Therapeutic Radiography - BSc (Hons)
Currently viewing course to start in 2023/24 Entry.
Therapeutic Radiography is a rewarding career that is challenging and has a combination of science, technology and patient 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....
- Level Undergraduate
- Study mode Full Time
- Location City South
- Award BSc (Hons)
- Start date September 2023
- Fees View course fees
- School School of Health Sciences
- Faculty Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences
Overview
Therapeutic Radiography is a rewarding career that is challenging and has a combination of science, technology and patient 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.
As the only training centre for therapeutic radiography in the West Midlands region, our BSc (Hons) Therapeutic Radiography course will prepare you to be a fully qualified Therapeutic Radiographer once you have graduated.
On qualification, you will be entitled to apply for registration with the regulator, the Health and Care Professions Council (the HCPC), to gain registered practitioner status and be able to practice in the UK either within the NHS or the private sector.
What's covered in this course?
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 time on clinical placements within hospital cancer centres, providing you with plenty of experience to develop professionally and gain valuable employability skills. Your academic studies will take place at our City South Campus, which features a radiotherapy treatment couch with laser alignment system, a Virtual Environment for Radiotherapy Training (VERT) and advanced treatment planning facilities. With use of these dedicated facilities, you will confidently develop essential skills within a safe educational environment.
You will learn the science behind radiotherapy practice, as well as human anatomy and physiology, radiation science 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. This course prepares you for moving into the world of work as a practitioner radiographer, and ensures you are equipped with the skills and knowledge. Clinical expertise, leadership, and mentorship theory provide a foundation that will enable you to develop your career.
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. You will apply research strategies to health and care practice and merge your clinical skills and knowledge.
You will develop specialist skills by spending time on clinical placements within hospital cancer centres, providing you with plenty of experience to develop professionally and gain valuable employability skills. Your academic studies will take place at our City South Campus, which features a radiotherapy treatment couch with laser alignment system, a Virtual Environment for Radiotherapy Training (VERT) and advanced treatment planning facilities. With use of these dedicated facilities, you will confidently develop essential skills within a safe educational environment. You will learn the science behind radiotherapy practice, as well as human anatomy and physiology, radiation science 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.
This course prepares you for moving into the world of work as a practitioner radiographer, and ensures you are equipped with the skills and knowledge. Clinical expertise, leadership, and mentorship theory provide a foundation that will enable you to develop your career.
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. You will apply research strategies to health and care practice and merge your clinical skills and knowledge.
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...
Accredited By
This course is accredited by:
“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
- 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
Studying with us during the Covid-19 pandemic
The University has put in place measures in response to Covid-19 to allow us to safely deliver our courses. Should the impact of the pandemic continue in future years, any additional or alternative arrangements put in place by the University will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.
Open Days
Join us for an on-campus open day where you'll be able to explore our campus and facilities in person. Booking for the next event isn’t open yet. Register your interest below and we’ll email you as soon as booking goes live.
Next Open Day: Saturday 24 June 2023
Entry Requirements
These entry requirements apply for entry in 2023/24.
All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
If your Level 3 qualifications do not meet the UCAS tariff for this course, you may be offered a place on our Health Sciences Foundation Year instead. This course offers an alternative pathway onto our Allied Health Professions courses. You do not need to submit a separate application but will automatically be considered for this if your predicted grades fall below the UCAS entry tariff. Find out more about the Foundation Year.
Essential Requirements
|
120 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level |
||
| Level 2 qualifications | ||
|---|---|---|
| GCSE | GCSE English Language or Literature, GCSE Maths and GCSE Science at grade C/4 or above. If you do not have these or are not undertaking them, we accept other Level 2 equivalents, or we may ask you to pass BCU's GCSE equivalency tests. | |
| Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) | See level 3 entry requirements under Irish Leaving Certificate for full details. | |
| Scottish National 5 | English Language or Literature, Maths and Science at grade C or above. If you do not have these or are not undertaking them, we accept other Level 2 equivalents, or we may ask you to pass BCU's GCSE equivalency tests. | |
| Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) qualifications | ||
| A level and Advanced VCE |
|
|
| Access to HE Diploma |
|
|
| British bachelor's degree |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
International Baccalaureate Diploma |
|
|
|
Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers) |
|
|
|
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma |
|
|
|
OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Open University courses |
|
|
|
Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher |
|
|
|
T-Levels |
|
|
|
Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate - Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015) |
|
|
|
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma – Core (awarded until 2016) ESW/KS Combined component |
|
|
| Other qualifications | ||
|
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. Applicants who have not received their secondary school education in English will require an overall IELTS score of 7, with no subtest below 6.5. If English is studied at GCSE Level but as a second language, IELTs must be completed to qualify for UK L2 requirement. 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. |
||
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2023
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £9,250 in 2023/24
- Apply via UCAS
International students
Sorry, this course is not available to International students.
Funding
From August 2020, nursing professional degree students will receive at least £5,000 a year in funding support.
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.
Course in Depth
Year One
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
This module provides you with an introduction to the science of radiotherapy practice. You will study principles of radiological physics and technology that underpin the safe and effective planning, administration and verification of radiotherapy treatments. The module will seek to provide you with a sound understanding of legislation (e.g., IR(ME)R) that relates to their developing practice within radiotherapy, so that upon qualification they have sound professional knowledge to support their role as a therapeutic radiographer.
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 cross-sectional images, and this is used to support planning, treatment and online treatment verification decisions. In addition, it is important that you understand 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.
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.
As a therapeutic radiographer it is essential you can provide high standards of appropriate care for patients and their families. The development of therapeutic radiographers who can practice autonomously and provide patient focussed care are key aims of the course philosophy. This module is the first in a series of three Professional and Patient Care modules that provide you with the fundamental patient care skills required to practice as a safe and competent therapeutic radiographer.
This module aims to provide you with appropriate learning opportunities, supervision and tuition allowing them to attain the required level 4 competencies in the following areas:
- Technical, service user care, interpersonal and transferrable skills
- Critical and analytical skills
- Professional attitudes and values
Year Two
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
This module builds on the foundations of radiotherapy equipment and physics covered at level 4. Building on previous knowledge, you will explore the role that technologies play within the radiotherapy workflow stream and will develop an understanding of the design and operation of the equipment that you will employ within your professional role as a therapeutic radiographer. The module will take a practice - focussed approach and you will foster a greater understanding of how your safe use of imaging and treatment equipment underpins your emergent role as a therapeutic radiographer.
This module further enhances 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 cross sectional images, and this is used to underpin the planning, treatment and verification decisions that will be made as a qualified practitioner. In addition, it is key that students have an in-depth understanding of the natural history and known progression of individual cancers found within these regions, to be able to account for their presenting signs and symptoms and the varying ways in which they are managed. This module is designed to complement both the Radiotherapy and Oncology Studies modules at levels 4 and 6. The radiotherapy science and technology modules at L4 and 5 will help provide further understanding of technique with the study of radiotherapy planning.
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.
Therapeutic radiographers are expected to manage the needs of the oncology patient on an individual basis. To effectively manage the patient, therapeutic radiographers need skills in clinical decision making, problem solving and autonomous practice. This module is the second in a series of three Professional and Patient Care modules and further enhances knowledge and understanding of patient care.
This module builds on practice competence gained during the first year of study and aims to provide you with appropriate learning opportunities, supervision and tuition allowing them to attain the required level 5 competencies.
Year Three
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
This module completes your exploration of radiotherapy science and technology. In this module, you will explore imaging and investigations that your patients may have experienced during their diagnostic work-up. This information underpins the therapeutic radiographer’s understanding of the manner in which cancer patients are managed through the process of cancer detection, biopsy, staging and treatment. Upon completion of this module, you will have completed your study of a suite of radiation science and technology modules. You will have a firm grasp of the important application of medical technologies throughout the cancer patient journey from diagnosis, treatment and follow up.
This module consolidates your knowledge and understanding of the planning and delivery of radiotherapy to structures in the body in preparation for qualification. The therapeutic radiographer is required to understand the inter-relationship between anatomical structures on a loco-regional level and as they appear on cross-sectional images, and this is used to underpin the planning, treatment and verification decisions that will be made as a qualified practitioner. In addition, it is key that you have an in-depth understanding of the natural history and known progression of individual cancers found within these regions, to be able to account for their presenting signs and symptoms and the varying ways in which they are managed.
This is the final module of the Professional and Patient Care modules and is designed to support transition from student to registered therapeutic radiographer. You will continue to build on the skills that were introduced at levels four and five as a foundation for further development into a competent, autonomous practitioner where continuous professional development and life-long learning are key to clinical effectiveness and a requirement of registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). You will be identifying personal development goals and future learning needs utilising a reflective model.
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.
This module builds on level 4 and 5 clinical practice and aims to provide you with appropriate learning opportunities, supervision and tuition allowing them to attain the required level 6 competencies.
Download course specification
Download nowHow you'll learn
Each of the three years of full-time study is comprised of 120 credits of study alongside clinical placements.
We utilise a variety of methods within our learning and teaching strategy to encourage a reflective and critical thinking enabling students to become confident and autonomous learners with sound academic and clinical knowledge,so they are readily employable and well equipped for lifelong learning.
The year plan is designed to integrate theory and practice using a modular approach with alternate blocks of academic studies and clinical practice across all three years so that students can forge connections between their developing professional knowledge and practical skills as a developing therapeutic radiographer. Delivery of academic elements of the therapeutic radiography course are predominantly at the university via face-to-face activities,although some activities are delivered online through a blended approach to learning.
Clinical placement
Clinical experience is gained through attending clinical placement rotation and is reinforced within the university environment through the use of our dedicated skills suite and simulation activities.The course integrates a variety of learning technologies into its structure. In particular we make regular and varied use of the Virtual Environment for Radiotherapy (VERT) system which allows students to explore geometric concepts, treatment techniques and human anatomy within a virtual reality space. We also aim to articulate these activities with the use our dedicated treatment planning system and alongside ‘hands on’ activities using our Linear Accelerator treatment couch.
Our approach to teaching has been to embed fundamentals of professional knowledge within the first phases of the course so that students have a firm foundation in the science of radiotherapy practice and the basis of provision of high standards of patient care. From these, students will study increasingly more complex aspects of radiotherapy practice and undertake analysis of the evidence base that underpins recent developments in cancer care.As students progress through their course of study, the course content reflects the radiotherapy patient journey from initial diagnosis to follow up, and students will develop skills and understanding of each respective step of the radiotherapy workflow process. During the final stages of the course,students are encouraged to adopt self-critical and analytical approaches to their developing professional identity and their role as a therapeutic radiographer within the wider multidisciplinary cancer care team.
Assessments
Students will be assessed using a range of methods including examinations, assignments,presentations, case studies and clinical assessments and competencies.Formative assessment opportunities exist within all modules and throughout the course, and help students prepare for their associated summative assessments. Following completion of any formative assessment students will receive feedback on how they have performed as well as guidance on how they should proceed with their learning.
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.
We utilise a variety of methods within our learning and teaching strategy to encourage a reflective and critical thinking enabling students to become confident and autonomous learners with sound academic and clinical knowledge, so they are readily employable and well equipped for lifelong learning.
College of Radiographers
The College of Radiographers (CoR) is a registered charity concerned with standards in the provision and development of diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy for the public benefit.
Health and Care Professions Council
This course is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council, and will give you eligibility to apply for registration if you successfully complete the course.
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.
Facilities & Staff
We have invested £340 million in our facilities, including an upgrade to our Skills and Simulation facilities at City South Campus. We boast up-to-date, innovative facilities that simulate the real situations that you may come across in the workplace. These resources are essential in offering you a hands-on introduction to health and social care practice.
Mock Wards
These are set up to look like typical hospital wards, with four to six bays. Depending on the topic in hand, different manikins can be used as patients and relevant equipment is provided to practise clinical skills. Some of the manikins are interactive and can simulate different scenarios e.g. some allow you to cannulate, check pulses, intubate etc, and some can talk to you. One ward is often used as an adult ward, and the other as a child ward.
These rooms also allow for scenarios to be set up for other professions such as dietetics, paramedic science and social work.
The Operating Theatre and Recovery Suites
The operating theatre and recovery suite gives you the sense of what it would be like in a real surgical environment.
These spaces emulate the full surgical journey from anaesthetics, through surgery and into recovery. ODP students can practice a range of skills including gowning, hand washing, preparing instrument trays, and working with a patient. Nurses and midwives may experience a surgical placement and need to go to theatre or be part of the midwifery team involved with caesarean sections. Many other Allied Health Professionals may also see patients in recovery if necessary.
Home Environment Room
This space is used to simulate non-clinical settings, as not everything health professionals deal with is hospital based. This is used for simulations of home visits and home births. It also houses soft matting and a bubble machine that are used by the Learning Disability Nursing team.
Assisted Living Space
This space replicates a flat and is used for scenarios such as home visits. The sitting room area provides a different space to practise skills and simulations and work with service users and other students.
Assisted Kitchen
This specially designed kitchen has different areas where you can practice cooking, cleaning, boiling the kettle etc., with someone who has actual or simulated visual impairments. There are adapted devices to help, and simulation glasses for you to wear to experience visual impairments.
Physiotherapy Room
This is a space for physiotherapy students to use, with various equipment to practise client meetings.
Radiotherapy Planning Computer Suite
Our computers allow you to plan hypothetical treatments, in terms of angles and directions, ensuring that radiotherapy reaches where it is needed on a patient’s body.
Radiography Image Interpretation and Reporting Stations Computer Suite
These facilities allow you to view and analyse x-rays.
VERT - Virtual Environment for Radiotherapy Training
This room contains 3D technology to view virtual patients and look at trajectories for treatment.
Radiotherapy
This room contains the same bed/couch used when patients are given radiotherapy treatment. While students of course do not administer radiotherapy in this room, it does allow them to practise adjusting the equipment to make sure both it and a patient would be in the correct position to receive treatment.
Telehealth Room
This room allows for small group teaching in a central area (large boardroom type table) with fiv small telehealth booths down either side. These are to allow all our health professions students to practise delivering healthcare and advice remotely, either over the phone or on a video call. This addition to our teaching reflects moves in the sector to offer more flexible access to healthcare services, particularly as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Imaging Academy
This new facility is a larger version of our existing image interpretation computer facilities and forms part of the West Midlands Imaging Academy hub, funded by Health Education England. These expanded facilities will mean we can further develop our courses and expertise in radiography and imaging.
Speech and Language Therapy Resource Room
Our Speech and Language Therapy Team have developed a collection of tools, books and resources to help you learn and understand the implications of a speech or swallowing limitation. You can practise one to one client meetings and clinics and use the video recording equipment to review role play scenarios.
Our staff
Nick White
Course Leader
Nick is a Senior Lecturer 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 worked in radiography education for 19 years, teaching on undergraduate and postgraduate courses. He is a Senior Fellow...
More about NickLisa Pharaoh-Stokes
Senior Lecturer and Course Lead, MSc Therapeutic Radiography (pre-registration)
Lisa is a Senior Lecturer and Course Lead within the Department of Radiography at Birmingham City University. She is also a Personal Tutor. Lisa has been working in therapeutic radiography education for over 20 years and is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
More about LisaMichelle Ryland
Admissions Tutor / Senior Lecturer - Radiotherapy
Michelle qualified from the University of Liverpool and Northern Centre for Cancer Treatment (Newcastle) in 1999 with a BSc (Hons) in Radiotherapy and started work as a therapeutic radiographer at UHCW.
More about MichelleMark Holland
Senior Lecturer / Radiation Protection Supervisor
Mark qualified from the Department of Radiographic studies in Stoke-on-Trent in 1994, having spent the majority of his training at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. He worked for four years as a clinical radiographer at Essex County Hospital in Colchester, before being seconded part-time in June 1999 to the role of Hospital Based Lecturer...
More about Mark