Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: See fees section below
International/EU: £19,155 per year -
How long will I study?
3 Years
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Where will I study?
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What are the entry requirements?
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What is the UCAS code?
B821
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When do I start?
September 2025
Employability
93% of our graduates are in work or further study fifteen months after graduating, with 89% in highly skilled employment or further study (2020/21 Graduate Outcomes Survey).
Course summary
- Explore the intricacies of anatomy and physiology of the human body firsthand.
- Use cutting-edge techniques to produce images of the body to diagnose diseases.
- Prepare for the profession, ready to use and engage in groundbreaking research.
- Master imaging techniques for musculoskeletal and soft tissue systems.
This challenging and inspiring course provides the foundational knowledge and skills you’ll need to safely operate a variety of diagnostic imaging equipment. As part of a multidisciplinary team, you'll ensure patients receive high standards of care. After graduating you'll be eligible to apply for registration as a diagnostic radiographer with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
If you don't meet the entry requirements for this course, or you’d like extra preparation before starting degree-level study, we recommend you join the foundation course.
Accredited by
This course is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Graduates are eligible to apply to register with them and also apply to become members of the Society and College of Radiographers. You must be registered with the HCPC in order to practise as a diagnostic radiographer in the UK.
Come to an open day
Visit us to learn more about our gold-rated teaching and why we were awarded the highest possible rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework.
How you learn
All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating and challenging you to think in new ways, providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.
While specialising in diagnostic radiography, you’ll have opportunities to learn with, from and about practitioners from a range of health and social care professions – as part of a community of practice. These can include therapeutic radiographers, nurses and midwives, paramedics, physiotherapists, social workers, operation department practitioners and occupational therapists – as well as other radiography students, the course team and guest lecturers. These collaborations enable you to develop an in-depth understanding of person-centred care and patient pathways.
You’ll experience a blended approach to learning and teaching – on campus, online and in practice placements. You’ll be taught by professionals who are active in their field of practice and research – providing contemporary, interprofessional practice knowledge and experiences.
You learn through:
- Lectures
- Guest speakers
- Seminars and tutorials
- Group work
- Practical activities
- Simulation, including digital, in imaging, ward and theatre suites
- Image interpretation activities
Key Themes
As you progress through the course, you'll use cutting-edge imaging technologies and techniques to learn how to diagnose diseases by producing body images. You'll be equipped with the essential skills, practical experience and technological know-how required for a career in diagnostic radiography.
You’ll graduate with a strong professional identity, along with the skills, knowledge, values and clinical reasoning to thrive in a dynamic health and social care environment. You'll understand the importance of teamwork – focusing on people’s needs – and you'll have the confidence and resilience for autonomous working.
The course's practice-based learning, simulation and real-world clinical scenarios offer opportunities to develop skills within the four pillars of practice: clinical, research, leadership and education. These prepare you for highly skilled employment in the current and future workforce.
Ultimately, the course aims to mould you into a competent and effective diagnostic radiographer, ready to work in various hospital settings and contribute to modern healthcare delivery.
Course Support
You’ll be supported in your learning journey towards highly skilled, graduate-level employment through a range of key areas. These include:
- Access to our unique student support triangle to help with your personal, academic and career development
- Access to our Skills Centre with one to ones, webinars and online resources, where you can get help with planning and structuring your assignments
- Industry-specific employability activities such as live projects, learning in simulated environments and networking opportunities
- Opportunities to learn as part of a community of practice, to be networked into national and regional learning events and conferences
Course leaders and tutors
Applied learning
Live Projects
You’ll gain real-world skills in different practice-based learning environments, reflecting the range of ways healthcare services are currently delivered. These include simulated practice workshops – using our state-of-the-art imaging equipment. You’ll also develop key research skills and undertake projects to evaluate and develop health services.
These learning experiences are designed to help you build your skills, confidence, creativity, resilience, integrity and curiosity. By applying theory to practice, you’ll be able to develop critical and ethical approaches to become life-long, competent professionals.
Work Placements
You’ll undertake practice placements in a diagnostic imaging department, as well as experiences within the NHS – which may also include private sector or equipment manufacturing.
We’ll ensure the practice-based learning element of your course complies with the requirements of the Professional and Statutory Regulatory Body (PSRB) which governs the diagnostic radiography profession.
Networking Opportunities
Guest speakers are part of the course each year. These are great opportunities to learn from and about the role of a diagnostic radiographer – in a range of specialities and professional experience.
You’ll have opportunities to network both at Sheffield Hallam and on partnership placements – where you can learn with and from diagnostic radiography students studying at other universities, as well as healthcare professionals.
You’ll also have the chance to attend extra-curricular research seminars.
Future careers
By the end of the course, you’ll have demonstrated the requirements that confer your eligibility to apply for registration as a professional diagnostic radiographer with the HCPC – qualified to work in diagnostic imaging departments throughout the UK and overseas.
Previous graduates have gone on to work in specialist areas including:
- The NHS
- Private sector imaging services in the UK and internationally
- Further and higher education
- Management
- Quality assurance
- Equipment design and sales
Where will I study?
You study at Collegiate Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
Collegiate campus
Collegiate Campus can be found just off Ecclesall Road, a bustling student district.
Collegiate Campus map | Campus facilities
Collegiate library
Collegiate Library can be found just off Ecclesall Road. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
Our on-campus teaching is conducted in and around clinical and ward settings. You’ll have access to all the equipment and furniture found in a contemporary hospital clinical space.
On this course you work with:
- A fully equipped digital X-ray suite
- Mobile X-ray units
- An operating theatre C-arm
- Dental imaging equipment
- Virtual reality imaging and PACs software
- A wide and diverse range of imaging phantoms and life-like patient models
We have invested over £100m in new facilities to help you study how and when you want. This means 24-hour libraries and study spaces designed by our students.
Media Gallery
Learn more about your department
Health and Social Care Facilities Tour
Learn what it's like to study health and social care at our Collegiate Campus from our adult nursing student Alex.
Entry requirements
All students
UCAS points
128
From A levels including at least 40 points from either Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics or BTEC National Extended Diploma in Applied Science, Health Science or Health Studies. Health and Social Care is not accepted as a relevant subject but can count towards the points. We do not accept AS Levels or general studies.
For example:
- ABB at A Level including relevant subject(s)
- DDM in BTEC Extended Diploma in a relevant subject
- Distinction overall from a T level qualification.
- A combination of qualifications including relevant subject(s)
You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.
Or
- Approved Access to HE Diploma in health studies, health science, nursing or another science-based course. Normally we require 15 of the level 3 credits to be graded at distinction level with 12 of these distinctions from science units.
- If you are in the process of completing the FdSc Professional Practice in Health and Social Care at one of our partner colleges and are looking to progress your career as a registered professional, we would welcome an application from you. Please note the different application routes below:
- Completing the level 4 Certificate of Higher Education in Professional Practice in Health and Social Care means you can apply via UCAS to be considered for entry at Year 1 of your chosen professional degree
- Completing the full two year FdSc to level 5 means you can apply to be considered for entry in to Year 2 of this professional degree. This is a direct application process in accordance with the partnership arrangement between Sheffield Hallam University and your college, not via UCAS. Please note that places to commence this course in Year 2 are limited.
Other equivalent qualifications are considered individually. Graduate applicants would need a 2.2 in a relevant science degree with honours or a 2.2 in any degree with honours plus an A level in a science subject with a minimum of 40 UCAS tariff points.
And
GCSE's
- Science at grade C or 4 or equivalents*
- Maths at grade D or 4 or equivalents**
- English Language or Literature at grade C or 4 or equivalents***
*GCSE Science equivalents
- OCR Science level 2
- Science units gained on a level 3 BTEC or OCR National Diploma or Extended Diploma qualification
- Science credits gained on Access to Higher Education Diplomas (at least 12 credits at level 2 or 6 credits gained at level 3)
- Science equivalency test from www.equivalencytesting.co.uk
**GCSE Math's equivalents
- Level 2 Key Skills/ Application of Number/ Grade D at GSCE Maths/ Level 2 Maths credits from an Access course
- Maths quivalency test from www.equivalencytesting.co.uk
***GCSE English equivalents
- Level 2 Literacy
- Level 2 Key Skills
IELTS
If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or equivalent. If your level of English language is currently below IELTS 6.5 we recommend you consider an appropriate Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve the required level of English. Please note that the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) require IELTS 7.0 with no element below 6.5 for registration.
Helping your application succeed
Experience
Experience of interacting with members of the public from a range of backgrounds in different settings is essential when applying to a health or social care course. This is so you will have an understanding of the diversity of the population who access health and social care. It is important to be able to understand and explain how your experiences relate to the activities and qualities which are required for the profession at your interview.
Reference
You must provide a reference from a current or recent employer or educational institution with your UCAS application.
Interview
After you have submitted your application, If you are shortlisted, we will invite you to an online interview.
View our interview guidance to ensure you understand the interviews process and how you can prepare for this.
Course enrolment - professional requirements
Before enrolling you must fully declare the following information on the pre-admission declaration forms provided during the admissions process:
- unfiltered criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings. For further information on unfiltered offences please see the Disclosure and Barring Service website.
- involvement in disciplinary proceedings during paid or voluntary employment or education establishments
- involvement with safeguarding proceedings, social services or related organisations
- enrolment on a health or social work professional course at another University
In addition
Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Criminal Record Check
- you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) criminal record check prior to or during the enrolment week of your course. This will be provided by the University free of charge.
- you will need to present valid identity documents (PDF) (PDF, 38.1KB) as part of the application process
- if you have lived outside of the UK for more than six consecutive months in the last five years you must provide an overseas criminal record check. Further information on obtaining an overseas criminal record check.
- where your DBS Enhanced Disclosure certificate contains any recorded information you must present this to the Professional Issues Team within ten working days of receipt of the certificate.
Occupational Health Screening
You will need to undertake occupational health screening to determine your suitability to undertake the course. This will be provided by the University free of charge. As part of this assessment you are expected to provide all relevant, truthful and accurate information to ensure a safe environment for yourself and service users.
Immunisations
You must undertake a programme of immunisations as required by the Department of Health and meet the immunisation and immunity requirements of placement providers. This will be provided by the University free of charge. Please obtain details of your immunisation history from your doctor so you can submit this during your Occupational Health Screening.
Other professional suitability information
Your full enrolment on your course will be confirmed when the Professional Issues Team have verified that your Enhanced DBS Disclosure (and overseas criminal record check where relevant) indicates that you are suitable to work with vulnerable groups including children and clearance from your health screening has been received.
If your personal circumstances change in relation to any of the professional requirements, from when you apply to the end of your course, please tell the Professional Issues team immediately by calling 0114 225 5637 or emailing HWB-Professional-Issues@shu.ac.uk.
Disability support
We strongly recommend that you tell us about any long term health conditions, learning difficulty or disability you may have. This is so we can assess whether we can deliver the course in such a way that you can meet the Health and Care Professions Council standards of proficiency and take part without disadvantage both in University and on placement.
You can contact our disability coordinator on 0114 225 2588 to explore any issues you may have, or you can contact our university disabled student support team on 0114 225 3964 (voice and Minicom).
The Disability Disclosure booklet provides information for students on health and social care courses and will help you understand the importance of disclosing your disability at the earliest possible stage. This is so you can be assessed for the support you may require to succeed on the course.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Modules
Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
Collaboration For Individual And Community Wellbeing
Developing Radiographic Practice
Drad Practice Placement 1
Introduction To Diagnostic Imaging
Personal And Professional Development
Year 2
Compulsory modules
Assessing And Addressing Complexity In Practice
Contemporary Imaging Practice
Contemporary Imaging Practice 2
Drad Practice Placement 2
Evidence And Enquiry For Practice
Final year
Compulsory modules
Complexity & Leadership In Professional Practice
Drad Practice Placement 3
The Advancing Professional
The Autonomous Radiography Practitioner
The Radiography Revolution
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fees for UK students starting full-time undergraduate study in 2025/26 are regulated by the UK government and are yet to be confirmed. For an indication, our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time undergraduate study in 2024/25 is £9,250 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £19,155, which includes an annual placement supplement of £2,000.
Health and social care funding
Home fee-paying students can access a non-repayable maintenance grant of at least £5,000 per year. You may also be eligible for additional financial support based on your circumstances.
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for Diagnostic radiography courses (PDF, 329.2KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.