Natalie Johnson

I am passionate about studying radiography because it is a fundamental aspect of a patient’s pathway to diagnosis and recovery and although demanding it is a very rewarding vocation.

The teaching facilities are excellent, especially after the latest refurbishments within the University, which has made use of a lot of spare space for quiet studying or group work rather than having to work within the library, which is not the ideal study area for every student.

The teaching quality of the University is also excellent – lecturers are informative, organised and readily available for any queries.

I enjoy the infinite number of events that happen within Leeds, which incorporates all of the universities together for example the Varsity.

We study the anatomy and physiology of the human body to be able to understand what we are imaging, why we are imaging that area and to use our knowledge to justify the chosen imaging modality.

In year 3 I chose the optional modules I am particularly interested in: Forensic Imaging and Radiographic Work Based Learning modules. I think these modules are a great way of leading up to postgraduate study in ultrasound or for those students who are already thinking of specialising in a modality.

The best aspects of the way placements are organised is that we rotated between different sites, trusts allowed us to improve our communication and teamwork skills and we saw how other hospitals were organised.

I went to the Hull Teaching Hospitals and Leeds Teaching Hospitals on placement and thoroughly enjoyed them both. They are a great way of putting the theory of the degree into practice. The staff are very enthusiastic about our learning and get you doing the job within the first day!

The timetable layout of the degree allows many opportunities to enjoy your social life – in particular, Wednesday afternoons when a lot of sports and societies arrange their meetings and training. There are so many organised events within the University and radiography has its own society - RADSOC, which organises many events and enables friendships to build not only within your specific cohort but with the other year groups (which is great becuase you may need their advice on assessments, essays and most importantly where to go for your next night out)!

The advice I would give to potential radiography students is to be prepared to put the work in if gaining a high degree classification is the aim because it is a demanding course. However the job prospects and further education opportunities upon completion of the undergraduate degree are infinite.

After graduatuation I eventually want to specialise in ultrasonography.

Read more about some of our other recent radiography students: