Overview

The BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Imaging degree is a dynamic undergraduate course designed to equip you for a rewarding career in diagnostic radiography.

Diagnostic radiography is a medical specialty that uses imaging technology to diagnose illness, injury, and disease by creating images of inside the body.

The course will provide you with a full understanding of:

anatomy
physiology
pathology.

You will also gain experience in the technical aspects of the imaging department, alongside person-centred care and an understanding of the different stages of a patient’s healthcare journey. There is a strong emphasis on both theory and clinical practice, helping you develop the skills you need to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care.

One of the key strengths of our course is its experienced teaching team, who are accomplished academics with extensive clinical experience and knowledge. You will benefit from exposure to cutting-edge research and modern teaching methods that contribute to our consistently excellent student satisfaction outcomes.

We teach more students in subjects allied to medicine than any other university in Scotland (HESA 2025), offering a vibrant learning environment and extensive opportunities for interprofessional collaboration. This ensures you will graduate with the skills you need, feeling confident and well prepared for an exciting and impactful career in diagnostic radiography.

This degree is ideal for anyone with a passion for healthcare, particularly if you’re motivated and driven to make a real difference for patients.

Why study Diagnostic Imaging at GCU?

We are the largest provider in Scotland of radiography education (HESA 2025) with strong NHS partnerships
We are ranked first in Scotland and second in the UK for radiography education in league tables (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026)
Gain experience using the latest imaging technologies in real clinical settings
Study a person-centred degree with a focus on compassionate care
As a newly qualified radiographer, your skills are in high demand and internationally recognised.

Health and Care Professionals Council

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What you will study

Please note that full module information is in the process of being finalised for publication and will be made available here shortly.

In the meantime, you can view and download the Programme Specification at the bottom of this page. This document provides an overview of the course structure, including indicative modules, learning content and further key information. The modules listed on the Programme Specification are for the current academic year and are intended to give you an idea of what you may be able to study on this course.

Careers

As a graduate of our BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Imaging course, you will be well placed for employment within the UK and internationally. Many of our graduates go on to work in the NHS as a Radiographer, advancing to a Specialist Radiographer after gaining clinical experience. Some graduates go on to specialise in areas such as reporting, ultrasound, research and education.

As a newly qualified radiographer, you’ll have access to a wide range of roles across healthcare settings - from hospitals and clinics to research and education.

Your skills will be in high demand and internationally recognised, opening doors to specialisation, leadership, and even global career pathways.

Our graduates have gone on to work in a variety of specialities both within the UK and worldwide, such as:

computed tomography (CT)
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
nuclear medicine.

Diagnostic imaging plays a vital role in modern healthcare. As new technologies emerge and healthcare needs evolve, particularly with an ageing population, the demand for imaging continues to grow.

Our BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Imaging qualification is also recognised in many countries, giving you the opportunity to travel or emigrate with your qualification.

Course information

Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location	UCAS
BSc (Hons)	Full time	4 years	Sep 27	Glasgow	B821	Enquire Apply
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location	UCAS
BSc (Hons)	Full Time	4 Years	Sep 26	Glasgow	B821	Enquire Apply

Please note that admission to GCU is considered on a competitive basis, and the academic entry requirements stated here may be the minimum required to be eligible for an offer.

International students can get information on entry requirements specific to their country in our International Study section.

Year 1

Standard entry requirement

UCAS Tariff: 102

Scottish Higher: BBBC or equivalent incl Higher in two sciences

A Level: BCC or equivalent incl A Level in two sciences

Minimum entry requirement

UCAS Tariff: 90

Scottish Higher: BCCC or equivalent incl Higher in two sciences

A Level: CCC or equivalent incl A Level in two sciences

English language

IELTS score of 7.0 with no element below 6.5 (or equivalent)

Minimum age restrictions

A student shall not normally be admitted unless he or she will have attained the age of 18 at start of course or 18 by the 1st of March in first academic session.

Additional information for international applicants

Entry requirements by country
Application deadlines
English language tests
Knowledge of English - Applicants from a majority English speaking country may not be required to provide further proof of your English language proficiency. Information about this requirement is available on the Student Visa section of the gov.uk website.

Additional information for all applicants

Relevant experience (Recognition of Prior Learning)

GCU's flexible entry policies exist to allow relevant work experience and prior learning to be considered towards standard entry or advanced entry into a course.

If you do not have the typical academic entry qualifications, but can demonstrate relevant work experience and/or credits from recognised professional bodies, you may be eligible to enter this course via the University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme.

Minimum entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements are for widening access students only. If you are from a group that is not currently well-represented in higher education you may qualify as a widening access student. This includes living in a target postcode area, attending a target school or college, attending SWAP, are care-experienced or provide care for someone else, have refugee status or are an asylum seeker.

Teaching methods

Our approach is student-centred, practical, participative, and relevant to the needs of employers. We've moved away from the traditional teacher-centric learning to a more independent learning approach, where you are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills.

Assessment methods

Assessment methods vary between modules and may include:

unseen examinations
class tests
essays
management reports
case studies
group work.

Industry-standard facilities

The School of Health and Life Sciences at GCU has a dedicated X-ray suite and simulated clinical labs, which provide a virtual hospital environment where you can practise using real X-ray equipment under supervision before placement.

Work placements

As a student on this course, you will attend placements in hospitals where you will undertake real-life examinations under the supervision of qualified Radiographers.

There is also a four-week elective placement at the end of Year 3, with the opportunity to study abroad. Previously, students have travelled to countries including Australia, New Zealand, Malta and the Philippines.

Professional accreditation

This course is approved by the Society and College of Radiographers (SCoR) and the UK Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Completion of the BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Imaging degree provides eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC, the statutory regulator for Radiographers in the UK. This registration is essential for practising as a Radiographer.

There are no additional postgraduate requirements (such as further study or employment) to apply for HCPC registration, provided all academic and clinical components of the degree have been successfully completed.

Graduates are also eligible for membership of the Society and College of Radiographers, the professional body representing Radiography practitioners in the UK.

Please note:

Accreditation leads to eligibility for professional registration, but registration itself is a separate process managed by the HCPC.
Students must successfully complete all clinical placements and academic modules as part of the course to be eligible.

Further information:

Download the programme specification

In addition to the core modules that all students must undertake, some courses offer students a choice from a selection of optional modules to shape the focus their degree. Optional modules where available, form part of the overall credit structure of the course.

Download the programme specification for a detailed breakdown of the course structure, including modules, what you'll learn and other useful information.

Terms and Conditions

Details of the University’s terms and conditions are available here.

Overview

Why study Diagnostic Imaging at GCU?

Accreditations

What you will study

Careers

Course information