To become a qualified therapeutic radiographer in the UK, you need to meet specific educational and professional requirements. These qualifications ensure you have the knowledge, skills, and training to deliver high-quality care and advanced radiotherapy treatments.
1. GCSEs or Equivalent
Before progressing to higher education, you’ll need:
- A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including:
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Science (Biology, Chemistry, or Physics)
2. A-Levels or Equivalent
To apply for a degree programme in Therapeutic Radiography, you will typically need:
- A-levels: At least two A-levels, with one in a science-related subject such as:
- Biology
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Psychology
- Alternative qualifications may also be accepted, such as:
- BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science or Health and Social Care
- Access to Higher Education Diploma in a health-related subject
- BSc (Hons) degree in a different subject such as biosciences, biomedicine, physics, chemistry, biology, in order to study for a MSc in Therapeutic Radiography.
Universities will specify the exact requirements, but grades around BBC to ABB are common or 120-128 UCAS points.
To apply for an apprenticeship, you will need 96 UCAS points – which may be reduced if you have a period of work experience in a clinical environment.
If you do not achieve the grades in your A -Levels, or equivalent qualifications, and you do not get accepted onto your preferred BSc degree course, you may be accepted onto a one-year Foundation course. Please check with the individual university if they offer this Foundation course.
3. Undergraduate Degree in Therapeutic Radiography
The BSc (Hons) in Therapeutic Radiography is a three or four-year degree programme accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
The degree combines:
- Academic study in subjects like anatomy, radiation science, and radiobiology.
- Analytical skills and research strategies.
- Clinical placements in hospitals, providing hands-on experience and valuable employability skills.
4. Apprenticeships
A therapeutic radiography apprenticeship is a work-based training programme where you:
Gain clinical experience and academic knowledge simultaneously, equipping you for professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Work in a radiotherapy department, gaining ‘on the job’ training, under the supervision of qualified professionals, whilst earning a wage
Study towards a BSc (Hons) in Therapeutic Radiography at a university, typically on a part-time basis (remotely/on-line with a few days in person)
5. MSc in Therapeutic Radiography
The MSc in Therapeutic Radiography can be taken after completing a BSc in another subject area and is accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
- Applicants are normally expected to have a 2:1 honours degree in a relevant subject such as anatomy, human biology, biomedical science and psychology.
- However this list is not exhaustive and applicants with other subjects will be reviewed on an individual basis.
- The MSc course will teach you to work with patients of all ages, to help relieve and/or cure the symptoms of their cancer.
6. Registration with the HCPC
Upon completing your degree, you must register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to practice as a therapeutic radiographer in the UK. Registration ensures you meet professional standards of training and conduct.
7. Optional Postgraduate Qualifications
While not required to start your career, postgraduate studies can help you specialise in areas such as:
- Clinical education
- Oncology site specialist .e.g Breast Specialist Radiographer, Head and Neck Specialist Radiographer
- Dosimetry (radiotherapy planning)
- Pre-treatment specialist
- Management
- Consultant Radiographer in a certain area of practice or Advanced Clinical Practitioner
Additional Requirements
- Personal skills: Compassion, attention to detail, technical aptitude, and strong communication skills.
- Work experience: Most universities expect students to spend at least one day in a radiotherapy department. Volunteering and completing work experience in a healthcare setting can strengthen your university application.
Financial Support
NHS funding, including a non-repayable training grant of up to £5,000 per year, is often available for students in allied health professions like Therapeutic Radiography.
By fulfilling these qualifications, you’ll be well-prepared for a meaningful and rewarding career in Therapeutic Radiography!
Testimonials
“Anybody in school or college that is thinking about doing a job within the NHS and wants a rewarding career path, I would 100% consider that you take therapeutic radiography as your choice.
“It’s about patient care, patient quality. It’s very rewarding throughout your career path to know that you’re giving everything you can to a patient who is suffering, and it’s just about helping them, getting them what they need, giving them what they deserve out of life, and it’s not gonna be disappointing at all. Very rewarding.”
Fiza, student therapeutic radiography at Birmingham City University and on placement at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.
“My career development at the moment is focused on lots of internal courses.
“So I’ve currently been given the opportunity to do leadership and management courses that I’m taking and currently in the process of undergoing with them finishing in July year.
“If you’re unsure about what you want to do when you leave school or college, come and talk to one of us in the radiotherapy department.
“Contact your local centre and try and get some work experience. There you’ll be able to see what amazing different roles we have and the amazing people that work with us in the therapeutic radiography of the NHS.”
Ben Hubbard, Therapeutic Radiographer, Royal Stoke University Hospital.