Diagnostic Radiography (with Foundation Year)

Our BSc Diagnostic Radiography (with Foundation Year) is designed to provide a pathway through to our highly-rated, accredited Radiography degree - and a rewarding professional career.

With a solid foundation in Biology, this course will provide you with the fundamental knowledge of healthcare provision, healthcare professional roles and clinical skills to enable you to be successful on the first year of our Diagnostic Radiography degree and beyond.

Three quarters of the Foundation Year is common to a range of future healthcare professions, so it provides an ideal opportunity to learn about other roles and enables you to make informed decisions about your future career options. The course’s multi-professional nature breaks down interprofessional barriers and encourages an ethos of interprofessional collaboration when in practice.

Within the module specific to Radiography, you will be introduced to the profession’s broad scope of practice, professional values and how it contributes to the delivery of high-quality patient-centred care.

Following successful completion of the Foundation Year, you will move onto our Diagnostic Radiography degree. This vocational degree, developed and taught by the Leicester School of Radiography in collaboration with University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, is challenging and demanding but also incredibly rewarding – just like a career in radiography.

Radiographers work with nurses, radiologists and other healthcare professionals, creating detailed imagery and data through a variety of techniques, which clinicians can then use as the basis for accurate diagnosis of medical conditions. Almost 40 million imaging tests take place in the UK each year.

On this degree you will develop your knowledge and skills through a mix of academic study and work-based learning. About 50% of your time will be spent on placement in hospitals, where you will be taught, supervised and assessed – by dedicated, experienced professionals – to ensure you have the skills and knowledge to step into the professional environment.

The remaining 50% of the course will be spent in lectures and seminars, studying the fundamental topics which underpin the profession, including radiation sciences, imaging technology, anatomy and pathology, and the legal, ethical and professional codes that govern clinical practice.

At the Leicester School of Radiography you’ll benefit from outstanding facilities. We have a state-of-the-art X-Ray room at the nearby Leicester Royal Infirmary that gives you the chance to train in a genuine clinical setting alongside professionals. Our Clinical Skills Unit allows you to undertake interprofessional training alongside our other healthcare students, including life support.

On completing this course, you will be eligible to apply to become a Registered Diagnostic Radiographer.
Please note, this course runs on its own timetable (see Teaching and Learning section for details) rather than the standard university academic year.

Leicester isn't just a top 25 UK university (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026), that's rated top 10 for student experience, twice (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 and The Daily Mail University Guide 2026). It's cutting-edge research, world-class facilities, an incredible network of expert teaching staff, a warm campus community, and a place to call home.

What's more, all Clearing applicants are guaranteed a place in Leicester's accommodation! Expect modern furnishings, speedy Wi-Fi and cosy lounge areas - all at a range of costs and sizes. To secure a spot, make sure you've completed your application before 1st September.

With a student body made up of Midlanders, Brits, and people from across the world, you're bound to make friends for life at Leicester. Whatever you're passionate about, there are plenty of opportunities to meet like-minded people, with over 150 societies including, Debating, Art, Bollywood, Archery & Tennis. Leicester is is also a student-friendly city. You've got music venues, bars, pubs & clubs all on your doorstep.