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Do I need to have studied a specific degree?

Yes, a STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) background is required. Your degree should have BSc in front of it. Then it is ok. If it is a BA it is excluded.

It must be an Honours degree, level 8.

There is no extensive list, but some common degrees include:

• regulated health sciences such as Nursing, Occupational Therapy, and Speech and Language Therapy
• applied sciences such as Genetics
• Health Sciences of any type
• General science such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer science, Exercise and sports science, and Agricultural science
• any technology, engineering and maths

However, the better qualified the better. Having double degrees, or master's degrees makes you more competitive.

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.

What classification of degree do I need?

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.

For the most up-to-date entry requirements, see Entry Requirements on the course page.

Do I need Physics?

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

Is it competitive?

Yes, the course is oversubscribed each year, with approximately 4 applicants for each place. 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 focusses on what you have done in the past, not on your motivation to do Diagnostic Radiography.
• It is unspecific, shows little knowledge of what the job actually entails

What can I do to improve my chances?

1. Get the best degree classification you can
2. Organise a visit to an X-ray department. Reflect on what you see. If you cannot visit a department, look up online resources.
3. Visit our website, understand the course structure and fees
4. Understand how your honours project could relate to medical imaging
5. Take the free online course on life, health and radiation and one on patient-centred care approaches within diagnostic radiography
6. Consider what personal qualities you think you need to be a radiographer
7. Consider why you want to be part of the radiography programme
8. Consider how you will apply what you have previously learned in your first degree to Radiography
9. Consider how the research you carried out in your degree might apply to Radiography. Consider the transferrable skills you developed.
10. Visit the UCC Post Grad Expo
11. Complete all aspects of the application form. We want to hear about your volunteering, your extra-curricular learning, your part-time work, medals, certificates, prizes, your overall achievements
12. Some applicants have undertaken the 1-year MSc in Anatomy at UCC
13. Some applicants have worked for a year and increased their work experience
14. Some applicants have gotten work experience as a HCE in Radiology to improve their knowledge and confirm their motivation.
15. Some applicants take up other non-academic or work-related activities: community support, coaching, volunteering work, hobbies that exceed expectation.
16. Some applicants get help with their motivational statement, have others read it, improve it, so that it clearly explains their reason for applying for the course and shows evidence of understanding of what is required to study the course.

Where do I apply?

You can apply for postgrad courses through UCC Apply - the online application portal. Search for code MSCDR.

What is the selection process?

1. Apply online from October onwards - the official application dates are on the course page.
2. Shortlisting happens on a rolling basis and is based on degree classification and written application.
3. Interviews happen on a rolling basis and are online, 20 minutes long.
4. 60 places are offered based on the combination of the application and the interview.
5. The course usually begins in the last week of August - the official start date is on the course page.