Radiography: Diagnostic Radiography BSc(Hons): What our students say

"I have always had an interest in science, particularly in the human body. I enjoy working with and helping others; for four years I was a volunteer in my local community, involving myself in projects centred around the care of the disabled and disadvantaged adults and children. The summer before I started university, I worked as a healthcare assistant in an elderly resident's home.

"I discovered radiography about five years ago whilst reading the NHS careers webpage. I rang up a local hospital and secured myself a two-week work experience placement in the radiography department and I have not looked back since.

Radiography offered me everything that I wanted in a job, with the opportunity to work as an individual and as part of a team within the department and with other healthcare professionals.

"As a radiographer it is your responsibility to produce images of diagnostic value, whilst maintaining a safe working environment in adhering to radiation protection measures. You also need to have good communication skills as you need to gain the trust of the patient in a short space of time.

"Imaging technology itself is constantly changing and improving, and I feel privileged to be at the forefront of this ever expanding medical field. Radiography is an attractive career choice in that it offers opportunities to specialise and study for postgraduate qualifications.

"Kingston and St George's was the ideal choice. I could commute from home and take advantage of being placed in London hospitals. There are plenty of resources available across both university sites, which are excellent for both private and group study."

"I applied for the course straight after studying for my A-Levels. I decided to study radiography because it is a skilled, people-based career that enables you to work anywhere in the world. I also liked the fact that there are a huge number of areas that come under radiography, which gives you lots of opportunities to specialise and do postgraduate qualifications.

"The fact that the course combines academic blocks and clinical placements really appealed to me as I enjoy working with people and find that the clinical experience enhances the theory you learn in the academic blocks.

"What I particularly enjoyed about the course was the opportunity to work alongside other professions whilst at St George's, University of London. I found that this multi-disciplinary teaching really beneficial and think it will improve my inter-disciplinary relations once I've qualified.

"What I enjoy most about the profession is the fact that everyday is different. You never know what you're going to get from one day to the next and I love the challenge of adapting the way you work and the techniques you use to cater for each individual patient."

"I am a mature student and decided to study radiography as a change of career. I wanted a varied occupation, to be able to work anywhere in the country and to be able to work abroad. Radiography met all my requirements. I also enjoy the shift work, although it may not suit everyone.

"I had to do an access course to get into university as I did not have A Levels. The access course was very broad based and included a lot of science, which was excellent preparation. The course is really living up to my expectations and I am enjoying the academic environment. I am also really enjoying the clinical placements.

"I think that being a mature student is a distinct advantage. You have more confidence being a bit older - you are prepared to ask questions and say what you think. Also, having had more experience of mixing with people is a real advantage in a hospital situation and you get more respect from the people you are working with.

"I enjoy the high turnover of people in diagnostic radiography - you see a lot of people quickly and get to do a wide range of procedures. I am keen to do voluntary work abroad for the Red Cross or the VSO and this qualification will enable me to fulfil this ambition."