Radiographers who have degrees from colleges recognised by the Royal College of Radiographers are qualified to work in Ireland. In radiography there are two areas of study: you can specialise either in diagnostic radiography which involves x-rays, ultrasound and magnetic waves, or in therapeutic radiography which deals with the treatment of malignant diseases.
The University of Ulster offers two four-year degree programmes - one in diagnostic radiography, the other in therapeutic radiography. Entry requirements are 6 Bs including two science subjects at higherlevel Leaving Cert. You also need at least a grade C at ordinary level in English, maths, physics, biology or chemistry.
The UU course, which is offered at the Jordanstown campus, includes integrated work placements. Students can expect to spend up to 54 weeks in placements. "The first year is very difficult," says UU's schools liaison officer, Elaine Wilson. "There's a lot of science and a huge amount of physics which can be tough."
If you're a cold, clinical type, you should forget about radiography, she says. "Your work will involve you in dealing with worried and frightened people on a daily basis. You have to like people and be able to empathise with them."
Across the water Cranfield University also offers B Sc (Honours) programmes in both diagnostic and therapeutic radiography. There are currently 14 Irish students studying radiography there. The college offers up to 30 places on the course and to get one you need a minimum of 360 points including at least one science at Leaving Cert higher level.
The radiography department is based on the college's Shrivenham campus in Swindon. The three-year courses include work placements in hospitals in the Swindon, Oxford and Northampton. Fifty per cent of both courses are taught jointly.
Students are invited for interview and the college is looking for people who have had work experience in hospitals. Applicants are advised to visit x-ray and or radiotherapy departments before they go for interview.
If you're considering the threeyear B Sc course in radiography and diagnostic imaging at University of Wales, Bangor, you should be aware that the programme is offered at the department of radiography education in Wrexham, Denbighshire. Entry requirements include four Bs and one C at Leaving Cert Higher Level, including English, maths and physics.
Diagnostic imaging involves a lot of physics. If you don't have physics you'll need another science subject but, says the college, you'll have to be able to cope with the course's physics content.
