Overview

Cancer care depends on skilled radiographers who combine technical precision with compassion, supporting patients through every stage of radiotherapy treatment. The BSc (Hons) Therapeutic Radiography and Oncology at the University of Liverpool takes an integrated, case-based approach, linking academic study, simulation and clinical placement to explore the full radiotherapy patient pathway. Each cancer patient case brings the patient journey to life and gives students a framework for connecting what they learn. The programme is organised around four themes: radiotherapy physics, technology and radiobiology; radiation oncology and patient care; preparation for practice and professionalism; and research methods in radiotherapy. Students train in a radiotherapy simulation suite and imaging suite and learn alongside students from other healthcare professions in the School of Allied Health Professions and Nursing. Clinical placements in radiotherapy cancer centres increase progressively from the first year to the third, with an opportunity to complete an elective period with an alternative provider. The course suits students who want to become competent, reflective and caring radiographers, and who are ready for the demands of clinical placement.

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What You’ll Learn

• Foundations of radiation oncology and patient care, building to advanced practice by the final year

• Radiotherapy physics, technology and radiobiology

• The management of cancers of the breast and prostate, pelvis, and head, neck and thorax

• Research methods in radiotherapy, and how to apply them

• Communication, critical thinking and self-directed learning skills

• Preparation for practice and the foundations of professionalism

• Clinical learning in radiotherapy cancer centres, with progressively longer placements

• Interprofessional learning with students from other healthcare professions

• A radiotherapy research dissertation in the final year

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to apply knowledge of radiotherapy physics, technology, radiobiology and radiation oncology to the care of patients across the full radiotherapy pathway. They will be equipped to communicate sensitively with patients and colleagues, think critically about the impact of innovation and technological advances on practice, and use research methods to contribute to the evidence base of the profession. Simulation, case-based learning and progressively longer clinical placements will build the practical competence, reflective practice and professionalism needed to practise safely. A radiotherapy research dissertation will develop the ability to carry out and present independent research. Graduates will be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council and to join the Society of Radiographers, ready for careers in cancer care across the health and care sector.