BSc Medical Imaging (Diagnostic Radiography)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The University of Exeter’s BSc Medical Imaging (Diagnostic Radiography) is designed for students who want to build a career in healthcare by combining advanced imaging technology, scientific knowledge, and patient care. The programme provides hands-on clinical experience, develops essential radiography skills, and offers the opportunity to progress through an integrated master’s route for students looking to gain advanced expertise and leadership skills in medical imaging.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
The first year introduces students to the fundamentals of diagnostic radiography and builds a strong understanding of the human body, healthcare practice, and imaging principles. Through modules such as Anatomy and Physiology for Radiographers, Fundamentals of Radiographic Practice, Foundations of Patient Care, and Practical Placement 1, students learn about anatomy, imaging procedures, patient communication, professional standards, and begin gaining valuable experience in clinical settings.

Year 2:
In the second year, students develop deeper knowledge of medical imaging techniques and how radiography supports diagnosis and treatment. Modules including Medical Imaging Applications, Science for Medical Imaging, Pathology and Image Interpretation 1, Project Studies 1, and Practical Placement 2 help students strengthen their technical abilities, understand disease processes, interpret images, and apply their learning in real healthcare environments.

Year 3:
The final year of the BSc focuses on preparing students for professional practice by combining advanced academic learning with clinical experience. Through modules such as Pathology and Image Interpretation 2, Professional Skills and Leadership for Radiographers, Project Studies 2, and Practice Placement 3, students develop confidence in clinical decision-making, research, leadership, and delivering high-quality diagnostic imaging services.

Year 4 (Integrated Master’s option):
Students who choose the integrated master’s pathway can continue their studies with an additional year focused on advanced radiography practice, research, and professional development. This stage allows students to explore specialist areas of medical imaging, strengthen leadership skills, complete advanced research work, and prepare for more senior roles within healthcare.

Focus areas:

Diagnostic radiography, medical imaging technology, anatomy and physiology, pathology and image interpretation, radiation science, patient care, clinical practice, research skills, evidence-based healthcare, leadership, and advanced imaging techniques.

Learning outcomes:

Students graduate with the ability to carry out diagnostic imaging procedures safely, understand and evaluate medical images, apply scientific knowledge to healthcare situations, communicate effectively with patients and healthcare professionals, follow radiation protection principles, use research to improve practice, and develop the professional skills needed for a successful radiography career.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

The programme prepares graduates for a career as Diagnostic Radiographers and supports eligibility to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). With extensive clinical placements in NHS partner hospitals, students gain practical experience and develop the professional skills required to work confidently in healthcare environments.

Reputation (employability rankings):

The University of Exeter is recognised for its strong academic reputation and graduate success. The Medical Imaging programme highlights excellent career prospects, with graduates progressing into healthcare roles or further study, and the subject has been recognised among the UK’s leading Radiography programmes in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The University of Exeter’s BSc Medical Imaging (Diagnostic Radiography) gives students the opportunity to develop practical skills through a strong combination of academic learning, simulation-based training, and real clinical experience. A significant part of the programme is dedicated to clinical placements, allowing students to work alongside healthcare professionals in NHS partner hospitals and gain first-hand experience in patient care, diagnostic imaging procedures, and professional radiography practice.

Students also benefit from specialist teaching facilities at the University’s St Luke’s Campus, where they can practise using medical imaging equipment and develop confidence before working in clinical environments. Through research projects, clinical skills training, and access to modern imaging technology, students build the technical expertise, communication abilities, and professional judgement required for a successful career in diagnostic radiography.

Students benefit from the following practical learning opportunities and facilities:

Clinical placements in NHS hospitals: Students complete extensive clinical placements throughout the programme, gaining experience in real radiology departments across NHS partner hospitals in the South West of England. These placements allow students to apply classroom knowledge, work with experienced radiographers, and develop confidence in patient care and imaging procedures.
Medical Imaging Suite at St Luke’s Campus: Students train in dedicated medical imaging facilities designed for radiography education, including specialist imaging rooms, teaching spaces, laboratory areas, and research-focused learning environments.
Digital radiography and imaging equipment: Students gain practical experience with modern imaging technologies, including digital radiography systems and other diagnostic imaging equipment, helping them understand how different technologies are used in healthcare settings.
Simulation-based radiography training: Students use simulation resources and practical training tools to practise radiographic techniques, patient positioning, and clinical decision-making in a safe learning environment before applying these skills during placements.
Clinical Skills Resource Centre: Students develop essential patient-care skills through simulated healthcare scenarios, communication training, and practical sessions that prepare them for working with patients and multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
Research projects and evidence-based practice: Students complete research activities during the programme, developing skills in analysing evidence, investigating healthcare challenges, and applying research findings to improve radiography practice.
Advanced learning through the Integrated Master’s route: Students choosing the integrated master’s pathway have the opportunity to further develop specialist knowledge, advanced clinical skills, and professional expertise through additional study and placement experience.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the University of Exeter’s BSc Medical Imaging (Diagnostic Radiography) are equipped with the clinical knowledge, technical skills, and professional experience needed to begin successful careers in healthcare. With strong practical training, NHS placement experience, and eligibility to apply for professional registration, students are well prepared to move into roles such as Diagnostic Radiographer, CT Radiographer, MRI Radiographer, and Specialist Radiographer.

The programme provides excellent support and career opportunities through professional connections, employability services, and recognised healthcare training:

Career support and employability services: The University of Exeter offers dedicated careers support to help students prepare for employment through career guidance, application advice, interview preparation, skills development, and access to opportunities that support their transition from university into professional healthcare roles.
Strong graduate outcomes: The programme reports excellent graduate prospects, with 95% of Medical Imaging graduates in employment or further study 15 months after graduation, highlighting the strong demand for qualified radiography professionals.
Graduate earning potential: Medical Imaging graduates from the University of Exeter report median earnings of around £32,500 approximately 15 months after graduation, with opportunities for salary progression as they gain experience and move into specialist or advanced practice roles.
University–healthcare partnerships: Students benefit from clinical placement partnerships with NHS healthcare providers across the South West of England, including organisations such as Royal Devon and Exeter, Torbay, and Plymouth Major Trauma Centre. These placements allow students to develop professional networks and gain experience in real healthcare settings before graduation.
Professional accreditation value: The programme supports graduates in becoming eligible to apply for registration as Diagnostic Radiographers with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). This professional recognition provides graduates with a strong foundation for practising within the UK healthcare system.
Long-term career development: After gaining professional experience, graduates can progress into specialist imaging areas such as CT, MRI, ultrasound, research, education, leadership, and advanced clinical practice roles within healthcare.

Further Academic Progression:
Students who want to continue developing their expertise can progress through the Integrated Master’s route in Medical Imaging, which provides advanced study, research experience, and specialist professional development. Graduates may also choose postgraduate study in areas such as advanced medical imaging, healthcare research, clinical leadership, or specialist radiography practice to further enhance their career opportunities.