Diagnostic Radiography

This course has recently been slightly retitled to Master of Diagnostic Radiotherapy. This course was previously Master of Radiograpy: Diagnostic.

This four-year undergraduate Master of Diagnostic Radiography (MDRad)/BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography course will give you the theoretical understanding and practical skills you will need to build a rewarding career as a Diagnostic Radiographer. Practice placements are an integrated part of the course and allow students to put their theoretical knowledge into practice.

QMU offers two undergraduate pathways of study in Diagnostic Radiography to achieve a recognised qualification. Initially all students register on the undergraduate master’s pathway and study together, then, from the end of the second year, students on the BSc (Hons) pathway follow a slightly different programme of study to those studying for the undergraduate master’s degree. On graduation, both pathways offer eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC as a diagnostic radiographer.

Why QMU?

• Supportive learning environment: You will enjoy a very high level of support and mentoring from our staff. We do not take as many students as some institutions, so you will enjoy a more individual and interactive learning experience.

• Benefit from our clinical placement arrangements: We have excellent relationships with our clinical placement sites that allows us to support you constantly when you are on placement. You will be the only student on the team during your placements to give you the maximum possible benefit from the clinical experience.

• Great facilities for learning and teaching: You will learn on specialist hi-tech facilities on campus. Our diagnostic imaging suite is equipped with a Siemens Multix Pro X Ray System, a Fuji Computerised Radiography system with high resolution digital workstations and a Fuji Direct Digital mobile.

• High graduate employment rates: With a degree in diagnostic radiography from QMU, our students are well equipped, respected and confident to start their careers very soon, if not before, they graduate.

• Professional accreditation/registration: This course is accredited by the Society and College of Radiographers and approved by the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC). Successful completion enables application for registration with the HCPC as a diagnostic radiographer which is essential for employment in the UK.

The course in brief:

Diagnostic Radiographers are healthcare professionals who acquire and evaluate images of the human body to diagnose disease and trauma. They use a range of high-technology imaging equipment and techniques and work closely with the multidisciplinary team to provide a person-centred service.

Radiography is invaluable in the diagnosis and treatment of disease and trauma. As a Diagnostic Radiographer your skill, judgement and professionalism will be a vital part of a team’s clinical work, and affect patients’ lives, day after day. Awaiting a diagnosis can be a stressful time for patients and in this career you must be technically adept, an excellent communicator and provide person-centred care. This is why our diagnostic radiography course places high importance on clinical placements. Placements are essential to build self-confidence, practice radiographic techniques and develop clinical knowledge in a real-life hospital setting.

On this course you will:

• Learn from staff with an outstanding reputation for the quality of teaching;

• Gain all the knowledge and skills that you require to work as a diagnostic radiographer;

• Benefit from the interprofessional working focus of this course. We aim for all our graduates to be confident in their own professional identity and have the additional skills that will allow you to work as an effective multidisciplinary team member.

Year 1: Anatomy and Physiology/Becoming and Allied Health Professional/ Developing Resilience of Self and Others Introduction to Diagnostic Practice, Diagnostic Practice 1/Finding your Academic Voice Year 2: Behaviour Change/Developing a Spirit of Inquiry/Cross Sectional Imaging Science/Diagnostic Practice 2/ Diagnostic Imaging Placement A Year 3: Active Citizenship/Health Literacy/ Specialist Imaging and Advancing Diagnostic Practice/Theoretical and Clinical Approaches to Multidisciplinary Team Working/Understanding and Appraising the Evidence for Practice/ Diagnostic Imaging Placement B Year 4: Applying Skills of Critical Enquiry/ Evidence Informed Practice/ Leadership and Enterprise in Healthcare/Preliminary Clinical Evaluation/Diagnostic Imaging Placement C.
The modules listed here are correct at time of posting but may differ slightly to those offered in 2026. Please check our website for an up to date list of modules.

Teaching, learning and assessment: You will be taught in lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical workshops. There will be a mix of classroom and online learning. Outwith timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning through self-study. You will be assessed by a variety of assessment methods (eg written and practical exams, written assignments, presentations and viva voce) at the end of each module. Placements: Placements are invaluable in consolidating theoretical study into practical expertise by working directly with patients and qualified staff. You will complete practice placements in each year. You will attend a variety of placements within the NHS at various locations across Scotland. QMU manages the sourcing and allocation of placements for each student. Placements take place across Scotland. It is therefore likely that students will have to relocate for at least some of their practice-based learning unless they have individual requirements (eg specific health needs or school age children) that mean they must remain in a specific location. You must be 18 years old by 1st February 2027 to undertake the first year placement when starting September 2026.

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

• Radiographers, College of
• Health and Care Professions Council

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

• Course does not award QTS