About this course
- Entry year: 2012/13
- Course code: B822
- Applications: UCAS
- Level: Undergraduate
- Tariff points: Normally 260 minimum
- Department: Allied Health Professions
- Campus: Glenside Campus
- Duration: Three years full-time
- Delivery: Full-time
- Study Abroad: No (however, students may be able to arrange a five week international placement in their final year).
Introduction
Passionate about making a difference to people's lives?
Then train to be a Therapeutic Radiographer at UWE. Radiotherapy radiographers provide vital services to millions of people.
Therapeutic radiographers need considerable knowledge of radiation science, technology, anatomy, physiology and pathology to carry out their work. Therapeutic radiographers plan and deliver prescribed treatments for cancer using x-rays and other types of radiation. They are fundamental to the care and support of patients undergoing cancer treatment.
The Department of Allied Health Professionals provides modern technological facilities. Practical sessions for radiotherapy students during academic blocks are undertaken using state of the art virtual technology (VERT) and also at a local oncology centre. Before applying, you should visit a radiotherapy department.
Successful completion of this course provides eligibility to apply for registration with the Health Professions Council (HPC). It is a legal requirement that anyone who wishes to practice using a title protected by the Health Professions Order 2001 is on the HPC Register. For more information, please visit the HPC website.
Our students have always been very successful and on a number of occasions have won a prestigious national award - Student Radiographer of the Year presented by the Society and College of Radiographers. Here are a couple of links to our more recent 2011, 2010 and 2008 successes.
2011 is The Year of the Radiotherapy
Student's view
"It's so great to be doing something I enjoy. It was only really when I did some work experience and I saw the radiotherapy unit that I really felt that was definitely the route I wanted to go."
Dawn, Radiotherapy student
More info
Structure
Content
Radiotherapy provides the skills to safely use ionising radiation to cure cancer or give relief of symptoms. The course is designed to develop the knowledge, understanding and decision-making skills to operate highly specialised equipment and provide comprehensive patient care. In-depth knowledge of oncology practice is integrated into the programme at all levels.
The course integrates academic studies with clinical experience within professional studies modules. These are incorporated through all three years of study. A strong science theme runs throughout the course: The radiographic science module in Year 1 provides a solid foundation which is developed and applied to new technology and procedures in Years 2 and 3. Psychosocial aspects of health care are also incorporated into all years, as is the care and support needs of patients undergoing cancer treatment.
The development of effective inter-professional relationships and collaboration is promoted through shared, enquiry-based learning with other professional groups. Research is an integral element of the programme and is an essential foundation for future professional development as a therapeutic radiographer.
Modules
Year 1
- Radiotherapy Practice 1
- Radiographic Science
- Foundation Clinical Sciences for Radiography
- Principles of Radiotherapy and Oncology
Year 2
- Radiotherapy Practice 2
- Clinical Oncology and Radiotherapy Technology
- Research Methods for Radiography
- Patient Health and Wellbeing in Radiography
- Interprofessional Collaboration
Year 3
- Advanced Radiotherapy Studies
- Research Project for Radiography
- Communication Skills in Cancer and Palliative Care
- Interprofessional/Inter-agency Collaboration
Teaching and learning
In addition to lectures, a variety of methods are incorporated into the modules including practical sessions/VERT/experiments, student led seminars, e-learning, guided self-study and problem based learning using scenarios and case studies. All radiography students are allocated a personal tutor from the radiography lecturers.
Study time
Computer skills are vital for your academic studies and future employment - many lecturers make lecture notes and materials available via computers, and some modules will require you to use Information Technology (IT) to help you undertake and present your work. IT facilities to do this are available on all campuses, at the main Frenchay Campus there is 24 hour access to computing facilities, and the University offers help and support throughout your course/programme.
Before you start the course you may find it helpful to familiarise yourself with some core IT skills:
- Basic word processing
- Storing and retrieving files
- Communicating via e-mail
- Searching the web for information, e.g. online shopping, booking a holiday, homework.
There is also a range of information and resources that include interactive exercises to support study skills on the Department of Allied Health Professionals website.
Assessment
A variety of assessment tools are utilised and include:
- examinations
- assignments
- case studies
- academic poster presentation
- appraisals of clinical skills
- student-led presentations
- clinical portfolio
- research study
- Objective Structural Clincal Examinations (OSCE)
Special Features
Placements
Clinical placements are at approved departments in oncology centres in hospitals within South West Strategic Health Authority (SHA):
| Cheltenham General Hospital | Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre |
| Derriford Hospital, Plymouth | Torbay Hospital |
| Royal United Hospital, Bath | Poole General Hospital |
| Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital | Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro |
| The Beacon Centre, Taunton | |
Accommodation, where necessary, is available at clinical placement sites for the duration of the placement.
You are expected to attend at least two different placement sites over the duration of the course, to ensure experience of the variety of clinical settings. This encourages the ability to transfer skills and adapt to new situations, developing the flexibility required in professional practice.
The practice part of the course is provided by National Health Service (NHS) Trusts and Primary Care Trusts (PCT's), and other organisations in the Strategic Health Authority region. Please click here for further information.
What is a placement?
A placement is a period of time within your course that is to be spent in a practice setting. The type of placement you will go on will depend on your personal profile and on which module you are currently studying. The intention of placement practice is to build on the knowledge you gain at the University, to acquire or develop new knowledge and to apply it in the practice environment.
You will be supported in each placement by appropriately trained clinical and academic staff who will advise, counsel and provide feedback on progress when working with patients/clients and health care professionals.
The practice modules form a compulsory part of your course, and provide you with the unique opportunity to integrate theory and practice.
Where are the placements?
The placements used for student clinical practice are within the South West Strategic Health Authority. It is not usually possible for students to request particular placements however if there are exceptional reasons for a request the Practice Learning Unit will endeavour to respond accordingly. A positive response cannot always be guaranteed as allocations depend on placement availability, curriculum and personal profiling requirements
Study facilities
The Department is superbly equipped with an extensive range of teaching and learning resources.
Revolutionary new equipment is installed at Glenside Campus. The Virtual Linear Accelerator (VERT) is the latest technology to help train radiotherapy students to deliver doses of radiotherapy to tumours. UWE was the first university in the UK to install this version and the only university in the South West to house this resource. For more information please see our YouTube video.
Other Radiotherapy facilities at the Campus include workstations for the XVPLAN 3D radiotherapy planning system and FocalSim virtual treatment simulation. In Year 1, pre-placement experience is undertaken at the local radiotherapy centre using clinical linear accelerators.
The Library on the Glenside Campus is one of the best health care libraries in England with a huge selection of books, journals and audio-visual materials, including access to specialist health and social care databases.
High quality residences are situated on both the Glenside and surrounding Campuses. For further information please take a look at the University's Accommodation Services page. Alternatively call +44 (0) 870 90 10773 or e-mail accommodation@uwe.ac.uk
Careers/further study
Therapeutic Radiographers meet new people constantly and are highly regarded by patients for their professionalism and the support they provide. Every day they use the latest technology and manage machines that cost millions of pounds.
Promotion opportunities are excellent with a grading structure that sees the individual's salary increase as they move up the profession. There are also management opportunities and consultant radiography posts.
Graduate destinations
Find out what our graduates are doing six months after graduating- includes examples of careers, employers and further study. Download a PDF from graduate destinations.
Key employer partnerships
We work closely with the NHS as one of the main employers for our graduates. See NHS Careers for more information about becoming a radiographer in the NHS.
Creating employable students
UWE places strong emphasis on employability and skills development at every level. Through work placements, volunteering, study abroad and UWE initiatives which nurture talent and encourage innovation, students gain valuable real world experience and graduate with diverse career opportunities and a competitive place in the job market.
See great graduate prospects for further information.
Be inspired
Read about UWE graduate Fran, named as 'Radiotherapy student of the year'.
A 'day in the life' of a therapeutic radiographer
Useful links
UWE - careers in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, radiography and related health occupations
Society of Radiographers - information for prospective students as well as qualified radiographers
International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists
British Institute of Radiology
The UWE careers service provides guidance and support throughout your studies in addition to useful resources, CV checks, career coaching and details of current job vacancies.
Entry
Typical offers
- Tariff points: Normally 260 minimum
- GCSE: A minimum of five subjects at grade C or above including English Language, Mathematics and either Double Science or two separate sciences.
- A-level subjects: At GCE A2 level - grade C or equivalent in a Science subject.
- Access: Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma; achievement of 15 Level 3 credits at merit in a Science or Health related subject; achievement of Level 2 credits giving GCSE equivalence in English Language, Mathematics and Science.
Advice on typical offers
In addition to the 'typical offer' given here, please read the general information about entry requirements.
Entry requirements
We require evidence of recent assessed academic study within the last three years.
Because of funding arrangements we are unfortunately unable to accept applications from international students (overseas fee status) for this course.
Students who do not meet the minimum academic entry requirements but have significant life and/or work experience will be considered on an individual basis, but should have evidence of recent study in a science/health related subject area recognised as equivalent academic level by Academic Board.
We frequently accept the completion of further or adult education courses as an appropriate entry qualification. Completing an access or foundation course (please take a look at the Department's Foundation courses) may be a good move for people who have been away from formal education for a number of years.
Applicants whose first language is not English must have a minimum IELTS score of 7 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in any section, (or equivalent). Full details of this language test can be obtained from the British Council. Please note the University's published list of alternative English Language qualifications does not apply to this course.
Additional selection criteria
As well as meeting the academic entry requirements, applicants should meet the following selection criteria:
Health Assessment/Declaration - applicants must be in good health. Those offered a place are required to complete a questionnaire and be prepared to undergo a medical examination if necessary.
Disclosure of Criminal Background - the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 does not apply and all convictions, including those which are spent, must be disclosed. Applicants who are offered a place must undergo a Criminal Record Bureau check and will be required to complete a Disclosure Application Form. All information will be treated in confidence and only taken into account when absolutely necessary.
Questionnaire- shortlisted applicants will be required to complete a biographical questionnaire.
Interview - shortlisted applicants will be interviewed.
Visit a Radiotherapy Department - before applying you should arrange a day or half-day visit to a hospital's Radiotherapy Department to shadow and observe Therapeutic Radiographers in their day to day work, to gain experience and insight of what it is like to work as a Therapeutic Radiographer from behind the scenes and to know what the profession entails.
You should take particular note of the way the radiographer’s work together in teams, the technology that is used to plan and treat cancer patients as well as the care and support patients receive whilst undergoing radiotherapy. If you are able to spend some time in the pre-treatment and treatment sections of the Department, observing a treatment or how the machines work, that would be ideal.
Completing the Application Form - we will be looking for applicants committed to a career in radiotherapy. You should clearly demonstrate in the 'personal statement' section of the application form; your motivation and enthusiasm for a career in radiotherapy; that you have good interpersonal skills; any IT experience; any relevant work experience that you have gained to date; what you saw and liked when you visited a Radiotherapy Department.
Fees
Bursary
Applicants accepted for a full-time NHS funded place are eligible to apply for an NHS income-assessed bursary. The University will initiate this process on your behalf. The NHS bursary is split into different sections: tuition fees, maintenance (cost of living) allowance, additional allowances. The NHS will pay your tuition fees, your income and that of your parents or your spouse will be taken into account when calculating your maintenance (cost of living) allowance and there are additional allowances that can be applied for: extra weeks attendance; initial expenses; dependences; disabled students; hardship support; parents learning; practice placement; two homes; students entering from care.
NB: Even if you do not think you will be eligible for an income-assessed NHS bursary we recommend that you still apply for one. This will entitle you to apply for placement travel expenses at a later date. You cannot apply retrospectively for an income-assessed NHS bursary.
EU nationals may be eligible for part of an income-assessed NHS bursary. Students may have their tuition fees paid but will not qualify for a maintenance (cost of living) allowance or the additional allowances.
If you do not fall into either of the above categories you may be liable for the full cost of the tuition and placement fees in addition to your cost of living expenses.
If you have any questions please take a look at our NHS-funded pages.
Alternatively for more information contact: Student Grants Unit, Telephone: +44 (0)845 358 6655 or E-mail: eligibility@nhspa.gov.uk
Student Loan - In addition, applicants who have been accepted should apply to Student Finance - England in advance of starting their programme in order to be eligible for a Student Loan if required.
EU/Overseas Applicants - Please contact Admissions and International Development for further information:
Telephone: +44 (0)117 32 83333
E-mail:Admissions@uwe.ac.uk
How to apply
Please see the general information about applications.
For further information
Page last updated 14 December 2011