Curious about studying Diagnostic Radiography - BSc (Hons)at Birmingham City University? We've gathered all the key details—entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Hear from real students by checking out reviews, or take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
City South Campus, Edgbaston
Full Time
Sep 2027
3 Year
As a diagnostic radiographer you play a valuable part in a service user’s pathway by providing the imaging needed to support their diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. This is done through the use of highly specialist technology. A career in diagnostic radiography combines science, technology, patient care and an eye for detail. As well as being a rewarding field to work in, it offers a diverse career pathway with a variety of options to progress to advanced practice. Our Diagnostic Radiography course here at BCU is approved by the College of Radiographers and will support you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to prepare you to become a fully qualified diagnostic radiographer once you have graduated. On successful completion of all course requirements, you will be entitled to apply for registration with the regulator, the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), to gain registered practitioner status and be able to practice in the UK either within the NHS or the private sector. Our West Midlands based Diagnostic Radiography course provision is well-established and will offer you a mixture of education in academic and clinical environments. When on campus, as well as classroom delivery, you will have access to our specialist teaching spaces, including a well-equipped x-ray suite, image viewing facilities, ward, and operating theatre. You will also develop your specialist skills as you spend time on placements within a variety of imaging departments supported by our clinical partners in the Midlands region. Your academic studies include subjects which form the core of diagnostic radiography practice, including the study of human anatomy, physiology and pathology, principles of radiation and imaging, and how to deliver exacting standards of patient care in the context of varying social and psychological needs. You will also develop a strong understanding of what it means to be a registered professional. The purpose of this is to ensure that you are prepared for practice with all the skills and knowledge you need to be a competent and confident diagnostic radiographer. This course will also support you with your employability skills so that you are ready to make the move into the working world as you complete your studies. As you advance your knowledge of diagnostic radiography practice and the application of imaging technology to differing pathologies, you will develop academic and analytical skills and will explore the research evidence that forms the bases of current and emergent practices. You will also develop your ability to apply research strategies to health and care practice and will consolidate your clinical skills and knowledge to support your transition to registered practitioner status.
This module will introduce you to the skills required when studying in higher education and to the resources that you will be using to support your academic and personal development. You will use the skills and resources introduced in this module throughout the course and after successful completion of your studies, to enable lifelong learning as a competent and autonomous practitioner.
The aim of this 20-credit module is to provide you with an introduction to the technical aspects of being a radiographer. Throughout the module, there will be a strong emphasis on safety and the application of legislation relevant to medical imaging. Via a mixture of theory and practice, you will learn about principles of x-ray production, as well as an introduction to some of the technical factors that affect a beam of x-radiation and how they can be manipulated. You will also learn about how x-rays interact with the body and how radiographers are trained to use ionising radiation safely and effectively.
The aim of this 20-credit module is to provide you with a grounding in diagnostic imaging whilst taking a holistic approach to the patient. The module provides you with the necessary theory and practical experience to enable you to competently perform basic radiographic imaging examinations of the chest, abdomen and pelvis and to evaluate the images produced. It will integrate anatomical knowledge with basic radiographic techniques and image evaluation for conventional radiography of the chest, abdomen and pelvis. Justification of imaging requests will be considered, as will the process of bone formation.
The aim of this 20-credit module is to build on the skills learnt in RAD4063 Principles of Radiation Production and Protection to support your introduction to the technical aspects of being a radiographer. Throughout the module, there will continue to be a strong emphasis on safety and the application of legislation relevant to diagnostic imaging.
The aim of this 20-credit module is to continue to provide you with a grounding in diagnostic imaging whilst taking a holistic approach to the patient. Building on the knowledge acquired in RAD4059 The Chest, Abdomen and Pelvis, the module provides you with the necessary theory and practical experience to enable you to competently perform basic radiographic imaging examinations of the appendicular skeleton and to evaluate the images produced. It will integrate anatomical knowledge with basic radiographic techniques and image evaluation for conventional radiography of the appendicular skeleton. Justification of imaging requests will be considered, as will fracture mechanisms.
The aim of this 20-credit module is to provide you with an introduction to the care skills you will utilise as a Diagnostic Radiographer. You will also consider what it means to work as a healthcare professional in the NHS. This module will introduce and support you in achieving the skills and knowledge necessary to prepare you for clinical practice. Learning on this module will consist of large group lectures, workshops in our skills facilities, group discussions and online activities. There will also be the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills developed in this module to practice during your clinical placements.
Through engagement with an allocated rotation of partnership practice placements, you will gain firsthand experience in a range of clinical settings and imaging modalities. Linking to the core principles and knowledge taught in your level 4 academic modules, your clinical module will offer you the opportunity to develop your clinical and care skills, radiographic technique, and professional aspects of practice.
This module aims to increase your awareness of the ethical, legal and professional issues inherent in healthcare provision to facilitate autonomous practice. It helps you to develop a pro-active lifelong learning approach which will enable you to provide consistent service user focussed care. This includes those patient groups who require extra care and/or experience inequalities when accessing healthcare.
This 20-credit module allows you to build on the skills learnt at Level 4 relating to anatomy, physiology, and osteology, but this time with a focus on the axial skeleton. You will study the osteology of the skull, face and spine, covering basic radiographic techniques of these areas as well as common pathologies and mechanisms of injuries that affect these regions. Basic radiographic techniques of these areas will be practiced across a range of modalities.
The aim of this 40 credit module is to build upon the principles learnt in the level 4 modules Principle of Radiation Production and Protection and Principles of Conventional Imaging. As at level 4, there will be a strong emphasis on safety and the application of legislation relevant to medical imaging.
This 20-credit module allows you to build on the skills learnt at Level 4 relating to anatomy, physiology, and osteology, but this time with a focus on the systems of the body. You will explore the anatomy and physiology of multiple systems of the body, as well as a range of associated pathologies. You will discover the role that contrast agents play in the imaging of these systems and how Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Ultrasound, Radionuclide Imaging, and others are used to identify different pathologies.
This module will build upon the ‘Academic Skills and Knowledge’ module at level four. It is intended that by studying this module you will gain an understanding of the use of a range of research tools. It will further develop your study skills, especially in critique and analysis of research and evidence, to support your progression.
Building on your level 4 academic and clinical modules, this module will support you in further developing and applying the commensurate skills necessary to competently complete a radiographic examination to the ability expected of a level 5 student.
This module will build upon the ‘Further Academic skills and Knowledge – Preparing for Research’ module at Level 5. Development of research skills and knowledge will underpin future practice in line with the aims of the College of Radiographers Research strategy and the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) to embed research throughout the professions of therapeutic radiography and diagnostic radiography.
The aim of this 40-credit module is to build upon the principles learnt in levels 4 and 5. As with earlier modules, there will be a strong emphasis on safety and the application of legislation relevant to medical imaging. The module will encourage you to take a critical approach to modern radiographic practice. Using a mixture of theoretical and practical teaching, you will develop your knowledge, skills and practice of more advanced radiographic techniques and new developments, supporting you to apply your knowledge to complex clinical situations. Alongside this, you will be encouraged to further develop the necessary communication skills to work safely and effectively within a multi-professional team in challenging healthcare environments. You will also develop the image interpretation and communication skills required to provide a written preliminary clinical evaluation of radiographic images.
In order to prepare you for employment and professional practice, this module aims to develop your knowledge of leadership, governance, preceptorship and mentoring. You will be guided through the process of searching and applying for jobs and have the opportunity to develop your interview skills.
This module will give you the opportunity to further develop your knowledge and critical thinking skills with regards to one area of clinical practice that you are interested in. At the start of the module, you will choose one pathology to focus on. You will also be able to negotiate the exact form of final assessment that you will use to demonstrate achievement of the module learning outcomes. A selection of assessment methods will be available for you to choose from. If you wish to undertake a different method of assessment, this can be negotiated with the module team.
Building on your level 4 and 5 academic and clinical modules, this module will support you in further developing and applying the commensurate skills necessary to competently complete a range of imaging examinations to the ability expected of a level 6 student and ultimately, a newly-qualified autonomous diagnostic radiographer.
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