Diagnostic Radiographer Apprenticeship BSc (Hons)

The degree apprenticeship programme runs alongside the BSc (Hons) in Diagnostic Radiography. This route allows NHS employees to be sponsored by their employer to undertake their programme of study over a three-year period.

Study style

The degree is available as a direct entry or apprenticeship route. It uses a blended learning approach with time being spent between university teaching and clinical practice. For approximately 50% of their time, learners are in clinical settings under the supervision of experienced diagnostic radiography mentors who will be a source of support throughout the programme.

Time is spent in university for teaching blocks, followed by a day release style programme of study, where learners spend two days a week in practice and two days in university. Apprentices also spend one day per week working for their sponsoring Trust.

Learners are able to put theory into practice using state-of-the-art facilities to support their clinical skills.

At the end of the three-year apprenticeship programme, learners undertake an End Point Assessment. This is a holistic and independent assessment of the knowledge, skills and behaviours which have been learnt throughout an apprenticeship. This will be managed internally by the apprenticeship team but examined by an external assessor appointed by the University.

Entry requirements

Applications are made directly to the NHS Trust and applicants undergo an interview and selection process with the Trust and University partners. Academic entry requirements are the same as the BSc (Hons) in Diagnostic Radiography.

All learners are required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before they start – the learner or their employer is expected to cover the cost of this (£54.40). Disclosures on this record may affect the learner’s ability to obtain a place on the Diagnostic Radiography programme.

Learners must also complete a ‘Fitness to Practice’ health declaration to declare their health status and immunisation records before the programme starts. The cost of this is met by the University and the process is managed by the local NHS Trust’s occupational health team.