The findings of a study undertaken by the College of Radiographers has revealed a drop in the number of students applying to pre-registration courses in therapeutic radiography in England.
Of the 335 places available across the ten higher education institutions which offer therapeutic radiography programmes, 326 places were filled.
Respondents indicated that they felt there were a number of factors affecting student recruitment, including the removal of bursaries, paying tuition fees, lack of public awareness about the profession, poor careers advice and a negative/inaccurate portrayal of radiotherapy in the media.
The main findings of the report are:
- 7% of available student places remain unfilled in England.
- Recruitment ranged from 38% under recruitment to 9% over recruitment, with four programmes under recruiting and seven recruiting to or above capacity.
- There has been a significant drop in applications to therapeutic radiography programmes in England both during the UCAS cycle and clearing.
- Many prospective students had low awareness of what radiotherapy was and what therapeutic radiographers do.
- Fewer applications were received than previously from mature students and those changing careers.
- Education providers have had to reduce the entry requirements to aid recruitment.
- Those who accept places on programmes do not always turn up so final numbers of students could be lower than reported.
- There has been an increase in the number of non-UK students admitted onto therapeutic radiography programmes.
Download full report.