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Diagnostic radiography at LSBU

I was hoping to find out from any current students or graduates at LSBU:
1. How long is each placement block every year?
2. How many nightshifts do you get in one placement block?
3. Do you stay at one hospital the duration of your course?
4. How do manage being assigned to a hospital that is far from you?
5. How do you manage the work load?
6. How many days do you go in for placement during placement block?
7. When you are at university, how many days are you in for at the university?

Thank you so much

Reply 1

Original post
by Shu56784
I was hoping to find out from any current students or graduates at LSBU:
1. How long is each placement block every year?
2. How many nightshifts do you get in one placement block?
3. Do you stay at one hospital the duration of your course?
4. How do manage being assigned to a hospital that is far from you?
5. How do you manage the work load?
6. How many days do you go in for placement during placement block?
7. When you are at university, how many days are you in for at the university?
Thank you so much

At London South Bank University (LSBU), placement structures vary slightly depending on your course (for example, Nursing, Midwifery, Operating Department Practice, Diagnostic Radiography or other allied health professions), but the overall approach is designed to balance practice learning with academic study.

1.

Placement blocks are usually around 6 - 8 weeks long, though this can vary by course and stage of study. You’ll rotate through different settings across the course to build broad experience.

2.

Night shifts are part of the placement experience, but the number per block will depend on your placement provider. Typically, students are expected to complete a small number to gain experience, but it is not excessive.

3.

You are normally allocated a base hospital or NHS Trust at the start of your course and complete the majority of your placements within that trust, though you may rotate across different wards, departments, or community settings within it.

4.

If your placement site is further from where you live, LSBU’s Placement Team and student services can advise on travel, and eligible students may be able to access the NHS Learning Support Fund, which includes a training grant and placement travel expenses.

5.

Managing the workload requires good organisation, but you’ll have support from your personal tutor, practice supervisor, and peer networks. LSBU also offers Skills for Learning workshops, wellbeing services, and academic support to help you balance university and placement demands.

6.

During a placement block, you are generally on shift for 3 - 4 days per week, following the rota of your placement area (which may include early, late, or weekend shifts).

7.

When you are back at university, your timetable usually involves being on campus for 2 - 3 days per week, depending on your modules and stage of study.

If you’d like to get a real feel for how placements are organised and supported, the upcoming Open Days on Saturday 4th October 2025 and Saturday 15th November 2025 are a great chance to speak directly with lecturers, placement staff, and current students who can share their first-hand experiences. You can book your place here: [LSBU Open Day Link].

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