University of Liverpool

What you'll study

This three-year honours degree integrates theoretical learning with supervised clinical practice. Core study areas include human anatomy and physiology, radiation physics and protection, radiographic imaging techniques (including general radiography, trauma imaging, and specialist techniques), image optimisation and evaluation, and clinical decision-making. You will also study professional practice topics such as communication and patient care, safeguarding, consent and ethics, and pharmacology relevant to imaging procedures.

Teaching combines lectures, small-group case-based learning, laboratory sessions in simulation and skills suites, and extended clinical placements in local hospitals and community services. Research and evidence-based practice form a continuous strand, with modules in research methods and a final-year research project or dissertation where students critically investigate an imaging-related issue. Advanced modules may cover CT, MRI, ultrasound principles, and image reporting and governance — often taught alongside practical sessions or placement exposure where available.

Clinical placement experience is a substantial and assessed element of the programme, spread across the three years to develop competence and confidence in patient assessment, radiographic technique, image quality assurance and interprofessional working. Simulation resources and access to imaging equipment support safe transition into clinical environments.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have a strong background in a relevant science subject. Typical entry is via A-levels, BTEC, access to HE qualifications or equivalent, with at least one science subject such as biology, chemistry, physics or maths. Scottish Highers, Irish Leaving Certificate and international qualifications are considered on an equivalent basis. UK applicants usually require passes in GCSE English and mathematics (or equivalents).

Wider applicant evidence may include healthcare experience, voluntary work or shadowing that demonstrates suitability for clinical practice, although this is not always mandatory. All offers are conditional on satisfactory occupational health checks, immunisation status, an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (or equivalent) and fitness to practise requirements. Mature students and those with alternative qualifications are welcome; the admissions team reviews applications holistically.

Career prospects

Graduates are eligible to apply for professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and professional membership of the Society and College of Radiographers (SoR), enabling them to work as diagnostic radiographers in the NHS, private hospitals, community diagnostic centres and independent practice. Common early-career roles include general diagnostic radiographer posts within imaging departments, rotating through modalities such as trauma and mobile radiography.

With experience and additional training, career progression can include specialist roles (for example CT, MRI, ultrasound, interventional radiography), advanced clinical practice, image reporting, paediatric radiography, radiography management, education and research. Other pathways lead into healthcare technology industry roles (equipment vendors and clinical applications), clinical research, healthcare policy, or further study at postgraduate level (MSc, advanced practice and research degrees).

Why study at University of Liverpool

The University of Liverpool combines academic teaching with strong clinical partnerships across Merseyside and the wider region, giving students access to diverse clinical settings and a broad case mix. The programme is delivered with up-to-date simulation and clinical skills facilities to support practical learning before and alongside placements. Teaching is informed by active research in medical imaging and related health sciences, providing opportunities to engage with current advances in imaging technology and clinical practice.

Students benefit from an established support infrastructure including academic tutors, placement co-ordinators, careers and employability services, and student wellbeing services. The programme’s close links with local NHS trusts and imaging departments support professional networking and employment opportunities on graduation.