Master of Radiotherapy and Oncology/BSc (Hons) Radiotherapy and Oncology

Are you technically minded with an equally strong interest in person-centred care? Are you ready to make a difference? Therapeutic radiography is a rewarding profession that brings together care and technological expertise. It is the skilled application of controlled amounts of radiation to treat medical conditions, mainly cancer and other types of tumour. Therapeutic radiographers work alongside other specialties to create complex treatment plans and deliver precise radiation treatment.

Therapeutic radiographers work with patients every day to help improve their care and their lives. Therapeutic radiographers are a part of a patient’s journey, from initial referral through planning and treatment to the post-treatment review. Therapeutic radiographers are a valued member of a multidisciplinary team providing a person-centred service.

On this course you will:

• be equipped with the knowledge, understanding and critical thinking skills you need in this rewarding career, providing cancer treatment and care in the NHS and the private sector;
• develop your expertise through in-depth theoretical learning, clinical placements each year, and the close support of our very experienced staff; and
• benefit from the interprofessional working focus of this course. We aim for all our graduates to be confident in their own professional identity and have the additional skills that will allow you to work as an effective multidisciplinary team member.

What are the differences between diagnostic and therapeutic radiography?

Structure

You’ll join a diverse cohort of students, exploring the fundamental principles of radiotherapy and oncology, gaining hands-on practical experience through placement-based learning within healthcare settings.

Both undergraduate Master’s and BSc (Hons) pathways develop professional skills, knowledge and attributes through a combination of university and placement-based learning. The undergraduate Master’s offer an opportunity to delve deeper into areas such as leadership, service improvement, research and public health, at a higher level.

Upon graduation, both pathways lead to eligibility for registration with the HCPC and CORU, opening doors to a fulfilling career in therapeutic radiography.

Find out about the benefits of studying an undergraduate master’s.

Teaching, learning and assessment

You will be taught in lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical workshops. There will be a mix of classroom and online learning. Outside timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning through self-study. You will be assessed by a variety of assessment methods (eg written and practical exams, written assignments, presentations and viva voce) at the end of each module.

Placements

Placements are invaluable in consolidating theoretical study into practical expertise by working directly with patients and qualified staff. You will complete practice placements each year. You will attend a variety of placements within the NHS at various locations across Scotland. ҹɫֱ²¥ manages the sourcing and allocation of placements for each student.

Placements take place across Scotland. It is therefore likely that students will have to relocate for at least some of their practice-based learning unless they have individual requirements (eg specific health needs or school age children) that mean they must remain in a specific location.

Please note that there are additional costs associated with placements. Please see the ‘Other fees’ section under the ‘Entry requirements’ tab for more details.

Specialist facilities

ҹɫֱ²¥ offers a variety of modern specialist spaces for use by our radiotherapy and oncology courses. We have a range of equipment available to simulate different aspect of the clinical environment. Our clinical rooms include positioning lasers and a range of immobilisation equipment to allow us to replicate patient positioning and set up scenarios.  We also have our computer planning suite which allows us to plan radiotherapy treatments, explore image verification and patient management. Students have access to numerous anatomical models which are incorporated into their learning during practical sessions and can be used during self-directed study sessions.

You can view a 'Specialist Facilities' film further down the page.

Teaching staff, class sizes and timetables

You can read more about the teaching staff on this course at the bottom of this page. Please note that teaching staff is subject to change.

For more information, please also visit ‘How we teach and how you’ll learn’.

Year One

You will:

• complete modules that include anatomy and physiology, the development of cancer, and holistic, person- centred care;
• prepare for clinical practice by developing your communication skills and exploring the professional requirements of a therapeutic radiographer;
• study the principles of radiobiology, radiation safety, and radiotherapy;
• focus on developing your academic skills, including essay writing and how to access information; and
• complete a two-week placement that provides the opportunity to experience and integrate into the clinical environment.

You will study the following modules:

•  Anatomy and Physiology: The aim of this module is to develop a strong understanding of human anatomy and physiology, which is essential for clinical practice in radiotherapy and oncology,   and diagnostic imaging.
• Fundamentals of Radiotherapy and Oncology: The aim of this module is to develop an in-depth understanding of key concepts in radiation oncology, including cancer epidemiology, pathology, diagnostic investigations, the principles of ionising radiation, and the importance of radiation safety and dose limitation.
• Foundation Radiotherapy Technologies: The aim of this module is to introduce the fundamental principles of radiotherapy technologies and treatment planning.
• Holistic Care in Radiotherapy: The aim of this module is to introduce the principles of holistic, person-centred, and supportive care within radiotherapy.
• Introduction to Professional Practice: The aim of this module is to introduce key professional concepts, principles, and theories that underpin allied health practice, including duty of care, professional ethics, communication, and fitness to practise, within an interprofessional learning environment.
• Thriving in Professional Practice: The aim of this module is to develop understanding of the relationship between self and professional practice, fostering personal resilience and self-care strategies in challenging situations, and exploring their connection to holistic, person-centred care and resilience within service users and communities.
• Academic Skills: The aim of this module is to introduce research skills and academic practices, supporting learners to effectively search for, evaluate, and use information and evidence, construct arguments, apply basic critique, and use correct referencing throughout their degree.

Year Two

You will:

• undertake modules that explore practical clinical situations, developing understanding of treatment procedures and the management of patients undergoing radiotherapy across a wide range of oncological sites.;
• develop your knowledge of imaging techniques and their application in radiotherapy, including cross-sectional image interpretation and clinical relevance for treatment planning;
• continue to broaden your understanding of health and wellbeing and how to support behaviour change through health coaching conversations;
• further enhance your academic skills by developing a critical approach to literature and your professional practice; and
• develop your practical skills through two 6-week clinical placement blocks.

You will study the following modules:

• Applied Radiotherapy and Oncology 1: The aim of this module is to build on first-year learning by applying it in clinical practice, developing understanding of the epidemiology, aetiology, pathology, patient management, and holistic care for reproductive, urinary, colorectal, skin, and benign sites, including the use of immobilisation materials and radiotherapy techniques.
• Applied Radiotherapy and Oncology 2: The aim of this module is to build on first-year learning by applying it in clinical practice, developing understanding of the epidemiology, aetiology, pathology, patient management, and holistic care for breast, gastro-intestinal, respiritory, head and neck, palliative, and emergency sites, including the use of immobilisation materials and radiotherapy techniques.
• Applied Radiotherapy Technologies: The aim of this module is to develop skills in interpreting cross-sectional imaging and applying anatomical knowledge across key body sites, including head and neck, thorax, pelvis, and abdomen  . It also focuses on the clinical application and risks of imaging modalities, radiotherapy planning and delivery, treatment techniques, and the critical evaluation of quality and safety procedures.
• Health Coaching in Professional Practice: The aim of this module is to develop knowledge and skills in health coaching conversations, including behaviour change theory, communication techniques, and the impact of wider determinants of health and health inequalities on health behaviours.
• Reseach Methods: The aim of this module is to develop understanding of research principles, quantitative and qualitative methodologies, and appropriate analysis techniques, equipping students with the skills and knowledge to undertake an independent research project.
• Radiotherapy Placement A: The aim of this module is to provide 12 weeks of clinical placement within Radiotherapy Departments, enabling students to link theoretical knowledge with professional practice and gain experience across a variety of treatment techniques, patient care scenarios, and cancer sites under the guidance of experienced practice educators.

Year Three

You will: 

• complete modules that are designed to develop comprehensive knowledge of safe and accurate radiotherapy delivery, including the ability to critique standards, monitor practice, and make informed clinical decisions;
• build your understanding of advanced radiotherapy techniques and their clinical applications, with a focus on appropriate treatment selection and planning;
• broaden your healthcare awareness and challenge your understanding of health education and promotion; and
• continue to link theory and practice during two 6-week placement blocks, which includes a 2-week elective placement.

You will study the following modules:

• Specialised Radiotherapy and Oncology: The aim of this module is to critically develop knowledge and skills in managing specialised and less common cancer sites, evaluating diagnosis, presentation, and the role of radiotherapy in their treatment. Learners will analyse treatment techniques, assess their limitations, justify treatment pathways, and critically reflect on their role in patient management, including side effects, communication, and information provision.
• Advanced Radiotherapy Technologies: The aim of this module is to develop a critical understanding of advanced radiotherapy techniques and modalities, imaging interpretation and treatment verification, enabling students to evaluate and apply these skills to ensure safe and effective clinical practice.
• Theoretical and Clinical Approaches to Multidisciplinary Team Working: The aim of this module is to develop learners’ critical understanding of multidisciplinary teamworking and dynamics. Learners will reflect on their own contributions in simulated teams, practicing with awareness of roles and responsibilities while critically appraising key theories and issues in professional teamworking.
• Health Literacy: The aim of this module is to explore health literacy and its role in addressing health inequalities, including the development of educational materials, evaluation of health information, and effective communication to support patient empowerment and inclusive care.
• Health Inequalities: The aim of this module is to build on learning from the Health Literacy module  , developing understanding of the causes, incidence, and impact of health inequalities locally, nationally, and globally. Learners will explore these independently in relation to their professional practice and evaluate strategies to reduce a chosen health inequality within the context of their own practice and the multidisciplinary team.
• Applied Research Methods: The aim of this module is to support the learners to demonstrate an in-depth and critical understanding of research processes and develop skills to effectively address a practice or knowledge based problem. 
• Radiotherapy Placement B: The aim of this module is to help learners build on their previous clinical experience, deepening their understanding of the role of a Therapeutic Radiographer and the professional environment. Learners will apply their skills in real oncology settings, performing therapeutic procedures, interpreting images, and exploring the importance of quality assurance and resource management in everyday practice.

Year Four

You will:

• enhance, consolidate and reflect on your theoretical, research, professional and clinical skills enabling a smooth transition to working life;
• explore leadership skills and innovative practice to meet current healthcare challenges;
• take ownership of your academic learning by undertaking a quality improvement project; and
• complete two 6-week blocks of clinical placement, including a 2  -week elective placement.

You will study the following modules:

• Advancing Practice in Radiotherapy: The aim of this module is to critically develop learners’ understanding of advanced practice techniques and specialist roles in radiotherapy, evaluating the transferability of skills and their impact on the quality, effectiveness, and improvement of radiotherapy services.
• Professional Development for Health Practice: This module aims to provided learners with the opportunity to engage in a range of professional development activities that will enhance their potential to contribute to the delivery of contemporary health and social care. Through co-production and lifelong learning strategies, students will prepare for evolving healthcare challenges beyond graduation. 
• Entrepreneurship and Leadership for Health Practice: The aims of this module are to evaluate and apply concepts of leadership and leading change, intra/entrepreneurship and innovation within healthcare/community and explore opportunities for leading and developing enterprising ideas for health and wellbeing.
• Dissertation: The aim of this module is to enable learners to develop and apply skills of research and enquiry to produce an evidence-informed piece of work that contributes to a subject, field or profession.
• Radiotherapy Placement C: The aim of this module is to develop a critical understanding of all aspects of the role of the therapeutic radiographer and the factors influencing professional development. It enables learners to integrate communication, clinical, and problem-solving skills with theoretical knowledge, demonstrating professional competence and critical understanding of therapeutic procedures across various oncology settings, in preparation for HCPC (or equivalent) registration.

Most graduates begin working as Band 5 therapeutic radiographers, with very high graduate employment rates. Later in your career you may be able to specialise in different aspects of therapeutic radiography, for example, clinical treatment review.

This course is accredited by the Society and College of Radiographers and approved by the HCPC. Successful completion enables you to apply for registration as a Therapeutic Radiographer with the HCPC and CORU  which is essential for employment in the UK and ROI respectively.

Entry requirements

Scottish Higher: Standard: BBBC, Minimum: BCCC

A Level: BCC

Irish Leaving Certificate: H2 H3 H3 H3

International Baccalaureate: 28 points

International: IELTS of 6.0 with no element lower than 6.0. 

Required subjects: One science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) at grade C or above at Higher/ A Level or equivalent. Plus English, Maths and a science at grade C/4 or above at Nat 5/GCSE level. We can also accept National 5 Application of Maths or Lifeskills at the same grade.

Am I a Widening Access student?: We apply the minimum entry criteria to applicants who meet one or more contextual factor. To see if this would apply to you, please refer to the access and application page.

Mature/Access: We welcome applications from mature students with other relevant qualifications and/or experience. Visit our College Leavers and Mature Students Advice page for more information.

Direct Entry: Not available. Relevant HN qualifications may be considered for entry to Year One. Please contact Admissions to see if your HN qualification is suitable.

Other requirements

• A satisfactory criminal records check from the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme, an occupational health check and personal indemnity insurance (normally through membership of the professional body) are required.
• You may be requested to be immunised against Hepatitis B.
• We encourage applicants to have visited a Radiotherapy department.
• You must be 18 years old by 1st February 2028 to undertake the Year One placement.

Disability/health conditions

If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or learning disability, it should not stand in the way of your studying at ҹɫֱ²¥. However, if you are not sure whether your disability might be a barrier in your studies or in relation to the professional standards, please contact the Disability Service who will be able to have a conversation with you about reasonable adjustments and supports available to you.

Fee information

Fees: Please follow the link in the 'Course Overview' box for information on fees for 2027 entry.

Other costs: 

• The cost of professional indemnity insurance is your responsibility.
• You will be required to pay any additional costs associated with placement travel and accommodation. If you receive SAAS funding you may be able to claim for some of these expenses to be reimbursed.
• Uniform, PVG and name badge costs.

For more information on this, visit the UG 2027 fees page on our website.

Application information

How to apply: Application for this course should be made through . More application information is available in the 'Start your Application' box at the top right of this page.

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Check out the specialist facilities for this course

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• The delivery of this course is subject to the terms and conditions set out in our 2027/28 Entry Terms and Conditions (Undergraduate).