEC Extended Diploma in lieu of the GCE A level Science will also be required to have a grade C in GCSE English Language and Mathematics.
GCSE C or 4 Grade C or 4 in both Maths and English Language
Access to HE 24 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 21 L3 credits at Merit grade. 12 L3 credits at Merit grade in a Science subject area.
T-Level Merit T-Level in Health Care Science
Contextual Offer

A-Level: BCC
IB: 26/544
BTEC: DMM

Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers.

Other accepted qualifications

View other accepted qualifications

English language requirements

International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile F. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.

NB General Studies is not included in any offer.

Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply

Access to Higher Education Diploma to Health Science or Science to include 24 Level 3 credits at Distinction Grade and 21 Level 3 credits at Merits Grade, including at least 12 Level 3 credits at Merit Grade in a relevant Science subject. All other Access to Higher Education Diploma applicants will be required to have grade B in an acceptable GCE AL science subject.

Contextual offer

We are committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background. Please refer to our Applications policy

Completing your application form

Each application cycle starts in September. Your application should normally reach UCAS between 1 September and the UCAS equal consideration deadline.

Do I need work experience?

While work experience is not a mandatory entry requirement for our programme, you are encouraged to undertake work experience in a Radiography department to gain an insight in to your desired profession.

Will there be an interview?

If successful at the application stage, you will be invited to an interview during January to March, where you’ll undergo a small multiple mini interview (MMI), which consists of a series of short, structured interview stations used to assess your suitability for the programme. 

During the interview day, we will be assessing your personal qualities, such as your communication skills, empathy, insight in to your own strengths and weaknesses, motivation to study radiography, etc.

What happens next?

All successful applicants after interview will be required to complete a health questionnaire and those accepting an offer will be screened by our Occupational Health Department. 

You may be required to attend a medical examination as part of the admissions process. You will be required to have up to date vaccination records for relevant innoculations in line with University requirements and those of your placement providers.

We require all radiography students to be immunised against certain infectious diseases to meet health and safety standards required to work with patients. We will require students to provide evidence of two MMR jabs, and in addition undergo tests to determine their Hepatitis B surface antigen, TB and HIV status.

Enrolled radiography students will be unable to undertake their studies without evidence of completion of the vaccination process.

Please see the Medical Imaging Admissions Policy 2025 (PDF)‌ for full details on our Medical Imaging admissions selection process.

As you may be working with vulnerable people in a variety of clinical settings throughout the degree programme, all offers are conditional upon a Criminal Conviction Self Declaration and an enhanced disclosure check via the Disclosure & Barring Service (formerly the Criminal Records Bureau). We will review all significant reports of convictions, cautions and verbal warnings and decide on a candidate’s suitability to enter the programme.

International students

International students should check details of our English language requirements.

If your academic qualifications or English language skills do not meet our entry requirements our INTO University of Exeter centre offers a range of courses to help you reach the required language and academic standards.

International Foundation programmes

Preparation for entry to Year 1 of an undergraduate degree:

Foundation programme for Biomedical, Life and Environmental Sciences.

Further information

Please read the important information about our Typical offer.

For full and up-to-date information on applying to Exeter and entry requirements, including requirements for other types of qualification, please see the Applying section.

Read more

Course content

Our BSc (Hons) in Medical Imaging (Diagnostic Radiography) aims to ensure that, on graduation, you have the skills required to successfully embark on a career as a Diagnostic Radiographer and to be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

This full-time three-year programme includes clinical placements in hospitals across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset, which stretch into the summer vacation and, as such, this programme is longer than those in other subjects. You will have three clinical placements as part of the degree programme, where you will attend a different placement site for four months during each year.

Placements

Around fifty percent of your time will be spent in clinical practice. Each clinical block is about 4 months in length. You go to a different placement site for each of your years of study. Our key NHS practice partners across the South West are:

  • Royal Devon and Exeter
  • Torbay
  • Plymouth (Major Trauma Centre)
  • Truro
  • Barnstaple
  • Taunton
  • Yeovil
  • Dorchester
  • Poole (Major Trauma Centre)
  • Bournemouth

In addition to these three core placements, students who transfer to the MSci will undertake a 7 week specialist placement during year 4.

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

This year provides a foundation in the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for radiography. Academic study provides theoretical knowledge of patient care, anatomy, imaging techniques, professional practice and the science that underpins medical imaging. This is then complemented with a clinical placement that provides practical experience in the safe and effective practice of general and fluoroscopic radiography. Modules cover patient care, anatomy and physiology, clinical imaging and practical placement.

This year provides a foundation in the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for radiography. Academic study provides theoretical knowledge of patient care, anatomy, imaging techniques, professional practice and the science that underpins medical imaging. This academic knowledge is then complemented with a clinical placement that provides practical experience in the safe and effective practice of general and fluoroscopic radiography.

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
PAM1016 Research and Evidence Based Practice 15
PAM1018 Foundations of Patient Care 15
PAM1019 Anatomy and Physiology for Radiographers 30
PAM1020 Fundamentals of Radiographic Practice 30
PAM1007 Practical Placement 1 30

Year two develops further understanding of anatomical and physiological concepts in contemporary clinical imaging practice. You will develop your knowledge of radiation science and gain an appreciation of safe and optimal use of radiation-based imaging techniques, alongside a clinical placement. You’ll cover clinical imaging, pathology for radiographers and science for medical imaging, among other modules.

Drawing upon the knowledge and skills learnt in year one, year two develops further understanding of anatomical and physiological concepts in contemporary clinical imaging practice. You will develop your knowledge of radiation science and gain an appreciation of safe and optimal use of radiation-based and non radiation-based imaging techniques. The year two clinical placement provides further practical experience of the safe and effective practice of general and fluoroscopic imaging and introduces interventional radiography and other imaging modalities.

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
PAM2013 Medical Imaging Applications 30
PAM2007 Project Studies 1 15
PAM2011 Science for Medical Imaging 15
PAM2014 Pathology and Image Interpretation 1 30
PAM2006 Practical Placement 2 30

In the final year, you will integrate theory with practice by drawing on your prior experience of imaging modalities, and reinterpreting your knowledge of imaging within a scientific framework. During your final clinical placement you will become an integral member of the multi-professional healthcare team, having responsibility for organising your working day and liaising with staff in other departments, and will gain experience of managing an inter-professional team. Modules include skeletal image interpretation, digital image processing and professional skills for radiographers.

The final year builds upon the knowledge and skills established in the previous two years. You will integrate theory with practice by drawing on your prior experience of imaging modalities, and reinterpreting your knowledge of imaging within a scientific framework. During the third clinical placement you will become an integral member of the multi-professional healthcare team.  You will have responsibility for organising your working day and liaising with staff in other departments, and will gain experience of managing an inter-professional team.

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
PAM3018 Practice Placement 3 30
PAM3004 Project Studies 2 30
PAM3019 Pathology and Image Interpretation 2 30
PAM3012 Digital Image Processing for Radiographers 15
PAM3020 Professional Skills for Radiographers 15

Integrated Masters: MSci Medical Imaging

Two radiographers looking at a screen showing a chest x-ray

You can potentially transfer to our four-year MSci Medical Imaging course at the end of your second year (subject to performance).

The MSci Masters-level course is designed to offer improved preparation for working in cross-sectional imaging. It will broaden your understanding of medical imaging technologies, allowing greater specialisation and career advancement in the future.

If you transfer to the MSci, you will study the 3 years of BSc modules, plus an additional fourth year which includes a 10-week specialist placement.

MSci Medical Imaging (Diagnostic Radiography) modules

You may take optional modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.

 

Stage 1: 120 credits of compulsory modules, 0 credits of optional modules

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
PAM1007 Practical Placement 1 30
PAM1016 Research and Evidence Based Practice 15
PAM1018 Foundations of Patient Care 15
PAM1019 Anatomy and Physiology for Radiographers 30
PAM1020 Fundamentals of Radiographic Practice 30

Stage 2: 120 credits of compulsory modules, 0 credits of optional modules

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
PAM2006 Practical Placement 2 30
PAM2007 Project Studies 1 15
PAM2011 Science for Medical Imaging 15
PAM2013 Medical Imaging Applications 30
PAM2014 Pathology and Image Interpretation 1 30

 Stage 3: 120 credits of compulsory modules (120 Level 6;), 0 credits of optional modules

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
PAM3004 Project Studies 2 30
PAM3012 Digital Image Processing for Radiographers 15
PAM3018 Practice Placement 3 30
PAM3019 Pathology and Image Interpretation 2 30
PAM3020 Professional Skills for Radiographers 15

Stage 4: 90 credits of compulsory modules (90 Level 7), 30 credits of optional modules (all Level 7)

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
PAMM111 Scientific Principles of Cross-sectional Imaging 15
PAMM112 MRI: Theory and Applications 30
PAMM113 CT: Theory and Applications 30
PAMM114 Cross-sectional Imaging Practice Placement 15

Optional modules

CodeModule Credits
HPDM092 Fundamentals of Research Design 15
HPDM128 Principles of Advanced Clinical Practice 30
HPDM142 Principles of Supervision, Mentoring and Coaching 15
HPDM081 Management in Healthcare 15
HPDM105 Education Essentials 15

Fees

Tuition fees for 2025 entry

UK students: £9,250 per year
International students: £30,900 per year

NHS Learning Support Fund

Through the NHS Learning Support Fund, students starting or continuing study on a range of Nursing and Allied Health degrees at undergraduate or postgraduate level can apply for a Training Grant of £5,000 per academic year.

Potential extra payments worth up to £3,000 per academic year will be available for eligible students. This includes £1000 for those studying in an area of shortage specialism, including radiography (diagnostic and therapeutic) and mental health nursing. Find out more and how to apply on the NHS Learning Support Fund website.

The Schwab and Westheimer Trust - Westheimer Scholarship

The Schwab and Westheimer Trust was established to assist young refugees and asylum seekers in accessing education, especially where there are no adequate alternative sources of funding. Read more information, including the eligibility criteria. Applications close at midnight on 3rd June 2022. Interviews for successful candidates will be held in July 2022.

Scholarships

The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students, such as our Global Excellence Scholarships*. Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.

* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.

Find out more about tuition fees and scholarships

Learning and teaching

Your learning is through lectures, tutorials and seminars with clinical placements in the Radiology Department of one of our placement hospitals across the South West. We are strongly committed to offering high levels of student support. You will have a Personal Tutor at the University and during your clinical placements you will be visited fortnightly by a Clinical Tutor who will offer both personal and academic support.

Medical imaging BSc course image

Research-led teaching

We believe every student benefits from being part of a research-led culture and being taught by experts – you will discuss the very latest ideas in seminars and tutorials and become actively involved in research yourself. Research plays an important part in developing patient care and radiography as a whole for the future. You will be taught by staff who are at the cutting edge of their research areas which ensures you receive the most up-to-date knowledge. During your third year you will undertake a research project in which you will investigate a particular aspect of radiography in detail and may have the opportunity to work alongside research staff on current clinical projects.

Assessment

You will be assessed by a combination of continuous assessment (both academic and clinical) and exams. The ratio of continuous assessment to exams is approximately 5:4. You will have to pass the assessments in your first year to proceed to the second year but they do not count towards your degree classification. The assessments in the second and third year will each contribute to your final degree classification.

Clinical Placements

The clinical placements are within Radiology Departments in one of our 10 placement hospitals: Barnstaple, Bournemouth, Plymouth, Dorchester, Poole, Exeter, Taunton, Torbay, Truro and Yeovil. You will spend time at a different placement site each year in order to ensure you get a wide range of clinical experience whilst exploring all that the South West has to offer; be prepared that at least once in the three years it is likely that you will be allocated to a placement site which will require you to move to onsite accommodation. The cost of this accommodation can be reimbursed, dependent on your personal circumstances. In addition this process can take a few weeks, so will need to be considered when budgeting for this course.

During your first placement, you will be working for four and a half days a week, between the hours of 9am and 5pm. In the second and third years you will undertake some weekend and out-of-hours duties. You will always be supervised by a qualified member of staff.

The placements last for four months each and the first year placement will end in mid-August, so the holiday times for this degree do not fall in line with other university courses.
These placement sites will be allocated at least a term in advance of the placement occurring, with the majority of students being given one of their top three preferred choices. Please note you will not be able to return to a placement site that you have previously been to.

Optional modules outside of this course

Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.

Proficiency in a second subject

If you complete 60 credits of modules in one of the subjects below, you may have the words 'with proficiency in [e.g. Social Data Science]' added to your degree title when you graduate.

  • A Foreign Language
  • Data Science
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Innovation
  • Law (Penryn Campus only)
  • Leadership
  • Management
  • Social Data Science

Find out more about proficiency options

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Your future

Two students wearing scrubs walking through the double doors to the Medical Imaging Unit

A Medical Imaging degree is a passport to an interesting job and a fulfilling career. There is a grading structure that sees an individual’s salary increase as they move up the profession. There are also management opportunities and consultant radiography posts are planned.

Radiographers trained in the UK are recognised as being among the best in the world and the health providers of many countries recruit in the UK. On graduation you will be eligible to apply for registration as a diagnostic radiographer with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and for membership of the Society and College of Radiographers. Preparing students for employment is an essential part of our programme.

In addition to the assessed academic and personal skills integrated within the programme, there is a schedule of additional activities designed to enhance the employability of our graduates. 88% of our Medical Imaging students are in or due to start employment or further study fifteen months after graduation.*

Further information on Diagnostic Radiography can be found at:

*based on full-time, first degree, UK domiciled graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes survey 2018/19

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I love that our placements are formed of one large block per year as it really gives you the chance to settle into your placement hospital, allowing you to gain confidence in your own abilities and to push yourself out of your comfort zone with people you have built trust with over the four month period.

Katie

BSc Medical Imaging (Diagnostic Radiography)