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Radiography

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Start your journey towards a career in Radiography with our fully accredited Access to Higher Education Diploma. This course is designed to prepare you for entry into top Radiography degree programmes across the UK, equipping you with the academic knowledge, study skills, and confidence needed to succeed.

Radiography Access to Higher Education

Enrol on our Access to Higher Education Diploma in Radiography

Are you fascinated by medical imaging and helping to diagnose illness through cutting-edge technology? Do you want to follow a pathway into radiography but lack the traditional qualifications required for university entry? Our Access to Higher Education Diploma in Radiography is crafted precisely for people like you who wish to begin this exciting career.

This diploma is specifically tailored for adult learners returning to education, career changers, or anyone seeking the knowledge, confidence, and academic foundation necessary for degree-level study in radiography. You will benefit from a flexible and supportive learning environment designed to help you thrive.

With expert teaching, a structured curriculum that combines theoretical understanding and technical insight, and preparation tailored toward university radiography programmes across the UK, this diploma opens the door to a rewarding and technology-rich healthcare role. Take the next step – enrol today and begin your journey toward a vital profession in medical imaging.

Radiography Access Course
UCAS
Access to higher education
Ascentis
QAA

Radiography Diploma Overview

Our Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma in Radiography is a full-year qualification, designed especially for those who do not hold traditional qualifications required for university entry but who are determined to begin a career in medical imaging and diagnostic radiography.

This Diploma provides you with the essential academic foundation and subject-specific knowledge you need to progress to degree-level Radiography programmes. You will study biology, anatomy and physiology, physics, medical imaging principles, health and safety, professional practice, and related topics, all designed to align with university entry requirements.

Alongside this, you’ll develop key transferable skills – research, academic writing, critical thinking, communication, numeracy – and become familiar with the learning styles, practical assessments, and independent study needed at higher education level.

On successful completion, you will have achieved 60 credits, with the majority at Level 3. You’ll be ready to apply for Radiography degree courses (Diagnostic Radiography, Therapeutic Radiography etc.) and allied health professions that require strong science, technical understanding, and professional behaviour.

Ascentis Access to Radiography Diploma

This Radiography course is accredited with Ascentis, which is the Access Validating Agency for the Diploma. All Access Diplomas are regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) who ensure the standard of learners meets that which is required by Universities and Further Education Institutions to study to become a Radiographer.

Flexible Enrolment

To ensure our Access Diploma in Radiography is as accessible as possible, you can enrol at any time. Once on the Diploma, you can work through the assignments as quickly as you like and finish your studies as soon as all of your work is signed off. Should you wish to apply for University for a September start, you would need to complete this Access Diploma for the end of May.

Online Study

The Diploma is studied completely online through our online campus. Here you will find the lessons, materials and assignments that are needed in order to complete your Access to HE Diploma. Your study is always guided by our dedicated support staff who are there to assist with any technical questions which you may have.

Full Tutor Support

On all of our Diplomas, you get a personal tutor who is there to help you along the way. This will be the same person that is there to answer questions you have as well as marking and providing feedback on your assignments. Tutor support is completely unlimited, and we work hard to answer all questions within 1 working day and mark assignments within 5 working days.

Units on this diploma

This Access to Radiography covers 17 units, which build up the full Diploma.

Biochemistry is fundamental to understanding life at a molecular level, as it explores the structure and function of biological molecules and the key principles governing cellular processes. This unit focuses on the essential biomolecules—carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids—along with their roles in maintaining life.

Cells are the fundamental units of life, forming the basis of all living organisms. This unit explores the essential principles of cell biology, including the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, membrane structure and transport mechanisms, and the processes of cell division.

This unit provides learners with the opportunity to design and plan an independent biological investigation. It develops essential skills in project formulation, planning, and research design, preparing learners for further study or scientific inquiry in applied and academic contexts. Emphasis is placed on ensuring that the investigation is grounded in biological theory, is feasible within given constraints, and adheres to scientific and academic conventions.

This unit provides learners with the opportunity to carry out a previously planned scientific investigation and to demonstrate competence in practical scientific skills, data handling, and critical reflection. Building on prior work in investigation planning, this unit focuses on the implementation, analysis, and evaluation stages of the scientific process, preparing learners for further study or work in applied scientific and technical fields.

The human skeletal and muscular systems form the structural and functional foundation of the body, providing support, movement, and protection for vital organs. This unit explores the intricate relationship between bones, joints, and muscles, examining their structure, classification, and physiological roles in movement and stability.

The human body is a complex and highly organised system composed of multiple organ systems that work together to maintain life. This unit explores the fundamental aspects of human physiology, focusing on the organisation of the body, the functions of key organ systems, and the vital process of homeostasis.

Infectious diseases have shaped human history, influencing populations, economies, and healthcare advancements. These diseases are caused by pathogens, which include bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, helminths, and prions. Pathogens have evolved diverse mechanisms to invade hosts, evade immune responses, and spread within populations, making them a significant challenge to public health.

The Social and Community Welfare Provision unit explores the social issues that influence health and well-being and examines how welfare systems have evolved to meet the needs of individuals and communities. It develops learners’ understanding of the historical and contemporary factors that shape service provision and highlights the importance of values and ethics in professional practice.

The Equal Opportunity and Diversity unit introduces learners to the key concepts, theories, and practices related to promoting equality and valuing diversity in contemporary society. It equips learners with the knowledge and analytical skills required to understand and address different forms of prejudice, stereotyping, and oppression while fostering awareness of the principles underpinning inclusive and equitable practice. The unit supports learners in recognising how discrimination can manifest at individual, cultural, and institutional levels, and how to apply legislative and organisational frameworks that support equality and diversity.

The Ethical Issues in Professional Practice unit introduces learners to the fundamental ethical principles, legal frameworks, and professional responsibilities that underpin decision-making in various care and service contexts. It provides the tools to understand ethical theories, evaluate the relationship between law and ethics, and apply moral reasoning in realistic professional situations.

The Health Promotion unit equips learners with the knowledge and critical understanding needed to explore the purpose, delivery, and impact of health promotion in a range of individual and societal contexts. It introduces key concepts and models of health promotion and enables learners to assess how these influence public health strategies and personal well-being.

This unit explores the foundational role of communication in promoting high-quality care and building positive relationships with service users. It equips learners with the knowledge and understanding necessary to identify effective communication approaches, assess individual communication needs, and recognise and overcome barriers to communication.

The Perspectives of Health unit enables learners to explore how health is understood, influenced, and experienced across different social, cultural, and personal contexts. It develops the ability to analyse how definitions and models of health shape both individual understanding and the delivery of care, and how wider social inequalities affect health outcomes.

The Academic Writing Skills unit equips learners with the tools required to analyse academic questions, produce well-structured written responses, and apply appropriate academic conventions. It focuses on developing the ability to interpret the meaning and implications of specific questions, identify key concepts and terminology, plan responses, and present them clearly and logically using appropriate academic formats and referencing practices.

The Improving Your Own Learning unit supports learners in developing the awareness, strategies, and personal management skills necessary to succeed in further or higher education. It encourages self-reflection, goal-setting, and the application of study skills across a range of academic tasks, promoting autonomy and lifelong learning habits.

The Researching and Understanding Opportunities for Higher Education unit equips learners with the knowledge, planning skills, and personal insight required to make informed decisions about progression into higher education. It supports learners in identifying suitable study options, evaluating the implications of HE pathways, and preparing high-quality applications for their chosen routes.

The Academic Research Skills unit introduces learners to the foundational principles, techniques, and ethical considerations that underpin effective academic research. It supports the development of essential skills for planning, conducting, and evaluating research within a range of subject areas, preparing learners for success in higher education and professional inquiry.

The support on my course was brilliant – I could contact my tutor at any time to get help which made it much faster to work through the units required.

– Elizabeth Ackroyd

The first step on your journey

Access to HE Diploma

Undertake an Access to Higher Education Diploma to qualify for university.

University Degree

Get on to your degree. Study at university towards an undergraduate of your choice.

Job of your dreams!

Become qualified! After completing your university degree you are qualified to work.

Who is this Access to Radiography Diploma for?

This Access to Higher Education Diploma in Radiography is ideal for anyone who is passionate about pursuing a career in diagnostic or therapeutic radiography but does not yet have the qualifications needed for university.

It’s designed for adult learners who may have been away from education for some time, as well as those considering a career change into the healthcare sector. Whether you’re looking to move into medical imaging after working in another field, or you’ve always aspired to join the NHS as a radiographer, this diploma gives you the stepping stone you need.

The course is also a great fit if you want a flexible study programme that allows you to balance learning with other commitments. You’ll gain both the academic skills and subject-specific knowledge to progress confidently onto a university degree in Radiography or a related health science discipline.

Entry requirements

In order to study for this course, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a UK resident and have been for the last 3 years
  • Have access to the internet and Microsoft Word or similar
Studying with us

How it works

A comprehensive approach to online study for your Access to HE Diploma

Online Access

Study online using your very own login details.

Personal Tutor

Get access to a personal tutor, dedicated to helping you achieve.

Fast Marking

We offer some of the quickest marking turnaround in the UK.

In-depth lessons

All the lessons and materials are provided on your course.

First Class Support

Speak to our outstanding support staff over the phone or online.

Flexible Study

Login and study any time you like – perfect around other commitments.

University Approved

Our Access to Higher Education Diploma in Radiography is widely recognised and accepted by universities across the UK as a direct route into degree-level study. It has been carefully developed to meet the academic standards and subject requirements needed for radiography courses, giving you the confidence that your qualification will be valued by admissions teams.

This diploma provides you with the skills, knowledge, and academic preparation to apply for Radiography degrees – whether in Diagnostic or Therapeutic Radiography – as well as related health science programmes. With its strong focus on science, healthcare, and professional practice, the course is designed to align closely with what universities look for in successful applicants.

Some of the universities that accept this Access to Higher Education Diploma include:

University of Liverpool

University of Brighton

University of York

University of Birmingham

University of Manchester

University of West London

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I start this Access Diploma?

You can enrol and start this course at any time – enrolments are fully flexible and you have the option to enrol whenever it suits you.

What are the entry requirements?

There are no specific entry requirements for this Diploma. The program is designed to prepare you for university and includes numerous sections which prepare you for higher education but students do not require any specific qualifications on entry to the Diploma.

You will need to be a UK residency to study with us but can reside outside of the UK while studying.

Do I get UCAS points?

Yes you do!

Access to Higher Education Diplomas give students up to 144 UCAS points – the exact points achieved would depend on the grade obtained on each of the 60 credits. The full 144 UCAS points is equivalent to achieving 3 A’s at A Level. You can find out more about the UCAS tariff points using the Tariff Calculator.

How long does it take to pass?

On average, an Access to Higher Education Diploma takes 600 hours of study in total. This equates to around 1 day of learning per week to complete the Diploma in 1 year. All students on our courses have a 2 year enrolment length which gives plenty of time to work through the assignments and complete your Diploma.

Can I pass faster?

Yes you can. Our Access to HE Diplomas allow you to work at your own pace once enrolled and you can submit your assignments as quickly as you like once you are enrolled.

How do you get assessed?

All assessments on this Diploma are done through Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and there are no exams. Assignments can be completed as soon as you are ready and submitted to your tutor. Once each of these has been signed off, the Diploma is complete.

Assignments on the course include written coursework, research tasks as well as a project which requires planning and completion. Each assignment has a limited number of attempts when you are completing work and full feedback is given by your tutor.

All about Radiography

What does a Radiographer do?

Radiographers are healthcare professionals who play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating patients through the use of advanced imaging technologies. Working closely with doctors, nurses, and other specialists, radiographers use equipment such as X-rays, CT scanners, MRI machines, and ultrasound to capture detailed images that help identify illness, injury, or disease.

There are two main branches of radiography: Diagnostic Radiography, which focuses on creating images to support diagnosis and ongoing treatment, and Therapeutic Radiography, which uses targeted radiation to treat conditions such as cancer.

Radiographers combine strong technical skills with compassionate patient care, ensuring individuals feel safe and supported throughout the imaging or treatment process. They are problem-solvers, able to work under pressure, and make a real difference in the quality of care patients receive.

As part of a wider healthcare team, radiographers are essential to modern medicine, using technology to provide accurate diagnoses, plan effective treatments, and improve patient outcomes every day.

Why become a Radiographer?

Radiography offers the opportunity to combine cutting-edge technology with compassionate patient care, making it one of the most rewarding careers in healthcare. As a radiographer, you’ll be at the forefront of medical diagnosis and treatment, helping to detect injuries, identify illnesses, and guide life-changing treatment plans.

It’s a role that is both highly technical and deeply people-focused. You’ll gain satisfaction from mastering advanced imaging equipment while also making a positive difference to the lives of patients, often during times when they are most vulnerable.

Radiographers are in high demand across the NHS and private healthcare providers, offering excellent job security and opportunities for progression. With experience, you can specialise in areas such as MRI, CT, ultrasound, or therapeutic radiography, and even move into leadership, teaching, or research roles.

Choosing radiography means choosing a career that blends science, technology, and care – one where every day you contribute to better health outcomes and patient wellbeing.

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