Which one - radiotherapy or radiography?

Study-1

Which one do you think is a better course and job for radiotherapy or radiography, and which university is in Cardiff?

Reply 1

CardiffUni Rep 2

Official Rep

Original post by Study-1

Which one do you think is a better course and job for radiotherapy or radiography, and which university is in Cardiff?

When deciding what is a better course, its honestly depends on your own preferences, and where you want to go! I'd recommend looking at Discover Uni. Its a government owned website where you're able to compare between courses and universities on student satisfaction, quality of teaching, and career prospects. Its a great place to start figuring out which course you might want to work towards!

Cardiff University is a brilliant university for either course. They're both ranked 1st in the UK, and offers NHS bursary funding.

If you wanted to find out more about the radiography course, click here.
If you wanted to find out more about the radiotherapy course, the link is here.

I hope thats helped, please let me know if you had any questions!

~ Fatiha, Cardiff University Student Rep

Reply 2

normaw

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post by Study-1

Which one do you think is a better course and job for radiotherapy or radiography, and which university is in Cardiff?

Both professions are in demand so you would have good job prospects with either. Radiotherapy has better hours - shifts are usually between 8 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday. Radiographers are expected to work night shifts and weekends. I recommend you attend some open days and listen to the course talks and chat with staff and students. Also, ask for some shadowing experience at your local hospital/cancer centre for both disciplines.

Reply 3

HellomynameisNev

Original post by Study-1

Which one do you think is a better course and job for radiotherapy or radiography, and which university is in Cardiff?

You have to first define what you mean by "better"

I chose radiotherapy over diagnostic radiography because I wanted to do something that made a genuine difference in peoples lives, and I can't think of much better than curing people of cancer! Several people I knew were also diagnosed with cancer in the period when I was making my choice which also focussed my mind somewhat :smile:

I also preferred radiotherapy because no night shifts/limited weekend working. You get to spend more time with the patients and really get to know them over their weeks of treatment. X-ray felt like healthcare McDonalds, each patient was 5 minutes, in and out. I also didn't like being stood up all day in x-ray, absolutely killed my back!

Uni course wise, diagnostic has a lot more anatomy, and spends a lot of time focussing on the correct set up and imaging technique for every part of the body. Radiotherapy is Radiotherapy **and** Oncology, and you spend a lot of time learning about different cancers and their treatments (surgery, chemo, hormones etc, not just radiotherapy). I absolutely loved the oncology part of my course, really interesting. Both courses have their share of physics as well.

Reply 4

Yasgirl2367

Original post by HellomynameisNev

You have to first define what you mean by "better"
I chose radiotherapy over diagnostic radiography because I wanted to do something that made a genuine difference in peoples lives, and I can't think of much better than curing people of cancer! Several people I knew were also diagnosed with cancer in the period when I was making my choice which also focussed my mind somewhat :smile:

I also preferred radiotherapy because no night shifts/limited weekend working. You get to spend more time with the patients and really get to know them over their weeks of treatment. X-ray felt like healthcare McDonalds, each patient was 5 minutes, in and out. I also didn't like being stood up all day in x-ray, absolutely killed my back!
Uni course wise, diagnostic has a lot more anatomy, and spends a lot of time focussing on the correct set up and imaging technique for every part of the body. Radiotherapy is Radiotherapy **and** Oncology, and you spend a lot of time learning about different cancers and their treatments (surgery, chemo, hormones etc, not just radiotherapy). I absolutely loved the oncology part of my course, really interesting. Both courses have their share of physics as well.

Hi, are you doing radiotherapy at Cardiff uni currently?? Hopefully I'll be starting there the end of this year for RT, just want to ask how are you finding the course? And also I'm struggling to apply to nhs bursary atm, I can't find the cohort date for 2025-2028, do you know what I can do? Thanks

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 5

normaw

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post by Yasgirl2367

Nev was a student at SHU and has graduated. Is it the NHS Wales Bursary you are applying for? If so, it is possible that applications haven't opened yet for 2025 entry.

(My DD is doing radiotherapy at Liverpool and is enjoying the course and the placements :smile:

Reply 6

HellomynameisNev

Original post by Yasgirl2367

As Normaw says, I was at SHU. I'm 2 years qualified now (!) but happy to answer any questions I can.

Reply 7

Yasgirl2367

Original post by HellomynameisNev

As Normaw says, I was at SHU. I'm 2 years qualified now (!) but happy to answer any questions I can.

Thank you !

Reply 8

Yasgirl2367

Original post by normaw

Nev was a student at SHU and has graduated. Is it the NHS Wales Bursary you are applying for? If so, it is possible that applications haven't opened yet for 2025 entry.
(My DD is doing radiotherapy at Liverpool and is enjoying the course and the placements :smile:

Thank you! Yep is the Wales NHS bursary