Before you apply

Do I need Physics?

No, we will teach you the physics needed in the course.

What if my degree is not in science?

If you have a level 7 degree you are not eligible. If your degree is not STEM you are not eligible. We require a level 8 Honours Degree in Science. So previous students in this situation have taken a 1-year MSc in Anatomy at UCC and this is a suitable qualification.

Does the classification of my degree matter?

A 2:2 with honours in a level 8 degree is the minimum. Pass degrees are ineligible. However, the higher the classification the more competitive your application will be. Having double degrees, or master's degrees makes you more competitive.

The full list of accepted disciplines is on the course page.

Making a strong application

Is it competitive?

Yes, the course is oversubscribed with applicants each year. It is important that you pay attention to your application, complete all elements of it, make it an example of your best work. It is a good idea to have others read over your applications to ensure that it demonstrates clear motivations applicable to Diagnostic Radiography. If you are unsuccessful, you can re-apply the following year.

Common issues with rejected applications include:

• Too short, rushed, with insufficient detail to judge motivation
• No mention of hobbies, achievements, extra-curricular learning
• It is copied and pasted from another application and refers to another course
• It has spelling mistakes and grammatical errors
• It focuses on what you have done in the past, not on your motivation to do Diagnostic Radiography
• It is unspecific and shows little knowledge of what the job actually entails

What can I do to improve my chances?

• Get the best degree classification you can.
• Organise a visit to an x-ray department. Reflect on what you see. If you cannot visit a department, look up online resources.
• Watch our videos.
• Understand how your honours project could relate to medical imaging, and consider how the research you carried out in your degree might apply to Radiography — think about the transferrable skills you developed.
• Take the free online course on life, health and radiation, and one on patient-centred care approaches within diagnostic radiography.
• Consider what personal qualities you think you need to be a radiographer, why you want to be part of the radiography programme, and how you will apply what you have previously learned in your first degree to Radiography.
• Visit the postgraduate expo.
• Complete all aspects of the application form. We want to hear about your volunteering, your extra-curricular learning, your part-time work, your medals, certificates, prizes, your overall achievements.

Placements

Am I assigned to hospitals, or do I have to find the placements myself?

All placements will be arranged for you.

In the clinical departments there would be clinical tutors who would meet you and guide you through each placement in conjunction with the clinical radiographers/radiation therapists.

Placement locations, the placement block pattern, and the travel, accommodation and uniform costs you should budget for are on the course page.