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Level 3 Access to HE Diploma in Radiography Course in Paignton

Cost£3,624.00
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start8 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyAim Awards awarding body
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About this course

Level 3 Access to HE Diploma (Radiography) Course in Paignton. Classes run at South Devon College, full-time during the day. The course is designed for adults returning to education who want to progress to a radiography or medical imaging degree. It covers the body systems and science content that universities require for radiography-related undergraduate programmes, meeting QAA requirements for entry. The course runs over one year. You'll need GCSE grade 4 (or above) in both English and Maths, or a Functional Skills Level 2 equivalent (subject to your chosen university accepting this).

Who this course is for

The Radiography Diploma is for those, who are aged 19+, returning to education and wishing to pursue a degree, and subsequent career in Radiography/Medical Imaging. There is a national shortage of staff in this area. The Diploma meets the QAA requirements for progression to undergraduate study for Radiography and related degrees.This Diploma covers more body systems than the Access to Higher Education (Science) pathwaybut that is a possible alternative course of study (which is offered full time or part time). Another alternative would be the Medical Science Diploma. Both the alternative courses offer Chemistry rather than the Physics units in the Radiography course. All our Access to Higher Education Diplomas include units covering academic skills and provide support with application to university.You should have a GCSE grade 4 in English and/or maths. Alternatively, you must have a functional skills Level 2 qualification should your chosen university accept this.You may be able to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to pay for your course fees, which you will not have to repay if you progress to University and complete your degreeIt is desirable if you have a clear idea of the university course that you would like to apply for.Please check your Higher Education institute choice/s for their entry requirements.Both maths and English GCSE grade 4 (or equivalent) are required for all Access to HE Diplomas (exceptions will be considered if you do not need this criteria in order to progress to your selected Higher Education Institute)The Diploma is accredited by AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group.

Entry requirements

You must have a GCSE Grade 4(C) in English, You must have a GCSE Grade 4(C) in Maths, You should have a genuine interest in this subject, Alternatively, you must have a functional skills Level 2 qualification should your chosen university accept this.

What you will learn

  • You'll study human body systems relevant to radiography and medical imaging.
  • You'll develop scientific knowledge to meet the entry requirements of radiography degree programmes.
  • You'll build understanding of anatomy and physiology across a broader range of body systems than a general science access route.
  • You'll practise academic writing and study skills needed for undergraduate study.
  • You'll learn to analyse and present scientific information at degree-entry level.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at South Devon College, attending full-time during the day. Assessment is through a combination of assignments and coursework completed throughout the year. The Access to HE Diploma is assessed on a unit-by-unit basis, with grades contributing to your overall Diploma result. There are no formal written exams in the traditional sense; your work is assessed continuously across the course.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. South Devon College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Diagnostic radiographer: operates imaging equipment in NHS or private settings.
  • Therapeutic radiographer: delivers radiotherapy treatment to cancer patients.
  • Medical imaging assistant: supports radiographers in clinical imaging departments.
  • Radiography assistant practitioner: assists with imaging procedures under supervision.
  • Sonographer (via further study): specialises in ultrasound imaging.
  • Nuclear medicine technologist (via further study): works with radioactive tracers for diagnosis.

What you could study next

This level 3 access to HE diploma course is specifically designed to meet QAA entry requirements for radiography and related degrees.

  • BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography: the primary degree route into NHS diagnostic radiography practice.
  • BSc (Hons) Therapeutic Radiography: leads to registration as a therapeutic radiographer.
  • BSc (Hons) Medical Imaging: a broader imaging science degree available at some universities.

Check individual university entry requirements, as some specify grade profiles within the Access to HE Diploma.

Apply on southdevon.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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