Swansea University

What you'll study

This honours degree combines core science with practical clinical practice. You will study modules covering radiation physics and protection, radionuclide production and radiopharmacy fundamentals, instrumentation and image acquisition for SPECT and PET, image processing and quantitative analysis, human anatomy and physiology, and clinical practice skills. Teaching methods include lectures, laboratory classes, simulation sessions and supervised clinical placements in diagnostic imaging departments.

The programme is typically structured across three years, with progressive development from foundational science in year one to specialist nuclear medicine topics and extended clinical placements in later years. A substantial research or practice-based project is completed in the final year to develop independent analytical and communication skills.

• Fundamentals of radiation physics and dosimetry
• Radionuclide production and basic radiopharmacy principles
• Instrumentation, detectors and imaging systems (SPECT/PET)
• Image processing, quantification and clinical reporting skills
• Anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology relevant to nuclear medicine
• Radiation protection, legislation and professional practice
• Clinical placements in hospital nuclear medicine departments
• Final-year research or practice-based dissertation

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have a science-based background from A-levels, Scottish Highers, an Access to HE diploma, or a BTEC Extended Diploma in a relevant subject. Typical applicants will have studied at least one science or mathematics subject to advanced level. Universities also consider equivalent international qualifications.

Successful applicants will usually be required to demonstrate literacy and numeracy (equivalent GCSE/level 2 English and Maths), and to meet professional suitability checks prior to clinical placements. These checks commonly include an enhanced DBS (or national equivalent), occupational health screening and relevant immunisations. Mature applicants and those with workplace experience in healthcare or science are welcomed and assessed on the overall strength of their application.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging services within the NHS and the private sector. Typical entry-level roles include nuclear medicine technologist/assistant, imaging scientist in diagnostic departments, and radiopharmacy support roles. Many graduates progress to further professional training (for example clinical scientist training programmes, MSc or postgraduate certificates) to obtain higher clinical responsibilities and statutory registration where applicable.

Other career pathways include roles in medical imaging research, industry positions with equipment or radiopharmaceutical manufacturers, regulatory and quality assurance roles, sales and clinical applications support, or academic study and teaching. The combination of clinical placement experience and a research project equips graduates with transferable skills in communication, data analysis and patient care valued across health and science sectors.

Why study at Swansea University

Swansea University offers close links with local NHS hospitals and clinical departments, enabling substantial hands-on placement experience in authentic clinical environments. The university combines life sciences and health-related research strengths with practical teaching facilities, providing access to laboratory sessions, imaging simulation and interprofessional learning opportunities.

Students benefit from a supportive learning environment with dedicated academic staff experienced in healthcare science and medical imaging, and from the university’s emphasis on employability and research-informed teaching. Swansea’s coastal location also provides a compact campus and accessible clinical networks, helping students build professional contacts across regional health services.