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Tel: 0207 815 7500
BSc (Hons) Therapeutic Radiography 2022/23
Southwark CampusMode: Full-time
Overview
Therapeutic Radiographers work in multidisciplinary teams, in radiation oncology departments, where they play a vital role in treating people with cancer. They’re responsible for accurately localising, planning and delivering ionising radiation using state of the art technology. Develop the highly specialised skills needed to work in the multidisciplinary teams in radiation oncology departments with a combined theoretical and practical education at LSBU. Gain the knowledge and clinical experience that is pivotal to providing personalised care. Plus, learn and develop the excellent communication skills required to support patients and their families through their cancer journey. Our state-of-the-art technology including our virtual environment radiotherapy training, ensures you’re at the forefront of the ever-evolving industry during your studies and are highly employable once graduated.
Why Therapeutic Radiography at LSBU?
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- 1st in London for graduate prospects in radiography (Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020).
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- Ranked 1st for feedback satisfaction in Health Professions amongst London Modern Competitors (Guardian University Guide 2021).
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- A professional accreditation – approved by the Health and Care Professions Council and accredited by the Society and College of Radiographers.
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- Great work experience opportunities – with the chance to gain clinical experience in many of London's internationally renowned teaching hospitals.
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- You’ll get access to our state-of-the-art facilities – including VERT (Virtual Environment Radiotherapy Training), a virtual learning environment simulating a radiotherapy treatment room.
Accreditations
| Mode | Duration | Start date | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mode Full-time |
Duration 3 years |
Start Date September |
Location
Southwark Campus
|
Modules
During the course, you'll learn biological science, the fundamentals of radiation science and begin the practice of radiotherapy. You’ll also study concepts of inter-professional and collaborative practice.
In Year 2, you’ll continue radiotherapy practice, combining this with applied radiation sciences, radiotherapy imaging and dosimetry, as well as appraising evidence for research informed practice.
Year 3 focuses on contemporary debates in radiotherapy and oncology, Improving quality, change management and leadership, and the third stage of radiotherapy practice.
Some compulsory skills sessions may take place in the evening.
Year 1
- Fundamentals of radiation science
This 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. Assessment method: 100% exam. - Biological science
This module will provide you with the foundation knowledge of anatomy, the function of the systems comprising the human body, and changes resulting from the development of malignant disease. You'll develop an appreciation of the discipline of oncology and the holistic approach to management of people with cancer with specific reference to evidence-based practice. Assessment methods: 50% coursework, 50% exam. - Radiotherapy practice 1
This module will introduce the professional practice of radiotherapy. It will identify the various radiotherapy modalities employed in the treatment of people with cancer and will require you to justify your chosen method with reference to evidence-based practice. This module will also complement the knowledge and learning gained within clinical practice by focusing on the acquisition of basic skills required for the safe, accurate planning and treatment of patients with cancer. Assessment methods: 50% coursework, 50% exam, clinical portfolio (pass/fail). - Concepts of inter-professional and collaborative practice
During this module you’ll be introduced 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.
Year 2
- Applied radiation sciences
This module provides the basic physical concepts of the production, detection and interaction of ionising radiations and the importance of safe working practices. You'll gain an understanding of the structure and operation of equipment in the clinical environment and the means by which safety is maintained. Assessment method: 100% exam. - Radiotherapy imaging and dosimetry
This module addresses contemporary imaging methods available in the localisation and verification of tumour volumes before and during radiation treatment delivery. You'll be required to evaluate their relative usefulness in patients undergoing radiotherapy treatments, with specific reference to cancers of the respiratory, upper alimentary, central nervous and endocrine systems. You'll also gain experience in image interpretation of 2D and 3D images. Assessment methods: 50% coursework, 50% exam. - Radiotherapy practice 2
This module requires you to develop a deeper understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the organs comprising the respiratory, upper alimentary, central nervous and endocrine systems in order to address issues surrounding the radiotherapy management of patients with malignant diseases. Emphasis will be placed on management of disease with justification for the treatment chosen. You'll have academic teaching to underpin the clinical skills development required for the safe and accurate radiotherapy treatment delivery. Assessment methods: 50% coursework, 50% exam. - Appraising evidence for research informed practice
This module will extend your understanding of the concept of evidence-based practice and research in practice. The module will equip you with the core skills and understanding to appraise evidence and assess its appropriateness to be implemented into practice. The steps in conducting research, main research methods, approaches to data analysis and presentation will be explored. You'll be equipped with the knowledge and core skills that are a pre-requisite for critical appraisal and evidence synthesis. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
Year 3
- Contemporary debates in radiotherapy and oncology
This module aims to prepare you to work in a dynamic and evolving clinical environment. You will develop awareness of issues that impact on patients, service and professionals and develop problem-solving skills to enable you to provide high quality personalised care. Particular emphasis will be placed on the management of patients with complex needs or co-morbidities in the context of professional and technological developments, and changes in health care policy. It will enable critical evaluation of professional responsibility in relation to clinical, service and patient experience within the context of ethical frameworks and evidence-based practice. Assessment method: 60% coursework and 40% oral presentation. - Radiotherapy practice 3
This module requires you to develop a deeper understanding of the radiotherapy management of patients with malignant diseases. It will provide you with knowledge and skills relevant to pre-treatment and verification processes employed in the radiotherapy management of patients. You will be required to develop a critical awareness of advances in technology and practice. You'll be provided with opportunities to demonstrate achievement of clinically based competencies, which focus on more complex techniques found in radiotherapy, problem-solving skills required for successful performance in clinical practice, and transition to a band 5 role. Assessment method: 50% VIVA and 50% Multi-modal Clinical Judgement Assessment (MMCJA). - Improving quality, change management and leadership
This module is the final inter-professional learning module that will explore leadership, quality improvement and change within organisations from an inter-professional perspective. The module will look at a strategic, evidence-based approach to change management in a range of environments. It will integrate the perspectives of service users and take an inter-professional approach. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
Employability
With a degree in Therapeutic Radiography, you'll be eligible to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a therapeutic radiographer. Therapeutic Radiographers work in a multidisciplinary team in Radiation Oncology – and they play a vital role in the management and treatment of patients with cancer and tumours. They are predominantly responsible for the accurate localisation, planning and delivery of ionising radiation.
You’d be involved in every stage of the treatment process: helping plan and administering treatment, explaining it to patients and assessing their responses. This is why therapeutic radiographers need excellent interpersonal skills and emotional resilience – they deal with patients and their families at very difficult and emotional times. Making patients feel comfortable and guiding them through the process can be as important as the technical skills required for this role.
Progressing in your career depends on taking approved courses and gaining experience. This can lead to additional responsibilities in a particular area, such as treatment planning or teaching; working as a consultant practitioner is one common career path. Once you’ve qualified, as a clinically experienced therapeutic radiographer you could gain additional specialist skills and expertise through the postgraduate, post-registration and continuing professional development frameworks. You can find out more about professional development courses on offer through our online CPPD prospectus.
Employability Service
At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:
- An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
- Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.
Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.
Professional links
This course is validated by the Health and Care Professions Council, the regulator of health, Psychological and Social professionals. And it’s accredited by the Society and College of Radiographers, the professional body representing the radiography workforce.
The Health and Care Professions Council is the regulator of health, Psychological and Social professionals.
The Society and College of Radiographers is the professional body representing the radiography workforce.
Placements
Work placements are an essential part of the course. That’s why you’ll spend 50% of your time involved in academic study and 50% in clinical practice, within a broad variety of healthcare settings. What this allows you to do put theory into practice, by working with a range of health professionals in clinical situations – to develop the skills, knowledge and experience required to become a competent radiographer. This can be challenging to start with. But it’s one of the most interesting and exciting aspects of learning to be a radiographer.
You’ll experience a variety of clinical settings such as NHS acute Trusts, community placements and independent sector. Placements include Brighton and Sussex University Hospital, Sussex Cancer Centre, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust: Kent Oncology Centre, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Surrey Hospital and Queen's Hospital, Romford.
So how do the placements work? They’re spread over the three year course, with the first one approximately seven weeks after the start. This gives a real taster of the role of the radiotherapy radiographer in the radiotherapy treatment process. And it gives you the chance to make sure you’ve made the right choice early on. After this, clinical placements follow the same pattern throughout the course.
You’ll also get support from a mentor. An identified Link Lecturer and Personal Tutor from the University will be the person you can contact during working day hours while you’re on a placement. They’ll help you with any concerns or questions that you can’t sort out. And as there is a close relationship between LSBU and the clinical placement; the Link Lecturer will pay regular scheduled visits to the different sites.
Facilities
Therapeutic Radiography VERT Lab
VERT; Virtual Environment Radiotherapy Training, is a virtual learning environment simulating a radiotherapy treatment room. Through captivating 3D views and life size visualisations, VERT is an excellent platform for supplying therapeutic radiography training to students.
You will have the opportunity to interact with a variety of virtual linear accelerators (treatment machines) to set up and treat a virtual patient. The virtual linear accelerator is controlled by hand control pendants and can be moved and orientated in much the same way as an actual treatment machine can.
Other facilities used on the course include an Eclipse Radiotherapy Planning Suite. Eclipse is a comprehensive 3D treatment planning platform that supports a range of treatment modalities, including 2D, 3D and intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) planning. The training begins with comprehensive introduction to 3D anatomy visualisation, contouring skills and basic plan production. You will undertake practice exercises which are presented in a logical sequence, with each practice exercise building on the previous exercises completed. The VERT suite has the facility to load any radiotherapy treatment plan created by trainees so they can review their plans on a virtual patient and gain additional experience that is otherwise only available in the clinical setting.
Teaching and learning
During the course, you'll be assessed by written and oral examinations, coursework and seminar presentations. Clinical practice is continually assessed and you’re supported by an on-site practice educator.
| Lectures and seminars | Self-directed study | Work-based placements | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 16% | 44% | 40% |
| Year 2 | 14% | 42% | 44% |
| Year 3 | 15% | 45% | 40% |
Personal tutoring
As a Health and Social Care student, you will be allocated a named tutor during your first three weeks at LSBU. The role of your tutor is to be your primary contact for academic and professional development support.
Your tutor will support you to get the most of your time at LSBU, providing advice and signposting to other sources of support in the University. They should be the first person at the university that you speak to if you are having any difficulties that are affecting your work. These could be academic, financial, health-related or another type of problem.
You will have appointments with your personal tutor once a year for up to 1 hour throughout your course. You can contact your tutor for additional support by email.
Entry requirements
- A Level BBB or;
- BTEC National Diploma DDD or;
- Access to HE Diploma in Science, Health Science or similar with 30 Distinctions and 15 Merits or;
- Equivalent level 3 qualifications worth 120 UCAS points
- Applicants must hold 5 GCSEs, including Maths, English and two Sciences at Grade A*-C (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above) or equivalent.
English language
If your first language is not English you must have the following minimum International English Language Test Score (IELTS) results at the time of applying:
- 7.0 overall or equivalent
- 7.0 in the listening and reading sections
- 7.0 in the writing and speaking sections.
Interview
If your initial application to a Health and Social Care course is successful, you’ll be invited for an interview.
Visit our interview page for information on preparing for the day and what to bring.
Clinical visit
We recommend that, before your interview, you visit a Radiotherapy department for at least half a day.
Advanced entry
If you have already completed some studies at another university, we may be able to consider you for advanced entry. Please see our advanced entry page for more information.
Foundation Year
If you have been out of study for a considerable amount of time or have slightly missed the entry requirements this course, you can take your first steps to becoming a registered practitioner with our Health and Social Care Foundation year. Boost your qualifications and confidence for further study with this one-year introductory course and on completion of this course you will be guaranteed entry on to one of our 13 health BSc pre-registration health and social care degrees.
Advanced entry
If you have already completed some studies at another university, we may be able to consider you for advanced entry. Please see our advanced entry page for more information.
Course status
- Accreditations and course subject to
validation
How to apply
Home/EU applicants
| Mode | Duration | Start date | Application code | Application method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mode Full-time |
Duration 3 years |
Start date September |
Application code B822 |
Application method |
This course is not open to international students.
Please send your application through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) using our institution code L75. UCAS is the organisation responsible for managing applications to higher education courses in the UK.
See our How to apply page for further details.
Personal statement
See our top tips for writing your personal statement.
Results
If you are unsuccessful in your application to LSBU for this year you cannot apply through UCAS Extra or Clearing. However you can apply for the following year. It is important that you read the comments in the results statement so that you are prepared for any other interviews you may have.
Accommodation
Once we have made you an offer, you can apply for accommodation. You can rent from LSBU and you’ll deal directly with the university, not third party providers. That means we can guarantee you options to suit all budgets, with clear tenancy agreements and all-inclusive rents that include insurance for your personal belongings, internet access in each bedroom and on-site laundry facilities.
Or, if you’d rather rent privately, we can give you a list of landlords – just ask our Accommodation Service.
Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.
Finance
You don't need to wait for a confirmed place on a course to start applying for student finance. Read how to pay your fees as an undergraduate student.
Home/EU postgraduate students and research students should apply through our dedicated application system.
Full details of how to do this are supplied on our How to apply section for postgraduate students and our How to apply section for research students.
International applicants should use our international application system. Full details can be found on our How to apply section for international students.
See our admissions policy (PDF File 1,043 KB) and complaints policy (PDF File 127 KB).
Considering your application
Your application will be circulated to a number of potential supervisors who will look at your academic qualifications, experience and the research proposal to decide whether your research interest is something that could be supervised at LSBU.
There will also be an interview either by telephone or at the University. If you are successful you will be offered a place on a course and informed of the next enrolment date. The whole process normally takes between six to eight weeks, from receipt of your application to a decision being made about your application at the School.
Prepare to start
Important statement for new and continuing students studying Health and Social Care courses
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.
Please be aware that from 1 April 2022, all NHS and Social Care personnel (including students) will be required to have evidence of double vaccination against Covid. This measure has been taken to protect the public, patients and staff.
If you are unable, or unwilling, to be vaccinated, we will not be able to provide you with the practice placements necessary to complete your health care degree. If this is the case, you may wish to look at an alternative career.
See the government's press release statement.
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 2021.
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?
What do I need to declare on my DBS?
I’ve applied for/had a DBS in past. Do I need to do it again?
Why do I need an enhanced DBS check?
Who reviews my DBS?
When will I hear back from the panel about my DBS?
Which address do I use?
I’ve lost my statement. What do I do?
I’ve had my application rejected due to my DBS declaration/disclosure. Can I appeal the decision?
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.
Providing documents whilst campus is closed due to COVID-19
Document check on campus
Document check at the Post Office
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
The first part of your occupational health check is to complete the online questionnaire from our occupational health provider. This link is for current enrolled students only. You should not complete this until you have been made an offer to study. If you are due to start from September 2021, please note this page will be updated again in May 2021 and you will be notified when to do this in your offer letter.
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?
My local GP doesn’t have my vaccination history. What should I do?
What if I can’t make my OH appointment?
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?
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?
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?
Which uniforms will I receive?
How long do the uniforms need to last?
How do I know what size I am?
Am I able to request a longer tunic?
Can I use a preferred name or a nickname on my name badge?
What do I do if I lose or damage my name badge?
Can I order more uniforms?
Can I try on my uniforms?
What do I do with my uniform after I complete my studies?
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.
Prepare to start
We help our students prepare for university even before the semester starts. To find out when you should apply for your LSBU accommodation or student finance read the How to apply tab for this course.
Enrolment
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 Enrolment pages.
Fees and funding
Fees are shown for new entrants to courses, for each individual year of a course, together with the total fee for all the years of a course. Continuing LSBU students should refer to the Finance section of our student portal, MyLSBU. Queries regarding fees should be directed to the Fees and Bursaries Team on: +44 (0)20 7815 6181.
Full-time
BSc (Hons) Therapeutic Radiography - Year 1 FT Southwark SEPT
| UK fee: £9250 | International fee: £17000 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 3603 | Session code: 1FS00 |
| Total course fee: |
| UK £27750 |
| International £51000 |
The international fee for this course shows as "£0" because this course is not open to international students.
Recent changes to funding of Health and Social Care courses
If you’re starting a pre-registration undergraduate course in nursing, midwifery or allied healthcare in September 2017 you’ll be eligible to apply for tuition fee loans via Student Finance England, as NHS bursaries will no longer be available.
In the following video Professor Warren Turner, Dean of our School of Health and Social Care, answers some of the questions you may have around funding and financial support.
Funding for students with existing undergraduate degrees
Students who have previously studied another undergraduate degree may be eligible to apply for a tuition fee loan for a second undergraduate degree in nursing, midwifery and allied healthcare. More information is available by reading the Council of Deans of Health page.
Further information
Download our fees and funding guide (PDF File 139 KB) which details the financial support now available to you.
The Funding Clinic on the Council of Deans of Health web pages is also a useful resource and will provide information tailored to your circumstances.
Students who have previously studied another undergraduate degree may be eligible to apply for a tuition fee loan for a second undergraduate degree in nursing, midwifery and allied healthcare. More information is available by reading the Council of Deans of Health page.
Possible fee changes
Current regulatory proposals suggest that institutions will be permitted to increase fee levels in line with inflation up to a specified fee cap. Specifically, LSBU may be permitted to increase its fees for new and existing Home and EU undergraduate students from 2017/18 onwards. The University reserves
the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any governmental guidance or decisions.
Scholarships
We offer students considerable financial help through scholarships, bursaries, charitable funds, loans and other financial support. Many of our scholarships are given as direct tuition fee discounts and we encourage all eligible students to apply for our Access Bursary. New home full-time undergraduate
students meeting eligibility criteria could receive a £1,000 cash bursary by joining us in the 2017/18 academic year. Find out more about all our scholarships and fee discounts for undergraduate students.
The individual fee for this course is shown above. For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for postgraduate students.
See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 201 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).
We have a range of PhD Scholarships available in partnership with businesses and organisations; read notices of PhD studentships.
Contact information
Course Enquiries - UK
Tel: 0207 815 7500
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