MSc(Top-up) THERAPEUTIC RADIOGRAPHY (PRE-REGISTRATION)

Therapeutic radiographers are at the forefront of cancer care, having a vital role in the delivery of Radiotherapy services. They treat cancer patients with x-rays using highly sophisticated equipment. They are also responsible for ensuring that treatment planning and delivery is achieved with absolute precision.

In the treatment of cancer, accuracy is paramount and a variety of highly specialised equipment is available within Radiotherapy Departments to achieve this. Computerised Tomography (CT) simulators employ the latest technology to localise tumours.

Students may be eligible for a Valerie Carr Award bursary. Please see more information on The College of Radiographers webpage.

Technological advances

Technological advances in linear accelerator design ensure that treatment conforms to patients needs with pinpoint accuracy. Treatment units housing radioactive sources also play a useful role in patient management, as do 3D planning systems.

London South Bank University has invested heavily to ensure that students have access to the best learning tools and staff. There are two dedicated fully equipped skill labs that enable Dosimetry (Radiotherapy treatment planning) and a state of the art virtual environment of a radiotherapy treatment room (VERT).

Communication and care

Alongside the technology, the importance of high standards of communication and care of cancer patients cannot be overestimated. Cancer patients are treated by a multidisciplinary team in which the therapeutic radiographer plays a major role in reducing the sense of vulnerability and promoting patients autonomy.

As a graduate, you'll be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Radiographer .

Top-up to MSc

By adding the research element of a dissertation (an extended and independent piece of written research), you'll be able to graduate with a Masters-level qualification.

Students on this course could be eligible to receive a non-repayable amount of up to £11,000 per academic year with the NHS Learning Support Fund.

Entry Level Requirements

Careers

Radiotherapy as a career

On successful completion of the course you'll be eligible to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a therapeutic radiographer.

From helping plan and administering treatment, to explaining it to patients and assessing their responses, therapeutic radiographers are involved in every stage of the treatment process.

Therapeutic radiographers work closely with professionals from other disciplines, are involved in the care and support of the cancer patient and their families through all parts of the patient pathway from the initial referral through to treatment review and follow-up stages. They are predominantly responsible for treatment for the accurate localisation, planning and delivery of ionising radiation.

Therapeutic radiographers need excellent interpersonal skills and emotional resilience as they deal with patients and their families at very difficult and emotional times. Making patients feel comfortable and guiding them through the process can be as important as the technical skills required for this role.

Salary

Most therapeutic radiographers work for the NHS, where starting salaries are between £20,000 - £27,000. Depending on career progression, you could earn up to £65,000. (All About Careers)

Career progression

Through the acquisition of a wide range of transferable skills such as psychosocial, organisational, management, technical and scientific skills, individuals are well prepared to work in any situation that best suits their individual expertise and interest.Working as a consultant practitioner is one common career path as well as management, research, clinical work and teaching.

After qualification, clinically experienced therapeutic radiographers may gain additional specialist skills and expertise through the postgraduate, post-registration and continuing professional development frameworks. Find out more about professional development courses on offer through our online CPPD prospectus.

The programme is validated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the Society and College of Radiographers.

The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) is the regulator of health, Psychological and Social professionals.

The Society and College of Radiographers (SOR) is the professional body representing the radiography workforce.

Industry links

• Elekta - clinical solutions for treating cancer and brain disorders
• Vertual - the company providing the technology for our Virtual Radiography VERT Lab
• Varian - medical systems

Clinical partners

• Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
• Royal Surrey County Hospital
• Brighton and Sussex University Hospital
• Barking Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals
• East and North Hertfordshire NHS
• Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust.