BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography · University of CumbriaBachelor's degree · 3 years
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BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography Bachelor's degree at the University of Cumbria

BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography at University of Cumbria. The university is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, and this qualification is nationally recognised.

BSc (Hons)
Award
3
Years
Full-time
Study mode
85%
in work/study (15m)

About this course

University Student Finance & Loans - University of Cumbria Block > Hero (Title, Image & Button) Stylesheet --> Block > Text (Title, Sub, Content & Video) Stylesheet --> Block > Big Image and Text Grid Stylesheet --> Block > Carousel blocks Stylesheet --> --> Block > Image & text Stylesheet --> --> Block > Image & text From the provider’s course page.

BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Cumbria, based in In Carlisle. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.

For Medical technology graduates from this provider, 85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 95% 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.

8.1
/ 10
Excellent
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Strong78

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)

Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Excellent85

Limited evidence Published sample: 25; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 85% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Excellent81

Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 81% (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 6 modules
  • Science and Radiation Protection
    Module details

    This module will provide you with a basic underpinning knowledge of science and the scientific principles relevant to medical imaging. This will allow you to understand the function of medical imaging equipment, as well as how to use equipment safely and effectively.

  • Skills and Knowledge Underpinning Professional Practice 1
    Module details

    This module is an introduction to anatomy and pathology, including a brief introduction to cross-sectional imaging and other imaging modalities, and an induction to clinical placement environments. This will be considered in the context of the diagnosis of injury and disease. Other content includes mandatory training in areas such as manual handling and basic life support, which you need to undertake before your first clinical placement.

  • Imaging Technology 1
    Module details

    We now start to look at the range of medical imaging equipment used within medicine. The module considers how the equipment works, how to use it safely, and how the different imaging modalities are particularly suited to imaging different parts of the body.

  • Skills and Knowledge Underpinning Professional Practice 2
    Module details

    To function effectively as a radiographer and meet professional body standards, you need to develop a range of key academic skills and professional attitudes. What is truth? How do we know what is true and what is not true? And how do we find the information needed to underpin our professional practice? This module will change your view of the world!

  • Applied Clinical Radiography 1
    Module details

    This module allows you to step into the role of the radiographer straight away, to build your skills and confidence prior to clinical placement. In your allocated skills lab group, you will spend time learning both radiographic anatomy and radiographic positioning. Using our cutting-edge live X-ray rooms, you will be able to image our X-ray phantoms, practise positioning with your peers, and learn all the 'tricks of the trade'!

  • Qualificatory Practice Unit 1
    Module details

    This module relates to the clinical practice elements of the programme. You will produce a record of your clinical training along with your clinical supervisors, which is used to demonstrate clinical competence development. This is required to enable you to apply for registration as a diagnostic radiographer with the HCPC on completion of the course.

Year two 7 modules
  • Applied Anatomy Pathophysiology and Imaging 1
    Module details

    This module, as well as Applied Anatomy Pathophysiology and Imaging 2, takes an in-depth look at the anatomy of the main body systems. Sessions will develop your knowledge of normal and abnormal anatomy, and then link this with the image appearances seen within a variety of image modalities used to investigate suspected pathologies within these systems.

  • Applied Anatomy Pathophysiology and Imaging 2
    Module details

    This module continues your in-depth look at the anatomy of the main body systems, alongside Applied Anatomy Pathophysiology and Imaging 2. Sessions will continue to develop your knowledge of normal and abnormal anatomy, and link this with the image appearances seen within a variety of image modalities used to investigate suspected pathologies within these systems.

  • Human Science and Patient Care 2
    Module details

    This module aims to develop the knowledge and skills required for you to understand the professional standards required for practice and be aware of the application of the standards to ensure patient safety and maintenance of quality of care. It considers a range of patient groups and circumstances encountered in clinical practice, for example patients with dementia.

  • Medical Imaging Technologies 2
    Module details

    Building on the material covered in the equivalent year one module, we take a more in-depth look at the design and function of a range of the more complex imaging modalities used within medical imaging, such as MRI scanners or PET/CT scanners. This will give you the knowledge needed to make the most of your clinical placements and inform your future career.

  • Applied Clinical Radiography 2
    Module details

    We will further develop your knowledge and clinical skills ability to allow you to become a safe and proficient practitioner in general radiography. You'll also develop your awareness of the clinical applications of the full range of imaging modalities commonly used in modern medicine, and how collectively they are most appropriately used to diagnose injury and disease.

  • Research Methods and Investigations used In Professional Practice
    Module details

    The aim of this module is to equip you with the research skills that are essential for contemporary graduate medical imaging practitioners. Throughout the module, you will learn how to design and execute both primary and secondary research. This module will enhance your critical awareness of the strengths and weaknesses of various research designs, and will equip you with the fundamental skills involved in collecting, analysing, and interpreting both data.

  • Qualificatory Practice Unit 2
    Module details

    Similar to the equivalent module in year one. You will further extend your clinical competencies to widen the number and range of procedures and examinations you are able to perform. You will develop your knowledge and skills in more complex radiographic examinations and will consider how to adapt your technique to suit the needs of different patient groups.

Year three 6 modules
  • Image Evaluation
    Module details

    In this module, we will take an in-depth look at how to identify common pathologies often encountered during your clinical practice. At the end of the module, you will be able to flag up and discuss urgent conditions to clinical colleagues to increase the effectiveness of care delivered.

  • Applying Research to Enhance Professional Practice
    Module details

    You will identify the latest research findings and best practice related to an area of clinical care in medical imaging. This will then be used to undertake a project where you make recommendations to improve a service based on your research findings.

  • Focused Radiological Practice 1 (Theory)
    Module details

    You will be provided with specific knowledge related to advanced clinical practice within radiography. The module will also provide the underpinning knowledge and skills to enable safe and effective practice within a defined modality of radiology/medical imaging (for example a specific imaging modality such as MRI or Radionuclide Imaging).

  • Focused Radiographic Practice 2 (Work-Based)
    Module details

    This is a clinically based module which follows on from the previous module, Focused Radiological Practice 1 (Theory). You will be able to spend additional clinical time on placement-gaining experience working within a specific imaging modality that particularly interests you.

  • Preparation for Professional Practice
    Module details

    This module aims to examine aspects of healthcare, the radiographer's role in this, and how it impacts the quality of healthcare that patients receive.

  • Applied Radiography 3
    Module details

    This module consolidates all your previous learning to ensure you have the knowledge, skills and competencies to allow you to apply for registration to HCPC as a diagnostic radiographer, and work as an effective professional practitioner within a variety of clinical settings.

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

You'll study diagnostic radiography, developing the clinical and technical knowledge to produce and interpret medical imaging. A course like this typically moves from foundations in anatomy, physiology and imaging science in Year 1, through applied clinical modules such as acute care, radiographic techniques and patient management in Year 2, to more advanced and specialist areas in Year 3, including complex imaging, quality assurance and evidence-based practice. Placements in clinical settings run throughout all 3 years (around 50% of the course), letting you work under supervision in hospitals and imaging departments. You'll usually explore specialisations such as adult radiography, cross-sectional imaging, or fluoroscopy. The course builds towards the practical and theoretical competence needed for professional registration.

Who it's for

This course suits students with strong science foundations who wish to train as diagnostic radiographers. You'll work in clinical settings using imaging technology to support patient diagnosis and treatment. The programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical clinical experience, preparing you for professional practice in the NHS and private healthcare settings.

University & format

This BSc (Hons) is delivered by The University of Cumbria, a UK degree-awarding university located in Carlisle. The course runs full-time over 3 years and is taught in English. It holds Silver status for teaching quality under the Office for Students' TEF 2023 assessment. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to apply for professional registration with the relevant regulatory body.

Student satisfaction

How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.

The teaching on my course
89%
Learning opportunities
83%
Assessment and feedback
83%
Academic Support
80%
Organisation and management
59%
Learning resources
89%
Student voice
64%

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.

Application timelineWhat happens next
  1. 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted

    Your application needs a reference before you can send it.

  2. 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  3. 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

  4. 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline

    18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.

Show 5 later dates
  1. 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens

    Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.

  2. 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers

    Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.

  3. 2027 entryClearing opens

    Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.

  4. 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  5. 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

AccreditationHCPC

Names detected beside accreditation or recognition copy on the provider course page; verify the route and intake.

Entry & how to get in

Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent74% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: 144 - 159 pointsThe most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students. This is what entrants had, not a stated requirement.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check the University of Cumbria's official course page for the current offer.

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

QualificationShare
A-levels or equivalent74%
another higher-education qualification12%
Other7%
a previous degree5%
an Access course2%

Entry & your chances

An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.

Competitive entry

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.

Add your grades to see where you land

Your points will drop onto the distribution above, with an honest above / within / below read.

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.

Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
Typical gradesA*AAA-level equivalent admitted students held
  1. 1
    Register on UCAS Hub

    Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.

  2. 2
    Write 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.

  3. 3
    Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time

    UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.

  4. 4
    Reply to your offers

    When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.

  5. 5
    Results 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.

💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask University of Cumbria whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.

Fees & funding

What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.

Tuition per year

Homeup to £9,790 / yr
International£25,000 / yr

Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).

Check fees at University of Cumbria →

For students who normally live in England

illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
£9,790tuition used per year, illustrative full-time England fee-cap scenario
illustrative borrowing over 3 years

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.

Funding matched to this course

Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for

All University of Cumbria funding →

Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.

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

Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.

StudyKit · free

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.

Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check

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

WhenMedianTypical rangeGraduates
15 months after£28,000£27,000 – £30,00025
3 years after£33,000£29,000 – £37,50095
5 years after£38,500£32,000 – £42,00085

Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 25; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.

Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course

85%
in work or further study 15 months on
95%
in highly skilled work or study
81%
continue past their first year
95%
find their work meaningful
95%
say work fits their future plans
  1. 1Newly Qualified PractitionerPreceptorship / first post · 0–2 yrs
  2. 2Registered PractitionerAutonomous practice · 2–5 yrs
  3. 3Senior / SpecialistSpecialist or team lead · 5–10 yrs
  4. 4Advanced / Consultant PractitionerAdvanced practice or management · 10+ yrs

How pay grows: this course vs Nursing & Health nationally

Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£28,000
£27,000 – £30,500
After 3 years LEO
£33,000
£23,800 – £33,600
After 5 years LEO
£38,500
£27,200 – £38,400
national rangethis course’s medianaxis £22,500 – £40,000

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.

85 of 100

were in work or further study

15 months after graduation

80% working5% working and studying0% in further study95% in highly skilled work or study

Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 25; treat comparisons cautiously. 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.

This course £38,500Peer median £31,500Middle 50% £28,000–£34,000
95th percentile

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 · 95% 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: 65; response rate: 55%. 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.

90%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Nursing & Health courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes
87%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled
85%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuation

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.

Where they work

  • NHS trusts
  • Private healthcare
  • Care providers
  • Community & mental-health services

Is 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

85% 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 8.1 out of 10: NSS 78.1% · in work or study 85% · continued 81%.

Who studies here and in this subject?

Provider- and UK subject-level context.

University of Cumbria

All students9,065
International2.6%
Aged 25+63.7%

Subjects allied to medicine across the UK

Students360,360
Aged 25+51.5%

HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.

Local crime-data context

A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.

Around In Carlisle - Fusehill Street

1,445 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.

Violent Crime 611Public Order 173Shoplifting 173Criminal Damage Arson 106Other Theft 85

Around In Lancaster

870 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.

Violent Crime 270Anti Social Behaviour 186Shoplifting 109Public Order 75Criminal Damage Arson 71

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 University of Cumbria from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.

Tuition fees

International tuition is £25,000 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). 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 University of Cumbria’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 University of Cumbria and gov.uk before you apply.

Common questions

Entry is competitive. Accepted students typically held strong UCAS tariffs. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was 144 - 159 UCAS points. Use the calculator on this page to see where your predicted grades would put you; many universities also make lower contextual offers.
Set by the University of Cumbria. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
For Medical technology graduates from this provider, 85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 95% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £28,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
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. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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