BSc (Hons) Therapeutic Radiography


Institution code	H36
School of study	School of Health and Social Work
Course length	Full Time, 3 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.

UCAS points	A level	BTEC level 3 extended diploma	T level	Access diploma
112 - 120	BBB - BBC including science subjects and/or mathematics	DDM - DMM in applied science or a health-related subject. Health and social care can only be accepted if the GCSE science profile is 5 or above and must have a distinction in the anatomy and physiology unit	Merit in health care science, health or science	45 credits at level 3 Science or Health Studies , of which at least 24 credits graded at Distinction including 9 of these in Science subjects and 21 at Merit . Must include Physics and/or Chemistry and/or Biology units

Additional requirements

GCSE: Grade 4/ C in English Language and Mathematics or equivalent.

Foundation degree/diploma: Pass comprising 120 credits.

NVQ Level 3: alongside one year of relevant work experience.

Level 3 Apprenticeship: Allied Health or an associated subject will be considered on an individual basis.

International applicants: International qualifications will be considered on an individual basis using ENIC/NARIC. English and Mathematics at level 2 is a requirement for entry to this programme.

Applicants who do not have GCSE Grade 4/C English Language and English is not their first language, please see the list of qualifications accepted using English and maths requirements in apprenticeship standards at level 2 and above - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

All offers will be subject to the applicants' demonstration of the NHS constitution's Values and Behaviours, satisfactory interviews, health screening and the Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) checks. You can view the full NHS Constitution for England on the government website.

Additional requirements

Applicants must:

be nominated by their employer and have a permanent or fixed-term contract of employment for 30 hours per week or more, and be long enough for apprentices to successfully complete the apprenticeship
demonstrate an up-to-date record of mandatory training suitable for working in the clinical environment
show an understanding of the demands of completing a degree alongside their existing post in the health or social care sector and the resilience to work in health and social care
demonstrate basic IT skills, such as confidence in using an internet browser, communicating via email and using Microsoft Office tools (e.g. Word, Excel) or equivalent. An ability to learn and adapt to new technologies is also important, for example, you may be asked to participate in a virtual classroom session, contribute to a discussion forum and will be expected to upload assignments to an online portal
understand that annual leave must be arranged outside of scheduled online or face to face teaching and assessment
comply with the ‘Rehabilitation of Offenders Act’ 1974 and ‘Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (exceptions) order’ 1975, and have a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance
be medically fit to undertake the programme, satisfactory health assessment clearance and have received the relevant immunisations to work in the NHS (ST0619 S109).

The recruitment process consists of short-listing followed by an interview. The interview panel will normally include a Trust and an Academic member of staff. Successful applicants will demonstrate:

the potential to manage work and study commitments
a commitment to the NHS constitution's Values and Behaviours
an ability to discuss current health care issues
an interest in broadening and building on prior experiences
good written and verbal communication skills.

About the course

Final Award: BSc Hons Therapeutic Radiography

This three-year apprenticeship is a comprehensive programme for apprentices to train as qualified therapeutic radiographers in NHS settings or radiotherapy centres, taught by a dedicated team with specialist subject knowledge, who are both lecturers and Therapeutic Radiography professionals registered by HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council). You'll gain invaluable skills and clinical experience and learn about the scientific foundations for effective cancer care to enable you to proficiently plan and administer radiotherapy treatment, with a strong understanding of ethical practice, compassion and safety.

Our innovative, learner-focused apprenticeship uses a diverse range of face-to-face and online teaching, learning and assessment methods specifically developed to meet needs of apprentices and employers close to and distant from the university.

On completion of the apprenticeship, you'll graduate as a fully qualified, reflective and confident Therapeutic Radiographer and become eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and Society and College of Radiographers (SCoR).

Why choose this course?

Through our comprehensive theoretical and practical apprenticeship programme, you’ll acquire the technical and professional skills necessary for working within multidisciplinary teams in radiotherapy departments.

Radiotherapy is a fast-evolving field and our cutting-edge technology, including our Virtual Environment for Radiotherapy Training (VERT), a working CT scanner and radiotherapy planning system will ensure you stay at the forefront of the industry throughout the apprenticeship and beyond.

Be confident you will gain valuable skills as we have over 30 years' experience in successfully delivering Therapeutic Radiography education at the university, and graduating radiographers into the workforce.

You’ll develop the essential knowledge and clinical expertise for delivering personalised care and develop the communication skills to effectively support patients and their families.

What will I study?

The therapeutic radiography degree apprenticeship combines learning at university, ‘on-the-job’ learning, and practice placements. Apprentices spend one day a week with the university gaining theoretical knowledge and practical skills and four days a week in their workplace.

Our blended learning approach includes face to face on-campus, electronic and distance learning. A range of modules will be included which incorporate theoretical knowledge, understanding, and application of skills and behaviours for the workplace.

Key areas of study include:

Anatomy, physiology, and pathology: it is essential for therapeutic radiographers to understand the structure and function of the human body as well as the principles of health, disease, disorder, and dysfunction of the human body, to gain an understanding of cancer development and oncology management.
Patient care and communication: developing skills in patient interaction, communication, and psychosocial factors to ensure a positive patient experience during their radiotherapy journey.
Radiation science, imaging and technology: understanding and application of the principles of radiation physics and ensuring the safe use of radiation in oncology and radiotherapy. Learning about radiotherapy equipment and various imaging modalities such as X-ray, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Professional practice and ethics: learning about the legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities of therapeutic radiographers, including patient confidentiality and informed consent.

What will I study?

Key areas of study include:

Anatomy, physiology, and pathology: it is essential for therapeutic radiographers to understand the structure and function of the human body as well as the principles of health, disease, disorder, and dysfunction of the human body, to gain an understanding of cancer development and oncology management.
Patient care and communication: developing skills in patient interaction, communication, and psychosocial factors to ensure a positive patient experience during their radiotherapy journey.
Radiation science, imaging and technology: understanding and application of the principles of radiation physics and ensuring the safe use of radiation in oncology and radiotherapy. Learning about radiotherapy equipment and various imaging modalities such as X-ray, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Professional practice and ethics: learning about the legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities of therapeutic radiographers, including patient confidentiality and informed consent.

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Transition to Therapeutic Radiographer Apprentice	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module provides the foundation through which apprentices begin to transition towards a registered Therapeutic Radiographer. Content includes career progression, concepts underpinning practice and the role of Therapeutic Radiographers; professional and regulatory standards; requirements of being an apprentice, expectations, literacy, numeracy and study skills, academic and placement learning, reflection, portfolios, maintaining an appropriate work-life balance, and seeking and accessing support systems. Work-based learning enables apprentices to apply their knowledge of these topics to practice so they begin to develop core knowledge, skills and behaviours.
Professional Values and Ethics for Therapeutic Radiography	15 Credits	Compulsory
Drawing on a range of scenarios involving service users and carers, a range of professional conduct and ethics regulations will be discussed. Apprentices will reflect on their practice, values and beliefs recognising the importance of equality, diversity and maintaining awareness of issues which occur due to social and health disparity. Inter-professional Masterclasses with other apprentices and work-based learning enable learners to apply their understanding of British values and ethics to the practice environment, so all patients are treated equally and with respect.
Imaging Science, Technology, and Radiation Protection	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces apprentices to radiotherapy science, imaging, and technology. The physical principles of ionising radiation and its applications are explored as are planning, treatment and imaging systems, including their components and operation within oncology and radiotherapy. Work-based learning allows learners to apply their knowledge of radiation protection and safety to the clinical environment.
Allied Health Professions, Midwifery and Social Work	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module provides apprentices with a fundamental knowledge of the structure and functions of the human body (adult and child) and an understanding of physical and mental health, disease and disorder within the context of radiotherapy delivery. Regional and cross-sectional anatomy is viewed on a range of images mimicking therapeutic radiography practice and normal and abnormal physiology is presented with reference to diagnostic tests. Academic teaching is supplemented by simulation activities and work-based learning where knowledge skills and behaviours are further developed.
Foundations of Oncology and Patient Care	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module provides an overview of oncology and holistic patient management with emphasis on the processes and procedures that are associated with delivering palliative and radical radiotherapy. The support and care available to patients are discussed as are the roles of other healthcare professionals in supporting patients. Simulation and work-based learning enable the development of skills and behaviours required for safe and effective radiotherapy delivery.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Radiotherapy Practice and Oncology of the Pelvis and Abdomen	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module focusses on the oncology and palliative and radical management of a range of tumours arising in the abdomen and pelvis. Physical and psychological support and personalised care for a range of patients are discussed using authentic case studies so apprentices appreciate individualised interventions and care plans, enabling them to respond to and work in partnership with individual patients, adapting practice where necessary. Work-based learning enables the development of skills and behaviours required for safe and effective radiotherapy delivery and holistic patient care interactions.
Radiotherapy Equipment and Emerging Technology	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module focuses on the variety of equipment used to deliver radiotherapy and image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT). The role of imaging and subsequent decision-making required of graduates is central to therapeutic radiography; this module builds on the basics learnt in year 1, with a focus on developing complexity, depth of understanding, research-informed learning and critical application to the radiotherapy pathway. Work-based learning provides the opportunity to observe and participate in quality control and assurance procedures and to further their knowledge and skills of IGRT.
Radiotherapy Dosimetry & Pretreatment	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module focuses on the knowledge and skills required for radiotherapy localisation and planning. Theoretical learning is supplemented by placement where apprentices gain hands-on practice in localisation and dosimetry planning, to develop their practical skills through problem-solving and authentic case studies, culminating with learners generating and evaluating a range of localisation images and treatment plans.
Research Methods for Therapeutic Radiography	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module enables apprentices to further develop their knowledge and understanding of research principles, processes and methods, to engender a critical understanding of their application within health and social care settings. Using authentic examples of research and audit from practice, supplemented by the evidence-base, learners will gain an analytical appreciation of the concepts of audit, service evaluation and quality improvement. Learners will also spend time on placement discussing and developing service improvement plans and ideas.
Radiotherapy Practice and Oncology for Neurological Malignancies and Tumours of	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module evaluates the oncology and palliative and radical management of a range of neurological and tumours of the head, neck and thorax regions. The support and care available to patients are discussed as is the impact of treatments on body image and the roles other healthcare professionals play in supporting patients. Inter-professional Masterclasses and work-based learning enable the development of skills and behaviours required for safe and effective radiotherapy delivery and holistic patient care interactions.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Radiotherapy Practice and Oncology of Paediatric and Systemic Malignancies	30 Credits	Compulsory
This is the final module in the series of oncology and practice modules. It addresses the management and care of more complex cases including those related to paediatric and systemic malignancies, oncological emergencies and those requiring end of life care. Apprentices are expected to work autonomously, safely and effectively in treatment delivery and support patients receiving radical or palliative radiotherapy, knowing when to adapt practice and refer on as appropriate.
Leadership and Autonomous Practice in Therapeutic Radiography	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module presents theories of leadership, education and practical skills needed to be an effective, compassionate teacher, leader and role model in a changing environment. Different leadership styles and educational models appropriate to clinical teaching and mentoring are presented. Managing change, resilience and conflict resolution are debated as is the importance of being an advocate for the profession within inter-professional teams. Theory is supplemented by interprofessional Masterclasses and shadowing experiences with leaders in practice and by assisting in teaching and mentoring of others on placement.
Quality Improvement in Radiotherapy	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module enables apprentices to demonstrate their understanding and application of quality improvement methodology using appropriate systematic methods of inquiry, knowledge and skills which are used to critically analyse, develop and evaluate current practice and / or service through the process of undertaking a quality improvement project in the workplace. The importance of involving service users and carers in evaluation, service design and research is also discussed. Learners have a supervisor who guides their development of a service evaluation activity.
Transition to Therapeutic Radiography Practitioner	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module encourages apprentices to consider their transition from apprentice to registered practitioner, working autonomously, safely and effectively in the delivery and support of patients receiving radical or palliative radiotherapy, knowing when to adapt practice and refer on as appropriate. The module also prepares learners with the skills and knowledge to apply for and secure their first post as a therapeutic radiographer and makes them aware of career opportunities in the profession.

Professional Accreditations

BSc Hons Therapeutic Radiography is accredited by the Society and College of Radiographers. Upon successful completion of this programme you will be eligible to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a qualified Therapeutic Radiographer.

Careers

Apprentices will graduate with the skills to administer radiotherapy treatment, assess and interpret pre-treatment scans and undertake comprehensive treatment planning. Further career advancement is dependent on undertaking approved courses and gaining experience, which can lead to additional responsibilities in a particular area, such as treatment planning or teaching or working as a consultant practitioner.

Clinically experienced Therapeutic Radiographers can gain additional specialist skills and expertise through the postgraduate, post-registration and continuing professional development frameworks.

The University’s careers service provides a range of support to help apprentices develop skills attractive to employers and Novel CPD services that prepare you for a successful career in Therapeutic Radiography. Visit our careers pages for more information.

Course fact sheets
BSc (Hons) Therapeutic Radiography (Degree Apprenticeship)	Download

Programme specifications
BSc (Hons) Therapeutic Radiography (Degree Apprenticeship)	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	n/a
Applications open to international and EU students	No

Find out more

Become an apprentice Employ an apprentice

Search everything:

Become an apprentice

Employ an apprentice

BSc (Hons) Therapeutic Radiography

Additional requirements

Additional requirements

About the course

Why choose this course?

What will I study?

Key areas of study include:

What will I study?

Key areas of study include:

Professional Accreditations

Careers

Find out more