Diagnostic Radiography

Would you like to become a radiographer? Immerse yourself in real-world challenges and train to be a diagnostic radiographer with this diagnostic radiography degree.

From anatomy and radiologic technologies to applied human sciences, you’ll develop the knowledge and skills to succeed as a confident and qualified radiographer.

What’s more, our Allied Health Profession courses are ranked 1st in the North West and top 10 in the UK. We are also 1st in the North West for continuation and career prospects following graduation from Allied Health Profession Courses (Guardian University Guide 2023 Results).

Course overview
On this radiography course, you'll gain a firm grounding in anatomy and the applied science relevant to medical imaging. Our digital imaging labs provide you with initial hands-on experience in a safe, modern digital imaging environment.

Our facilities feature new, cutting-edge clinical imaging equipment including our Siemens x-ray rooms, newly installed at both campuses in April 2023, and AGFA x-ray rooms which were completed at the end of 2022.

You’ll spend around 50% of your time in placements covering a range of clinical imaging techniques such as projectional radiography, computerised tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging with some clinical time in additional areas such as radionuclide imaging, ultrasound and mammography.

You’ll have the opportunity to focus on a specific imaging modality to attain competencies and additional experience in year three. Industry-active tutors will teach you current knowledge and insight. The department has links with leading specialist centres such as The Christie Hospital, one of Europe’s leading cancer centres.

On this course you will...
• Balance your academic study with approximately 42 weeks of clinical placements throughout your course, giving you the hands-on experience needed to become a radiographer. These placements will mostly be based in NHS hospitals, but independent sector medical imaging service providers are also used.



• Develop your skills in our labs using 'live' X-ray equipment which replicates the real-life clinical experience you'll get on placement.



• Be taught in small groups allowing for a supportive learning experience during your radiography degree.



• Work with newly updated, cutting-edge clinical imaging technology.



• Gain experience in a wide range of imaging modalities such as MRI, CT, plain film radiography and Radionuclide Imaging.



What you will learn

This programme will develop your interest, knowledge and understanding of the changing and expanding field of medical diagnostic imaging. You will learn in both academic and clinical settings, demonstrating levels of achievement whilst being supported within those environments.

Our goal is to enable you to graduate ‘first post ready’ with a realistic and professional attitude to the current working environment. We aim for you to graduate as a resilient, proficient communicator whose values are centred around effective and compassionate patient care.

Our lecturers will encourage you to continue learning throughout your professional life (CPD) assuring you are a competent, informed member of the healthcare team, who engages in safe and effective practice.

With campuses in the Lake District, Carlisle, Lancaster, Ambleside, Barrow, and London, you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty, supportive communities, and real opportunities.

With strong links to law firms, schools, NHS Trusts, creative agencies, and employers nationwide, we connect your learning directly to your future career.

Ranked the No. 1 university in the Northwest and in the Top 5 in the UK for Graduates into employment or further study within 15 months (97.5% of Graduates – Graduate Outcomes Survey, HESA 2026), Cumbria is a university focused on your future from day one.