Overview

Mastering the clinical skills, radiation physics, and imaging technologies required to produce high-quality diagnostic images is essential for modern medical diagnosis, trauma care, and patient management. The BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography at University of Leeds, approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the College of Radiographers, delivers a comprehensive clinical education within the School of Medicine. The curriculum integrates clinical placement learning in NHS trusts with academic studies covering human anatomy, radiographic technique, radiation protection, and advanced imaging modalities such as Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Ultrasound, and Radionuclide Imaging. Students train in state-of-the-art clinical simulation suites, virtual reality imaging platforms, and digital X-ray facilities based in the Worsley Building. This degree is ideally suited for compassionate, detail-oriented problem-solvers seeking to combine patient-centered healthcare delivery with advanced medical technology to meet the NHS Standards of Proficiency for Diagnostic Radiographers.

What You'll Learn

• Human anatomy, physiology, pathology, and cross-sectional imaging science relevant to diagnostic radiographers

• Radiation physics, image formation principles, dose optimization, radiation protection, and statutory safety frameworks (IRR/IRMER)

• General radiography techniques, trauma imaging, skeletal radiography, and specialized fluoroscopy procedures

• Advanced diagnostic imaging modalities, including CT, MRI, Diagnostic Ultrasound, and Nuclear Medicine

• Patient care management, communication strategies, infection control, and interprofessional clinical practice

• Image interpretation principles, preliminary clinical evaluation, image reporting basics, and pathology recognition

• Clinical placement experience across regional NHS trusts, managing diverse patient pathways in acute, outpatient, and emergency settings

• Research methodologies, evidence-based clinical practice, service evaluation, and health data analysis

• Independent clinical research project focusing on diagnostic radiography practice, imaging innovation, or clinical audit

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will fulfill all professional and academic requirements to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Registered Diagnostic Radiographer and obtain membership with the College of Radiographers. They will demonstrate the clinical competence to perform general and specialized radiographic examinations safely, adapt techniques to complex patient needs, and optimize radiation protection. Students acquire strong practical skills in image evaluation, equipment operation, patient positioning, and clinical decision-making through clinical placements and high-fidelity simulation training. Furthermore, learners master the ability to communicate empathetically with patients and collaborate effectively within multi-disciplinary healthcare teams. Through clinical placement rotations and an independent research project, scholars cultivate the technical precision, professional resilience, and clinical judgment required to excel in NHS hospital trusts, private healthcare facilities, advanced imaging centers, specialized reporting roles, or postgraduate clinical research.