BSc (Hons) DIAGNOSTIC RADIOGRAPHY

Overview

Mode	Duration	Start date	Application code	Application method
ModeFull-time	Duration3 years	Start dateSeptember	Application codeB821	Application method UCAS

Home/EU applicants

Mode	Duration	Start date	Application code	Application method
Mode Full-time	Duration 3 years	Start date September	Application code B821	Application method UCAS

All full-time undergraduate students apply to the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Full details of how to do this are supplied on our How to apply webpage for undergraduate students.

Prepare to start

Disclosure Barring Service (DBS)

All pre-registration students need to be DBS cleared before going on placement. You’ll need to have an enhanced DBS check even if you have had one before and will not be able to go on placement until this is complete.

The DBS process is not difficult but can take some time so it's best to get started as soon as you receive your email. You will receive the email during Summer 2023.

DBS update service

If you're part of the DBS update service, your subscription is up to date and you already have a DBS certificate, please bring in your original green DBS certificate for the document check. To take advantage of the update service, your certificate needs to be classified as 'Enhanced' and workforce must be listed as 'Adult and Child'. If you have any queries, please email us at hscdbsoh@lsbu.ac.uk.

How to complete your DBS

Our DBS supplier, Verifile, will send you an email with all the details you need to complete your DBS.

Verifile will give you instructions to log into their system and complete your personal details and information. To complete the process, you'll need your passport or driving licence and 5-year address history including dates when you moved in/out.

You can use your application number to track the progress of your DBS.

When you've finished, your Disclosure Statement will be mailed to the most recent address in your submission, so please make sure it's correct. We don't automatically receive a copy of this Statement, which is why we need you to bring it in as part of the next step.

Frequently asked questions

My Social Work friends said they need to pay. Do I need to pay?

Only Social Work applicants need to pay for their DBS. It costs £46 and can be purchased on our online store.

What do I need to declare on my DBS?

Please include any and all major and minor, spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warning and reprimands, even if they relate to juvenile offences or seem trivial or unimportant. Some minor offences will not prevent you from going on placement or being offered a place on your course, but still need to be reviewed so it’s best to be honest and include everything. Also, the more information you include about any offences can help reduce the time it takes to assess them.

I’ve applied for/had a DBS in past. Do I need to do it again?

Yes, you do. You need to have an up-to-date DBS. Once you have received the email from our DBS supplier make sure you start the process straight away. All details of how to do this will be outlined in the email. If you don’t complete your DBS in the timeframe given, we may withdraw your offer even if term has already started. So it’s important that you get started as soon as you receive the email.

Why do I need an enhanced DBS check?

Government legislation requires all Higher Education Institutions who offer courses where students may come into unsupervised contact with children or vulnerable adults to have this check. These checks also help us to ensure duty of care to our students, and create a safer environment for patients seen by our students.

Who reviews my DBS?

As part of the University’s admissions process, declarations of any offence may be referred to a virtual panel made up of senior managers from partner NHS Trusts and/or other sectors within Health and Social Care. Any DBS that is considered by the panel will be anonymised. The panel members then deliberate and make a recommendation whether the application be rejected, accepted or request further information or documents.

When will I hear back from the panel about my DBS?

If you have declared an offence, we might ask for more information from you in writing which will help the panel make a decision. Once your declaration has been referred to the panel it can take up to 28 working days to be processed.

Which address do I use?

You need to put your current address on your DBS application because this is where your Statement will be mailed. If you’ve moved house between submitting and receiving your DBS, make sure you have mail forwarding set up so that you’ll receive your statement. If you’ve moved recently, make sure you have proof of your new address (such as a new bank statement) to bring for your document checks.

I’ve lost my statement. What do I do?

If you’ve lost your statement you will need to pay £46 to purchase a new one.

I’ve had my application rejected due to my DBS declaration/disclosure. Can I appeal the decision?

Yes. If your application has been rejected due to your DSB declaration/discloser, you will be sent a letter to confirm this. There will be instructions in the letter about how you can appeal and which supporting information you need to provide. Once a decision has been made you will receive a letter from the School Executive Team.

Document check

Once you have completed the online part of the DBS process, you will need to produce three accepted documents from this list (PDF File 248 KB) to be verified.

Document check on campus

Southwark: Southwark Student Help Desk in the K2 building Monday – Friday between 9am-11am or 1pm-4pm

Havering: come to reception at Havering Monday – Friday between 8:30-10:30am, 12-2pm, 4-5pm

Document check at the Post Office

If you’re not able to come to campus, you can get your documents checked and certified at the Post Office for a fee of £10.50. To do this, make photocopies of your three accepted ID documents and take your DBS form, copies and originals of your documents to the Post Office. The Post Office will stamp the form and photocopies and given them back to you. Email your post office receipt, stamped form and stamped documents to hscdbsoh@lsbu.ac.uk.

Occupational Health (OH)

An exciting part of many of our Health and Social Care courses is the opportunity to learn off-campus and work with patients, clients and/or service users. Before you start, we need to make sure that you have the correct levels of immunisations.

Questionnaire

Once you have enrolled, students will be asked to complete an occupational health check, the first part is completing an online questionnaire sent from our occupational health provider.

GP appointment

The second part of your occupational health check is to get any inoculations that you may need from your GP. When attending your GP appointment, please take printed copies of these two documents with you.

Vaccination Screening Advisory Letter (PDF File 126 KB)
GP Vaccination and Screening History (PDF File 117 KB)

Occupational Health appointment

After these steps are complete you will receive an email from OHWorks Ltd inviting you to attend an appointment on-campus with an Occupational Health Nurse. These appointments take place during the week and sometimes when your classes have already started.

The OH team have prepared this guide (PDF File 588 KB) which outlines what to expect at each stage. If you have queries or concerns about your Occupational Health clearance or inoculations please contact the Occupational Health team.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be double vaccinated?

Yes - government legislation advises that everyone must be double vaccinated to work in a health care setting with effect from 1 April 2022.

My local GP doesn’t have my vaccination history. What should I do?

Contact the OH team at lsbu@ohworks.co.uk who will be able to advise you.

What if I can’t make my OH appointment?

Please contact the OH team to reschedule at least 48 hours in advance. Remember that you won’t be able to go on placement until you’re cleared.

I’ve already registered with LSBU’s Disability and Dyslexia Support Unit (DDS). Do I still need to tell the OH Nurse about my condition?

Yes. Tell the OH Nurse about all conditions including specific learning difficulties even if you’ve declared these in the past. This will allow us to make reasonable adjustments whilst you’re on placement.

If I’ve declared a condition to the OH Nurse, do I need to register with LSBU’s Disability and Dyslexia Support Unit as well?

The information you share with the OH Nurse will be treated with confidence, meaning that it won’t be automatically shared with the DDS team. The DDS team can help you to receive support for your lectures, assignments and exams so it’s worth to register with them and provide evidence of your condition if you need this support.

Numeracy practice

Before starting your course, you may want to check or practice your numeracy skills. The National Numeracy Challenge is a free online tool that helps you learn, revise and quiz your essential numeracy skills. You’ll also be able to get a certificate to show your efforts.

Enrolment and Welcome Week

Before you start your course we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our new students pages.

Uniforms

Most placements and some practical sessions in our skills laboratories will require you to wear a uniform and name badge. You will be measured for uniforms specific to your course as part of your Welcome Week activities after enrolment. In the meantime, we have prepared answers to frequently asked questions that you might find useful.

Frequently asked questions

Do I get a uniform for when I go on placement?

Yes, LSBU will supply you with uniforms for your placement with the exception of Social Work and Health and Social Care BSc students who are not required to wear uniforms for their placements.

Which uniforms will I receive?

Nursing and midwifery students will receive two pairs of trousers, three tunics and a name badge. Polo shirts will be issued instead of tunics for students studying mental health nursing, physiotherapy, chiropractic and sport rehabilitation. ODP students will receive one set of scrubs top and trousers.

How long do the uniforms need to last?

The items are to last for the duration of your programme of study.

How do I know what size I am?

A measuring and distribution service will be available by the uniform provider at both Southwark and Havering campuses. As garments are fitted for work purposes they need to allow for flexibility of movement so it’s best to have the uniform provider measure you up.

Am I able to request a longer tunic?

You can request a longer tunic for religious or medical reasons. To do this, you should advise the uniform supplier at the measuring session. These tunics are 2 inches longer and sleeves finish just above the elbows. Due to infection control, full length sleeves are not permitted.

Can I use a preferred name or a nickname on my name badge?

Name badges are professional and need to include your formal names.

What do I do if I lose or damage my name badge?

You can order a replacement name badge direct with the uniform provider. Badges need to be worn at all times when you are at placement.

Can I order more uniforms?

You are welcome to purchase additional items at Work in Style. You will need to log in using your student ID and then follow the step-by-step instruction. Please note that dresses are not available.

Can I try on my uniforms?

You should try on your uniforms the day you receive them so that the staff at the measuring service can help arrange any size exchanges. If you choose not to try on your uniforms and require different sizes at a later date you will need to purchase these through the uniform provider’s online portal at your own cost.

What do I do with my uniform after I complete my studies?

They are yours to keep – you do not need to return the garments.

Practice placements

Most health and social care courses’ practice placements will operate outside normal working hours e.g. evenings, nights, weekends and bank holidays.

Holidays

Your holiday periods will not follow the normal University timetable because of placements. You’ll receive more details once you start your course.

You'll be trained to produce the highest quality image, whilst providing a high standard of care for your patients. This course covers patient management, anatomy, physiology and pathology, radiation physics and radiographic techniques.

Methods of assessment for course overall: 30% coursework.

Some compulsory skills sessions may take place in the evening.

Year 1

• Introduction to Radiation Science
  This is a foundation module aimed at students who'll be working with ionising radiation in a clinical environment. The module will introduce the basic concept of atomic structure and will then build on this to explain how x-rays are produced and how radiation interacts with matter. Fundamentally, this module will concentrate on using radiation in a safe manner and will therefore include sessions on radiobiology (including genetics), radiation protection (including personal dosimetry and QA) and the legislation surrounding the use of ionising radiation in the clinical environment. Level 4. 20 Credits. Formative assessment: Mock examination. Summative assessment: 2-hour unseen written examination. 40% pass mark. 100% weighting.
• Systemic Anatomy and Physiology 1
  The module is designed to provide knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the following key body systems: integumentary, respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and urinary. Some aspects of the physiology and pathology of the musculoskeletal system will also be addressed. Level 4. 20 Credits. Formative assessment: Mock examination. Summative assessment: 2 hour unseen written examination. 40% pass mark. 100% weighting
• Principles of Clinical Reasoning in Medical Imaging
  This module offers a foundation for students undertaking the diagnostic imaging pathway. It provides a context for the practice of diagnostic imaging and a basic insight into the radiological environment and associated general principles. In addition, the module introduces the skills of clinical reasoning and reflection, evaluating information to facilitate evidence-based practice, and problem-solving within the context of the clinical environment. Level 4. 20 Credits. Formative assessment: 500 word draft or plan of summative assignment. Summative assessment: 3000 word written assignment OR, 20 minute podcast. 40% pass mark. 100% weighting.
• Concepts of Interprofessional and Collaborative Practice
  This module will introduce you to the place and value of inter-professional and collaborative working in health and social care delivery. The module aims to support the development of the necessary communication, personal, partnership working and reflective practice skills required to meet the needs of clients/carers and diverse populations who are at the centre of inter-professional health and social care delivery. You'll work collaboratively online to explore and develop an understanding of the purpose, scope and range of inter-professional and collaborative working. Assessment method: 100% coursework. 20 credits.
• Medical Imaging Practice 1
  This module acts as a basis for the development of requisite skills and competence in the practice of routine, conventional diagnostic imaging. It's clinically based and requires that you have access to an agreed and formally accredited practice placement site. Level 4. 40 Credits. Formative assessment: Mock examinations and continuous clinical monitoring via clinical portfolio.  Summative assessment: Semester 1 a 2 hour unseen written examination 50% weighting, Semester 2 a 1 hour unseen workstation examination 50% weighting, and Clinical Portfolio Pass/Fail. Students are required to achieve a pass in all elements of assessment.

Year 2

• Medical Imaging Modalities
  This is module aimed to develop students understanding of specialist imaging modalities and their application in a clinical environment. The module will introduce the basic concept of image production of IR, CT, MRI, ultrasound and nuclear medicine. Level 5. 20 Credits. Formative assessment: Group presentation. Summative assessment: Poster presentation examination. 40% pass mark. 100% weighting.
• Systemic Anatomy and Physiology 2
  The module is designed to provide knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the following key body systems: reproductive, vascular and hepatobiliary. Level 5. 20 Credits. Formative assessment: Mock examination. Summative assessment: 2 hour unseen written examination. 40% pass mark. 100% weighting.
• Medical Imaging of Pathology and Disease Processes
  This module aimto provide students with knowledge of common disease processes in selected body systems and recognise the impact these diseases have on other systems. Level 5. 20 Credits. Formative assessment: 500 word draft or plan of summative assignment. Summative assessment: 3000 word written assignment OR, 20 minute podcast. 40% pass mark. 100% weighting
• Appraising Evidence for Research Informed Practice
  This module aims to develop students’ appreciation for the role of research and evaluation in contemporary healthcare practice. This is done by enabling students understanding of the research process by teaching them how to read, interpret and appraise primary research that is relevant to practice. Level 5. 20 Credits. Formative assessment: 500 word draft or plan of summative assignment. Summative assessment: 3000 word written assignment. 40% pass mark. 100% weighting.
• Medical Imaging Practice 2
  This module continues to develop student’s clinical skills and competence in the practice of routine, conventional diagnostic imaging and introduces specialist modalities such as CT, ultrasound and nuclear medicine. Level 5. 40 Credits. Formative assessment: Mock examinations and continuous clinical monitoring via clinical portfolio. Summative assessment: Semester 1 a 2 hour unseen written examination 50% weighting, Semester 2 a 1 hour unseen workstation examination 50% weighting, and Clinical Portfolio Pass/Fail. Students are required to achieve a pass in all elements of assessment.

Year 3

• Professional Identity, Autonomy and Accountability
  This module has a focus on accountability, professional behaviours and continual professional development. Level 6. 20 Credits. Formative assessment: 500 word draft or plan of summative assignment. Summative assessment: 3000 word written assignment OR, 20 minute podcast. 40 % pass. 100% weighting
• Interpretation of Medical Imaging
  This module offers the student an opportunity to interpret radiographic images. This module will provide the student with the advanced clinical perspective necessary for them to make an effective and safe contribution in their first clinical appointment. Level 6. 20 Credits. Formative assessment: Mock written exam. Summative assessment: 2-hour unseen work station written examination. 40% Pass mark. 100% Weighting.
• Contemporary Issues in Medical Imaging
  The main focus of the module will be an understanding of the application of evidence-based practice within diagnostic imaging.  It seeks to address emerging topics which are of importance to imaging practitioners, service users and health care providers. It is essential that this module maintains a contemporary focus throughout and therefore the indicative content, within a broad structure, will be governed to some extent by changes in health care policy and areas of student interest. Level 6. 20 Credits. Formative assessment: 500 word draft of the summative assignment. Summative assessment: 3000 literature review. 40% pass mark. 100% weighting
• Improving quality, change management and leadership
  This module is the final interprofessional learning module that will explore leadership, quality improvement and change within organisations from an interprofessional perspective. The module looks at a strategic, evidence based approach to change management in a range of environments. Level 6. 20 Credits. Formative assessment: 500 word draft or plan of summative assignment. Summative assessment: 3000 word written assignment OR, 20 minute podcast 100% weighting
• Medical Imaging Practice 3
  This module continues to develop student’s clinical skills and competence in the practice of routine, conventional diagnostic imaging and introduces specialist imaging such as MRI, neuroradiology, cardiac and breast imaging. Level 6. 40 Credits. Formative assessment: Mock examinations and continuous clinical monitoring via clinical portfolio. Summative assessment: Semester 1 a 2 hour unseen written examination 50% weighting, Semester 2 a 1 hour unseen workstation examination 50% weighting, and Clinical Portfolio Pass/Fail. Students are required to achieve a pass in all elements of assessment.

Facilities

Digital Diagnostic X-ray Room

LSBU recently launched the innovative Fujifilm D-EVO  suite for Diagnostic Radiography students. This is a digital diagnostic X-ray room, which is used as a general X-ray room for practical tutorials on radiographic technique. Students are able to practice on each other and use the equipment , such as moving and positioning X-ray tube, table and vertical stand. This helps them to learn patient positioning for general radiographic positioning.

Digital Interpretation Laboratory

Diagnostic Radiography students use the digital image interpretation lab with a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) similar to that used in the NHS. In this lab there is:

• 25 PCs with dual roles
• image interpretation - connected to the PACS

The image interpretation lab is used for positioning workshops where limbs are positioned into appropriate points for X-ray. Students evaluate images and diagnose fractures and breaks as well as carrying out mandatory training of moving and handling the patient. In workshops, students are presented with a case study and have to decide how to best achieve desired images.

Students use the laboratory on a weekly basis throughout their studies and case studies of images get progressively more difficult throughout the course.