Only Social Work applicants need to pay for their DBS. It costs £46 and can be purchased on our online store.
Overview
Therapeutic Radiographers work in multidisciplinary teams, in radiation oncology departments, where they play a vital role in treating people with cancer. They’re responsible for accurately localising, planning and delivering ionising radiation using state of the art technology. Develop the highly specialised skills needed to work in the multidisciplinary teams in radiation oncology departments with a combined theoretical and practical education at LSBU. Gain the knowledge and clinical experience that is pivotal to providing personalised care. Plus, learn and develop the excellent communication skills required to support patients and their families through their cancer journey. Our state-of-the-art technology including our virtual environment radiotherapy training ensures you’re at the forefront of the ever-evolving industry during your studies and are highly employable once graduated.
Why Therapeutic Radiography at LSBU?
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- Ranked 2nd in London overall for Health Professions (Guardian University Guide 2023).
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- A professional accreditation – approved by the Health and Care Professions Council and accredited by the Society and College of Radiographers.
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- You’ll get access to our state-of-the-art facilities – including VERT (Virtual Environment Radiotherapy Training), a virtual learning environment simulating a radiotherapy treatment room.
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- Great work experience opportunities – with the chance to gain clinical experience in many of London's internationally renowned teaching hospitals.
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- Career opportunities: 94 percent of Health Professions graduates get graduate level jobs or are in further education at professional or higher education level, within 15 months of graduation (Guardian University Guide 2023).
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- LSBU Health and Social Care graduates are the second highest paid amongst all London Modern university graduates, and the sixth highest in the UK one year after graduating (DfE LEO data 2022).
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- Students on this course could be eligible to receive a non-repayable amount of up to £11,000 per academic year with the NHS Learning Support Fund.
| ModeFull-time | Duration3 years | Start dateSeptember | Application codeB822 | Application method UCAS |
Course Accreditations
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HCPC
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COR
Location
London South Bank University student union is located at 103 Borough Rd, London SE1 0AA.
If you are visiting our Southwark Campus, you may wish to use our downloadable campus map (PNG File 466 KB). For information on accessibility, see our DisabledGo access guides. See our location page for more details.
Entry Level Requirements
Want to start your course this September? call 0800 923 8888 for entry requirements.
- A Level BBB or;
- BTEC National Diploma DDD or;
- Access to HE Diploma in Science, Health Science or similar with 30 Distinctions and 15 Merits or;
- Equivalent level 3 qualifications worth 120 UCAS points
- Applicants must hold 5 GCSEs, including Maths, English and two Sciences at Grade A*-C (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above) or equivalent.
English language
If your first language is not English you must have the following minimum International English Language Test Score (IELTS) results at the time of applying:
- 7.0 overall or equivalent
- 7.0 in the listening and reading sections
- 7.0 in the writing and speaking sections.
Advanced entry
If you have already completed some studies at another university, we may be able to consider you for advanced entry. Please see our advanced entry page for more information.
Foundation Year
If you have been out of study for a considerable amount of time or have slightly missed the entry requirements this course, you can take your first steps to becoming a registered practitioner with our Health and Social Care Foundation year. Boost your qualifications and confidence for further study with this one-year introductory course and on completion of this course you will be guaranteed entry on to one of our 13 health BSc pre-registration health and social care degrees.
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Missing English and Maths qualifications?
If you do not have the required English and Maths qualifications needed to satisfy the entry requirements for this programme, we have courses available at our partner College that you can take to upskill in these areas. Find out more at South Bank College.
Advanced entry
If you have already completed some studies at another university, we may be able to consider you for advanced entry. Please see our advanced entry page for more information.
United Kingdom
£9535
Tuition fees for home students
International
£17600
Tuition fees for international students
Tuition fees are subject to annual inflationary increases. Find out more about tuition fees for Undergraduate or Postgraduate courses.
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Full-time
full-time
BSc (Hons) Therapeutic Radiography (FT) - Year 1
UK fee: £9535 International fee: £17600 AOS/LSBU code: 3603 Session code: 1FS00 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £28605 International: £52800 BSc (Hons) Therapeutic Radiography (FT) - Year 2
UK fee: £9535 International fee: £17600 AOS/LSBU code: 3603 Session code: 2FS00 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £28605 International: £52800 BSc (Hons) Therapeutic Radiography (FT) - Year 3
UK fee: £9535 International fee: £17600 AOS/LSBU code: 3603 Session code: 3FS00 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £28605 International: £52800
The international fee for this course shows as "£0" because this course is not open to international students.
Funding for students with existing undergraduate degrees
Students who have previously studied another undergraduate degree may be eligible to apply for a tuition fee loan for a second undergraduate degree in nursing, midwifery and allied healthcare. More information is available by reading the Council of Deans of Health page.
Further information
Download our fees and funding guide (PDF File 139 KB) which details the financial support now available to you.
The Funding Clinic on the Council of Deans of Health web pages is also a useful resource and will provide information tailored to your circumstances.
Students who have previously studied another undergraduate degree may be eligible to apply for a tuition fee loan for a second undergraduate degree in nursing, midwifery and allied healthcare. More information is available by reading the Council of Deans of Health page.
Possible fee changes
Current regulatory proposals suggest that institutions will be permitted to increase fee levels in line with inflation up to a specified fee cap. Specifically, LSBU may be permitted to increase its fees for new and existing Home and EU undergraduate students from 2017/18 onwards. The University reserves
the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any governmental guidance or decisions.
Scholarships
We offer students considerable financial help through scholarships, bursaries, charitable funds, loans and other financial support. Many of our scholarships are given as direct tuition fee discounts and we encourage all eligible students to apply for our Access Bursary. New home full-time undergraduate
students meeting eligibility criteria could receive a £1,000 cash bursary by joining us in the 2017/18 academic year. Find out more about all our scholarships and fee discounts for undergraduate students.
Home
| Mode Full-time | Duration 3 years | Start date September | Application code B822 | Application method UCAS |
This course is not open to international students.
Please send your application through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) using our institution code L75. UCAS is the organisation responsible for managing applications to higher education courses in the UK.
See our How to apply page for further details.
Personal Statement
It is important you focus on your personal statement to let us know why you are the right candidate for Therapeutic Radiography at LSBU. Try to include answers to the five questions below within your statement and ensure it is personal to you:
1. Why therapeutic radiography?
What traits and characteristics do you have that will make you a great radiographer? What are your goals for this career?
2. What is your understanding of the role of a therapeutic radiographer?
What is the scope of practice and what skills are required? Include examples to show you have these skills.
3. Why do you want to study at London South Bank University?
4. Do you have any experience in a health care environment or oncology department?
Explain what you have gained from this experience and why you think you are suited to the role. This experience could be for a day or a week. Experience in a therapeutic radiography department or a healthcare environment is a great way to see firsthand what a therapeutic radiographer does on a day-to-day basis. This is not a requirement for the course however it is seen as beneficial.
5. Do you have any hobbies, interests, work or volunteer experience that can be applied to working as a therapeutic radiographer?
6. What personal characteristics and qualities do you possess that would translate well in a healthcare environment?
Results
If you are unsuccessful in your application to LSBU for this year you cannot apply through UCAS Extra or Clearing. However you can apply for the following year. It is important that you read the comments in the results statement so that you are prepared for any other interviews you may have.
Accommodation
Once we have made you an offer, you can apply for accommodation. You can rent from LSBU and you’ll deal directly with the university, not third party providers. That means we can guarantee you options to suit all budgets, with clear tenancy agreements and all-inclusive rents that include insurance for your personal belongings, internet access in each bedroom and on-site laundry facilities.
Or, if you’d rather rent privately, we can give you a list of landlords – just ask our Accommodation Service.
Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.
Finance
You don't need to wait for a confirmed place on a course to start applying for student finance. Read how to pay your fees as an undergraduate student.
Prepare to start
Disclosure Barring Service (DBS)
All pre-registration students need to be DBS cleared before going on placement. You’ll need to have an enhanced DBS check even if you have had one before and will not be able to go on placement until this is complete.
The DBS process is not difficult but can take some time so it's best to get started as soon as you receive your email. You will receive the email during Summer 2023.
DBS update service
If you're part of the DBS update service, your subscription is up to date and you already have a DBS certificate, please bring in your original green DBS certificate for the document check. To take advantage of the update service, your certificate needs to be classified as 'Enhanced' and workforce must be listed as 'Adult and Child'. If you have any queries, please email us at hscdbsoh@lsbu.ac.uk.
How to complete your DBS
Our DBS supplier, Verifile, will send you an email with all the details you need to complete your DBS.
Verifile will give you instructions to log into their system and complete your personal details and information. To complete the process, you'll need your passport or driving licence and 5-year address history including dates when you moved in/out.
You can use your application number to track the progress of your DBS.
When you've finished, your Disclosure Statement will be mailed to the most recent address in your submission, so please make sure it's correct. We don't automatically receive a copy of this Statement, which is why we need you to bring it in as part of the next step.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to declare on my DBS?
Please include any and all major and minor, spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warning and reprimands, even if they relate to juvenile offences or seem trivial or unimportant. Some minor offences will not prevent you from going on placement or being offered a place on your course, but still need to be reviewed so it’s best to be honest and include everything. Also, the more information you include about any offences can help reduce the time it takes to assess them.
I’ve applied for/had a DBS in past. Do I need to do it again?
Yes, you do. You need to have an up-to-date DBS. Once you have received the email from our DBS supplier make sure you start the process straight away. All details of how to do this will be outlined in the email. If you don’t complete your DBS in the timeframe given, we may withdraw your offer even if term has already started. So it’s important that you get started as soon as you receive the email.
Why do I need an enhanced DBS check?
Government legislation requires all Higher Education Institutions who offer courses where students may come into unsupervised contact with children or vulnerable adults to have this check. These checks also help us to ensure duty of care to our students, and create a safer environment for patients seen by our students.
Who reviews my DBS?
As part of the University’s admissions process, declarations of any offence may be referred to a virtual panel made up of senior managers from partner NHS Trusts and/or other sectors within Health and Social Care. Any DBS that is considered by the panel will be anonymised. The panel members then deliberate and make a recommendation whether the application be rejected, accepted or request further information or documents.
When will I hear back from the panel about my DBS?
If you have declared an offence, we might ask for more information from you in writing which will help the panel make a decision. Once your declaration has been referred to the panel it can take up to 28 working days to be processed.
Which address do I use?
You need to put your current address on your DBS application because this is where your Statement will be mailed. If you’ve moved house between submitting and receiving your DBS, make sure you have mail forwarding set up so that you’ll receive your statement. If you’ve moved recently, make sure you have proof of your new address (such as a new bank statement) to bring for your document checks.
I’ve lost my statement. What do I do?
If you’ve lost your statement you will need to pay £46 to purchase a new one.
I’ve had my application rejected due to my DBS declaration/disclosure. Can I appeal the decision?
Yes. If your application has been rejected due to your DSB declaration/discloser, you will be sent a letter to confirm this. There will be instructions in the letter about how you can appeal and which supporting information you need to provide. Once a decision has been made you will receive a letter from the School Executive Team.
Document check
Once you have completed the online part of the DBS process, you will need to produce three accepted documents from this list (PDF File 248 KB) to be verified.
Document check on campus
Southwark: Southwark Student Help Desk in the K2 building Monday – Friday between 9am-11am or 1pm-4pm
Document check at the Post Office
If you’re not able to come to campus, you can get your documents checked and certified at the Post Office for a fee of £10.50. To do this, make photocopies of your three accepted ID documents and take your DBS form, copies and originals of your documents to the Post Office. The Post Office will stamp the form and photocopies and given them back to you. Email your post office receipt, stamped form and stamped documents to hscdbsoh@lsbu.ac.uk.
Occupational Health (OH)
An exciting part of many of our Health and Social Care courses is the opportunity to learn off-campus and work with patients, clients and/or service users. Before you start, we need to make sure that you have the correct levels of immunisations.
Questionnaire
Once you have enrolled, students will be asked to complete an occupational health check, the first part is completing an online questionnaire sent from our occupational health provider.
GP appointment
The second part of your occupational health check is to get any inoculations that you may need from your GP. When attending your GP appointment, please take printed copies of these two documents with you.
Vaccination Screening Advisory Letter (PDF File 126 KB)
GP Vaccination and Screening History (PDF File 117 KB)
Occupational Health appointment
After these steps are complete you will receive an email from OHWorks Ltd inviting you to attend an appointment on-campus with an Occupational Health Nurse. These appointments take place during the week and sometimes when your classes have already started.
The OH team have prepared this guide (PDF File 588 KB) which outlines what to expect at each stage. If you have queries or concerns about your Occupational Health clearance or inoculations please contact the Occupational Health team.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be double vaccinated?
Yes - government legislation advises that everyone must be double vaccinated to work in a health care setting with effect from 1 April 2022.
My local GP doesn’t have my vaccination history. What should I do?
Contact the OH team at lsbu@ohworks.co.uk who will be able to advise you.
What if I can’t make my OH appointment?
Please contact the OH team to reschedule at least 48 hours in advance. Remember that you won’t be able to go on placement until you’re cleared.
I’ve already registered with LSBU’s Disability and Dyslexia Support Unit (DDS). Do I still need to tell the OH Nurse about my condition?
Yes. Tell the OH Nurse about all conditions including specific learning difficulties even if you’ve declared these in the past. This will allow us to make reasonable adjustments whilst you’re on placement.
If I’ve declared a condition to the OH Nurse, do I need to register with LSBU’s Disability and Dyslexia Support Unit as well?
The information you share with the OH Nurse will be treated with confidence, meaning that it won’t be automatically shared with the DDS team. The DDS team can help you to receive support for your lectures, assignments and exams so it’s worth to register with them and provide evidence of your condition if you need this support.
Numeracy practice
Before starting your course, you may want to check or practice your numeracy skills. The National Numeracy Challenge is a free online tool that helps you learn, revise and quiz your essential numeracy skills. You’ll also be able to get a certificate to show your efforts.
Enrolment and Welcome Week
Before you start your course we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our new students pages.
Uniforms
Most placements and some practical sessions in our skills laboratories will require you to wear a uniform and name badge. You will be measured for uniforms specific to your course as part of your Welcome Week activities after enrolment. In the meantime, we have prepared answers to frequently asked questions that you might find useful.
Frequently asked questions
Do I get a uniform for when I go on placement?
Yes, LSBU will supply you with uniforms for your placement with the exception of Social Work and Health and Social Care BSc students who are not required to wear uniforms for their placements.
Which uniforms will I receive?
Nursing and midwifery students will receive two pairs of trousers, three tunics and a name badge. Polo shirts will be issued instead of tunics for students studying mental health nursing, physiotherapy, chiropractic and sport rehabilitation. ODP students will receive one set of scrubs top and trousers.
How long do the uniforms need to last?
The items are to last for the duration of your programme of study.
How do I know what size I am?
A measuring and distribution service will be available by the uniform provider at Southwark campus. As garments are fitted for work purposes they need to allow for flexibility of movement so it’s best to have the uniform provider measure you up.
Am I able to request a longer tunic?
You can request a longer tunic for religious or medical reasons. To do this, you should advise the uniform supplier at the measuring session. These tunics are 2 inches longer and sleeves finish just above the elbows. Due to infection control, full length sleeves are not permitted.
Can I use a preferred name or a nickname on my name badge?
Name badges are professional and need to include your formal names.
What do I do if I lose or damage my name badge?
You can order a replacement name badge direct with the uniform provider. Badges need to be worn at all times when you are at placement.
Can I order more uniforms?
You are welcome to purchase additional items at Work in Style. You will need to log in using your student ID and then follow the step-by-step instruction. Please note that dresses are not available.
Can I try on my uniforms?
You should try on your uniforms the day you receive them so that the staff at the measuring service can help arrange any size exchanges. If you choose not to try on your uniforms and require different sizes at a later date you will need to purchase these through the uniform provider’s online portal at your own cost.
What do I do with my uniform after I complete my studies?
They are yours to keep – you do not need to return the garments.
Practice placements
Most health and social care courses’ practice placements will operate outside normal working hours e.g. evenings, nights, weekends and bank holidays.
Holidays
Your holiday periods will not follow the normal University timetable because of placements. You’ll receive more details once you start your course.
During the course, you'll learn biological science, the fundamentals of radiation science and begin the practice of radiotherapy. You’ll also study concepts of inter-professional and collaborative practice.
In Year 2, you’ll continue radiotherapy practice, combining this with applied radiation sciences, radiotherapy imaging and dosimetry, as well as appraising evidence for research informed practice.
Year 3 focuses on contemporary debates in radiotherapy and oncology, Improving quality, change management and leadership, and the third stage of radiotherapy practice.
Some compulsory skills sessions may take place in the evening.
- Introduction to Dosimetry and Radiotherapy Physics
This is a foundation module aimed at students who will be working with ionising radiation in a clinical environment. The module commences with the basic concept of atomic structure and then builds on this to explain how x-rays are produced, how radiation interacts with matter, and understanding the equipment (kV and MV) used in radiotherapy practice. This module will also introduce students to the key principles of radiation dosimetry, dose distribution and plan interpretation. Assessment method: 100% exam. - Anatomy and Biological Sciences
This module is designed to provide students with the foundation knowledge of anatomy and function of the systems comprising the human body and changes resulting from the development of malignant disease. Assessment method: 100% exam. - Fundamental Oncological Management
This module is an introduction to the discipline of oncology and the concept of holistic care in the management of people with cancer, with reference to evidence based practice. Assessment method: 100% exam. - Practice Placement 1
This module provides a practical and theoretical introduction to the professional practice of radiotherapy. This module complements the knowledge and learning gained synergistically within clinical practice by focussing on the acquisition of basic clinical skills and knowledge required for the safe, accurate planning and treatment of patients with cancer.Assessment method:
Clinical portfolio Pass/ Fail
50% Presentation
50% Poster
- Concepts of inter-professional and collaborative practice
During this module you’ll be introduced to the place and value of inter-professional and collaborative working in health and social care delivery. The module aims to support the development of the necessary communication, personal, partnership working and reflective practice skills required to meet the needs of clients/carers and diverse populations who are at the centre of inter-professional health and social care delivery. - Applied Dosimetry and Radiotherapy Physics
This module builds on knowledge gained in dosimetry and radiotherapy physics at Level 4 and permits students to demonstrate understanding of the application of dosimetry and radiotherapy physics in the radiation therapy process, for both radical and palliative patients. The module aims to develop the pre-treatment dosimetry skills for tumour sites of breast and prostate, considering different techniques for 3D conformal external beam irradiation, utilising both forward and inverse planning techniques for IMRT and VMAT. Assessment method: 100% Presentation - Cancer Imaging
This module addresses contemporary imaging methods available in the localisation and verification of tumour volumes before and during radiation treatment delivery. Students will be required to evaluate their relative usefulness within the cancer pathway, with specific reference to cancer staging, monitoring and treatment verification; they will also gain practical experience in image interpretation of 2D and 3D images. Assessment method: 100% Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) - Applied Oncological Management
This module builds on Level 4 studies and students will have academic teaching to underpin the clinical skills development required for safe and accurate radiotherapy treatment delivery. Assessment method: 100% exam - Practice Placement 2
This module builds on Level 4 studies and requires the student to develop a deeper understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory and upper alimentary systems. This module complements the knowledge and learning gained synergistically within clinical practice by focussing on the acquisition of core clinical skills and knowledge, required for the safe, accurate planning and treatment of patients with cancer.Assessment method:
Clinical portfolio Pass/Fail
50% Presentation
50% Multi-modal clinical judgement assessment(MMCJA)
Students must achieve a pass mark in all summative assessments in order to pass the module.
- Appraising evidence for research informed practice
This module will extend your understanding of the concept of evidence-based practice and research in practice. The module will equip you with the core skills and understanding to appraise evidence and assess its appropriateness to be implemented into practice. The steps in conducting research, main research methods, approaches to data analysis and presentation will be explored. You'll be equipped with the knowledge and core skills that are a pre-requisite for critical appraisal and evidence synthesis. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Advancing Dosimetry and Radiotherapy Physics
This module builds on knowledge gained in dosimetry and radiotherapy physics at Level 5 and permits students to demonstrate understanding of the application of dosimetry and radiotherapy physics in the radiation therapy process. Advancements in the forefront of radiotherapy dosimetry, such as advancing techniques, non-photon irradiation, will be explored to ensure that students can justify their clinical decisions relating to dosimetry principles in practice.
Assessment method: 100% Poster - Contemporary Debates in Radiotherapy Practice
This module aims to prepare students to work in a changing environment and develop awareness of issues that impact on patients, service and professionals. Particular emphasis will be placed on the professional and technological developments, and changes in health care policy. It will enable critical evaluation of professional responsibility in relation to clinical, service and patient experience within the context of ethical frameworks and evidence-based practice.
Assessment method: 100% 3000 word assignment - Advancing Oncological Management
This module builds on students’ theoretical knowledge of oncological management, with particular emphasis placed on the management of rare and complex cancer diagnoses. In addition to developing knowledge of anticancer therapeutics, such as chemotherapeutic agents, biological therapies and hormone therapies, this module will support critical discussion of the role of advancing radiotherapy techniques and research in the patient pathway, to improve patient outcomes.
Assessment method: 100% exam. - Practice Placement 3
This module builds on level 5 studies and requires the student to develop a deeper understanding of the practical radiotherapy management of patients with malignant diseases. It provides the student with knowledge and skills relevant to pre-treatment, treatment and verification processes employed in the radiotherapy management of patients. The student will be required to develop and apply critical awareness of advances in technology and practice.Particular emphasis will be placed on the management of patients with complex needs or co-morbidities, in the context of practical and logistical implications for radiotherapy pathway.
Students will be provided with opportunities to demonstrate achievement of clinically based competencies, which focus on more complex techniques found in radiotherapy, problem solving skills required for successful performance in clinical practice and transition to a band 5 role.
Assessment method:
Clinical portfolio Pass/ Fail
50% Viva voce
50% Multi-modal clinical judgement assessment (MMCJA)
Students must achieve a pass mark in all summative assessments in order to pass the module
- Improving quality, change management and leadership
This module is the final interprofessional learning module that will explore leadership, quality improvement and change within organisations from an interprofessional perspective. The module looks at a strategic, evidence based approach to change management in a range of environments. Level 6. 20 Credits. Formative assessment: 500 word draft or plan of summative assignment. Summative assessment: 3000 word written assignment OR, 20 minute podcast 100% weighting
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Facilities
Therapeutic Radiography VERT Lab
VERT; Virtual Environment Radiotherapy Training, is a virtual learning environment simulating a radiotherapy treatment room. Through captivating 3D views and life size visualisations, VERT is an excellent platform for supplying therapeutic radiography training to students.
You will have the opportunity to interact with a variety of virtual linear accelerators (treatment machines) to set up and treat a virtual patient. The virtual linear accelerator is controlled by hand control pendants and can be moved and orientated in much the same way as an actual treatment machine can.
Other facilities used on the course include an Eclipse Radiotherapy Planning Suite. Eclipse is a comprehensive 3D treatment planning platform that supports a range of treatment modalities, including 2D, 3D and intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) planning. The training begins with comprehensive introduction to 3D anatomy visualisation, contouring skills and basic plan production. You will undertake practice exercises which are presented in a logical sequence, with each practice exercise building on the previous exercises completed. The VERT suite has the facility to load any radiotherapy treatment plan created by trainees so they can review their plans on a virtual patient and gain additional experience that is otherwise only available in the clinical setting.
Careers
Employability Service
At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:
- An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
- Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.
Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.
With a degree in Therapeutic Radiography, you'll be eligible to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a therapeutic radiographer. Therapeutic Radiographers work in a multidisciplinary team in Radiation Oncology – and they play a vital role in the management and treatment of patients with cancer and tumours. They are predominantly responsible for the accurate localisation, planning and delivery of ionising radiation.
You’d be involved in every stage of the treatment process: helping plan and administering treatment, explaining it to patients and assessing their responses. This is why therapeutic radiographers need excellent interpersonal skills and emotional resilience – they deal with patients and their families at very difficult and emotional times. Making patients feel comfortable and guiding them through the process can be as important as the technical skills required for this role.
Progressing in your career depends on taking approved courses and gaining experience. This can lead to additional responsibilities in a particular area, such as treatment planning or teaching; working as a consultant practitioner is one common career path. Once you’ve qualified, as a clinically experienced therapeutic radiographer you could gain additional specialist skills and expertise through the postgraduate, post-registration and continuing professional development frameworks. You can find out more about professional development courses on offer through our online CPPD prospectus.
This course is validated by the Health and Care Professions Council, the regulator of health, Psychological and Social professionals. And it’s accredited by the Society and College of Radiographers, the professional body representing the radiography workforce.
The Health and Care Professions Council is the regulator of health, Psychological and Social professionals.
The Society and College of Radiographers is the professional body representing the radiography workforce.
Placements
Work placements are an essential part of the course. That’s why you’ll spend 50% of your time involved in academic study and 50% in clinical practice, within a broad variety of healthcare settings. What this allows you to do put theory into practice, by working with a range of health professionals in clinical situations – to develop the skills, knowledge and experience required to become a competent radiographer. This can be challenging to start with. But it’s one of the most interesting and exciting aspects of learning to be a radiographer.
You’ll experience a variety of clinical settings such as NHS acute Trusts, community placements and independent sector. Placements include Brighton and Sussex University Hospital, Sussex Cancer Centre, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust: Kent Oncology Centre, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Surrey Hospital and Queen's Hospital, Romford.
So how do the placements work? They’re spread over the three year course, with the first one approximately seven weeks after the start. This gives a real taster of the role of the radiotherapy radiographer in the radiotherapy treatment process. And it gives you the chance to make sure you’ve made the right choice early on. After this, clinical placements follow the same pattern throughout the course.
You’ll also get support from a mentor. An identified Link Lecturer and Personal Tutor from the University will be the person you can contact during working day hours while you’re on a placement. They’ll help you with any concerns or questions that you can’t sort out. And as there is a close relationship between LSBU and the clinical placement; the Link Lecturer will pay regular scheduled visits to the different sites.
Teaching and Assessment
During the course, you'll be assessed by written and oral examinations, coursework and seminar presentations. Clinical practice is continually assessed and you’re supported by an on-site practice educator.
| Lectures and seminars | Self-directed study | Work-based placements | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 16% | 44% | 40% |
| Year 2 | 14% | 42% | 44% |
| Year 3 | 15% | 45% | 40% |
Personal tutoring
As a Health and Social Care student, you will be allocated a named tutor during your first three weeks at LSBU. The role of your tutor is to be your primary contact for academic and professional development support.
Your tutor will support you to get the most of your time at LSBU, providing advice and signposting to other sources of support in the University. They should be the first person at the university that you speak to if you are having any difficulties that are affecting your work. These could be academic, financial, health-related or another type of problem.
You will have appointments with your personal tutor once a year for up to 1 hour throughout your course. You can contact your tutor for additional support by email.
