Radiographers are responsible for producing high-quality medical images to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. While radiography is a caring profession, it is also one that requires considerable technological and scientific expertise in both the production of diagnostic images and the responsible delivery of ionising radiation.
If you are interested in science and you want to use your knowledge to care for people, radiography at UCD may be a perfect fit for you.
In your first year, you will be introduced to the fundamental concepts of radiation science and technology, human anatomy and radiographic technique. You will also interact with patients at one of our teaching hospitals.
During your second year, you will develop and refine your scientific knowledge, undertake physiology modules and build your expertise with regard to radiographic equipment and examination. You will undertake a block of clinical education at the end of semester two.
In your third year you will deepen your knowledge of radiographic technique. It is at this point that the study of pathology begins. It is also the stage at which new diagnostic technologies are introduced including computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, and radionuclide imaging.
Throughout year four, the study of pathology is integrated with and underpins a critical approach to imaging techniques and radiographic image evaluation. Students also submit a dissertation towards the end of stage four. There is an option to select an international study option.
World-Class Imaging & Clinical Facilities
Radiography will first be demonstrated in UCD’s own imaging facilities before you progress to performing examinations on patients. The diagnostic imaging area, unique to Ireland, contains a networked Picture Archive and Communication System (PACS) that allows storage of, and access to, diagnostic images from all diagnostic and biological imaging modalities.
It is designed to be compatible with similar systems used in hospitals, and has clear advantages for the education of all health care professionals and unlimited potential in research. A teleconference equipped lecture theatre permits simultaneous interactive lecture broadcast on campus and across several clinical education sites.
Network of Teaching Hospitals
Our network of teaching hospitals will also play an integral role in your training and you will work alongside radiography colleagues to learn and refine your professional skills.
Handling radiographic equipment will first be practised in UCD’s own imaging facilities, before you progress to performing examinations on patients, under professional radiographer supervision. Teaching hospitals also participate in your training and you will work alongside radiography colleagues to learn and refine your professional skills.
You will undertake in excess of 1,000 hours of hospital-based training over the course of the degree course in some of our 23 clinical training centres across Ireland.
You may apply for a three-month Erasmus exchange with one of our European partner institutions (including Belgium, Finland, Greece, the Netherlands, Norway, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia and Sweden). Further elective opportunities include visiting the USA and Austria.
Diagnostic imaging is a growth area in Ireland and internationally. All graduates in the past five years obtained employment as radiographers. As well as the traditional hospital-based career, some radiographers are employed as applications or sales Specialists.
Some graduates proceed to PhD studies. Diagnostic imaging offers exciting opportunities to pursue research and/or to develop specialist clinical skills.
Irish/EU Applicants
Irish/EU Applicants will be required to apply via the Central Applications Office (CAO) system and will be required to present their State or International School Leaving Examination. For information pertaining to CAO and Admissions, please visit myUCD.
Non-EU Applicants
Non-EU Applicants will be required to apply directly to UCD International Admissions and will be required to present their relevant School Leaving Examination results (e.g. ACT, SAT, etc), two letters of reference and a short personal statement.
Programme Requirements
Students must fulfil a number of specific programme requirements in addition to meeting academic criteria for admission.
These are as follows:
For more detailed advice, refer to our Programme Requirements.
Comprising more than 2,200 full-time enrollments and representing over 150 different nationalities, our large and culturally diverse student community is the heartbeat of the School.
"Diagnostic radiography is a multifaceted career pathway that incorporates healthcare, technology, and science. Campus facilities include 3D virtual reality rooms, anatomy labs, and a fully functioning x-ray room. From 1st year, hands-on experience in hospitals meant I understood how we play a critical role in patients diagnostic and treatment pathways. I had opportunities to work with multidisciplinary teams, gain greater confidence, and expand my skill set. Radiography offers a diversified working life with no two days the same. This course blends theory, practice and patient orientated care, with ongoing technological advancements, incorporating problem-solving and developing a versatile skill set."
Jenitta Maria Jimmy, Graduate
View our video to find out more information about our Radiography degree.