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Diagnostic radiographers are healthcare professional who acquire and evaluate images of the human body to diagnose disease and trauma. They use a range of high-technology imaging equipment and techniques and work closely with a multidisciplinary team to provide a person-centred service.

Radiography is invaluable in the diagnosis and treatment of disease and trauma. As a diagnostic radiographer your skill, judgement and professionalism will be a vital part of a team’s clinical work, and affect patients’ lives, day after day. Awaiting a diagnosis can be a stressful time for patients and in this career you must be technically adept, an excellent communicator and provide person-centred care. This is why our diagnostic radiography course places high importance on clinical placements. Placements are essential to build self-confidence, practice radiographic techniques and develop clinical knowledge in a real-life hospital setting.

On this course you will:

• learn from staff with an outstanding reputation for the quality of teaching;
• gain all the knowledge and skills that you require to work as a diagnostic radiographer;
• develop your expertise through in-depth theoretical learning, clinical placements each year and the close support of our very experienced staff;
• benefit from the interprofessional working focus of this course. We aim for all our graduates to be confident in their own professional identity; and
• have the additional skills that will allow you to work as an effective multidisciplinary team member.

What are the differences between diagnostic and therapeutic radiography?Ìý

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Structure

During your first two years, you’ll join a diverse cohort of students, exploring the fundamental principles of diagnostic radiography and gain hands-on practice experience through placement-based learning within health and social care.

As you progress, you will move on to either the BSc (Hons) or remain on the undergraduate master’s pathway depending on your aspirations and performance. Both pathways develop professional skills, knowledge and attributes through a combination of university and placement-based learning. The undergraduate master’s offers an opportunity to delve deeper into areas such as leadership, service improvement, research and public health, at a higher level.

Upon graduation, both pathways lead to eligibility for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), opening doors to a fulfilling career in diagnostic radiography

Find out about the benefits of studying an undergraduate master’s.

Teaching, learning and assessment

You will be taught via lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical workshops. There will be a mix of classroom and online learning. Outwith timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning through self-study. You will be assessed by a variety of assessment methods (eg written practical and placement exams, written assignments, presentations and viva voce) at the end of each module. 

Placements

Placements are invaluable in consolidating theoretical study into practical expertise by working directly with patients and qualified staff. You will complete practice placements in each year. You will attend a variety of placements within the NHS and the private sector in various hospitals. QMU manages the sourcing and allocation of placements for each student.

Placements take place across Scotland, it is therefore likely that you will have to relocate for at least some of your placement-based learning unless you have individual requirements (eg specific health needs or school age children) that mean you must remain in a specific location.

Please note that there are additional costs associated with placements. Please see the ‘Other fees’ section under the ‘Entry requirements’ tab for more details.

Specialist facilities

QMU offers a variety of modern specialist spaces for use by our Diagnostic Radiography courses. We have one dedicated diagnostic digital radiography room for practising technical and professional skills, with fully functioning x-ray equipment. Our diagnostic radiography students also utilise QMU's clinical simulation suite, and physiotherapy and podiatry skills rooms which are equipped to simulate the real-life placement environment. You will have access to numerous anatomy models which are incorporated into your Ìýlearning during practical sessions and can be used during self-directed study sessions.

Teaching staff, class sizes and timetables

You can read more about the teaching staff on this course at the bottom of this page. Please note that teaching staff is subject to change.

For more information, please also visit ‘How we teach and how you’ll learn’.

Year One

You will:

• study modules that include anatomy and physiology, scientific and diagnostic technological radiographic principles, and holistic person-centred care;
• prepare for clinical practice by developing your communication and interpersonal skills while exploring the professional, ethical and legal responsibilities of a diagnostic radiographer;
• learn the principles of radiation safety and patient protection, ensuring safe and effective practice
• develop your academic skills, including academic writing, critical thinking, and effective information searching; and
• complete a two-week placement, giving you the opportunity to experience and integrate into the clinical environment.

You will study the following modules:

• Anatomy and Physiology (20 credits):The aim of this module is to develop a strong understanding of human anatomy and physiology, which is essential for clinical practice in diagnostic imaging, and radiotherapy and oncology. 

• Introduction to Radiodiagnostic Imaging (20 credits): The aim of this module is to introduce you to diagnostic radiography theory. You will learn about the scientific principles underpinning radiodiagnostic imaging alongside patient care, anatomy and imaging techniques of the appendicular skeleton and the chest. 

• Introduction to Professional Practice (20 credits): The aim of this module is to introduce key professional concepts, principles, and theories that underpin allied health practice, including duty of care, professional ethics, communication, and fitness to practice, within an interprofessional learning environment.

• Academic Skills (20 credits): The aim of this module is to introduce research skills and academic practices, supporting learners to effectively search for, evaluate, and use information and evidence, construct arguments, apply basic critique, and use correct referencing throughout their degree.

• Thriving in Professional Practice (20 credits): The aim of this module is to develop an understanding of the relationship between self and professional practice, fostering personal resilience and self-care strategies in challenging situations, and exploring their connection to holistic, person-centred care and resilience within service users and communities.

• Radiography Equipment and Technology 1 (20 credits): The aim of this module is to develop your fundamental understanding of radiodiagnostic equipment and the design, operation and capabilities of projectional diagnostic imaging equipment and technology required for safe and effective operation.   

• Projectional Imaging of the Axial Skeleton, Abdomen and Dentition (20 credits): The aim of this module is to develop your knowledge and understanding of the relationships between the anatomical structures and functions of the axial skeleton, abdomen, and dentition, as well as associated imaging procedures and the principles of radiodiagnostic radiation safety.

Year Two

You will:

• undertake modules that explore more complex clinical scenarios and radiographic techniques, including cross-sectional imaging and trauma management;
• broaden your understanding of health, wellbeing and behaviour change, and learn how to support individuals through effective health coaching conversations;
• enhance your academic and professional skills by developing a critical approach to research, literature and evidence-based practice, and reflective learning; and
• develop your practical skills through two 6-week clinical placements, allowing you to apply your developing knowledge and skills in a range of healthcare settings.

You will study the following modules:

• Health Coaching for Professional Practice (20 credits): The aim of this module is to develop knowledge and skills in health coaching conversations, including behaviour change theory, communication techniques, and the impact of wider determinants of health and health inequalities on health behaviours.
• Diagnostic Imaging Placement A (40 credits): The aim of this module is to provide 12 weeks of clinical placement within Radiology Departments in private healthcare, and NHS Boards across Scotland. 
• Research methods (20 credits): The aim of this module is to develop understanding of research principles, quantitative and qualitative methodologies, and appropriate analysis techniques, equipping students with the skills and knowledge to undertake an independent research project.
• Principles of Emergency and Forensic Imaging (20 credits): The aim of this module is to critically appraise the role of the radiographer and various imaging modalities in emergency and forensic imaging pathways.
• Radiographic Equipment and Technology 2 (20 credits): The aim of this module is to develop your understanding of radiodiagnostic physics and the design, operation and capabilities of specialised diagnostic imaging equipment and technology required for safe and effective operation.   
• Principles of Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Imaging (20 credits): The aim of this module is to develop your knowledge of the principles of gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary imaging.

Year Three

You will:

• complete modules that are designed to develop a comprehensive understanding of specialist diagnostic imaging modalities, and begin to apply this knowledge to a range of patient pathways, with a focus on system-based imaging. You will also learn to critique professional standards, evaluate practice, and make informed clinical decisions;
• build your knowledge in advanced diagnostic radiographic techniques, applying this theory to diverse clinical contexts and demonstrating a critical understanding of their practical application;
• broaden your healthcare awareness and challenge your understanding of health education and promotion; and
• continue to link theory and practice by developing your practical skills through two 6-week clinical placements, which include a three or four-week elective placement.

You will study the following modules:

• Principles of Neurological, Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Urinary Imaging (20 credits): The aim of this module is to critically appraise the role of the radiographer and various imaging modalities in Principles of Neurological, Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Urinary Imaging.
• Diagnostic Imaging Placement B (40 credits): This aim of this module is to broaden students’ perspective and understanding of the range of diagnostic imaging procedures during twelve weeks of placement. The placement experiences will further develop students' general radiography skills, to become more familiar with the modification and adaptations of imaging techniques. There will be opportunities to follow patient pathways, and experience specialist imaging modalities.
• Theoretical and Clinical Approaches to Multidisciplinary Team Working (20 credits): The aim of this module is to develop learners’ critical understanding of multidisciplinary teamworking and dynamics. Learners will reflect on their own contributions in simulated teams, practicing with awareness of roles and responsibilities while critically appraising key theories and issues in professional teamworking.
• Health Literacy (20 credits): The aim of this module is to explore health literacy and its role in addressing health inequalities, including the development of educational materials, evaluation of health information, and effective communication to support patient empowerment and inclusive care. 
• Health Inequalities (20 credits): The aim of this module is to build on learning from the Health Literacy module, developing understanding of the causes, incidence, and impact of health inequalities locally, nationally, and globally. Learners will explore these independently in relation to their professional practice and evaluate strategies to reduce a chosen health inequality within the context of their own practice and the multidisciplinary team. 
• Principles of Reproductive, Mammographic and Arthrographic Imaging (20 credits): The aim of this module is to develop your knowledge of the principles of reproductive, mammographic and arthrographic imaging. 
• Applied Research Methods (20 credits): The aim of this module is to support you in demonstrating an in-depth and critical understanding of research processes and develop skills to effectively address a practice or knowledge-based problem. 

Year Four

You will: 

• enhance, consolidate and reflect on your theoretical, research, professional development and clinical skills enabling a smooth transition to working life;
• explore leadership skills and innovative practice to meet current healthcare challenges;
• take ownership of your academic learning by undertaking a quality improvement project; and
• complete two 6-week clinical placement blocks.

You will study the following modules:

• Dissertation (60 credits): The aim of this module is to enable learners to develop and apply skills of research and enquiry to produce an evidence-informed piece of work that contributes to a subject, field or profession.
• Professional Development in Health Practice (20 credits): This module aims to provide you with the opportunity to engage in a range of professional development activities that will enhance your potential to contribute to the delivery of contemporary health and social care. Through co-production and lifelong learning strategies, you will prepare for evolving healthcare challenges beyond graduation. 
• Entrepreneurship and Leadership for Professional Practice (20 credits): The aims of this module are to evaluate and apply concepts of leadership and leading change, intra/entrepreneurship and innovation within healthcare/community and explore opportunities for leading and developing enterprising ideas for health and wellbeing.
• Preliminary Clinical Evaluation (20 credits): The aim of this module is to enable you to explore the evidence underpinning the development of radiography abnormality detection systems in current practice. You will draw on and further develop your image interpretation skills to be able to convey verbally and in written form an accurate comment using appropriate terminology. The classes will allow you to expand your ability to detect and describe normal, abnormal and anatomical variances with confidence.
• Diagnostic Imaging Placement C (40 credits): This module aims to extend and consolidate radiographic imaging and professional skills in readiness for autonomous practice. The twelve weeks of placement will provide you with the experiences needed to develop the self-confidence to work in partnership with patients, carers and the intradisciplinary and multidisciplinary team to provide holistic care in routine, complex and changing imaging situations. 

Most graduates begin working as general radiographers, with very high graduate employment rates. However, with experience, you may have the opportunity to specialise in different aspects of diagnostic radiography, for example CT, MRI, clinical reporting, sonography, mammography and forensic radiography.

This course is accredited by the Society and College of Radiographers and approved by the HCPC. Successful completion enables you to apply for registration with the HCPC as a diagnostic radiographer which is essential for employment in the UK.

Entry requirements

Scottish Higher: Standard - BBBC, Minimum - BCCC

A Level: BCC

Irish Leaving Certificate: H2 H3 H3 H3

International Baccalaureate:Ìý28 points

International: IELTS of 6.0 with no element lower than 6.0.Ìý

Required subjects: One science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) at grade C or above at Higher/ A Level or equivalent. Plus: English, Maths and a science at grade C/4 or above at Nat 5/GCSE level. We can also accept National 5 Application of Maths or Lifeskills at the same grade.

Am I a Widening Access student?:ÌýWe apply the minimum entry criteria to applicants who meet one or more contextual factor. To see if this would apply to you, please refer to theÌýaccess and applicationÌýpage.

Mature/Access:ÌýWe welcome applications from mature students with other relevant qualifications and/or experience. Visit ourÌýCollege Leavers and Mature Students Advice pageÌýfor more information.Ìý

BSc (Hons) Direct Entry: Direct Entry into Year Two is available to the BSc (Hons) route for those who hold relevant HNC/HND qualifications. Please contact Admissions for the Direct Entry course structure. Spaces are not guaranteed for Year Two due to capacity constraints.

Other requirements

• A satisfactory criminal records check from the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme, an occupational health check and personal indemnity insurance (normally through membership of the professional body) are required.
• You may be requested to be immunised against Hepatitis B.
• We expect applicants to have visited an appropriate radiography/radiology department/interviewed a professional.
• You must be 18 years old by 1 February 2028 to undertake the first-year placement.

Disability/health conditions

If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or learning disability, it should not stand in the way of your studying at µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø. However, if you are not sure whether your disability might be a barrier in your studies or in relation to the professional standards, pleaseÌýcontact the Disability Service who will be able to have a conversation with you about reasonable adjustments and supports available to you.

Fee information

Fees: Please follow the link in the 'Course Overview' box for information on fees for 2027 entry.

Other costs:Ìý

• The cost of professional indemnity insurance is the responsibility of the student.Ìý
• The additional costs associated with placement travel and accommodation are the responsibility of the student. Students who receive SAAS funding may be able to claim for some of these expenses to be reimbursed.
• Uniform, PVG and badge costs
• For more information on this, visit theÌýUG 2027 fees page on our website.

How to apply

Application for this course should be made through . More application information is available in the 'Start your Application' box at the top right of this page.

QMU

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• The delivery of this course is subject to the terms and conditions set out in ourÌý2027/28 Entry Terms and Conditions (Undergraduate).
• The course information on this page is correct at the time of posting (Feb 2026) but is subject to change. Please check back here for updates.