Access to Higher Education Diploma (Radiography)

Access to Higher Education Diploma (Radiography)

Your Course at a Glance

• Go to university without A Levels
• Explore the roles and responsibilities of healthcare professionals
• Get prepared for degree-level study
• Kick-start a career in radiography
• Study from the comfort of your own home
• No exams

About Your Diploma

Radiography is a crucial part of healthcare practices as it is a technique that is used across the board. This form of imaging is used to detect abnormalities or issues relating to the human body, from bones to organs.

To take and diagnose these images, you need to be a trained professional, and if this is something that interests you, then you can begin your career path by studying for an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Radiography).

You will study core scientific and medical principles essential to working with radiation and hazardous materials safely, as well as how to provide support for the patients in your care.

As part of your studies, you will also explore radiography as a process and the roles and responsibilities of various healthcare professionals.

The course, and the degree you’ll be eligible to study after, will provide you with a diverse range of knowledge and skills that will be invaluable wherever your career takes you.

An Access to Higher Education Diploma is the equivalent to 3 A Levels and it is widely accepted as the alternative to A Levels during university applications. Please note, though, that you should check with your chosen university before applying.

The purpose of this course is to not only provide you with foundational knowledge about radiography, but also enhance your study skills to help you navigate through your degree.

Getting Started

The course is developed by subject experts, in conjunction with universities to ensure the material will be of the greatest value to you when you start your degree.

This Access to Higher Education Diploma (Radiography) is an online course that gives you the freedom to study from the comfort of your own home. You will also be able to begin learning as soon as you enrol as you will be given 24/7 access to all the course materials you need.

As part of your course, you will be provided with an Individual Learning Plan that outlines the submission deadlines for your assignments to help keep you on track throughout your studies. An Access to Higher Education Diploma can be completed over two years although on average, learners take 9 months to achieve their qualification.

learndirect is the UK’s leading online course provider, so you can be confident that you will get the support you need to succeed. In addition to our industry-leading learning platform, we’ll also provide you with a dedicated team of tutors who will help you throughout your studies. They will answer questions, mark your assignments, and provide detailed feedback. This will allow you to get the best possible grade and meet your learning goals

Modules

Unit 1: Interaction of the Human Muscular and Skeletal Systems

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the structure of the human muscular system.
• Understand the structure and function of the skeletal system.
• Understand the musculoskeletal system in terms of locomotion, growth, and repair.

Unit 2: Arrangement and Trends in the Periodic Table

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the arrangement of elements in the periodic table.
• Understand the periodicity of period 3 of the periodic table.
• Understand ionisation energies in relation to period 3.
• Understand the oxidation and reduction effects of reactions.
• Understand reactions of the Group 2 metals

Unit 3: Atomic Structure, Electronic Structures, and Bonds

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand atomic structure and relative atomic mass.
• Be able to write and interpret electronic structures.
• Understand ion formation and ion bonds.
• Understand covalent bonds formation.

Unit 4: The Structure and Bonding of Molecules

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand electronic configuration.
• Understand different types of chemical bond.
• Understand polarisation and intermolecular forces.
• Understand the structure and properties of different molecules and compounds.
• Be able to apply electron pair repulsion theory.
• Understand the nature of organic chemicals.

Unit 5: Health and Disease

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the categories of disease and contraction of an infectious disease.
• Understand the epidemiology of a chosen disease or condition.
• Understand the preventative action available for a specific disease or condition.

Unit 6: Working as a Health Care Professional

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the impact of change on the roles and responsibilities of a chosen health care professional.
• Understand the role of professional/regulatory bodies in the health care sector.
• Understand the multidisciplinary approach in the health care sector.

Unit 7: Characteristics of Radioactivity

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the main types and characteristics of ionising radiations and how they are measured.
• Be able to analyse radioactive decay.
• Understand the practical and safe uses of ionising radiation and radioisotopes.

Unit 8: Human Experience of Optics and Sound

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the Laws of Reflection.
• Understand Snell’s Law.
• Be able to calculate the power of lenses.
• Understand the correction of myopia and hyperopia.
• Understand the nature of transverse and longitudinal wave motions.
• Understand human hearing.

Unit 9: The Major Laws of Physics

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand force and motion.
• Understand energy conservation and momentum.
• Understand wave motion.
• Understand reflection and refraction.
• Understand magnetism and electrical current behaviours.

Unit 10: The Physics of Medical Imaging

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand mass and charge of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
• Understand the nature and safe working practices related to alpha, beta and gamma radiation, and X-rays. Understand ionising radiation in diagnosis and treatment.
• Understand the use of radio isotopes in medicine.
• Understand how medicine can utilise the electromagnetic spectrum.
• Understand the use of ultrasound in medicine.

Unit 11: The Properties, Principles, and Applications of the Electromagnetic Spectrum 

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand electromagnetic waves.
• Understand visible and ultraviolet light including their applications.
• Understand microwaves and infrared light.
• Understand ultraviolet light and infrared light in terms of their potential to become hazardous.
• Understand the use of x-rays in medical settings.

Unit 12: The Structure of the Atom

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the properties of protons, electrons, and neutrons.
• Understand the distribution of protons, neutrons, and electrons in an atom/isotope.
• Understand s, p, and d orbitals.
• Understand the relationship between ionisation energies and reactivity.
• Understand how ionisation energy data is reflected in the periodic table.

Unit 13: Applied Statistical Research

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to devise a statistical investigation.
• Be able to collect and statistically process data.
• Be able to apply data analysis to an investigation aim and hypotheses.
• Be able to critically evaluate an investigation.

Unit 14: Exploring Cellular Structure and Activity

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand cellular structure.
• Understand the processes and products of cellular metabolism.
• Understand cellular growth, division, and the impact of cancer at a cellular level.

Unit 15: Exploring Trigonometric Functions, Ratios and Rules

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to use trigonometric functions and ratios.
• Be able to solve equations and problems by employing trigonometric rules.
• Be able to construct proofs by applying trigonometric.
• Be able to illustrate trigonometric functions graphically.

Unit 16: Planning and Writing an Assignment

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to select and assess appropriate source information in response to a task.
• Be able to reference sources used in a recognised style.
• Understand different reading strategies.
• Be able to take effective notes.
• Be able to plan, draft and produce a written assignment.

Unit 17: Writing and Studying Academic Texts

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to write academically and with relevance.
• Be able to interpret and express ideas in a piece of academic work.
• Be able to analyse and summarise text, and appreciate the problems caused by plagiarism.

Entry Requirements

To study an Access to HE Diploma you must be resident in the UK and have a UK postcode.

You must hold Level 2 qualifications in both English and Maths, or be working towards them alongside studying your Access to Higher Education Diploma.

University Entry Criteria

It must be reiterated that each university will set its own admission criteria. So, you must check with your desired institution if your Access to HE Diploma and other qualifications will be accepted. In many cases, to get started at university you will need: - A certain number of credits passed with a merit or a distinction grade - A face-to-face interview at the university - Literacy and numeracy assessments provided by the university - Course-related work placements or work experience - GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English (or equivalent Level 2 such as Functional Skills/Key Skills, etc.) It is your responsibility to check that your Access to HE Diploma will be accepted as part of these entry requirements for your chosen degree. learndirect will not be held accountable if completing this Access to Higher Education Diploma doesn’t secure you a position with a higher education institution.

Minimum age restriction

Access to HE Diplomas are designed to support students to progress to university who have substantial experience of life outside of formal education which they have gained since completing compulsory schooling.

Average completion timeframe

The average time it takes our learners to complete the course is 9-12 months.

Assessment requirements

A range of assessment methodologies are used, including: essay, scenario analysis, illustrated report, experiment, presentation (video and audio recording), series of questions, academic writing skills tasks

Exams required

There are no exams included in the assessment of the course.

Is Membership Required?

No membership is required to enrol on this course.

Additional requirements

Learners must be actively studying for a minimum of six months before results can be ratified and certificates ordered. The six month period does not start until you have passed unit 2 of your course and you must be submitting assignments regularly (in line with the deadlines in your Individual Learning Plan) to meet this six month requirement. Certificates can only be issued once your course is paid for in full.

Certification Timeframe

You can expect to receive your certificate 12-16 weeks from your final assignment being marked and graded, depending on the time of year. You will be provided with regular updates throughout the certification process so that you are fully informed of your individual timeframes.

Course Fees

All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.

*You will have access to the course for 24 months.

A range of units make up this qualification, with an assignment at the end of each. You will submit your work to your tutor for marking and tailored feedback. You must acquire 60 credits in total in order to achieve the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Radiography). Of these credits, 45 will be taken from graded units which focus on the academic subject areas included in the course. The remaining 15 come from ungraded units included to help you to improve your academic writing and study skills.

As part of your programme, you will also receive help as well as guidance on your university application and the research you need to do to get the most out of your diploma.

Skills & Education Group Access

On successful completion of the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Radiography), (QAA ref = 4001471X), you will receive a Skills & Education Group Access, QAA recognised, Access to Higher Education Diploma at Level 3. As part of your programme, you will also receive help as well as guidance on your university application and the research you need to do to get the most out of your diploma.

An access validating agency with a strong social purpose to recognise achievement, particularly for those who have benefited least from their previous educational experiences, Skills and Education Group Access supports the needs of learners, providers, businesses and communities by enabling progression into higher education.

Developing Your Career

Given that this Access to Higher Education Diploma specialises in radiography, you will be well placed to pursue a career in this sector. You will gain a solid understanding of this essential process, which will make you a desirable candidate for universities.

Once you have achieved your degree, you will be able to pursue a job position, but it is important to note that to work as a radiographer, you will need to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council.

If you become a radiographer at practitioner level, then you could become a therapeutic radiographer, who focuses on planning and administering radiotherapy treatment. Alternatively, you may want to work as a diagnostic radiographer, who takes images to diagnose illnesses and injuries. If you go down this route, then you will likely work with the following methods:

• Angiography
• Computed tomography
• Fluoroscopy
• MRI
• X-ray
• Ultrasound

Further Qualifications and Prospects

To achieve a step up in your radiography career, you could embark on postgraduate study to become an advanced practitioner, making you the expert voice in your industry. From a clinical perspective, you could specialise in the following areas:

• Management and leadership
• Research and service development
• Education

You can also undertake postgraduate qualifications and training to become a consultant or an educator in your field.

Frequently Asked Questions