Radiotherapy and Oncology in Practice

Course summary

Study radiotherapy and oncology through distance learning from home, with brief on-campus sessions featuring state-of-the-art facilities, complemented by significant practical experience at a designated radiotherapy centre.

An honours degree recognised in the UK at 2.2 or above in a related healthcare subject or science including psychology, sociology, biology, health sciences, sport sciences, engineering and humanities.

Or

A professional qualification at degree level including teaching, nursing, social work or an allied health profession.

And

GCSE's in

*GCSE Science equivalents

**GCSE Math's equivalents

***GCSE English equivalents

• Science at grade C or 4 or equivalents*
• Maths at grade C or 4 or equivalents**
• English Language or Literature at grade C or 4 or equivalents***
  • OCR Science level 2
  • Science units gained on a level 3 BTEC or OCR National Diploma or Extended Diploma qualification
  • Science credits gained on Access to Higher Education Diplomas (at least 12 credits at level 2 or 6 credits gained at level 3)
  • Science equivalency test from www.equivalencytesting.co.uk
  • Level 2 Key Skills/ Application of Number/ Grade D at GSCE Maths/ Level 2 Maths credits from an Access course
  • Maths equivalency test from www.equivalencytesting.co.uk
  • Level 2 Literacy
  • Level 2 Key Skills

IELTS

If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 7.0 overall and a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or a recognised equivalent. If your level of English language is currently below IELTS 6.5 we recommend you consider an appropriate Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve the required level of English. Please note that the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) require IELTS 7.0 with no element below 6.5 for registration.

Helping your application succeed

Experience

Experience of interacting with members of the public from a range of backgrounds in different settings is essential when applying to a health or social care course. This is so you will have an understanding of the diversity of the population who access health and social care. It is important to be able to understand and explain how your experiences relate to the activities and qualities which are required for the profession at your interview.

Reference

You must provide a reference from a current or recent employer or educational institution.

Interview

If you are shortlisted, we will invite you to an online interview. To confirm your identity on the day please bring a valid form of photo ID with you, preferably a passport or photo driving licence.

View our interview guidance to ensure you understand the interviews process and how you can prepare for this.

Course enrolment - professional requirements

Before enrolling you must fully declare the following information on the pre-admission declaration form provided during the admissions process:

• unfiltered criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings. For further information on unfiltered offences please see the Disclosure and Barring Service website.
• involvement in disciplinary proceedings during paid or voluntary employment or education establishments
• involvement with safeguarding proceedings, social services or related organisations
• enrolment on a health or social work professional course at another University

In addition

Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Criminal Record Check

• you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) criminal record check prior to or during the enrolment week of your course. This will be provided by the University free of charge.
• you will need to present valid identity documents (PDF) (PDF, 38.1KB) as part of the application process
• if you have lived outside of the UK for more than six consecutive months in the last five years you must provide an overseas criminal record check. Further information on obtaining an overseas criminal record check.
• where your DBS Enhanced Disclosure certificate contains any recorded information you must present this to the Professional Issues Team within ten working days of receipt of the certificate.

Occupational Health Screening

You will need to undertake occupational health screening to determine your suitability to undertake the course. This will be provided by the University free of charge. As part of this assessment you are expected to provide all relevant, truthful and accurate information to ensure a safe environment for yourself and service users.

Immunisations

You must undertake a programme of immunisations as required by the Department of Health and meet the immunisation and immunity requirements of placement providers. This will be provided by the University free of charge. Please obtain details of your immunisation history from your doctor so you can submit this during your Occupational Health Screening.

Pre-course Day

After completing the above professional checks, if you reside in the UK it is important for you to make every reasonable attempt to attend a Pre-Course Day event to undertake the next stage of the professional requirements for your course. The pre-course day is also a good opportunity to meet fellow applicants on the health & social care courses who will be starting their studies at the same time as you, as well as some current students and teaching staff. We will look forward to welcoming you on the day.

Other professional suitability information

Your full enrolment on your course will be confirmed when the Professional Issues Team have verified that your Enhanced DBS Disclosure (and overseas criminal record check where relevant) indicates that you are suitable to work with vulnerable groups including children and clearance from your health screening has been received.

If your personal circumstances change in relation to any of the professional requirements, from when you apply to the end of your course, please tell the Professional Issues team immediately by calling 0114 225 5637 or emailing HWB-Professional-Issues@shu.ac.uk.

Disability support

We strongly recommend that you tell us about any long term health conditions, learning difficulty or disability you may have. This is so we can assess whether we can deliver the course in such a way that you can meet the Health and Care Professions Council standards of proficiency and take part without disadvantage both in University and on placement.

You can contact our University student support staff and explore any issues you may have.

The Disability Disclosure booklet provides information for students on health and social care courses and will help you understand the importance of disclosing your disability at the earliest possible stage. This is so you can be assessed for the support you may require to succeed on the course.

Open day

Our open days give you an opportunity to chat to our teaching staff and current students. You can explore the campus and view our facilities, as well as asking any questions you may have. To book your place at one of our open days, please follow this link University open days.

Future careers

You’ll be an autonomous reflective practitioner who’s fit for employment in a wide range of health, social care, and voluntary and independent sector environments.

By the end of the course, you’ll have demonstrated the requirements that confer eligibility to apply to register as a professional therapeutic radiographer with the Health Care Professional Council (HCPC) – qualified to work in radiotherapy departments throughout the UK and overseas.

Previous graduates have gone on to work in specialist areas including:

• Radiotherapy treatment, planning and delivery
• Patient information, review and support services
• Research
• Teaching
• Management
• Quality assurance
• Equipment design and sales