Radiotherapy - BSc (Hons)
September 2021 — UCAS code B822
If you are looking for a rewarding career that is challenging, has a combination of science and technology, to treat and care for patients who have life threatening conditions, then this might be the course for you. This is the only course in Birmingham that covers oncology, radiotherapy technology and psychosocial issues surrounding cancer care....
112points required
Clearing 2021
There are places available on this course.
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Get your Clearing GuideStudying with us in 2021/22
It is possible that the 2021/22 academic year may be affected by the ongoing disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Information about the arrangements the University has put in place for the 2021/22 academic year in response to Covid-19 and the emerging variants can be found here.
Should the impact of Covid-19 continue in subsequent years of your course, any additional and/or alternative arrangements put in place by the University in response will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, pandemic-related/health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.
- Level Undergraduate
- Study mode Full Time
- Location City South
- Award BSc (Hons)
- Start date September 2021
- Fees View course fees
- School School of Health Sciences
- Faculty Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences
Clearing 2021
Got your results?
If you've already received your results and have enough points for this course you can apply online now.
Apply nowWaiting for results?
Download our guide to Clearing to prepare ahead of results day and find out the top four things you can do whilst you wait.
Get advicePlease note: the entry requirements listed below are relevant for main cycle applications and may not be applicable during Clearing.
Course overview
If you are looking for a rewarding career that is challenging, has a combination of science and technology, to treat and care for patients who have life threatening conditions, then this might be the course for you.
This is the only course in Birmingham that covers oncology, radiotherapy technology and psychosocial issues surrounding cancer care. Our radiotherapy course will teach you to work with patients of all ages, to help relieve and/or cure the symptoms of their cancer.
What's covered in this course?
As the only training centre for radiography in the West Midlands region, our radiotherapy course will prepare you to be a fully qualified Therapeutic Radiographer once you have graduated. As a Therapeutic Radiographer you will be responsible for preparing and administering radiation to cancer patients, operating highly technical radiation equipment, imaging patients with the latest technology, monitoring patients’ progress and giving advice as they progress through radiotherapy treatment.
You will develop specialist skills by spending half of your time on clinical placements within hospital cancer centres, providing you with plenty of experience to develop professionally and gain valuable employability skills. The other half of your time will be spent at our £71 million City South Campus, which features a Virtual Environment for Radiotherapy Training (VERT) and advanced treatment planning facilities, to enable you to confidently develop essential skills within a safe educational environment.
You will learn the science behind radiotherapy practice, as well as the human anatomy and physiology, radiation physics and radiobiology. You will also study the social and psychological aspects of cancer care and the needs of patients to ensure that you leave with all the skills needed to be a professional and expert Therapeutic Radiographer.
As you advance your knowledge of radiotherapy practice and the science of oncology, you will develop analytical skills and will explore the research evidence that forms the basis of current and emergent practices.
In your final year you will apply research strategies to health and care practice, and merge your clinical skills and knowledge. Successful completion of this course will entitle you to register with the regulator, the Health and Care Professions Council, to gain registered practitioner status and be able to practice in the UK.
Where will I study?
You will study in our recently extended £71 million City South Campus, and learn from specialist facilities which include a simulation facility and skills suite, so that you can continue developing practical skills in real life environments here on campus.
See what our students say...
“The level of academic support and guidance was excellent throughout. I always knew what was required of me, and if ever I had any questions the staff were approachable and happy to help” Daniel Marshall
Why Choose Us?
- Funding - Allied health profession students will receive at least £5,000 a year in additional funding for maintenance and associated study costs. Download the funding FAQs
- Excellent placement opportunities - 50 per cent of your time will be spent in the work place to provide you with a competitive advantage when graduating
- High employability rate - 100 per cent of students were in graduate level employment or further study within six months of graduating from this course, on an average starting salary of £22k (DLHE, 2016/17)
- We are the leading centre for radiotherapy in the West Midlands. As the only course of its kind in the West Midlands, we are proud to be pioneers in developing professional radiotherapy radiographers
- Approved by professional regulatory bodies - this course is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Society and College of Radiographers (SCoR)
- Established links with the NHS, which you’ll benefit from by having full access to for learning, work placements and the opportunity to build a professional network of contacts ready for when you graduate
- Flexible study - this course can be studied full-time over three years or part-time over six years to suit you
- Get work experience abroad - you can apply for a travel scholarship as part of our Go Abroad scheme to carry out exciting work placements overseas
- Student loan finance - have you already studied an undergraduate degree but would like to do a second one in Radiotherapy? You may be eligible for funding
Similar Courses
Entry Requirements
Got your results?
If you've already received your results and have enough points for this course you can apply online now.
Apply nowWaiting for results?
Download our guide to Clearing to prepare ahead of results day and find out the top four things you can do whilst you wait.
Get adviceWe accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
Essential Requirements
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120 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level |
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| Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) |
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| Scottish Intermediate 2 |
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| Scottish National 5 |
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| Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) Qualifications | ||
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| A level and Advanced VCE |
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| Access to HE Diploma |
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| British bachelor's degree |
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International Baccalaureate Diploma |
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Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers) |
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OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma |
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OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma |
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Scottish Advanced Higher |
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T-Levels |
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Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate - Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015) |
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Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma – Core (awarded until 2016) ESW/KS Combined component |
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If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. Recent relevant study to GCE A-level standard or above must have been completed within five years of the course intake date the applicant is applying for. Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website. Height statement: Most patients are treated at a height of 120-130cm above the ground. You should be able to comfortably and safely manipulate a patient lying at this height. If not, please contact the Radiotherapy Programme Director before you start the course so the team can ensure that the necessary risk assessments and adjustments can be in place in a timely manner, to ensure your safe practice. Any disclosure will not prejudice your application. In addition:
Download a Clinical Visit Evidence Form A second reference for Access/BTEC students from the original referee is to be provided to the institution by the end of June of the enrolment year. Places are subject to a satisfactory Occupational Heath Check and Disclosure and Barring service report. Applicants should be aware that qualifications, personal statement, interview, and references all form part of the selection criteria for this course. Applications from mature candidates offering alternative qualifications will be considered. |
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Fees & How to Apply
- UK students
- International students
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £9,250 per year
- Apply via Clearing
Sorry, this course is not available to International students.
Places available to start in September 2021
If you'd like to start this course full-time this September, you can apply through Clearing.
Got your results?
If you've already received your results and have enough points for this course you can apply online now.
Apply now
Waiting for results?
Download our guide to Clearing to prepare ahead of results day and get your results day 2021 questions answered.
Get adviceInternational and part-time students can apply online as normal using the links above.
Want to start in September 2022?
You can apply via UCAS from September 2021.
Personal statement
Your personal statement is a highly important part of your application. It gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
Course choice
Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
Career plans
If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
Work experience
Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
School or college experience
Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
Non-accredited skills or achievement
eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.
You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.
Get more information on writing personal statements.
Feedback will only be available to those who were invited to interview.
Additional costs
Additional costs include books, writing materials, travel and accommodation at clinical placement sites.
We offer a wide range of professionally accredited and vocational courses that require the purchase of, among other things, equipment, subscriptions, professional body memberships and DBS checks, and may require you to pay to attend conferences or participate in placements.
The link below provides our estimate of the possible costs associated with key activities on specific courses. Please bear in mind that these are only estimates of costs based on past student experience and feedback. The actual costs to you could vary considerably (either greater or lower than these estimates) depending on your choices as you progress through the course. We set out where we can, based on experience, where these indicative costs are for activities that are optional or compulsory.
All our students are provided with 100 free pages of printing each year to a maximum total value of £15.
Learning Support Fund
From 1 November 2017 you may be able to apply for elements of the learning support fund if:
- you are studying a pre-registration healthcare course
- are studying in England and
- your course started on or after 1 August 2017
Course in Depth
Year One
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
20 credits
This module is essential to enable your understanding of the theory and practical applications of physics in the context of radiography or radiotherapy. Radiation physics and the safe and legal use of ionising radiation is an essential aspect of the radiation disciplines. It involves the underlying principles of the nature of matter and associated principles and how that relates to radiation production and attenuation its application to imaging and therapeutic modalities.
20 credits
This module will equip you with the fundamental patient care skills that are needed to practice as a safe and competent therapeutic radiographer. In order to provide appropriate care to radiotherapy patients and their families, you must have an appreciation of the patient experience within the cancer care pathway, the psychological effects of a cancer diagnosis, and the psychological and sociological factors affecting patients and staff within a hospital setting.
20 credits
As a therapeutic radiographer you will be required to employ your theoretical knowledge of cancer and its management. This will include a firm understanding of how cancer manifests itself in people, it’s presenting signs and symptoms and its natural history. This module will provide you with the information you will require in your clinical duties, including information you need to communicate effectively via the use of accepted terminology, awareness of the patient cancer journey and the treatment planning and procedures involved with administration of radiotherapy.
60 credits
This module supports your knowledge and understanding of the planning and delivery of radiotherapy to structures in the body. The therapeutic radiographer is required to understand the inter-relationship between anatomical structures on a loco regional level and as they appear on sectional images and this is used to support planning, treatment and verification decisions. In addition, it is important that you have an understanding of the natural history of individual cancers found within these regions, to be able to account for their presenting signs and symptoms and the different ways in which they are managed.
Year Two
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
20 credits
This module will build upon the study skills that you developed at level four. It is intended that by studying this module you will develop the ability to make decisions about your professional practice based upon the best evidence available, this involves being able to:
- Recognise which problems, encountered in your professional practice, can be resolved by searching and evaluating the available evidence
- Search for the evidence that you need using a logical and structured approach.
- Evaluate the evidence you find
- Justify any decisions related to changes in your professional practice
- Demonstrate an understanding of a range of research tools including basic statistics.
These skills are necessary to enable lifelong learning and will help you to become a competent and autonomous practitioner.
60 credits
This module is essential to further establish and consolidate your knowledge and understanding of cancer diagnoses, human anatomy & physiology, radiotherapy planning and treatment delivery. This module builds on your understanding gained at level 4 and extends this knowledge to cover cancers that affect the bones, head and neck region, the haemopoietic, endocrine and nervous systems. Using your clinical practice to apply this learning. This will support the programme philosophy by allowing you to apply your developing knowledge and skills through a patient focussed approach.
40 credits
In this module you will cover the principles of radiobiology and the effects of ionising radiation. In addition, you will gain a detailed understanding of the implications of the delivery of therapeutic radiation. This will enable you to have a deep appreciation of the implications of treatment delivery on successful outcomes based upon the equipment and patient related factors.
Year Three
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
40 credits
This core module provides you with experience in developing your research skills which will underpin your future practice in line with the aims of the College of Radiographers and the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) to embed research throughout the profession. It will require you to develop independence, initiative, innovation and an adaptable approach, to be able to problem solve. In particular, you will be required to apply, develop and propose an appropriately safe research methodology to a topic of your own choosing. You will develop your work to demonstrate your grasp of how a research proposal might be implemented, taking into account the ethical implications of research. This task will require the development of research skills and demonstrating the understanding and application of research approaches.
40 credits
This module is intended to support your final transition from student to registered practitioner. You will continue to build on the reflective and critical evaluation skills that were introduced at levels four and five as a foundation for further development into a competent, autonomous practitioner.
40 credits
As a newly qualified therapeutic radiographer you will be expected to manage the needs of the oncology patient on an individual basis, with consideration for the wider factors that may impact upon cancer care. Clinical decision-making, problem solving and autonomous practice are skills that you will need to have in order to effectively manage the patient. This module is designed to apply the knowledge that you gained at levels four and five to complex clinical scenarios, and encourage your progression into an autonomous practitioner.
As radiotherapy is one of the main methods used in the treatment of cancer, this course will develop your knowledge and understanding of oncology, radiotherapy technology, professional practice and the psychosocial issues surrounding healthcare. Once developed, these skills will enable you to use specialist technology to relieve and/or cure the symptoms for patients as well as supporting and developing relationships with them during their treatment.
We place a strong emphasis on clinical experience, which we offer via placements. These are your chance to be a part of the working world of health and social care as it really is: your first taste of your career.
Placements help you with your confidence, by putting theory from the classroom into practice. We make sure you get a quality experience and that you are fully supported by a workplace mentor on hand throughout your placement.
Your time spent at the university involves accessing learning opportunities that support your knowledge of radiotherapy practice. You will be accessing a wide range of teaching session including lectures, seminars, and small group workshops and electronic resources. You will work closely with other students in your group and will collaborate with students from other year groups and other courses.
Examples of classroom activities
You will be employing your team working skills within the classroom setting within teaching workshops. This may include collaboration with more senior students who may work with you as mentors to help guide you and offer their advice with respect to study skills for example.
You will also be learning within our virtual environment for radiotherapy training (VERT) where you can practice treatment techniques and study cross sectional anatomy using 3D immersive technology.
Accreditation or professional associations
This Course is approved by the Society and College of Radiographers.
Additional support
If you are dyslexic, have a specific learning difference or a disability, we have a Disability Tutor who can help and support you.
More on our disability tutor >>
We offer extra technical and learning support.
College of Radiographers
This course is approved by the College of Radiographers from September 2017- September 2022.
Employability
Enhancing employability skills
You will be gaining a professional qualification that will enable you to gain employment within the wider NHS. The clinical skills you gain will support your developing competence and enable you to undertake the role of a qualified therapeutic radiographer. You will gain competence in the safe and effective operation of cutting edge medical technologies and develop autonomous practice skills including decision making and care provision.
Your qualification will enable you to seek professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council and membership with the Society of Radiographers.
You will receive opportunities to develop your employability skills whilst a student. This includes development of your ability to mentor others, practice your interview skills and job application writing skills.
Placements
You will spend at least 50% of your time undertaking hospital-based clinical placement learning. You will usually accrue experience at more than one placement site, and will provide treatment delivery and patient care within a wide variety of clinical expertise. Students will engage with the latest radiotherapy treatment and imaging techniques and will gain experiences of professional groups in the wider multidisciplinary cancer care team.
OpportUNIty
OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.
Facilities and Staff
Facilities
Students studying within the Department of Radiography have accessing to the following dedicated specialists teaching resources:
- VERT Suite
- Radiotherapy planning system
- Radiotherapy lasers
- PACS viewing room
- Diagnostic Computed Radiography imaging suite (‘X-Ray room’)
- Ultrasound simulator and ultrasound scanner
We are constantly investing in our estate and are currently in the process of spending £260 million on new learning facilities.
We boast up-to-date, innovative facilities that simulate the real situations that medical staff may come across.
These resources are essential in offering students a hands-on introduction to health and social care practice. Much of our teaching is carried out within our state-of-the-art, £30m Seacole Building, which houses cutting-edge learning facilities.
Take a virtual tour of our skills suites at Seacole
In a sector where new techniques are constantly being discovered, we work hard to ensure that students learn using the most up-to-date equipment available. These include the only mock operating theatre in an English university and a cutting-edge radiography virtual clinical training facility, virtual ward and virtual case creator.
VERT
We are also a major pilot site for a state-of-the-art, radiotherapy virtual clinical training facility, which will help to support you with your training. This unique facility will allow you to simulate x-ray techniques using the latest computer software. With this new technology, we are the best equipped radiography centre in the region.
XRay Room/PACS Room
This is a real, working X-ray room, where students can practice taking x-rays and also to digitise them to view on the PACS system. We use a portable camera system that can record and stream video to any other classroom on the campus so we can simulate scenarios with our students.
Mary Seacole Library
The Seacole library, based at City South Campus, is one of the UK's largest specialist health education libraries. The state-of-the art facility offers an extensive range of range of information and reference materials set out in a relaxing environment, conducive to studying. There are comfortable seating areas, group study areas, a silent study area and private study rooms.
Computer Facilities
The Seacole building houses a large open access IT Suite which comprises of 96 PCs, full colour printers, photocopiers and scanners. Our PCs utilise the latest Intel i5 core technology, all with:
- Fast (unrestricted) internet connectivity
- Ability to save files to USB, DVD & CD
- Microsoft Office software
- Research and statistical software
- Storage space which can be accessed from any PC across the University and from home
Our PCs are also designed to support students who may have difficulties with reading and writing, featuring specialised software with zooming/magnification and screen reading capabilities, which may also be customised for individual student needs.
The IT Suite offers extended opening hours and is supported by a specialist Open Access Assistant during term time. In addition to the open access PCs within the IT Suite, there are 12 networked student PCs available within Seacole library.
Our staff
Nick White
Senior Lecturer / Course Lead for BSc (Hons) Radiotherapy
Nick White is a Senior Lecturer and Course Leader within the Department of Radiography at Birmingham City University and also a clinical tutor within the Radiotherapy Department at the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust. Nick has been working in radiography education for 16 years. He is a course assessor for the College of Radiographers and member of the Approvals and Accreditation Board. Nick is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
More about NickLisa Pharaoh-Stokes
Senior Lecturer in Radiotherapy
Lisa is a qualified Therapeutic Radiographer who has been working in education for 20 years. She has experience of teaching at both undergraduate and Foundation degree level and currently coordinates one module at level 6 on the undergraduate radiotherapy programme. Lisa has fulfilled a number of roles during her time at BCU including Admissions Tutor and Clinical Placement Coordinator.
Lisa is currently Deputy Course Lead for the BSc (Hons) Radiotherapy programme and Personal Tutor to students based at Worcester Royal Hospital.
More about LisaMichelle Ryland
Admissions Tutor / Senior Lecturer - Radiotherapy
Michelle qualified from the University of Liverpool in 1999 with a BSc (Hons) in Radiotherapy and started work as a therapy radiographer at UHCW. She then moved to London and worked at the Royal Marsden Hospital, Chelsea as Senior Dosimetrist and Treatment Planner as well as a clinical therapy radiographer gaining experience in IMRT, IGRT and stereotactic and brachytherapy treatments as well as radiotherapy treatment planning and dosimetry. She then moved back to the Midlands to work as a Senior 1 radiographer at the QEH Birmingham.
She joined the university (then UCE) in March 2006 as a senior lecturer. She teaches mostly on the radiotherapy courses and am clinical tutor to students based at UHCW.
Since joining the university Michelle has successfully completed a two year PG diploma in Clinical Oncology at the University of Birmingham and a PG certificate in Education at this university. She is currently studying to complete a Master’s degree in Education at this university.
More about Michelle