Studying radiography degree guide

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Radiography uses radiation to either produce internal images of the body or to treat cancer. If you’re studying radiography, you’ll find that there are two main branches – diagnostic radiography and therapeutic radiography. Diagnostic radiography focuses on medical imaging, taking an internal picture which can be used to diagnose medical conditions, whereas therapeutic radiography uses radiation to treat cancer by killing the cancerous cells.

Find radiography courses.

What do you need to get on a radiography degree?

Entry requirements vary depending on the uni and exact course you’re interested in, but typically offers for radiography courses require 112-128 UCAS points. You can achieve this by getting the following grades:

ABB – BBC in A-levels
DDD – DDM in BTECs
ABBBB – BBBBB in Scottish Highers
BBB – BBC in Advanced Highers
32 – 28 in IB

Most unis will want you to have studied science at higher or advanced level, and you may be invited to interview. You’ll also need to complete a DBS check (PVG scheme in Scotland) so you can be cleared to work with vulnerable people and children.

Find out how to apply to uni through UCAS.

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What radiography degrees can you study?

In the UK, the undergraduate radiography degrees on offer include:

Courses in radiography typically include a work placement as a part of your degree.

Learn about the different types of undergraduate courses.

What topics does a radiography degree cover?

The exact topics covered on a radiography degree will depend on the exact course you’re studying, but some topics common across many radiography degrees include:

Advanced radiation oncology and patient care
Anatomy and physiology for radiographers
Anatomy and physiology for the radiographer
Assessing and addressing complexity
Diagnostic pathways and associated imaging techniques
Digital image processing for radiographers
Imaging physics and technology
Introduction to the role of the healthcare professional
Pathology and image interpretation
Planning and dosimetry
Radiation physics
Research methods for effective practice
Supportive care in oncology
Working in interprofessional teams

What do you learn studying a radiography degree?

Some of the subject-specific skills you’ll learn on a radiography degree include:

Technical expertise in using machines and interpreting results
Knowledge and skills to deliver effective treatment
Professional competence, understanding of ethical and legal boundaries
How to maintain safe practice
Familiarity with advanced technology including targeting cancer and dosing correctly

Some of the transferable skills you’ll learn include:

Adaptability
Analytical and reflective thinking
Attention to detail
Communication
Decision making
Empathic interpersonal skills
Manual dexterity
Problem solving
Team working
Time management

What professional accreditations can you get with a radiography degree?

All radiography degrees must be approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Degrees may also be approved by the College of Radiographers (CoR) and may offer student membership of the Society of Radiographers (SoR).

What can you do with a radiography degree?

Radiography degrees are already highly specialised, so most graduates go on to work as diagnostic or therapeutic radiographers. Within these roles, however, you can specialise further. Some of the specialisms you could opt for include:

Accident and emergency
Certain cancers, techniques or equipment
Emerging technologies
Palliative care
Sonography
Terminal illness
Trauma

Check out our careers guides here.

How long is a radiography degree?

Most radiography degrees are three years long however you may find that some courses are four years long. Courses with a foundation year will have an extra year of study added on at the start of the course, so these are normally four years.

How will you be assessed?

The exact method of assessment will depend on the modules you’re studying. However, throughout your degree you can expect to be assessed via a combination of: