BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography Bachelor's degree at Birmingham City University
BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography at BCU leads to a nationally recognised Bachelor's qualification. The university holds Silver status for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
About this course
Want to study diagnostic radiography at university? Our degree is approved by the college of radiographers and you will spend time on placement to enhance your clinical experience. Find out about our entry requirements. From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at BCU, based in City South Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Medical technology graduates from this provider, 95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 90% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £28,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Nursing & Health, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Moderate evidence Published sample: 35; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 95% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 90% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year One 7 modules
- Academic Skills and KnowledgeCore20 credits
Module details
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.
- Principles of Radiation Production and ProtectionCore20 credits
Module details
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
- The Chest, Abdomen and PelvisCore20 credits
Module details
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,
- Principles of Conventional RadiographyCore20 credits
Module details
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 Appendicular SkeletonCore20 credits
Module details
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 rad
- Introduction to Care and Professional PracticeCore20 credits
Module details
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 wi
- Clinical Placement in Diagnostic Radiography 1Core
Module details
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.
Year Two 6 modules
- Considerations for Professional PracticeCore20 credits
Module details
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.
- The Axial SkeletonCore20 credits
Module details
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.
- Radiographic Technologies and Imaging PrinciplesCore40 credits
Module details
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.
- Systems of the BodyCore20 credits
Module details
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 i
- Further Academic Skills and Knowledge - Preparing for ResearchCore20 credits
Module details
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.
- Clinical Placement in Diagnostic Radiography 2Core
Module details
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.
Year Three 5 modules
- Advanced Academic Skills and Knowledge – ResearchCore40 credits
Module details
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.
- Adaptive Radiography and Advancing TechnologiesCore40 credits
Module details
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 t
- Preparation for Professional PracticeCore20 credits
Module details
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.
- Critical Thinking in PracticeCore20 credits
Module details
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
- Clinical Placement in Diagnostic Radiography 3Core
Module details
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.
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This course is approved by the College of Radiographers and combines theoretical study with substantial clinical placement to build hands-on diagnostic imaging expertise. You'll usually start with foundations in imaging physics, anatomy and clinical skills, then progress to specialist areas such as adult radiography, cross-sectional imaging and emergency imaging. Throughout all three years, you'll undertake supervised placements in hospital radiology departments and imaging centres, a core requirement that typically accounts for around half your time, to develop practical competence alongside classroom and laboratory learning. Your final year draws together evidence-based practice, advanced imaging techniques and preparation for professional registration.
Who it's for
This course suits students with A-level qualifications or equivalent; 71% of recent entrants held these. The typical UCAS tariff among accepted students fell between 144 and 159 points. You'll study full-time in English and should expect to engage with practical, clinical learning as part of diagnostic radiography training.
University & format
This BSc (Hons) degree is studied full-time over 3 years at Birmingham City University, a public university based at City South Campus in Birmingham. Teaching is delivered in English. The course is recognised as a UK degree-awarding body and is approved by the College of Radiographers, qualifying graduates for registration as diagnostic radiographers.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Names detected beside accreditation or recognition copy on the provider course page; verify the route and intake.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 71% |
| an Access course | 24% |
| a previous degree | 4% |
| another higher-education qualification | 2% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students typically held strong UCAS tariffs. Check how your predicted grades compare and whether a contextual offer applies.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at BCU →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
National funding for this subject
- NHS Learning Support Fund: Eligible nursing, midwifery and allied-health students can receive a non-repayable training grant. Official guidance
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Nursing & Health graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £28,000 | £28,000 – £29,000 | 35 |
| 3 years after | £31,500 | £26,000 – £36,500 | 175 |
| 5 years after | £36,500 | £30,000 – £45,500 | 175 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 35; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Newly Qualified PractitionerPreceptorship / first post · 0–2 yrs
- 2Registered PractitionerAutonomous practice · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / SpecialistSpecialist or team lead · 5–10 yrs
- 4Advanced / Consultant PractitionerAdvanced practice or management · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Nursing & Health nationally
National figures for Nursing & Health graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 35; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Nursing & Health courses at the same study level.
Compared with 1,506 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Other Health ProfessionalsSOC 2020 225 · 90% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,902
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 75; response rate: 50%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Nursing & Health graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine documentation and triage support
- Scheduling and records admin
- First-pass risk flags from data
- Standard reference look-ups
More human than ever
- Hands-on, compassionate care
- Clinical judgement and accountability
- Communicating with patients and families
- Ethics and safeguarding decisions
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Nursing & Health graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- NHS trusts
- Private healthcare
- Care providers
- Community & mental-health services
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Nursing & Health graduates.
Nursing Home ManagerJarrodean Healthcare RecruitmentSenior Charge Nurse Uist Community Nursing teamNHS National Services ScotlandCare Assistant - Nursing Home | Flexible Hours, Weekly PayMpa RecruitmentCare Assistant (Nursing) - Nightshift - RatheaneMacklin Care Homes LimitedSenior Support Worker: Meaningful Care & Flexible ShiftsPotens GroupDental NurseBupa Dental CareIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £28,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.8 out of 10: NSS 78.4% · in work or study 95% · continued 90%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Birmingham City University
Subjects allied to medicine across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around City South Campus
1,592 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Nursing & Health right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to BCU from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by BCU; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check BCU’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with BCU and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at BCU
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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