Radiotherapy and Oncology
Radiotherapy and oncology is the clinical speciality concerned with using radiation to treat cancer, one of the most prevalent and serious diseases in the world. Therapeutic radiographers plan and deliver precisely targeted radiation treatment to destroy tumour cells while protecting surrounding healthy tissue, working closely with oncologists, physicists, nurses and other healthcare professionals to deliver care that is technically demanding and deeply human. The role requires scientific understanding, clinical skill, technological competence and the compassion to support patients through some of the most difficult experiences of their lives.
At Glasgow Caledonian University, this four-year full-time programme prepares you to become a registered therapeutic radiographer, equipped to use advanced technology to deliver radiotherapy treatment for people with cancer. You will study anatomy and physiology, radiobiology, radiation physics, oncology and the principles of treatment planning. Clinical placements are integrated throughout the programme, giving you extensive supervised practice in real treatment environments and developing the professional confidence and patient communication skills that are essential in this role.
You will learn to operate and apply complex treatment machines and planning systems, to work within multidisciplinary teams and to support patients and their families throughout every stage of their treatment journey. The emotional and interpersonal dimensions of the role are developed alongside the technical, reflecting the reality that excellent therapeutic radiography requires both.
On graduating and registering with the Health and Care Professions Council, you will be eligible to work as a therapeutic radiographer in NHS cancer treatment centres, private cancer clinics and research hospitals. Career pathways include treatment delivery, treatment planning, specialist and advanced practice, team leadership, radiotherapy research and education. Postgraduate study in oncology, radiotherapy physics or healthcare practice is available for those who want to develop further.