Overview

Kick off a dynamic and rewarding career in radiography with our BSc Radiotherapy and Oncology course. You’ll learn how to use advanced technology to deliver life‑changing treatment for people with cancer, while building the confidence to support patients and their families throughout every stage of their journey.

This degree prepares you to become a Therapeutic Radiographer - a highly skilled, compassionate professional who plays a vital role in modern cancer care. It’s a hands-on, rewarding career with endless opportunities to learn, grow, and make a real impact.

With access to a cutting-edge, global cloud-based radiotherapy planning system, you’ll build skills in treatment planning within a professional-style environment. At the same time, you’ll work with digital imaging tools used in clinical practice, gaining hands-on experience with the technology used by professionals.

You’ll also gain valuable real-world experience through a range of practice placements throughout your studies. These will take place in both major and smaller NHS cancer centres across Scotland – all of which are recognised as centres of excellence. Together, these experiences will prepare you to thrive in a fast-paced, impactful healthcare career.

At the heart of this course is person-centred care. We will prepare you to provide every patient with individualised support and understanding. Most importantly, you’ll feel confident helping people feel seen, safe, and respected throughout their treatment.

GCU is the largest provider of therapeutic radiography education in Scotland. Our expert teaching team works closely with NHS partners and professional bodies to ensure the course stays current and fully aligned with clinical practice.

If you want a future that blends science, technology, and genuine human impact, then therapeutic radiography could be the ideal start to your journey.

Why study Radiotherapy and Oncology at GCU?

We are ranked first in the subject of radiography in Scotland and second in the UK. This reflects our outstanding teaching quality, student support, and graduate outcomes. (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026).
We are a major provider of therapeutic radiography education in Scotland with long-established, trusted partnerships across the NHS.
Take advantage of hands-on training with cutting-edge technology. This includes digital image-viewing equipment used in real-world clinical practice.
Through our practice placements, you’ll gain real-world experience in both large and smaller NHS cancer centres across Scotland, all of which are recognised as centres of excellence.
Make a real impact in people’s lives with a career where you make an immediate and meaningful difference.

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

When you complete this course, you’ll be eligible for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and membership of the Society of Radiographers. These are essential steps towards practising as a qualified Therapeutic Radiographer.

Most graduates go on to rewarding careers as Therapeutic Radiographers within the NHS, playing a crucial role in cancer care. However, this degree also opens the door to exciting opportunities beyond traditional radiotherapy roles.

You can pursue careers in:

nuclear medicine
mammography
the nuclear industry
research and innovation
higher education and teaching
or continue into postgraduate study and clinical specialisation.

There are further routes into management and leadership roles within healthcare settings. You can also contribute to the development of cancer services and patient care through advanced practice and research.

Whatever path you choose, this degree provides a strong foundation for a meaningful and flexible career in health.

Course information

Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location	UCAS
BSc (Hons)	Full time	4 years	Sep 27	Glasgow	B822	Enquire Apply
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location	UCAS
BSc (Hons)	Full Time	4 Years	Sep 26	Glasgow	B822	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)

Additional requirements

Before applying it is advisable to visit a radiotherapy department.

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 1 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 teaching approach is student-centred, practical, and designed to meet the needs of both learners and employers.

You’ll benefit from:

a mix of lectures, tutorials, workshops, and practical sessions
participation in interactive and collaborative learning activities
emphasis on developing independent learning and critical thinking skills
opportunities to engage with real clinical scenarios through simulation and placement.

We have moved away from traditional teacher-led models towards a more independent and reflective learning experience, preparing you for the realities of professional practice.

Assessment methods

We use a wide range of assessment methods to support your learning and ensure you develop both academic knowledge and essential professional skills. Each module has its own assessment strategy aligned with specific learning outcomes.

Depending on the module, assessment methods may include:

unseen written examinations
class tests
essays and reflective writing
case studies
presentations
group projects
practical exams.

This variety of approaches helps assess your understanding, critical thinking, and practical application of knowledge in real world scenarios.

Clinical placements

Clinical placements are an essential part of the course and take place in each of the four years of study. These placements give you practical experience in NHS cancer centres across Scotland, both large and small, helping to build confidence and competence in clinical practice.

In Year 3, there is one mandatory 3-week elective placement designed to broaden your professional skillset. This placement is self-funded and must be organised by you. While the placement itself is required, you have the freedom to choose the location, including the option to go overseas – which is why it is called an ‘elective’.

Accreditation

Completion of the BSc (Hons) Radiotherapy and Oncology degree provides eligibility to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). This registration is essential for practising as a Therapeutic Radiographer.

You’ll also be eligible for membership with the Society of Radiographers.

There are no additional post-graduate requirements to apply for HCPC registration. Graduates are also eligible for membership of the Society of Radiographers, the professional body representing radiography practitioners in the UK.

Please note:

Registration itself is a separate process managed by the HCPC.
You must successfully complete all clinical placements and academic modules as part of the course to be eligible.

Visit the HCPC website.

Visit the Society of Radiographers website.

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 Radiotherapy and Oncology at GCU?

Accreditations

What you will study

Careers

Course information