Entry requirementsEntry requirements Normally all applicants must be over 21 years of age and have GCSE mathematics, English language and science (or the equivalent) plus • hold at least a 2.1 honours degree in a relevant healthcare subject or science or • have current and relevant clinical experience and a recent postgraduate qualification in a relevant area that includes research to at least honours level We expect all applicants to provide evidence of continuing professional development in their current professional area. Other entry requirements Applicants must • have passed the British Council’s English language test with seven points or more (or equivalent) if they are from a non-English speaking country • be committed and enthusiastic about a career in radiotherapy and oncology and demonstrate a good understanding of the role. A visit to a radiotherapy and oncology department is essential to develop this understanding. • have excellent communication skills and a caring personality with empathy for patients • show evidence of the ability to act as part of a team, be reliable and show initiative • be physically fit and satisfy certain criteria for Health Service employment All students on health-related course must be fully immunised. We are committed to equal opportunities for all. If you have a disability, which you think may affect your studies, please tell us. Our course tutors and Disabled Student Support Team will make every effort, under the Disability Discrimination Act, to meet your needs to help you to study effectively. Please contact them on 0114 225 3964 (voice and Minicom). This is a professional course and before we can accept you on it, you must meet certain health criteria and be able to work in clinical placements. During the admissions process you must declare criminal convictions, cautions and bindings over, including those considered spent under the terms of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. Criminal convictions do not necessarily prevent acceptance on a course, but some may be regarded by an employer or professional body as excluding you from practice. A full criminal record check takes place on enrolment. At the selection interview you must sign a declaration of fitness to take the course. Admission and progress depend on continued fitness. It is your responsibility to tell your admissions tutor at once of any change of circumstances. All students on health-related courses must be immunised to meet the needs of the Department of Health. On enrolment you must have a medical examination and an occupational health screening to confirm your fitness to practise.
Academic titlePgDip Radiotherapy and Oncology in Practice
Course descriptionThere is an increasing demand for therapeutic radiographers in the health service. Medical, technological and professional advances in radiotherapy mean the role of the therapeutic radiographer is changing all the time.
We designed this course in response to recent government initiatives to • modernise healthcare education • increase recruitment into the Health Service • improve cancer care services. This course provides non-radiotherapy graduates with a postgraduate qualification in radiotherapy and oncology. It also allows you registration through the Health Professionals Council as a therapeutic radiographer.
We provide clinical experience in one of our nine participating hospitals. This gives you the knowledge, skills and confidence to undertake and develop your professional role.
Clinical placements may be undertaken in
• Cookridge Hospital, Leeds
• Derby Royal Infirmary,
• James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough
• Leicester Royal Infirmary,
• Lincoln County Hospital,
• Northern Centre for Cancer Treatment, Newcastle
• Nottingham City Hospital,
• Princess Royal Hospital, Hull
• Weston Park Hospital, Sheffield
To begin with, your studies focus on the theoretical knowledge you need for your clinical experience. We encourage you to question and analyse, not simply accept the theory wholesale. You also learn to look at the complete picture from the view of the • patient • healthcare team • associated scientific principles.
You learn to apply theory to practice and tailor the treatment to the patient by accurately targeting high dose radiation beams and sparing surrounding normal tissues.
We train you to use software and systems for treatment planning. Your studies enable you to develop and adapt your clinical expertise through reflective practice. You learn to analyse and evaluate your experience as you gain and develop new skills and competencies and to look for areas that need changing.
Associated careers
After successfully completing the course and registering with the Health Professions Council you will be qualified to work in radiotherapy departments throughout the UK and overseas. Opportunities exist to specialise in particular areas of clinical practice such as • management • quality assurance • treatment planning • patient information/counselling.
Alternatively, you may choose to enter the teaching profession.
Course content
Year one modules
• radiotherapy and oncology 1, 2 and 3 • physics and equipment 1 • professional practice issues • clinical education
Year two modules
• radiotherapy and oncology 4 • physics and equipment for radiotherapy 2 • 3D planning and treatment • specialised techniques and advances in cancer therapy • professional practice issues • clinical education