Diagnostic Radiography with Foundation Year

Subject to validation.

Diagnostic Radiography with Foundation Year course at Buckinghamshire New University is a four-year programme designed to support students who would benefit from an additional preparatory year before starting degree-level study.

The Foundation Year provides a supportive introduction to higher education, helping students develop the academic skills, scientific knowledge, and professional awareness needed to succeed on the BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography programme.

This route is particularly suitable The for applicants who do not currently meet the entry requirements for direct entry onto the BSc Diagnostic Radiography degree or who are returning to education after a break.

Please note that progression from the Foundation Year to the BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography programme is not guaranteed and is subject to meeting progression criteria.

Cutting-edge facilities
We’ve developed a modern, forward-thinking degree designed to give you the technical expertise and hands-on experience needed for today’s clinical environments.

At the heart of your training is our state-of-the-art, fully digital Radiography Skills Laboratory, equipped with the latest imaging technology, including artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. This means you'll train on the same advanced systems used in hospitals, gaining practical experience that mirrors real-world practice. Alongside your clinical placements, this ensures you're fully prepared to work confidently with a wide range of diagnostic imaging equipment upon graduation.

You'll also benefit from our cutting-edge anatomy teaching resources, including an interactive 3D digital anatomy platform, allowing you to explore, dissect, and understand the human body in a hands-on and intuitive way. These tools will support your understanding of the body systems you'll be imaging in clinical practice.

Recognised qualification
We have structured the degree in line with the professional frameworks and standards set by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the College of Radiographers (CoR). This includes a strong focus on evidence-based practice, patient-centred care, ethical decision-making, and the safe and effective use of advanced imaging technologies.

What will I study?
Throughout the course, you will study a wide range of topics designed to build both your technical expertise and professional confidence as a diagnostic radiographer. You'll learn how to use diagnostic imaging equipment safely and effectively, with a strong focus on legal, ethical, and workplace best practices. The course will deepen your understanding of health, disease, and disorders commonly encountered in radiographic practice, while also exploring the role of screening, health promotion, and patient education in supporting healthy living.

You’ll examine the principles of quality control, assurance, and clinical audit, as well as develop a strong technical understanding of various imaging modalities and their applications. Interpreting diagnostic data accurately and linking it to human anatomy, physiology, and pathology is a key focus, supported by training in image interpretation.

In addition, you’ll explore the importance of patient-centred care and effective communication, which are essential in delivering safe, compassionate healthcare. The course also encourages critical thinking, allowing you to evaluate current practice and contribute ideas for innovation and improvement.

By the end of your studies, you’ll have the knowledge, technical skills, and professional attributes needed to take further steps towards a rewarding career as a diagnostic radiographer.