A career in Healthcare means you will be making a difference to the lives of other every day.
A good application/performance will be taken into account if you do not meet the criteria/offer conditions
Benefit from some of the best university facilities of their kind
Engage with our enthusiastic teaching team who use innovative approaches to deliver an inspiring learning experience
The Foundation Year programme leads on to the Diagnostic Radiography degree that is accredited by the College of Radiographers and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council, which means you will be eligible to register as a diagnostic radiographer on graduating, as long as you meet the HCPC’s requirements.
Please note that it is not possible to apply directly to the following course. For this foundation year course, it is only possible to attain a place if you do not get the grades expected having been provided with an offer for the BSc equivalent.
Beginning with a foundation year
Studying BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography with a Foundation Year is for you if you have the ability to study for a degree, but don’t have the necessary formal qualifications to enter directly on to the Honours degree programme.
It provides you with a firm grounding in the skills and knowledge you need and introduces you to the subject area, enabling you to achieve your full honours degree in four years.
Including a foundation year as part of your four-year study programme will give you a head start in your academic and professional life. The foundation year offers the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence – with extensive support from our expert staff – before you advance to stage one of your honours degree. It could also be beneficial if you are planning a career change and want to get to grips with aspects of subjects which are new to you.
Our degrees with a foundation year are continuous, meaning that you won’t need to apply again once you have successfully completed the first year.
This module will provide students with a theoretical understanding of physiology and anatomy of the relevant body systems.
Fundamental anatomical and physiological concepts will be explored for a range of body systems in relation to what these systems consist of and how they function. The concepts of health and disease will be introduced as the range of body systems are explored.
The module will incorporate both theoretical and practical learning to enable students to apply their knowledge of the human body.
This module aims to gives students an overview of some of the basic chemical principles that form the foundations of chemistry. Students will learn about the fundamental building blocks of chemistry, exploring the states of matter, its structure and organisation. Student will gain an understanding of the chemical principles of interactions and reactions at the atomic level. Students will then explore fundamental chemistry which underpins applied fields such as forensic science and biology.
This module will introduce students to the economic, political and cultural drivers which have influenced the development and delivery of health and social care in the 21st century. At a time when health and social care delivery is changing, students will consider how their own professional attitude and behaviours will influence their role performance in future practice.
This module will provide a basis on which all learners will build regardless of their area of practice. Content and assessment will be based on the fifteen standards contained in the Care Certificate. Students will have the opportunity to undertake interprofessional learning activities and simulation as part of this module. They will participate as interprofessional groups in simulated health and social care scenarios, offering opportunities to learn, rehearse and refine skills in a safe environment.
This offers excellent opportunities for interprofessional learning, which is key to the future sustainability of health and social care systems. Workplace experience (employed and/or voluntary) will be encouraged but is not mandatory.
This module will introduce students to the academic skills needed for study at undergraduate level, and enable them to plan for their future study and career.
This module will introduce students to the basic physical principles which underpin Diagnostic Imaging. The module will apply the theoretical concepts to a wide range of clinical applications, using clinical skills facilities as well as employing problem solving exercises within tutorial sessions. The module will also consolidate some of the basic mathematical skills required for this discipline.
This module will equip you with the foundations of structural, functional and cross-sectional human anatomy. You will develop an understanding of anatomical systems such as the cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, endocrine, urinary and gastrointestinal systems. An exploration of the gross anatomy of the brain will prepare you for developing this in more detail in year 2 and 3; preparing you for practice in head CT scanning. In association with that anatomical understanding you will be exploring the basis of disease and principles of well-being.
You will be reviewing some of the pathologies commonly associated with those body systems, although learning to recognise the associated image appearances will be developed in year 2. It is also important to understand some of the underpinning physiological changes that can occur in commonly imaged conditions, so that too will form part of the curriculum.
As a radiographer you will need to work in a professional manner at all times, which includes always acting in the best interests of the patient (client) and their carers, and working in partnership with other professionals. In order to do this you will need to understand relevant professional standards and legislation related to your role.
This module will be delivered around your practice placement rotation, as the application of theory into clinical practice is a vital component in the development of your professional competence. This will provide you with the opportunity to apply (in a structured way) the theoretical aspects related to professional practice. It also gives you the opportunity to reflect on your experiences in practice around the aspects of patient care and inter-professional working.
In addition to refining these practical skills you will be set objectives to explore other areas of professional practice, such as safe manipulation of the imaging equipment, infection control principles, the basic principles of patient care and aspects of communication, with a level of exploration of Interprofessional working.
This module will introduce you to the foundation of radiographic practice (appendicular, thorax and abdomen) and enable you to assess images in terms of skeletal and soft tissue anatomy and appropriate technical factors.
You will study the relevant skeletal anatomy (bones and joints of the appendicular skeleton and thorax) in detail in order to develop skills in the recognition and assessment of normal radiographic appearances. It is also important that you develop an understanding of the relevant musculature, ligaments and tendons as a foundation to understanding typical image appearances in trauma referrals in years 2 and 3. The integration of radiographic technique with the evaluation of normal radiographic appearances will enable you to apply your knowledge and understanding to clinical practice.
This module will build on the foundations learnt in the Principles of Radiographic Imaging 1 module. You will explore radiographic technique commonly associated with the spine and pelvis (axial skeleton), as well as an introduction to contrast examinations. In this foundation module you will explore commonly performed radiographic projections rather than any additional or adapted techniques - you will develop an understanding of those in year 2.
You will study skeletal anatomy in detail in order to develop skills in the recognition and assessment of normal radiographic appearances and we will introduce you to the principles of a systematic approach to image evaluation.
You will also learn about the use of contrast agents in the imaging department; you will become aware of some of the basic chemistry, the safety issues and how they are administered in practice. Once you have established this understanding you will then go onto review a number of commonly performed contrast agent examinations; principally focusing on the chest and abdomen
The integration of radiographic technique with the evaluation of normal radiographic appearances will enable you to apply your knowledge and understanding to clinical practice.
As a radiographer you will need to understand how the equipment you use works so you can manipulate it safely and efficiently in order to produce the best image possible. Integral to that is an understanding of the nature of radiation you are working with so you can keep yourself and fellow staff safe as well as ensuring that your patients only receive the minimum dose needed to obtain the required images. This module will provide you with a broad overview of the Technology associated with general x-ray imaging along with the Radiation protection legislation associated with its use.
Radiographers also use cross-sectional modalities such as Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging, the basic operation of these modalities will be introduced in preparation for your future studies.
This module allows the concept of evidence based practice to be developed, including the exploration of predominant research methods within health and social care. This will include the critical understanding of different sources of evidence locally, nationally and internationally. The module will also examine in greater depth the ethical issues relating to research, along with key areas relating to the use of data and information in health and social care.
Students will evaluate evidence and appraise how it influences practice. There will be an emphasis on practical research which can influence patient/service user care/experience, as well as looking at how research can influence service delivery, alongside the role of audit and service evaluation in this context too. In developing a ‘research ready’ graduate it is useful to look to inspiring examples from current practice, as well as understanding how research and evidence based practice fits into the career framework for radiographers. In evaluating practice it is vital that practitioners can appraise sources of information in terms of accuracy and reliability, so you will also be introduced to critical appraisal tools and techniques.
As with phase 1, application of theory into clinical practice is a vital component in the development of your professional competence. In phase 2 you will start to broaden your experience of radiographic and professional skills.
You will be exposed to patients with varying needs, e.g. paediatrics, elderly and the critically ill. You will be expected to develop skills to adapt to differing and more challenging situations, whilst working in partnership with other professions. You will explore a number of typical patient journeys, using patient stories as a trigger for discussion and research, through the healthcare setting to enable you to gain an overview of the many factors that are considered integral to patient-centred care.
The module further develops your evaluation of practice by offering placements in other imaging modalities and specialist practice areas (such as Angiography, Interventional, Paediatric etc) thus extending the range of imaging examinations and modalities you experience. In addition to refining these practical skills, you will be set objectives to explore other areas of professional practice. For example, at this stage, the roles of teamwork and a multi-disciplinary approach to healthcare are examined and the role of other imaging modalities is explored.
You will be developing your existing communication skills but now you will be focussing specifically on various patient groups (to include cultural issues, those affected by genetic conditions, children, elderly etc..) to help ensure the health and safety of patients and to be able to consider the psychosocial aspects of care for the patients and the wider carer/family circle. To support the quality and effectiveness of care provided during the patient journey, consideration must also be given to national and local directives, guidance and legislation. You will have considered some of these in general terms at phase 1, but now you will be exploring the impact of these guidelines in the more detail and relating that to the patient’s experience of healthcare.
This module builds upon Principles of Radiographic Imaging 1 & 2 modules by introducing you to additional and adapted skeletal techniques and broadening your knowledge of skeletal anatomy and radiographic image appearances.
You will consider the needs of different patient groups and relate the adaptations of technique required. You will develop your image analysis skills by considering and interpreting the radiographic appearances of trauma and pathology to enable you to articulate and discuss your interpretation of radiographic images, a key skill in your future professional role.
Building on the theory from Phase 1, students will explore the application of radiation protection in a range of circumstances. This is so that students can work safely. During Phase 1 students considered the ‘basic’ x-ray equipment, but now students will look applying that knowledge to consider variations in x-ray tube design (for example, how a tube designed for angiographic work might differ from that used in more general applications). Students will look at how mobile imaging equipment is constructed as well as looking at x-ray equipment for specialist procedures, such as fluoroscopy equipment, dental equipment and image intensifiers.
Building on Phase 1 students will develop a deeper understanding of how other imaging equipment works such as CT, MRI, Nuclear medicine equipment and Ultrasound equipment. As well as understanding how the equipment operates students will also need to appreciate the quality assurance processes used in imaging departments. Students will explore in theory and practice how to undertake QA involving a range of imaging equipment.
Knowing how equipment operates is only a small part of working professionally; producing the best quality image possible is paramount. Students will build on their understanding of how imaging systems work to investigate how to use CR and DR systems to best effect, how images can be manipulated, and how to recognise and report faults. Students will look at how the imaging equipment sits in the clinical systems management chain and their role in maintaining correct records, issues in handling patient data etc.
This module builds upon Principles of Radiographic Imaging 1, 2 and 3 modules by introducing you to radiographic image appearances.
You will develop your image analysis skills by considering and interpreting the radiographic appearances of trauma and pathology to enable you to articulate and discuss your interpretation of radiographic images, a key skill in your future professional role.
You will develop an understanding of the development of red dot, radiographer commenting and radiographer reporting and how has progressed within the context of the radiology profession. Develop an understanding of the role this plays in advancing practice and impact on patient care.
As with phase 1 and phase 2, application of theory into practice is a vital component in the development of your professional competence. In phase 3, you will begin the transition from student to practitioner. You will be expected to refine your ability to evaluate and analyse practice in a range of imaging modalities. Your practical skills will be further refined so you can gain competency in a wide variety of examinations involving differing clinical needs and adaptation of technique.
The module further develops your evaluation of practice by offering specialist placements in clinical practice thus extending the range of imaging examinations and modalities you experience, and exposing you further to interprofessional working.
During this module you will consolidate your knowledge of clinical practice to address current issues within the profession and to identify specific needs for your own professional development.
You will study current and pertinent aspects of practice which will help to broaden your own skills and knowledge base ready for further development upon qualification. You will be encouraged to look to the future and explore how healthcare provision is changing and develop your potential within emerging imaging provision. Healthcare is changing to be more responsive to patient need, so you will look at how service may change and the impact of that on the patient journey and the subsequent requirements of you as a professional. And finally, you will need to be able to identify, record and reflect upon your professional development needs, so in this module you will look at how to do that in preparation for practice.
Effective clinical leadership is being increasing recognised as pivotal in helping to delivery a quality healthcare service for all. Clinical leadership skills are not just required for those that direct and manage, but are important skills to develop at every level of practitioner. As a radiographer you will be undertaking supervision and mentoring of students, junior staff etc. Clinical leadership skills also encompass personal qualities such as self management and self awareness, direction setting as well as making the most of opportunities, managing change and empowering others – to name but a few. In addition you may also be expected to undertake more complex leadership tasks, especially as your role develops and you become more confident in that role. tasks, especially as your role develops and you become more confident in that role.
This module aims to help you explore some of the necessary skill sets for you to successfully undertake these tasks.
You will explore some of the educational theory behind teaching practical skills as well as exploring what is meant by clinical leadership and how those skills can be developed.
Linked in with understanding clinical leadership is understanding how to identify and plan for career/ professional development. So, in this module you will explore some of the current professional issues and explore how those can be developed in your personal, professional development needs.
This module will be centred around a 3 week negotiated practice placement of your choosing. The placement will be related to an area of diagnostic imaging which interests you, and you may choose where you undertake it, this will normally in the UK and subject to negotiation/agreement.
This placement will be different to one of your usual practice placement areas; in order that you experience different perspectives, processes and procedures. You must demonstrate the relevance of your placement to radiographic practice, and agree a learning contract for the placement.
The module will enable you to combine your theoretical knowledge with clinical practice, and evaluate your learning experiences.
This module has two key strands through it; first, there are an increasing array of new and emerging technologies which enhance and inform the delivery of treatment for a variety of pathologies. Secondly, the changing role of the radiographer in the midst of these technological developments presents new challenges and opportunities.
Building on a number of level 4 and 5 modules, you will consider the development and application of these technologies to further enhance patient care.
Radiographers continue to play an important role in the management of patients, and are increasingly expanding and extending their scope of professional practice. This includes image commenting and reporting of an increasing array of medical images from projection radiography, CT, and MR. There are a number of new avenues for radiographers including triage, discharge, and independent prescribing.
Students will select one from each ‘strand’ per fortnight, with a view to exploring in detail the development of one aspect of professional development and one area of emerging technology.
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
From day one you’ll get all the benefits of being a University of Derby student, plus extra support to help you build your knowledge, skills and confidence.
Our teaching team includes qualified health professionals with experience of working in clinical or community settings. Many hold external roles with hospitals, the College of Radiographers, the Health and Care Professions Council, and other universities.
Our Programme Leader, Alex Partner, previously worked as a full-time clinical radiographer at Leicester Royal Infirmary, gaining experience in CT, theatre, fluoroscopy, paediatrics, plain film and accident and emergency radiography.
She has a special interest in plain film trauma imaging and CT. Her research interests centre on radiography education. Alex is an external examiner for Portsmouth University, a peer reviewer for the Radiography journal and an ISAS assessor. She also sits on the HCPC ‘fitness to practise’ panels.
Personal academic tutoring
Your personal academic tutor will work with you to help you get the most out of your time at university. Having someone to talk to about your academic progress, your university experience and your professional aspirations is hugely valuable. We want you to feel challenged in your studies, stretched but confident to achieve your academic and professional goals.
Access to HE Diploma - 60 credits: 45 at level 3 with a minimum of Dist: 0 Merit: 30 Pass: 15
We usually consider an A-level in General Studies as a supplementary qualification. A good application/performance will be taken into account if you do not meet the criteria/offer conditions.
An Occupational Health Assessment and Clearance by the University is required for this course. We will contact you with information on how to complete this when required. More information.
Our entry requirements for this course should be read together with the University's general entry requirements, which details subjects we accept, alternative qualifications and what we're looking for at Derby.
Fees and funding
2020/21 Fees
Full-time
Part-time
UK/EU
£9,250 per year*
N/A
International
£14,700 per year
N/A
* The fees stated above are for the 2019/20 academic year; fees for 2020/21 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. We will update this information as soon as it is available.
Students on Nursing and Allied Health Profession (AHP) courses take out maintenance and tuition loans like other undergraduate courses. Additional financial support is available from the NHS for this course. Please see the NHS website for more information.
Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.
This course is only available to students who have applied for the equivalent three-year degree and have been offered this as a more suitable alternative by our Admissions team.
We are not currently accepting direct applications.
Careers
Graduates from the BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography degree are able to apply for registration with the UK Health and Care Professions Council as a diagnostic radiographer, as long as you meet the HCPC’s requirements, fully prepared to work in the rapidly expanding field of medical imaging.
Many graduates from the BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography degree go on to secure jobs at their placement hospitals and build on the skills they have gained on the course to become advanced practitioners.
Extensive careers guidance is integrated at every stage of the course, including CV writing and interview skills. There are annual recruitment days held at the University where you will have the chance to meet prospective employers.
Opportunities for further study
We offer an exciting range of postgraduate courses to help you take your qualifications, skills and experience to the next level or to pursue new directions within the profession. These include our innovative MSc Medical Ultrasound which features a flexible part-time pathway as well as a fast-track full-time pathway.
You could also consider various postgraduate qualifications specialising in areas such as osteoporosis and falls management, bone densitometry reporting, and radiographic image analysis of the appendicular skeleton.
Ongoing careers support
Our Careers and Employment Service will provide you with help, guidance and support from day one of your course – and for up to three years after you’ve completed your studies.
If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
Additional costs and optional extras
We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.
Included in your fees
Travel and accommodation expenses associated with placements are to be met
Uniforms
Markers, name badges and ID holders
Radiographic Technique DVD
Printing and binding of clinical portfolios
DBS Check
Health Screening and vaccinations
Mandatory costs not included in your fees
Travel to three week elective placement in Year Three if out of usual placement rotation
Suitable footwear for skills sessions and placements approx. £40
Optional costs not included in your fees
Theatre Shoes approx. £20
Text books to supplement anything available through the library various prices depending on content
Printing costs of course materials if a hard copy is desired approx. 5p per sheet
Attendance at conferences such as UKRC or ECR
Society & College of Radiographers student membership if desired approx. £48
Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.
Minimum numbers
Please note that this course is subject to minimum numbers in order to run.
