Foundation to Diagnostic Radiography

Diagnostic radiography is the healthcare profession responsible for producing the medical images that clinicians use to identify disease, injury, and abnormality in the human body. Radiographers operate the X-ray, CT, MRI, and ultrasound equipment that generates these images, and they must combine technical precision with patient-centred care, working quickly and accurately in environments where the information they produce directly shapes clinical decisions. The profession sits at the intersection of science, technology, and compassionate healthcare practice.

This four-year full-time programme at the University of Liverpool includes a foundation year, designed for mature students who have typically been out of formal education for some time or who have taken non-traditional qualifications. The foundation year provides the scientific and academic preparation needed to succeed in the main degree, making it an accessible route for those who have the motivation and aptitude for healthcare science but who need a supported transition into university-level study. The programme also includes a year abroad, offering an unusual opportunity to experience diagnostic radiography practice in a different healthcare context and to develop the international perspective that is increasingly valuable in healthcare professions.

Throughout the programme you will develop knowledge in anatomy, physiology, pathology, and radiation physics, alongside the practical skills in image acquisition, patient positioning, and image interpretation that professional practice requires.

Graduates are eligible to register with the Health and Care Professions Council as diagnostic radiographers, enabling them to practise across the full range of NHS and independent sector imaging departments. Career progression can lead to specialisation in areas such as CT, MRI, interventional radiology, or breast imaging, as well as roles in management, education, and research. The profession offers strong employment prospects and clear pathways for continued professional development.