Radiotherapy and Oncology

Kick off a dynamic and rewarding career in radiography with our BSc Radiotherapy and Oncology course. You’ll learn how to use advanced technology to deliver life‑changing treatment for people with cancer, while building the confidence to support patients and their families throughout every stage of their journey.

This degree prepares you to become a Therapeutic Radiographer - a highly skilled, compassionate professional who plays a vital role in modern cancer care. It’s a hands-on, rewarding career with endless opportunities to learn, grow, and make a real impact.

With access to a cutting-edge, global cloud-based radiotherapy planning system, you’ll build skills in treatment planning within a professional-style environment. At the same time, you’ll work with digital imaging tools used in clinical practice, gaining hands-on experience with the technology used by professionals.

You’ll also gain valuable real-world experience through a range of practice placements throughout your studies. These will take place in both major and smaller NHS cancer centres across Scotland – all of which are recognised as centres of excellence. Together, these experiences will prepare you to thrive in a fast-paced, impactful healthcare career.

At the heart of this course is person-centred care.  We will prepare you to provide every patient with individualised support and understanding. Most importantly, you’ll feel confident helping people feel seen, safe, and respected throughout their treatment.

GCU is the largest provider of therapeutic radiography education in Scotland. Our expert teaching team works closely with NHS partners and professional bodies to ensure the course stays current and fully aligned with clinical practice.

If you want a future that blends science, technology, and genuine human impact, then therapeutic radiography could be the ideal start to your journey.

Why choose this course?

• We are ranked first in the subject of radiography in Scotland and second in the UK. This reflects our outstanding teaching quality, student support, and graduate outcomes. (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026).

• We are a major provider of therapeutic radiography education in Scotland with long-established, trusted partnerships across the NHS.

• Take advantage of hands-on training with cutting-edge technology. This includes digital image-viewing equipment used in real-world clinical practice.

• Through our practice placements, you’ll gain real-world experience in both large and smaller NHS cancer centres across Scotland, all of which are recognised as centres of excellence.

• Make a real impact in people’s lives with a career where you make an immediate and meaningful difference.

Careers

When you complete this course, you’ll be eligible for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and membership of the Society of Radiographers. These are essential steps towards practising as a qualified Therapeutic Radiographer.

Most graduates go on to rewarding careers as Therapeutic Radiographers within the NHS, playing a crucial role in cancer care. However, this degree also opens the door to exciting opportunities beyond traditional radiotherapy roles.

You can pursue careers in:

• nuclear medicine

• mammography

• the nuclear industry

• research and innovation

• higher education and teaching

• or continue into postgraduate study and clinical specialisation.

There are further routes into management and leadership roles within healthcare settings. You can also contribute to the development of cancer services and patient care through advanced practice and research.

Whatever path you choose, this degree provides a strong foundation for a meaningful and flexible career in health.

In our programme we use a wide range of both summative and formative assessment methods. This includes written and online exams, essays, case studies, critical review and presentations. We also use self and peer assessment in addition to tutor marked assessments.

In clinical practice, students have professional performance assessments and staged assessments in addition to reflective work and practice-based exams. Students self-assess formatively and are summatively assessed by practice educators

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• Health and Care Professions Council