Diagnostic Radiography (Graduate Entry)

This accelerated radiography training programme has been developed to allow graduates from a wide variety of academic backgrounds to study with us. The content of the accelerated radiography programme supports a robust learning of basic sciences and incorporates a wide range of radiography training that has been developed with respect to requirements for radiography training as published by CORU, the Health and Social Care Professions Regulator, and by the Irish Institute of Radiography and Radiation Therapy.

Students will be taught by our dedicated team of over 25 lecturers and clinical training will be enhanced by the inclusion of our new ‘state of the art’ virtual reality training equipment and our X-ray suite facilities on site, in UCD.

If you hold a level 8 honours degree in any discipline with a  minimum award level of 2.2, you are eligible to apply for the  graduate entry Radiography degree. 

Throughout this course you will undertake modules in Technology of Radiography, Practice of Radiography and Clinical Practice of Radiography. You will progressively build upon core concepts and learn to apply knowledge to inform clinical decision-making.

First Year

Human Anatomy • Physiology • Practice of Radiography • Technology of Radiography • Professional Skills • Radiology IT Systems • Evidence-based Practice • Clinical Placement

Second Year

Radiation Protection • Paediatric Radiography • Computed Tomography • Ultrasound • Magnetic Resonance Imaging • Nuclear Medicine • Mechanisms of Disease • Radiographic Image Interpretation • Mechanisms of Disease • Interventional Radiology • Practice of Radiography • Professional Skills • Clinical Placement

Third Year (one trimester)

Systematic Pathology • Professional Completion • Legal Medicine • Clinical Placement

Learning methods include lectures, small group tutorials, interactive demonstrations, hands-on clinical learning at UCD and across our clinical network, together with enquiry based learning in the classroom and in clinical imaging departments.

Assessment methods include practical skills‑based exams, image-based assessments, continuous assessment, report writing, oral presentations, and written examinations. Students will engage in both individual and group-based assessment activities to foster team skills required for professional working.

There will be the possibility for students to undertake international elective opportunities at various stages during the programme.

Diagnostic imaging is a growth area in Ireland and internationally. Over the past five years, all graduates of this programme have obtained employment as radiographers. As well as the traditional hospital-based career, some radiographers are employed as imaging equipment applications or sales specialists.

An increasing number of graduates are now undertaking PhD studies. Diagnostic imaging offers successful graduates exciting opportunities to pursue research and/or to develop specialist clinical skills in their chosen area(s) of imaging.

Professional Work Experience

Radiography practice will first be demonstrated in UCD’s own imaging facilities, before you progress to performing examinations on patients. Teaching hospitals also actively contribute to your training and professional development and you will work alongside radiography colleagues to learn and refine your professional skills and clinical decision-making. Early clinical exposure during the second trimester will help ensure that you are professionally- and patient-focused early in your studies. You will undertake 1,200 hours of hospital-based training over the course of the programme, some of which takes place during the summer periods.

“UCD is a leading centre of excellence for Radiography. This made my decision to study here very easy. The course is challenging but certainly manageable. The lecturers are approachable, supportive and are always willing to help with any areas that you may find challenging. Clinical placement has provided opportunities to apply the theory learned in class into practice, while developing the skills and clinical competencies required for full professional accreditation. Overall, the course is rewarding and I am excited to continue developing my skills to become a highly competent practitioner who can make a real contribution to healthcare services.”

Emily Geraghty, Student