Students from England, Scotland, Wales or EU (except the Republic of Ireland)
Unfortunately, Ulster University is not in a position to accept applications from students from England, Scotland, Wales or EU (except the Republic of Ireland) for this course due to regulations issued by the Department of Health Northern Ireland.
The Radiotherapy and Oncology degree programme is tailored to provide the education and training required for first post therapeutic radiographers.
Summary
The BSc Hons Radiotherapy and Oncology programme is designed to provide vocational education at undergraduate level for careers in therapeutic radiography. Therapeutic Radiography involves the use of ionising radiation in the treatment of cancer and non-malignant disorders. A therapeutic radiographer is responsible for the planning and delivery of the treatment prescription together with the general healthcare of the patient. It is important to note that radiotherapy involves working with ill and vulnerable patients and that patient care is as vitally important as the technical aspects of the role.
We’d love to hear from you!
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
Course specific information
Fees and Finance
Admissions
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
The BSc Hons Radiotherapy and Oncology course is a full-time programme of study of three-year duration leading to the award of an Honours degree with eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC. The Radiotherapy and Oncology course is recognised by the Society and College of Radiographers and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Radiotherapy and Oncology graduates are eligible to apply for Registration with HCPC and membership of the Society of Radiographers.
Attendance
Three years, full-time including eight week long clinical placements each summer between Year 1 and 2 and between Year 2 and 3.
Academic semesters, Monday to Friday, 12 weeks of on-campus contact hours: Year 1 (level 4) averaging 20 hrs /wk, year 2 (level 5) averaging 16 hrs/wk, year 3 (level 6) averaging 12 hrs/wk. The total effort hours per semester (contact time and self-directed study) is 600 hours, averaging 40 hrs/wk. Clinical Placement modules - Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.00pm, 40 hrs/wk.
Start dates
September 2025
Teaching, Learning and Assessment
The programme is delivered by a combination of academic and professional practice modules. The academic subjects include a basic education and training in human anatomy, physiology and pathology, physics applied to radiotherapy, radiation protection, clinical studies and an introduction to clinical oncology and radiotherapy science. Individuals undertake professional practice/clinical placement training within a designated hospital radiotherapy department. Much of the professional practice is undertaken during the summer months.
Attendance and Independent Study
The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.
Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:
As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.
Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10, 20, or 40 credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate courses typically 15 or 30 credit modules.
The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Teaching and learning activities will be in-person and/or online depending on the nature of the course. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.
Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.
Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.
The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).
Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.
All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study.
In Masters degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
Academic profile
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (19%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (22%) or Lecturers (57%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic and learning support staff (85%) are recognised as fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advance HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Our facilities in Derry~Londonderry cater for many sports ranging from archery to volleyball, and are open to students and members of the public all year round.
Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
This level four module introduces you to the core interprofessional competencies to support you develop and embody interprofessional principles and interprofessional working during your degree programme and beyond.
Anatomy & Physiology for Radiotherapy
Year: 1
Status: C
This module introduces the anatomy, physiology and pathology syllabus relevant to radiotherapy and oncology. This knowledge will underpin the concurrent study of oncology and future studies relative to radiotherapy practice. Cross sectional anatomy is a key focus of this module to prepare studies for imaging in clinical practice.
Radiotherapy Physics 1
Year: 1
Status: C
This module will enable the student to gain knowledge and understanding of the physical principles and capabilities of external beam radiotherapy and X-ray imaging equipment. An understanding of the process of image formation, essential for safe and competent therapeutic radiography practice, will also be achieved. The module provides a fundamental understanding of the principles of radiobiology and radiation protection. It describes the design and use of radiotherapy treatment and imaging equipment.
Preparation for Radiotherapy Practice
Year: 1
Status: C
Introduction to the LRC, literature and database searching. Discussion on academic writing. Using Refworks and Harvard referencing. Public health, The National Cancer Strategy, Cancer, epidemiology, aetiology, tumour formation, staging and spread, treatment modalities, patient management in RT department. Investigations and patient care to include adaptation for specific patient groups and address healthcare inequalities. Carcinogenesis and normal tissue reactions. Understanding of the mechanisms of actions of chemotherapy, hormone-blocking therapy and various targeted therapies. Principles of pharmacology. Reflective practice. Government policies, healthcare law and Health & Safety. Appreciation of treatment prescription and optimization. Practical principles of radiotherapy practice. The role of the professional body and professional responsibilities of the radiographer. Orientation placement in clinical department.
Radiotherapy and Oncology 1
Year: 1
Status: C
This module requires the student to explore Radiotherapy and Oncology presentation and management of a variety of malignancies in preparation for Professional Practice Placement One.
This knowledge will underpin the future studies relative to radiotherapy technique and practice.
Additionally, students will develop an understanding of Lymphoedema and its management.
Through the integration of the service-user voice, students will gain a unique insight and understanding of the full psychosocial experience of a cancer survivor.
Radiotherapy Legislation and Procedures
Year: 1
Status: C
This module will facilitate and enhance the student's appreciation of their role as a practising radiographer and explore opportunities for role development. The module will examine the importance of entrepreneurial skills and health promotion activity in the professional setting and examine their application to radiography or radiotherapy. Mechanisms to ensure the protection and safety of the patient and service users are examined.
Professional Practice Placement (R&O) 1
Year: 1
Status: C
Students will have the opportunity to develop their interpersonal and interprofessional communication skills and experience being an integral part of a radiotherapy treatment team. This module allows the individual student to build in their previously acquired knowledge and clinical skills. It will provide the student with the opportunity to expand their knowledge and experience in a range of radiotherapy settings including mould room, treatment planning and other non-radiographic departments.
Year two
Health Science Research
Year: 2
Status: C
This module will develop students' research knowledge and skills. They will become more proficient at finding and appraising relevant research in their discipline, they will also understand the impact and relevance of research, determining if/how it might influence clinical practice. This module will prepare students for the year three module (OTH501).
Psychosocial & Palliative Care
Year: 2
Status: C
This module will develop an appreciation of the psychosocial impact of cancer on the individual and their social circle. Students will critically examine the need for cancer education and public cooperation to reduce the cancer burden. Attention will be drawn to the role of charitable organisations and support networks. Alternative and complimentary therapies will be evaluated, and the evidence base examined. The magnitude of the necessity for interdisciplinary collaboration will be consolidated. Oncological emergenies, palliative care and end of life care will all be explored in detail.
Imaging in Radiotherapy
Year: 2
Status: C
This module provides an understanding of the key concepts of science, technology and safety relating to the specialised imaging modalities: CT MRI, MU and RNI. Participants will develop an understanding of digital image quality and effective image manipulation.
Radiotherapy Physics 2
Year: 2
Status: C
This module will enable the student to gain knowledge and understanding of the principles of treatment planning. It provides more details of the physical principles and capabilities of radiotherapy equipment including Radiotherapy Management Systems. Students will develop an understanding of the various radiotherapy treatment techniques as well as the role of electrons and heavy particle therapy in treating patients with cancer. Students will be able to complete basic treatment planning calculations for simple SAD and SSD plans.
Radiotherapy and Oncology 2
Year: 2
Status: C
This module examines Radiotherapy and Oncology of the oral cavity, salivary glands, pharynx (including tonsils), larynx, nasal cavity and sinuses. Ear and eye malignancies are also explored.
Professional Practice Placement (Rad & Onc) 2
Year: 2
Status: C
This module allows the individual student to build on their previously acquired knowledge and clinical skills. It will provide the student with the opportunity to develop clinical skills in the localization of tumours, production of treatment plans and delivery of treatment. Students will also have the opportunity to develop their interpersonal and interprofessional communication skills and to experience being an integral part of a radiotherapy treatment team.
Year three
Research Project
Year: 3
Status: C
This module facilitates the practical application of research skills developed in the earlier years of the academic programme. It will prepare students to contribute meaningfully to evidence-based healthcare practices and to conduct research that informs and advances the field. Lectures provide the theoretical knowledge and guidance required to undertake the research task. Seminars and workshops will provide specific support for students' practical skills, relevant to their research project topic, method of scientific enquiry, and study design.
Radiotherapy and Oncology 3
Year: 3
Status: C
This module examines radiotherapy and oncology of the musculoskeletal system, lymphatic and haemopoietic, CNS, endocrine and the use of radiotherapy for the treatment of non-malignant disorders. It also explores the common forms of paediatric cancer with discussion of appropriate treatment management.
Radiotherapy Physics 3
Year: 3
Status: C
This module will build on the knowledge acquired in Radiotherapy Physics 1 and 2 modules and the experience gained during Professional Practice Placement. It will provide students with an understanding of the subjects of Brachytherapy and Radiopharmaceuticals for treatment. Students will have the opportunity to fuse theoretical and clinical knowledge as they study oncology of female reproductive system in this academic module. AI, SRS, SABR and IORT technology will be explored.
Professional Practice Placement (Rad & Onc) 3
Year: 3
Status: C
Students will be given continuous feedback throughout the professional practice from the clinical teams with whom they engage. The Clinical tutor / Practice Educator will regularly speak with students on an individual basis to monitor progress and individual learning needs. An academic visitor will hold an individual interview with each student at the mid- point of the placement. During this interview workbooks will be examined, the students' progress will be discussed and the student will be encouraged to identify any difficulties or anxieties they may be experiencing.
Cancer Service Evaluation
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
Students will have the opportunity to develop their interpersonal and inter-professional communication skills and to experience being an integral part of multidisciplinary teams. They will be able to choose elective placements that complement previous experience or pursue an interest that was cultivated during a previous placement. This will foster specific interests and engender an understanding of the necessity of evidence based practice to deliver high-quality patient outcomes. The module will require students to produce a written article in the form of a submission for publication.
European Radiotherapy Exchange Placement
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module provides an opportunity for Radiotherapy and Oncology students to engage in an European exchange with partner institutions in Europe. The module is optional, students have the choice to undertake the final year Cancer Service Evaluation module or to participate in an European exchange with one of the partner institutions within the European Radiography Group. Learning agreements for studies are established between Ulster and the host partner institutions enabling students to experience an international professional and cultural exchange. Students will have the opportunity to develop their interpersonal and inter-professional communication skills and to experience being an integral part of international multidisciplinary teams. This will foster specific interests and engender an understanding of the necessity of evidence based practice to deliver high-quality patient outcomes.
Standard entry conditions
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Double Award Life & Health Sciences (Grade BB) or Double Award Applied Science (Grade BB).
Applied General Qualifications
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma. Applicants must meet the GCSE Science requirements for the course.
Award profile of DDM
Essential Subjects (you will need one of the following):
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science (RQF) (601/7437/7)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care (RQF) (601/7198/4) – to include Anatomy and Physiology plus four modules from Scientific Techniques for Health Science, Microbiology for Health Science, Medical Physics Application in Health Sector, Genetics, Biomedical Science.
We will also accept smaller BTEC/OCR qualifications (ie Diploma or Extended Certificate/Introductory Diploma/Subsidiary Diploma) in combination with A Levels or other acceptable Level 3 qualifications.
Essential Subjects (you will need one of the following):
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Applied Science (RQF) (601/7435/3)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Human Biology (RQF) (603/3040/5)
To find out if the qualification you are applying with is a qualification we accept for entry, please check our Qualification Checker –
We will also continue to accept QCF versions of these qualifications although grades asked for may differ. Check what grades you will be asked for by comparing the requirements above with the information under QCF in the Applied General and Tech Level Qualifications section of our Entry Requirements –
Overall profile of 65% (120 credit Access course) (NI Access course), including 65% in each Level 3 module to include Physics and one of Biology or Chemistry. To include a 20 credit Level 2 Mathematics module, passed at 40% or successful completion of NICATS Mathematics as part of the pre-2021 Access Diploma.
Overall Access profile of 24 credits at distinction plus 21 credits at Merit in graded units (60 credit Access course) (GB Access course) in a relevant Science subject (which must include Physics). Plus GCSE Mathematics and English Language Grade C/4.
GCSE
For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language, additionally GCSE Mathematics Grade C/4.
Plus GCSE Physics Grade C/4 and either GCSE Biology or GCSE Chemistry Grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science Grade BB/66.
Please note that for purposes of entry to this course the Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number is NOT regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Mathematics.
English Language Requirements
English language requirements for international applicants The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 7.0 with no band score less than 6.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
As part of the selection for this course, applicants will be required to sit a computer-based test at our Belfast and Derry~Londonderry campuses. Tests will be scheduled to take place on a Saturday and Sunday in March 2025. The timetable for these tests will be confirmed by December 2024.
As you will be engaged in 'regulated activity' involving children or vulnerable adults as part of this course, there is a compulsory, legal requirement to obtain an Enhanced Disclosure from Access NI. You will be liable for the cost of the disclosure which is currently £33. More information on Enhanced Disclosures may be accessed at https://www.accessni.gov.uk/
You will also be required to demonstrate good health prior to commencing the course. You will therefore complete a health declaration form which will be screened by the University’s Occupational Health Department who will confirm your medical fitness to undertake the course. Following the screening, you may be required to undertake a vaccination programme. You will be liable for the cost of both the health screening and vaccinations. Costs will be provided prior to enrolment.
Acceptable alternative qualifications include:
HND (Science related e.g. Applied Science/Biology) entry requirement: Pass HND with overall Merit to include 60 distinctions in Level 5 credits/units. Applicants must also meet the GCSE Science requirements for the course.
HNC (Science related e.g. Applied Science/Biology) entry requirement: Pass HNC with overall Distinction to include 90 distinctions in Level 4 credits/units. Applicants must also meet the GCSE Science requirements for the course.
Pass in Foundation Degree in a Science related area (e.g. Applied Medical Science) with an overall mark of 55% in Level 5 modules. Applicants will be considered for Year One entry only. Applicants must also meet the GCSE Science requirements for the course.
Exemptions and transferability
Due to the nature and structure of the course programme exemptions and transfer are very unlikely, however each case is determined individually. Postgraduate programmes are available on successful completion of the course.
Excellent employment opportunities for Radiotherapy and Oncology graduates exist within the National Health Service, in private medicine and in those companies concerned with the manufacture and sale of radiotherapy equipment. There are also many research opportunities for suitably qualified graduates both at this university and elsewhere.
Further information regarding careers in radiotherapy may be found at www.sor.org and www.nhscareers.nhs.uk
Work placement / study abroad
The Radiotherapy and Oncology students undertake professional practice placement modules as an integral part of the programme. Final year students have the opportunity to undertake an elective clinical placement at a hospital of their choosing either at home or abroad. The programme is a partner in the Erasmus Radiography Group and students may apply for a three month exchange as part of the programme.
Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for the purpose of providing eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC as a radiographer.
Additional costs include - AccessNI Check, Health Screening, Membership of Society of Radiographers, Placement Expenses, Uniforms.
Uniforms: As part of entry to your course, you will be required to purchase a uniform during the first semester of first year. 2022/23 costs were approx. £110.
Membership of Society of Radiographers: You will be required to join the Society of Radiographers. The cost of student membership will be approximately £100 for the three years.
Placement Expenses: Students may incur expenses during periods of placement. Some placements may be outside Northern Ireland and will incur additional costs.
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
The University endeavours to deliver courses and programmes of study in accordance with the description set out in this prospectus. The University’s prospectus is produced at the earliest possible date in order to provide maximum assistance to individuals considering applying for a course of study offered by the University. The University makes every effort to ensure that the information contained in the prospectus is accurate, but it is possible that some changes will occur between the date of printing and the start of the academic year to which it relates. Please note that the University’s website is the most up-to-date source of information regarding courses, campuses and facilities and we strongly recommend that you always visit the website before making any commitments.
Although the University at all times endeavours to provide the programmes and services described, the University cannot guarantee the provision of any course or facility and the University may make variations to the contents or methods of delivery of courses, discontinue, merge or combine courses, change the campus at which they are provided and introduce new courses if such action is considered necessary by the University (acting reasonably). Not all such circumstances are entirely foreseeable but changes may be required if matters such as the following arise: industrial action interferes with the University’s ability to teach the course as planned, lack of demand makes a course economically unviable for the University, departure of key staff renders the University unable to deliver the course, changes in legislation or government policy including changes, if any, resulting from the UK departing the European Union, withdrawal or reduction of funding specifically provided for the course or other unforeseeable circumstances beyond the University’s reasonable control.
If the University discontinues any courses, it will use its best endeavours to provide a suitable alternative course. In addition, courses may change during the course of study and in such circumstances the University will normally undertake a consultation process prior to any such changes being introduced and seek to ensure that no student is unreasonably prejudiced as a consequence of any such change.
Providing the University has complied with the requirements of all applicable consumer protection laws, the University does not accept responsibility for the consequences of any modification, relocation or cancellation of any course, or part of a course, offered by the University. The University will give due and proper consideration to the effects thereof on individual students and take the steps necessary to minimise the impact of such effects on those affected. 5. The University is not liable for disruption to its provision of educational or other services caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control providing it takes all reasonable steps to minimise the resultant disruption to such services.
Sustainability at Ulster
Ulster continues to develop and support sustainability initiatives with our staff, students, and external partners across various aspects of teaching, research, professional services operations, and governance.
At Ulster every person, course, research project, and professional service area on every campus either does or can contribute in some way towards the global sustainability and climate change agenda.
We are guided by both our University Strategy People, Place and Partnerships: Delivering Sustainable Futures for All and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Our work in this area is already being recognised globally. Most recently by the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact rating where we were recognised as Joint 5th Globally for Outreach Activities and Joint Top 20 Globally for Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals.
Visit our Sustainability at Ulster destination to learn more about how the University strategy and the activities of Ulster University support each of the Sustainable Development Goals.
