BSc Hons Radiography - Diagnostic Imaging

Delivered against Level 6 Diagnostic Radiographer Degree Apprenticeship standard
BSc Hons Radiography - Diagnostic Imaging

How to apply

The potential apprentice will be required to complete an Initial Needs Assessment (INA) with the support of their employer and the University to ensure the apprenticeship programme is an appropriate solution to their skills development needs.

The employer should or can request the Initial Needs Assessment by emailing apprenticeships@plymouth.ac.uk.


Apprentices do not pay any course fees – costs are covered by the government and/or employer

Funding models for employers

We can support employers in accessing funding via the apprenticeship levy or provide alternative funding options to minimise or eradicate any up-front cost to the organisation.

There are currently two funding models:
  • Fully-funded: Levy paying organisations
  • Co-funded: Non-levy organisations and levy who have exceeded their levy contribution.

Fully-funded

If the annual pay bill of your organisation exceeds £3 million you will pay for your apprenticeship training through your levy account. If you have exceeded your levy contribution you will fund apprenticeship training through the co-funded model – to better understand how this will work please contact us.

  • Employer contribution: Employee salary only
  • Apprentices contribution: £0.

Co-funded

If you are a non-levy paying organisation (the annual pay bill of your organisation is less than £3 million) or you are a levy organisation who has exceeded their pot, the government will financially co-support your apprenticeship training – they will contribute 95 per cent of the costs and the employer will contribute five per cent.

  • Government contribution £22,800
  • Employer contribution £1200
  • Apprentice contribution £0.

Module Overview 

Year 1

  • RAD417 Introduction to the role of the healthcare professional (20 credits)
  • RAD418 Practice Placement 1 (20 credits)
  • RAD419 Radiographic theory 1 (20 credits)
  • RAD420 Radiographic theory 2 (20 credits)
  • RAD421 Human Sciences 1(20 credits)
  • RAD422 Human Sciences 2(20 credits)

Year 2

  • RAD518 Practice Placement 2 (20 credits)
  • RAD517 Evidenced based practice imaging (20 credits)
  • RAD521 Preparation for practice 1 (20 credits)
  • RAD519 Radiographic theory 3 (20 credits)
  • RAD520 Radiographic theory 4 (20 credits)
  • RAD522 Human Sciences 3 (20 credits)
Year 3

  • RAD617 Contemporary issues in diagnostic imaging (20 credits)
  • RAD618 Practice Placement 3 (20 credits)
  • RAD620 Radiographic theory 5 (20 credits)
Year 4

  • RAD621 Radiographic theory 6 (20 credits)
  • RAD619 Practice Placement 4 (20 credits)

Active learning is the signatory style of delivery for modules within this programme. This will be facilitated through activities supporting peer learning, practical and simulated learning, critical reflection, seminars, tutorials, student led debate, group presentations, webinars, discussion forums, group projects, independent enquiry, problem-based learning and research/enquiry-based learning and personal development planning. Apprentices on the programme will be assessed though:

  • Coursework
  • Essays
  • Reports
  • E-Portfolio
  • Reflection
  • Critical Incident Analysis
  • Professional Development Profile
  • Simulation
  • Role plays
  • Practice learning through the FORM2 platform
  • Reflective discussions re the Knowledge, Skills & Behaviours related to your degree apprenticeship


This apprenticeship programme will deliver against the nationally recognised Level 6 Diagnostic Radiographer Degree Apprenticeship standard. This is a mix of work-based learning modules and specialist learning which leads to the BSc (Hons) Radiography (Diagnostic Imaging). Graduates are eligible to apply to register with the Health and Care Professions Council as a diagnostic radiographer. Diagnostic Radiography is a fast moving, continually developing profession and integrates patient-care with digital technology.
Through the four-year programme you will develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours necessary to meet the HCPC Standards of Proficiency and the Level 6 Diagnostic Radiographer Degree Apprenticeship standard.
This apprenticeship has a face-to-face component each September for two weeks, followed by online learning using workshops, enquiry-based learning, tutorials and webinars.
We are a digital programme, with all assessments being electronic, including remote online exams and clinical logs.
As the majority of patients also have cross-sectional imaging (Magnetic Resonance Imaging, MRI and Computer Tomography, CT) as part of their pathway, there are enhanced assessments in these modalities, which go beyond the HCPC standards.
We understand some of the challenges in developing and retaining highly skilled employees and we are excited to be offering this work-based degree
The Fast-track route is suitable for Assistant Practitioners working in an imaging department. You may be working in DEXA, Nuclear medicine, MRI or Mammography or another modality. All applications will be individually assessed by the Programme Lead
To start at Year 1 you may already work in a healthcare setting, or may be a school-leaver. You need to be employed by a healthcare organisation that delivers diagnostic imaging to take part in the apprenticeship.

Areas of specialisms

  • @ On completion of the apprenticeship, you will apply to be an HCPC registered Diagnostic Radiographer
  • @ Enhanced CT and MRI skills and knowledge
  • @ Image commenting and evaluation taught from the first year
  • @ Inter-professional activities and team work taught from Year 1
  • @ Preparation for you to develop your specialism at Master’s level

Core Skills
  • Delivery of patient-centred care 
  • Leadership and Teamwork
  • Professionalism
  • Analytical skills, critical thinking and problem solving
  • Effective communication
  • Detailed knowledge of technological developments, service requirements and equipped to start your career in diagnostic radiography 

<div>Doctor examines the patient tomogram.&nbsp;Image credit: Shutterstock (144855175)</div>

Benefits to the Business

Our diagnostic radiography apprenticeship serves to support existing staff in an imaging department from all roles to assist them in achieving their potential. 
The Fast-track route enables the prior experience of Assistant Practitioner to be recognised and they qualify after 2 years.
In addition, those new to the healthcare environment will be able to start at Level 4 and all graduates of the programme would be able to follow the recognised career pathway through Enhanced, Advanced and Consultant practice.
The University of Plymouth is an experienced provider of apprenticeships and has a dedicated Central Apprenticeship Hub to support both employers and learners.

Benefits to the Apprentice
There are a number of benefits to completing the diagnostic radiography degree apprenticeship. These include earning whilst you are learning as you are an employed member of staff. Upon completion of the programme, you will be eligible to register with the HCPC as a diagnostic radiographer and start your career. You gain hands-on experience in your workplace and benefit from having support from both the university and your employer. An apprenticeship doesn’t just focus on technical skills, it includes how
to apply yourself to your job role, integrating and working as part of a team and applying knowledge and understanding to what you do, as well as providing support for your aspirations and future professional and personal development.

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Course facts

Duration: 
Fast-track 2 years. Full programme 4 years
Hours of study per week:  
All apprenticeships have 80% in the workplace with your employer and 20% off-the job learning.
Delivery type:
At the start of Level 4 and Level 6, you will undertake an on-boarding activity remotely for 3 weeks in August. You then attend the university full-time for 2 weeks.
For 25 weeks of the academic year, you will spend one day a week in academic study. This is online.
You will undertake 75 days of clinical placement over each academic year. The placement is arranged by your employer. This totals 2,250 hours of placement activity over the four-year degree apprenticeship.
Active learning is the signatory style of delivery for modules within this programme. This will be facilitated through activities supporting peer learning, practical and simulated learning, critical reflection, seminars, tutorials, student led debate, group presentations, webinars, discussion forums, group projects, independent enquiry, problem-based learning and research/enquiry-based learning and personal development planning.
Other key facts: 
All apprenticeships have an End-Point-Assessment to demonstrate that the apprenticeship standard has been met. For the diagnostic radiography degree apprenticeship this is integrated into the degree and there is no additional assessment required.
Apprentices will spend a large proportion of their time on the programme within workplace-situated environments. In this environment they will learn under close supervision of experienced radiographers and supervised in all aspects of clinical practice

Entry requirements

All applicants for the apprenticeship route should demonstrate evidence of:
  • GCSEs grade C/4 or above in Maths and English. Functional skills qualifications will be accepted in lieu of GCSEs. Mathematics and English qualifications as specified by the ESFA will be considered as an alternative to GCSE Maths and English .
  • The HCPC accept an IELTS Academic examination certificate that confirms you achieved an overall score of at least 7, with at least  6.5 in the writing, reading, listening and speaking sections
Qualifications that will be considered for Level 6 fast-track entry include:
  • BTEC in a science or health-related subject Level 4 or 5
  • Level 4 or 5 Assistant Practitioner
  • HND
  • Other relevant non-traditional criteria are considered on an individual basis.
All those entering via the Fast-track route will be working in an imaging department as an Assistant Practitioner and experience will be taken into account.
Qualifications that will be considered for Level 4 entry include:
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma with 33 Level 3 credits at Merit and/or Distinction including 15 level 3 credits in Science or Social sciences
  • Extended Science Foundation Degree
  • Although apprenticeships are not managed by UCAS, it is useful to calculate the UCAS tariff using the UCAS tariff calculator. General studies is not accepted. A minimum of  102 UCAS Tariff points
  • Other relevant non-traditional criteria are considered on an individual basis.

Apprenticeship Staff