University of Liverpool

What you'll study

This honours degree covers the scientific, technical and professional aspects of therapeutic radiography. Core subject areas include anatomy and physiology, radiobiology, oncology, radiation physics and dosimetry, medical imaging for radiotherapy, treatment planning and verification, and professional practice and ethics.

Teaching combines lectures, laboratory practicals, simulation and supervised clinical placements. You will learn to use treatment planning systems, understand image‑guided radiotherapy and acquire competencies in patient assessment, immobilisation, dose calculation and delivery. Research skills are developed through a dissertation or major project, and modules explore communication, palliative care and multidisciplinary working.

• Foundations of human biology and cancer biology
• Radiation physics and radiobiology for therapeutic practice
• Imaging techniques and image‑guided radiotherapy
• Treatment planning, dosimetry and verification
• Clinical placements across partner NHS sites with assessed practice
• Professional issues, law and ethics in healthcare
• Research methods and a final year research project

Entry requirements

Applicants are usually expected to have completed secondary education with qualifications that demonstrate proficiency in science, numeracy and communication. The programme considers A‑levels (or equivalent), with preference for applicants who have studied biology, chemistry or physics. Relevant vocational qualifications (for example BTEC or Access to Higher Education) and recognised international qualifications are also considered.

Additional requirements include a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, occupational health clearance and evidence of immunisations where required for clinical placements. The selection process typically includes an interview and may involve situational judgement activities to assess communication and empathy.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for registration and practice as therapeutic radiographers, working in multidisciplinary cancer services in NHS trusts, private hospitals and radiotherapy centres. Qualified radiographers undertake patient assessment, treatment planning, delivery of external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy, and support patients through their cancer pathway.

Career progression pathways include specialist clinical roles (for example treatment planning or image‑guided therapy), advanced practitioner and consultant roles, research and audit, education and training, and roles in radiotherapy equipment vendors or medical technology companies. Many graduates also move into management, service development and policy roles within cancer services.

Why study at University of Liverpool

The University of Liverpool offers an accredited radiotherapy programme with strong links to regional NHS trusts, ensuring substantial and varied clinical placement opportunities across Merseyside and neighbouring areas. Teaching is delivered by academics with clinical experience and active researchers in imaging, radiotherapy technology and cancer care.

Students benefit from clinical skills suites and simulation facilities that mirror current radiotherapy practice, opportunities to learn on contemporary treatment planning systems, and pastoral and academic support from a specialist faculty. The programme emphasises interprofessional learning and prepares graduates to meet the professional standards expected in modern cancer services.