Radiography is a key healthcare career, focused on diagnosing and treating illness using specialist imaging and radiation technologies. There are two main types of radiography.
Diagnostic Radiography
Diagnostic radiographers use a range of imaging techniques, such as X‑rays, CT scans and MRI, to produce high‑quality images that help diagnose injuries and diseases. They play an important role in patient care and may contribute to interpreting results.
They also work in areas such as breast screening and pregnancy ultrasound monitoring.
Therapeutic Radiography
Therapeutic radiographers specialise in treating cancer. They are the only healthcare professionals trained to plan and deliver radiotherapy, using targeted radiation to treat tumours.
Radiotherapy may be used on its own or alongside treatments such as surgery or chemotherapy.
Many university courses in diagnostic radiography accept a range of Level 3 qualifications. A‑levels are common, usually including at least one science or social science subject such as biology, chemistry, physics or psychology.
You can also apply with BTECs, Access to HE Diplomas, or other Level 3 qualifications in relevant subjects like health, science or social care. Most courses require around 120 UCAS tariff points and may include an interview.
Yes, but you need to be working in a relevant healthcare role first. Radiography degree apprenticeships are employer‑led, which means you must be employed by an NHS trust or healthcare organisation to apply.
For example, UWE Bristol offers a Therapeutic Radiographer Degree Apprenticeship, where you train while working in a clinical role. Apprenticeships typically take around three years and combine paid work, university study and hands‑on experience in healthcare settings.
Career Casenotes: Therapeutic Radiography and Diagnostic Radiography
Wondering what are the working hours like for a diagnotic radiographer? Where do therapeutic radiographers work, and what key skills they need? Our career casenotes have done the research for you.
“I had an A-Level in Maths. Having a science A-level isn’t essential as I didn’t have one. I had GCSE equivalents in Physics, English and Maths. However, I would recommend that you have at least a good pass in GCSE Biology, and preferably an A-Level in Biology. That is simply because I found that there’s a lot of anatomy to learn in the first year of my course. I found that I knew a lot less than the other students who had studied Biology.”
"I chose to study radiography after my parents spent a good deal of time in hospital. I was impressed by the impact an auxiliary in my dad’s ward had, who was feeding the patients in a very caring way. It inspired me to apply for an auxiliary post at my local hospital. It just happened to be in the Radiotherapy department. A UWE student, who was doing her placement there, encouraged me to apply for the course. She said my patient care was really good and I had the qualities needed to make a good Therapeutic Radiographer. It is rewarding to work with people with cancer, as they are mostly very grateful for the help and treatment you and your colleagues are giving them. “
“On placement in a hospital you will be expected to be running errands, stocking up protective equipment, collecting medicines for patients from the pharmacy and being generally helpful to the team. It is a really busy time, as you can be expected to achieve a number of clinical objectives within a short space of time.”
“You will be supervised by qualified radiographers so that you never have to treat a patient on your own.”
“If [like me] you decide to study in Bristol, there are a small number of places available for students to work in Bristol hospitals, so you shouldn’t expect to be in Bristol for the whole of your course. Many students work in hospitals in Cornwall, Dorset, Devon, Somerset or Gloucestershire and stay in rented accommodation.”
“Contact your nearest hospital that has a radiotherapy department. Explain that you’re interested in studying radiotherapy and ask if they will allow you to work-shadow a radiographer for a week. You won’t be allowed to be involved with patients, but you might get to see some aspects of how therapeutic radiographers work."
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