Bachelor of Radiography Diagnostics (BRad Diagnostics)

Radiography is a healthcare science occupation dealing with medical diagnostic images. It is one of the rapidly growing occupations in modern healthcare. The degree involves learning about professional, technical and clinical aspects of radiography. Students follow an academic and work-integrated learning programme. Students rotate at different provincial hospitals and private practices to gain the compulsory clinical training. The programme meets the national legislative requirements of DHET, CHE and SAQA approval of minimum 480 credits qualification (NQF Level 8).

Programme content

The BRad Diagnostics programme requires four years of full-time study, followed by one year of compulsory community service.

Clinical tuition takes place in the radiology departments at Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Kalafong Provincial Tertiary Academic Hospital, Pretoria West District Hospital, Mamelodi Regional Hospital, Tshwane District Hospital, Tembisa Provincial Hospital, Edenvale Regional Hospital, Kwamhlanga District Hospital, and some private radiological practices. Students are allocated to these centres to gain the compulsory clinical experience needed to conduct various radiographic examinations and procedures competently.

Students will be expected to practice on public holidays and after hours on a rotational basis.

Categories of radiography offered at the University of Pretoria:

• Diagnostic radiography honours: Diagnostic radiography honours is an in-depth study of somespecialised aspects and imaging modalities.
• Radiotherapy: Radiotherapy  entails the use of high-energy radiation in the treatment of benign and malignant tumours. The University of Pretoria offers Radiation Therapy and Nuclear Medicine at honours level. These categories of radiography are offered at tertiary hospitals and selected private healthcare centres.
• Nuclear Medicine: Nuclear medicine entails the administration of a radiopharmaceutical substance to a patient to demonstrate the anatomy and functioning of organs. 
• Diagnostic ultrasound at honours level: Diagnostic ultrasound contributes to the early diagnosis and possible treatment of clinical conditions that affect different categories of patients.

The personal characteristics of a radiographer include the genuine desire to help sick and injured patients. Self-discipline, accuracy and responsibility will assist the radiographer in dealing with any situation.

The ideal candidate must have the following characteristics:

• Good moral character
• Good interpersonal skills
• Able to make quick and responsible decisions
• Critical thinking (problem-solving) skills
• Pays attention to detail (remains focused)
• Demonstrates initiative
• Works well under stress
• Can accept and use constructive criticism

Radiographers, academics and researchers

Important information for all prospective students for 2024

The admission requirements apply to students who apply for admission to the University of Pretoria with a National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Independent Examination Board (IEB) qualifications. Click here for this Faculty Brochure.

For advice on a second-choice programme, please consult a Student Advisor. To make an appointment, send an email to [email protected].

Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS. 

Applicants currently in Grade 12 must apply with their final Grade 11 (or equivalent) results.

Applicants who have completed Grade 12 must apply with their final NSC or equivalent qualification results.

Please note that meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.

Successful candidates will be notified once admitted or conditionally admitted.

Applicants should check their application status regularly on the UP Student Portal at click here.

Applicants with qualifications other than the abovementioned should refer to the Brochure: Undergraduate Programme Information 2024: Qualifications other than the NSC and IEB, available at click here.

International students: Click here

A limited number of places are made available to citizens from countries other than South Africa (applicants who are not South African citizens), with those from SADC countries being given preference. Applicants who have multiple citizenships, including South African citizenship, will be considered to be South African. 

Transferring students

A transferring student is a student who, at the time of applying at the University of Pretoria (UP) is/was a registered student at another tertiary institution. A transferring student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance. Students who have been dismissed from other institutions due to poor academic performance will not be considered for admission to UP.

Closing dates: Same as above

Returning students

A returning student is a student who, at the time of application for a degree programme is/was a registered student at UP, and wants to transfer to another degree at UP. A returning student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance.

• Students who have been excluded/dismissed from a faculty due to poor academic performance may be considered for admission to another programme at UP, as per faculty-specific requirements.
• Only ONE transfer between UP faculties and TWO transfers within a faculty will be allowed.
• Admission of returning students will always depend on the faculty concerned and the availability of space in the programmes for which they apply.

Closing date for applications from returning students is the same as the above

Note: Any deliberate ommission of information, or false information provided by an applicant in the application may result in the immediate cancellation of the apllication, admission or registration.

Selection criteria are available on the faculty's webpage at: click here.

• Sixty (60) first-year students are selected annually.
• Only first-choice applicants are considered.

Modules will be presented only in English, which is the University's official language of tuition, communication and correspondence.

The Faculty of Health Sciences continues to exemplify and build on the University of Pretoria’s vision of being a leading research-intensive university in Africa: it is recognised internationally for its quality, relevance and impact, as well as for creating knowledge, developing people and making a difference locally and globally. 

The Faculty is home to 5 500 undergraduate and 1 500 postgraduate students, including medical and dental fellowship training in more than 40 disciplines. 

The Faculty’s research output has grown, in response to the need for research that is relevant to the improvement of health and health care and advancing medicine in South Africa, Africa and globally. 

• Disclaimer: This publication contains information about regulations and programmes of the University of Pretoria. Amendments to or updating of the information may be effected from time to time without prior notification. The accuracy, correctness or validity of the information contained here is therefore not guaranteed by the University at any given time and is always subject to verification. The user is kindly requested to verify the correctness of the information with the University at all times. Failure to do so will not give rise to any claim or action of any nature against the University by any party whatsoever.