Level 3 Diploma in Radiology (Dip RD)

1. Foundations of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging : Introduces the role of radiology within healthcare, fundamental radiological terminology, imaging pathways, basic anatomy relevant to diagnostic imaging, radiology departments, healthcare professionals and the contribution of imaging to diagnosis and patient management.

2. Radiation Physics and Radiological Image Formation : Develops knowledge of X-rays and ionising radiation, radiation production, interactions with matter, attenuation, exposure factors, image formation, contrast, spatial resolution and the basic physical principles used in diagnostic radiology.

3. Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging Modalities : Examines conventional radiography, computed tomography, fluoroscopy, mammography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound and other commonly used diagnostic imaging modalities, including their principles, applications, advantages, limitations and basic equipment requirements.

4. Patient Care, Positioning and Radiological Procedures : Covers patient identification, communication, dignity, privacy, preparation, positioning principles, mobility support, infection prevention, accessibility, procedural explanations and safe patient interaction before, during and after radiological examinations.

5. Radiation Protection, Dose and Radiological Safety : Develops knowledge of radiation hazards, justification and optimisation, dose awareness, time-distance-shielding principles, protective equipment, controlled areas, occupational exposure, patient protection, pregnancy considerations and prevention of accidental or unintended exposure. WHO identifies justification and optimisation as fundamental to radiation protection in medical imaging.

6. Radiological Image Quality and Quality Assurance : Covers image-quality factors, positioning and exposure errors, image artefacts, repeat examinations, equipment performance, quality-control principles, quality-assurance procedures, documentation and the relationship between diagnostic image quality and radiation exposure.

7. Radiology Clinical Safety, Ethics and Professional Practice : Examines clinical risk, confidentiality, informed communication, professional boundaries, multidisciplinary working, patient-centred care, incident awareness, ethical considerations, safe working practices and working within defined competence and scope of practice.

8. Applied Radiology Practice and Imaging Case Project : Requires learners to integrate radiology knowledge through an applied project involving a selected imaging modality, patient pathway, radiation-safety issue, image-quality problem, quality-assurance activity or radiology service-improvement proposal.

• Develops a broad foundation in radiology and diagnostic imaging.

• Builds understanding of radiation physics and image formation.

• Introduces conventional radiography, CT, fluoroscopy, MRI, ultrasound and other imaging modalities.

• Develops patient-centred radiology and positioning awareness.

• Strengthens knowledge of radiation protection and dose optimisation.

• Develops understanding of radiological image quality and quality assurance.

• Builds awareness of clinical safety, ethics and professional responsibilities.

• Provides an applied project integrating radiology knowledge and safe imaging practice.

• Creates a foundation for further education in radiography, medical imaging and healthcare science.

The qualification is suitable for:

• Learners seeking foundational knowledge of radiology and diagnostic imaging.

• Healthcare-support personnel working in or around radiology departments.

• Imaging assistants and healthcare service-support staff.

• Learners preparing for further study in radiography, medical imaging or healthcare science.

• Healthcare professionals developing additional knowledge of imaging technologies and radiation safety.

• Individuals seeking an academic foundation for careers supporting diagnostic-imaging services.

Assessment Format: Written examination, radiology case studies, radiation-physics assessments, imaging-modality assignments, patient-care scenarios, radiation-protection activities, image-quality assessments and an applied Radiology Practice and Imaging Case Project.

Total Questions: 50 questions, consisting of multiple-choice, short-answer and scenario-based questions, supported by assignments and applied project evidence.

Passing Score: Minimum 50% in the written examination and successful completion of all mandatory unit assessments and the applied project.

Duration: 120 minutes for the written examination, with additional assessment time allocated to case studies, assignments and applied project activities.

Certification: Level 3 Diploma in Radiology (Dip RD)

To deliver this Qualification, HiQual UK Approved ATPs must demonstrate the capability to deliver, assess, and internally quality assure qualifications in line with recognised regulatory principles and the expectations of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Approved centres must operate effective systems to ensure the validity, reliability, fairness, consistency, and security of assessment.

1. Centre Recognition and Legal Compliance

Centres must be formally recognised by HiQual UK prior to the delivery or assessment of any qualification. To maintain recognition, centres must: Be a legally constituted organisation operating in compliance with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements. Demonstrate effective governance, management oversight, and clear lines of accountability. Comply with all HiQual UK policies, procedures, and conditions of centre recognition. Notify HiQual UK promptly of any material changes that may affect delivery, assessment, or internal quality assurance arrangements.

2. Resources, Facilities, and Learning Environment

Centres must ensure that sufficient and appropriate resources are in place to support learning and assessment. This includes: Learning environments appropriate to the mode of delivery, including classrooms and, where applicable, specialist or practical facilities. Access to learning and assessment resources that enable learners to meet qualification outcomes. Secure systems for managing learner data, assessment records, and certification claims. Arrangements that support equality of access and reasonable adjustments for learners where required.

3. Staff Competence and Occupational Expertise

Centres must ensure that all staff involved in delivery, assessment, and internal quality assurance are competent and suitably qualified. Centres must: Appoint tutors with appropriate subject knowledge, teaching competence, and relevant occupational or professional experience. Ensure assessors are trained and competent in applying HiQual UK assessment requirements and standards. Appoint a qualified Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) responsible for monitoring assessment practice and decisions. Maintain records of staff qualifications, experience, training, and continuing professional development (CPD).

4. Assessment Practice and Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)

Centres must operate robust internal quality assurance systems to ensure assessment integrity. Centres must: Ensure assessment is valid, fit for purpose, and conducted in line with HiQual UK requirements. Implement effective IQA procedures to monitor assessor performance and confirm the consistency of assessment decisions. Maintain accurate, complete, and auditable records of learner registration, assessment evidence, and outcomes. Carry out regular internal reviews and standardisation activities to support continuous improvement.

5. Integrity, Risk Management, and Malpractice

Centres must take appropriate measures to protect the integrity of assessment. Centres must: Maintain policies and procedures for the prevention, identification, and management of malpractice and maladministration. Ensure secure handling, storage, and retention of assessment materials and learner evidence. Report any suspected or confirmed malpractice to HiQual UK in accordance with published procedures.

6. Health, Safety, Safeguarding, and Learner Protection

Centres must provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Centres must: Comply with applicable health and safety and safeguarding legislation. Conduct risk assessments for learning activities, particularly where practical or technical work is involved. Maintain procedures to safeguard learner welfare and wellbeing.

7. Learner Information, Support, and Fair Treatment

Centres must ensure learners are informed, supported, and treated fairly. Centres must: Provide clear and accurate information on programme requirements, assessment methods, and certification. Ensure learners receive timely and constructive feedback on assessment outcomes. Operate transparent complaints and appeals procedures aligned with HiQual UK requirements. Manage learner information securely in compliance with data protection legislation.

Successful learners who achieve the Level 3 Diploma in Radiology (Dip RD) may progress to:

• HiQual UK Level 4 qualifications in Radiology, Medical Imaging, Healthcare Science, Healthcare Technology or related disciplines.

• Higher education programmes in Diagnostic Radiography, Radiologic Technology, Medical Imaging, Healthcare Science or related disciplines, subject to institutional and professional entry requirements.

• Specialist professional development in radiation protection, imaging equipment, image quality, radiology quality assurance and healthcare technology.

• Appropriate healthcare-support and imaging-service roles, subject to employer, jurisdictional and scope-of-practice requirements.

• Continuing professional development toward advanced study in radiology, medical imaging, radiography, clinical science or healthcare management.

In the UK, professional radiography practice requires the relevant approved education and training pathway and HCPC registration; this diploma should not be presented as independently conferring eligibility to practise as a radiographer.