Diagnostic Radiography with Foundation Year - BSc (Hons)
Currently viewing course to start in 2022/23 Entry. Switch to 2023/24 Entry
The Foundation Year option gives you extra time and support to help you build your knowledge, skills and confidence before starting a full degree. It is designed to prepare you for a range of health courses, not one particular BSc degree, so you will study a broad range of subjects to prepare you to continue on to successful BSc level study....
- Level Foundation
- Study mode Full Time
- Location City South
- Award BSc (Hons)
- Start date September 2022
- Fees View course fees
- School School of Health Sciences
- Faculty Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences
Overview
Course is Full for 2022/23 Entry
This course is now full for 2022/23. You can apply for 2023/24 via UCAS from September 2022.
If you'd still like to apply for September 2022, take a look at some of our other available courses.
The Foundation Year option gives you extra time and support to help you build your knowledge, skills and confidence before starting a full degree. It is designed to prepare you for a range of health courses, not one particular BSc degree, so you will study a broad range of subjects to prepare you to continue on to successful BSc level study. You'll develop a range of practical and analytical skills that will prepare you for a challenging and rewarding career in healthcare.
Please note: entry requirements for degree course
Upon completion of your Foundation Year, if your chosen course is regulated by a professional body such as the HCPC, you will be required to successfully complete the University’s selection process for the specific programme which will include an interview in order to proceed onto year one of the full degree programme. Entry onto year one of the degree programme will also be subject to a satisfactory DBS and Occupational Health Assessment, and spaces available on the course.
Tailor your Health Sciences Degree
When you successfully complete your Foundation Year, you may be able to progress onto a range of Undergraduate courses at the School of Health Sciences. These include:
- BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences
- BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography
- BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice
- BSc (Hons) Therapeutic Radiography
- BSc (Hons) Speech & Language Therapy
Why choose a foundation year course?
By studying a foundation year in Health Sciences, your first year will be spent learning a wide range of broad subject areas which then open up opportunities for you to specialise further in your next year – which would be the first year of a full degree programme.
You will study very broad subjects in your foundation year, which is designed to prepare you for a range of courses and not just one particular BSc degree.
So although you are studying a BSc in a specific course – BSc Diagnostic Radiography – the foundation year sets you up for a number of other possible degrees starting the following year. It may be that you don’t end up doing a degree in precisely the same subject as your foundation year.
This flexibility is one of the great things about the foundation year category - Health Sciences, allowing you to find out more about your interests and talents before focusing on a three year degree. The foundation year also helps us at BCU to make sure we help to match you to the degree that fits you best.
Why Choose Us?
- We are the largest training centre for diagnostic radiography in the Midlands region
- Established links with NHS Trusts with whom we work in partnership
- We focus on the student, and provide a friendly, supportive environment so all our students get the most out of their time here
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Employment rates following graduation are consistently above 90% for diagnostic radiography graduates, with approximately two-thirds of qualifying students choosing to take up employment within the region
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. You'll be able to hear more about your chosen subject area in our course talks.
Next Open Days: Autumn 2022
Entry Requirements
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
Essential Requirements
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88 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 Credit Standard Grade |
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| Scottish National 5 |
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| IELTS |
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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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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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| Other qualifications | ||
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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. Upon completion of your Foundation Year, you will be required to successfully complete the University’s selection process for the specific programme which will include an interview in order to proceed onto year one of the full degree programme. Entry onto year one of the degree programme will also be subject to a satisfactory DBS and Occupational Health Assessment. |
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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 2022
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 1 year foundation followed by 3 year degree
- £9,250 in 2022/23
- Applications Closed
International students
Sorry, this course is not available to International students.
Please note, we operate a gathered field for applications to this course, which means that candidates who apply before 26 January will receive a decision on their application by the end of April 2022.
This course is now full for 2022/23. You can apply for 2023/24 via UCAS from September 2022.
If you'd still like to apply for September 2021, take a look at some of our other available courses.
Course in Depth
Foundation Year
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
This module is designed to support you in your transition to studying in a Higher Education environment at Birmingham City University. Through a range of class-based group and individual activities, discussions, debates, personal reflection and wider reading and research, you will have opportunities to consider academic conventions, which include: effective use of literature; sourcing and reviewing information; various forms of academic writing; developing reflective capacity. You will also receive guidance on study skills and strategies, which will enhance previously acquired skills.
These professional skills are transferable and will be valuable not only in the immediate context but throughout your continued education and employment. By engaging with this module, we have set out clearly what we expect of you at foundation and undergraduate level, and will equip you with the confidence, competence and capacity to utilise resources to be able to meet expectations in this environment.
An essential element of this module will be your ability to analyse and reflect on your own learning and the way in which you have applied your knowledge, skill and understanding to any academic context in which you have engaged to date. Communicating effectively through a variety of academic conventions is a key skill for any student and this will be a feature of this module.
This module is designed to help you gain awareness and understanding of current challenges around Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity and how this impacts upon the Health, Education and Social Sciences sector, preparing you for your future education and journey into practice.
Introducing the Equality Act 2010 as the overarching legislation that focuses on Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity, the module is based on themes that are covered by this Act. The nine protected characteristics, upon which a person can be discriminated, as laid down in the Equality Act, will be discussed throughout and you will be introduced to case studies relevant to your chosen pathways.
The module will give you the opportunity to discuss debate and reflect upon how challenges around Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity may present themselves. Using problem and inquiry based learning you will have the opportunity to explore and discuss ways of working which can help to minimise discrimination in your own practice. The module will be made up of lead lectures, taught sessions, group work and individual study.
An essential element of this module will be your ability to analyse and reflect on your own experiences and perceptions, whilst gaining an awareness and appreciating the differences of others.
This module will focus on enabling you to gain a deeper understanding of the interpersonal skills and behaviours required to work in your chosen area. Through a range of class based and student focused activities you will explore the different concepts of effective interpersonal and professional behaviours essential to your own personal development and progression. By engaging in this module you will reflect on your own and others values, beliefs and behaviours identifying how this can impact on the way in which you will be viewed by others. You will also address the importance of effective communication and how this can lead you to have a more professional approach in your chose area of work.
This module is designed to support you in your transition to studying in a Higher Education environment at Birmingham City University, allowing you the opportunity to negotiate learning of a bespoke subject. Under the guidance of tutors, you will be able to direct your learning and identify relevant learning opportunities that you feel enable you to learning more about a specific field of study.
The subject area within this module is student-led, with guidance and facilitation from designated academic and practice support. You will identify an area of study that you would like to review and evaluate, and which relates to your foundation year pathway and indicate programme.
A significant proportion of the module is based around negotiation with academic facilitators to identify extended areas of study and opportunities that are possible to enhance your towards completion of the study.
The module is not reliant on traditional taught subject sessions, although you will be expected to attend classes where you will work in peer learning groups exploring and developing your negotiated study. This approach to studying is closely allied to learning within the workplace.
An appreciation of the principles of Human Biology plays a central role in the understanding of the workings of the human body. This module is organised into three distinct phases from fundamental principles, to physiological processes, and then disruption of the interplay of such systems in human disorders. This understanding provides a solid foundation for the subsequent study in a range of disciplines from healthcare, allied healthcare, and other disciplines requiring an understanding of human biology. The topics covered will also be underpinned by practical activities. Pre- and post-session activities will help to develop your key transferable skills such as being able to reflect and ask probing questions as well as being able to think independently. Development of these skills will ensure a growth in maturity and boost your confidence which will lead to unlocking your learning potential.
Students embarking on health related studies and careers need to have a knowledge and understanding of the factors that contribute to creating good health. Evidence shows that the majority of these factors lie outside of the healthcare and clinical remit and so it is important that students are aware of the wider social, economic, environmental and political drivers of states of health of the population, group or client group they may encounter. As health services are reoriented towards prevention of ill-health and health improvement, all health science students need to consider the ways in which they may work in future, to both understand the social determinants of health and the principles and practice of health promotion in order to improve health, prevent ill-health and reduce health inequalities.
Year One
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
Academic Skills and Knowledge 20 credits
Principles of Radiation Production and Protection 20 credits
The Chest, Abdomen and Pelvis 20 credits
Principles of Conventional Radiography 20 credits
The Appendicular Skeleton 20 credits
Introduction to Care and Professional Practice 20 credits
Clinical Placement in Diagnostic Radiography 1 0 credits
Year Two
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
Considerations for Professional Practice 20 credits
The Axial Skeleton 20 credits
Radiographic Technologies and Imaging Principles 40 credits
Systems of the Body 20 credits
Further Academic Skills and Knowledge - Preparing for Research 20 credits
Clinical Placement in Diagnostic Radiography 2 0 credits
Year Three
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
Advanced Academic Skills and Knowledge – Research 40 credits
Adaptive Radiography and Advancing Technologies 40 credits
Preparation for Professional Practice 20 credits
Critical Thinking in Practice 20 credits
Clinical Placement in Diagnostic Radiography 3 0 credits
You have the flexibility to transfer to a standard undergraduate programme from the School of Health Sciences or the School of Nursing and Midwifery upon successfully completing your Foundation Year subject to DBS, Occupational Therapy Assessments and space available on the degree programmes, including:
- BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences
- BSc (Hons) Nursing - Adult
- BSc (Hons) Nursing - Learning Disability
- BSc (Hons) Nursing - Mental Health
- BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice
- BSc (Hons) Therapeutic Radiography
- BSc (Hons) Speech & Language Therapy
Course structure for BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography
There will be delivery of academic modules worth 120 credits during each of the 3 years of the course. In addition to these, there will be a zero-credit clinical module at each level of study that you will also be required to complete. All modules are core, and therefore all content and assessments (both academic and clinical) must be passed to meet the requirements for the award of BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography. Upon successful completion of all academic and clinical modules, you will be eligible to apply for registration with the HCPC as a diagnostic radiographer.
We utilise a variety of methods within our learning and teaching strategy to encourage reflective and critical thinking. The aim of this is to enable you to become a confident and autonomous learner, with sound academic and clinical knowledge, supporting your employability and skillset for lifelong learning and continuous professional development.
The year plan is designed to integrate theory and practice using a modular approach with alternating blocks of academic study and clinical practice across all 3 years. Delivery of academic elements of the Diagnostic Radiography course will predominantly be at the university, either in a face-to-face capacity or through online learning platforms, such as the university’s online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), Moodle, to deliver a blended approach to learning. Clinical experience is gained through attending an allocated clinical placement rotation and is reinforced within the university environment through the use of our dedicated skills suite and simulation activities. Our onsite radiography suite has capabilities for both DR (Digital Radiography) and CR (Computed Radiography), allowing you to see the evolution of technology and the importance of utilising effective imaging technique. The radiography suite is used throughout all 3 years of the course alongside our PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) and anatomical model resources in order to support your learning of anatomy, physiology, positioning technique and technical factors.
There will be a variety of learning and teaching activities within the course including seminars, individual or small group tutorials, didactic lectures, and study groups. These will include anatomy, physiology and pathology workshops, simulation of clinical scenarios, debates, group presentations, amongst others.
Clinical practice
Throughout the course there will be an integration of clinical practice experience with academic learning, so that you can forge connections between your developing professional knowledge and practical skills as developing diagnostic radiographers. Our approach has been to embed fundamentals of professional knowledge within the first phases of the course so that you can develop a firm foundation in the principles of radiation and imaging, anatomy and physiology, and the provision of an excellent standard of patient care. As you advance through the levels of study, you will explore increasingly complex aspects of radiographic practice and develop your skills in analysing the evidence base that underpin protocols and procedures so that you understand where and how diagnostic radiography fits into a patient’s diagnostic pathway and beyond. During the final stages of the course, you will be encouraged to adopt self-critical and analytical approaches to your developing professional identity and your role as a diagnostic radiographer within the wider multidisciplinary hospital teams.
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. Within the first semester of Level 4, you will be required to meet 4 mandatory requirements before you will be permitted to attend placement. These include a clear enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, agreement from Occupational Health that you are fit to attend placement, as well as mandatory training in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Patient Movement and Handling. You will be required to renew your mandatory training in each academic year to maintain and develop your skills in these areas. You must also make us aware if there are any changes to your DBS at any point during the course, or if any changes to your physical or mental health impact on your fitness to practice. More information on this is available in the Course Handbook and Student Clinical Handbook.
Accreditation or professional associations
This Course is approved by the Society and College of Radiographers https://www.sor.org.
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.
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 gain experience at more than one placement site, and will provide imaging services and patient care demonstrating a wide variety of clinical expertise. Students will engage with the latest imaging equipment and techniques and will gain experiences of professional groups in the wider multidisciplinary care teams.
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 & Staff
Facilities
Students studying within the Department of Radiography have accessing to the following dedicated specialists teaching resources:
- Anatomical Models Lab
- VERT Suite
- PACS review room
- PACS reporting room
- Diagnostic Digital 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.
Radiography Skills Suite
Our purpose-built Radiography Skills Suite allows you to improve your skills through simulation in a safe and protected environment, and includes:
- Dedicated PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems) suite;
- Dedicated Xograph X-ray imaging suite (CR and DR);
- Fully functioning Mobile X-ray and Image Intensifier units, for use in our on-site Ward and Theatre simulation workshops.
- Oncentra Masterplan Radiotherapy Planning system;
- Ultrasim Ultrasound machine;
X Ray 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 also have a fully functioning Mobile X-ray and Image Intensifier units, for use in our on-site Ward and Theatre simulation workshops. 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.
Simulation Mannequins
We have several Simulation men (SIM men) and Simulation babies (SIM babies) which are leading edge, anatomically correct mannequins used for teaching specific techniques such as advanced adult and paediatric life support skills, acute and high dependency clinical skills, first aid and communication skills.
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
Mark Hetherington
Course Leader HELS Foundation Year / Professional Navigator / Senior Lecturer
Mark joined the Professional Development Department (PDD) in 2018 as a Professional Navigator and as a Academic Skills tutor. During this time he has been involved in the development and running of the Faculty of Health Education and Life Sciences Foundation Year as both a course leader and module leader. At current there are two iterations of the...
More about Mark