BSc (Hons) Therapeutic Radiography 2022/23

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 provide an introduction to 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.
• 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 changing environment and develop awareness of issues that impact on patients, service and professionals. 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: 100% coursework.
• 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'll 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: 100% exam.
• 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.

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

We are University of the Year for Graduate Employment for the second year in a row - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018, 2019.

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.

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.

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 30 minutes throughout your course. You can contact your tutor for additional support by email.

• A Level BBB or;
• BTEC National Diploma DDD or;
• Access to HE Diploma in Science, Health Science or similar with 15 Distinctions and 30 Merits or;
• Equivalent level 3 qualifications worth 112 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.

Foundation Year

Been out of study for a long time? Or maybe you haven’t met the entry requirements of your chosen degree? Our entry year acts as a bridge to degree-level studies.

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.

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.