Medical Imaging at the University of Exeter is celebrating 20 years of teaching and research excellence.

The programme, which was launched in 2004 to address a national shortage of radiographers, has trained more than 1,000 radiographers and consistently ranks among the best in the country.

It has active student placements in ten NHS trusts across Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, and Somerset.

Hannah Grocutt, 36, who lives in Falmouth, was among the first students to take the Degree Apprenticeship programme, meaning she could continue working in Cornwall while she learned, and could earn a salary throughout the programme.

She took an access course while pregnant with her first child, who was two years old when she found out about the degree apprenticeship.

Ms Groxutt said: “It was absolutely crucial for me to be able to work and support my young family while learning.

"The apprenticeship was the first of its kind in the country, and for me, the journey has been nothing short of transformative.

"Being part of this pioneering programme has been a dream come true.

"Through the inspirational mentorship of the tutors, I discovered my passion for research, and that being a radiographer isn’t just about capturing images – it’s about being a vital part of a patient’s journey, providing comfort and reassurance.”

(Image: University of Exeter)

Professor Karen Knapp, head of the department of health and care professions at the University of Exeter, said: "Nearly everyone who is admitted to hospital will require some form of imaging procedure, yet the NHS is facing a real shortage of radiographers.

"For the last 20 years, our programme has been training high quality graduates to step into these roles, and we’re so proud of all they’ve achieved.

"We’re now celebrating how we’ve continued to innovate and grow, in both research and education."

The government has recognised the need for 25 per cent more clinical radiographers, which would mean training 4,000 more than are currently active.

The University of Exeter has adapted to meet this need.

In the last four years, the team has launched the country’s first innovative degree apprenticeship in Diagnostic Radiography, which provides the opportunity to "earn while you learn", and a mix of time in NHS and academic settings, resulting in a full degree and a pre-registration MSc degree apprenticeship as well as an MSci to help prepare radiographers for enhanced practice.

Meanwhile, the team’s research output has grown, with projects including examining how routine x-rays could help detect osteoporosis early.