BSc Diagnostic Radiography FT (DN411/MDSJ)

UCD is one of Europe’s leading centres of excellence for radiography and diagnostic imaging. You will follow an innovative curriculum that is constantly evolving to meet the needs of modern healthcare. The programmes are delivered in a state-of-the-art, interdisciplinary environment, by expert staff from within the School and throughout our nationwide clinical training network. You will become an integral part of the department team, working alongside radiography colleagues and other health professionals to learn and refine your professional skills.

From early in your first year, you will have access to modern imaging and clinical education facilities in UCD’s Health Sciences  Centre. You will develop knowledge of all aspects of medical imaging and image evaluation, and learn how to care for patients, how to perform examinations and how to provide high levels of radiation protection. Such knowledge and skills will ensure that you have acquired complete professional competence upon graduation.

Both the BSc (Hons) Radiography and Graduate Entry programmes are recognised by CORU, the Irish Health and Social Care Professionals Regulatory Body, as approved programmes.

Throughout this course you’ll undertake modules in Technology of Radiography, Practice of Radiography and Clinical Practice of Radiography.

First Year

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Practice of Radiography
• Technology of Radiography
• Radiology IT systems
• Evidence Based Practice

Second Year

• Radiation Protection
• Paediatric Radiography
• Computed Tomography
• Ultrasound
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Nuclear Medicine
• Mechanisms of Disease
• Image interpretation
• Mechanisms of Disease
• Advanced Practice of Radiography
• Clinical Placement

Third Year (one trimester)

• Legal Medicine
• Systematic Pathology
• Professional Completion
• Clinical Placement

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

Assessment methods include practical skills-based exams, image-based assessments, continuous assessment, report writing, oral presentations, and written examinations.

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Diagnostic imaging is a growth area in Ireland and internationally. All graduates in the past five years have obtained employment as radiographers. As well as the traditional hospital-based career, some radiographers are employed as 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.

Professional Work Experience

Radiography will first be demonstrated in UCD’s own imaging facilities, before you progress to performing examinations on patients. Teaching hospitals also participate in your training and you’ll work alongside radiography colleagues to learn and refine your professional skills.

The 2.5-year graduate entry programme is open to applicants who hold an NFQ Level 8 degree at the minimum award level of 2.2 or equivalent, which includes research activity (module / thesis) to a minimum of 5 ECTS. Applicants are also required to have a Science subject at minimum level Irish Leaving Certificate O6, IB Standard Level 4, GCSE Grade C or equivalent.

Mandatory healthcare screening and Garda/Police vetting required.

“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