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Health & Social Care
Duration
4 years
Level
Bachelor
Outlook
Growing
Radiography at UCD is a four-year honours degree that trains you to use medical imaging technology to diagnose and monitor disease and injury. You study anatomy, physiology, radiation physics, and imaging techniques including X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound, and fluoroscopy. A substantial portion of each academic year is spent on supervised clinical placement in Dublin hospitals and affiliated sites, where you work directly with patients under the guidance of qualified radiographers. Your typical week combines lectures and small-group tutorials on campus with practical laboratory sessions using imaging equipment, alongside scheduled clinical days. Modules become increasingly specialised as you progress, and some programmes offer exposure to interventional radiology and nuclear medicine.
Entry is through the CAO and typically requires a Leaving Certificate with a minimum of six subjects including English and Maths, with Biology and/or Chemistry at Higher level being strongly advantageous. CAO points for this programme are generally high and competitive, reflecting strong demand and a limited number of places. Applicants must also satisfy health screening, Garda vetting, and occupational health checks before clinical placement. QQI Level 5 or 6 FET awards in Science or Health Science can provide an alternative entry route for mature or non-traditional applicants via the supplementary admissions processes. HEAR and DARE access schemes are available for students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds or with disabilities. Mature applicants aged 23 or over may apply directly through the CAO mature entry route.
Demand for qualified diagnostic radiographers in Ireland remains strong, driven by an ageing population, expanded cancer screening programmes, and ongoing investment in diagnostic infrastructure. Newly qualified radiographers generally find employment relatively quickly, and there are opportunities to work abroad in the UK, Australia, and Canada where Irish qualifications are well regarded. The profession offers structured career progression from staff radiographer to senior and management grades within the HSE pay scale. CORU registration is mandatory for all practising radiographers in Ireland.
AI-assisted image analysis tools are increasingly being integrated into radiology departments, with software capable of flagging abnormalities in X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. As a radiographer, you will be expected to work alongside these tools, understanding their outputs and limitations rather than being replaced by them. AI is enhancing efficiency and supporting earlier detection of conditions such as lung cancer and stroke, but clinical judgement, patient interaction, and procedural skill remain irreplaceable. Radiography curricula are beginning to incorporate digital health literacy and AI awareness as core competencies.
2 CAO courses lead to this qualification. Points shown are last year's Round 1 score.
Providers and indicative points are curated with AI support. Always double-check with the institution itself.
CAO points (indicative): 380-530 (2024)
* Indicative only: CAO points change every year. Always check the current points on cao.ie and with the institution.
How to apply
Most BSc (Hons) Radiography programmes in Ireland are applied for through the CAO (cao.ie) with a closing date of 1 February each year; RCSI operates its own admissions process outside the CAO. All programmes require a medical fitness and Garda vetting clearance prior to clinical placement.
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