Masters Degrees (Breast Imaging)

A major feature of this programme is the option for you to pursue specific knowledge and skills development in your area of practice through the use of work-based learning e.g. breast ultrasound and ultrasound guided biopsy procedures.

The programme includes provision for developing a high standard of mammography skills. However, it also caters for those wishing to move into advanced and consultant practice to meet the evolving requirements of breast screening and diagnostic services.

The course is provided through a partnership between LSBU and King's College Hospital National Breast Screening Training Centre. Applicants will normally be a Health and CareProfessions Council (HCPC) registered radiographer, with a relevant professional qualification, or in possession of a first degree in a science, biomedical or health and social care subject.

The Breast Imaging programme is designed to address the increasingly specialised needs of practitioners for education to underpin professional practice in breast diagnosis.

* This course is currently subject to validation

Modules

The PgCert Breast Imaging programme (60 Credits) may be made up of a selection from the following specialist modules, all taught at the National Breast Screening Training Centre, King’s College NHS Foundation Trust:

Mammography Theory (20 credits)
Mammography Practice (40 credits)
Mammography Image Interpretation (40 credits)
Clinical Breast Examination and Communication Skills (20 credits)
Breast Ultrasound for Ultrasonographers (40 credits)
Breast Ultrasound (60 credits)
Ultrasound guided interventional procedures (20 credits)

Whilst these modules enable the achievement of the PgCert Breast Imaging adhering to UK national standards, they also form part of the PgDip/MSc Diagnostic Imaging award, enabling progression beyond PgCert.

Professional links

The course is approved by the Society and College of Radiographers.

Employability

This programme will assist in developing your career options as a practitioner, or into specialist, advanced and consultant practice, research or management areas.

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The Diagnostic Imaging MSc is designed to match the professional development needs of the diagnostic imaging practitioner and the changing needs of patients in the modern healthcare system. It aims to develop highly competent practitioners who can make a real contribution to healthcare services.

This multi-disciplinary programme will appeal to a range of healthcare professionals including radiographers, clinical physiologists, mammographers, sonographers, medical doctors, nurses, clinical scientists. It offers:

• specialist clinical expertise underpinned by in-depth theoretical knowledge, including of specialist areas of diagnostic imaging, such as medical ultrasound and breast imaging.
• an understanding of the evidence and research base of the discipline.

We have a highly successful record of teaching breast imaging and medical ultrasound at postgraduate level. You’ll benefit from being part of the School of Medicine, with its world-leading research and expertise.

More information

You can also study this subject at Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) and Certificate (60 or 75 credits) levels. Study for the Postgraduate Diploma normally takes one year full time (specific module combinations only) or two years part time. Study for the Postgraduate Certificate normally takes one year part time.

Accreditation

The MSc Diagnostic Imaging offered by the University of Leeds was approved by the College of Radiographers for a period of five years, from June 2016 to June 2021 inclusive. The programme is also accredited by the Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE).

Exemptions

Students obtaining an MSc which includes the Mammography Technique module will be eligible to apply for the College of Radiographers’ Postgraduate Award in Mammography.

Course content

The programme content reflects the increasing demand for focused and in-depth training in specialist areas of diagnostic imaging. It is both research-led and evidence based.

On the PGCert programme you study modules worth 60 or 75 credits.  On the PGDip programme you study modules worth 120 credits. If you study part time you will study fewer modules in each year. On the MSc programme you study modules worth 180 credits. All students study a combination of Science and Technology, Professional Issues and Imaging Practice modules. A wide range of optional modules allow you to tailor your studies to your professional interests.

Some modules listed below contain a number of options. The Professional Work Based Learning module enables you to undertake a work-based project. The Negotiated Imaging Practice module offers a range of options, including: Breast Ultrasound, Cardiac Ultrasound, Musculoskeletal Ultrasound or Vascular Ultrasound.

In addition, we may support alternative areas of clinical practice by negotiation. Each module (15 credit equivalent) requires 3 to 5 days attendance at the University (for 30 credits this is 6-10 days), in addition to independent learning and practical skill development in order to achieve success in assessment and be of value to the student and their workplace. Students who already have a Postgraduate Diagnostic Imaging qualification may access certain 30-credit modules on a free-standing basis.

On the MSc programme you study a Research Methods module and submit a dissertation.

For more information on typical modules, read Diagnostic Imaging MSc in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

The programme is designed to allow you as much choice as possible in the way that you study. Methods of training are highly participative with a combination of tutor-led input and support, learning through group work and discussion, and individual exercises and practice.

Assessment

Our assessment methods have been carefully chosen to develop the skills that imaging students will use in specialist and advanced clinical practice. The assessment of your competence to practice takes place via an observed clinical session or by portfolio, depending on the module. Other assessments include case reports, essays and Objective Structured Examinations.

Career opportunities

Graduates will use the postgraduate qualification to enable them to be employed as a sonographer in the UK or abroad.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

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Diagnostic radiography and medical imaging are core components of modern healthcare and rely on rapidly changing diagnostic modalities. It is widely accepted that medical imaging will remain an essential component of diagnostic services for many years to come and that the demand for imaging services will continue to rise.

Recent modernisation within the NHS has raised the profile and extended the scope of practice for allied health professionals (AHPs). Diagnostic radiographers, as one of the sixteen registered AHP groups, are now required to build and extend their scope of professional expertise within a multi-professional setting. Continuing professional development (CPD) is a requirement for all AHPs in the UK in order to secure re-registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and to retain the right to practise within the UK. Radiographers are therefore required to evidence their learning and to demonstrate how this learning has informed practice.

Diagnostic radiography is a profession which is both intellectually and scientifically demanding. Professional responsibility includes a need to be able to formulate imaging standards and strategies as well as assume a greater degree of autonomy within different imaging modalities. To practise effectively the radiographer needs to be able to analyse and evaluate the requirements of healthcare delivery and to be aware of the roles and skills of other healthcare professionals. To optimise patient care the diagnostic radiographer must adopt a critical approach to decision-making in the context of current practice.

This MSc provides CPD opportunities for diagnostic radiographers and other healthcare professionals, but does not lead to UK registration with the HCPC or the right to practice within the UK. Therefore, this course aims to foster an intellectual approach to personal and professional development, encouraging diagnostic radiographers to challenge and progress radiography practice in response to evolutionary change. The course aims to provide flexibility in learning with the opportunity for learners to select modules in order to support individual practice development.

Teaching, learning and assessment

This course uses a wide range of learning and teaching methods, based on a problem based learning approach with students working independently and collaboratively.  The teaching and learning strategies are designed to enable independent progress within a supportive framework.

Teaching hours and attendance

The course is modular and offers a variety of attendance pathways for study: work-based learning; online and block attendance. A range of modules related to the development and progression of the Radiography profession can be used to form the course content.

Modules

To obtain a PgCert in any route, you will study 60 credits from the profession specific modules outlined below. To obtain a PgDip, you will study a further 60 credits taken from either profession specific modules or elective modules from the QMU Postgraduate Module Catalogue.

Ultrasound

15 credits: Physics and Instrumentation of Ultrasound+/ Professional Issues Relating to Medical Imaging+

30 credits: General Medical Ultrasound in Clinical Practice*/ Obstetric Ultrasound in Clinical Practice*/ Breast Ultrasound in Clinical Practice*/ Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in Clinical Practice*/ Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in Clinical Practice for AHPs*

MRI

15 credits: Principles of Magnetic Resonance Imaging+/ Principles of Image Evaluation+

30 credits: Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Practice*/ Advanced Practice in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (negotiated study)

CT

15 credits: Principles of Computed Tomography+ / Principles of Image Evaluation+ 30 credits: Advanced Practice in Computed Tomography of the Head*/ Computed Tomography in Practice (Head, Chest, Abdomen and Pelvis)*/ Advanced Practice in Computed Tomography  Colonography*

Clinical Reporting

15 credits: Pathophysiology for Musculoskeletal Image Evaluation+/ Principles of Image Evaluation+

30 credits: Clinical Reporting of the Axial and Appendicular Musculoskeletal System* A sample of relevant elective modules are:

15 credits: Epidemiology (distance)/  Developing Professional Practice*/ Leading Professional Practice+/ Practice Development for Person-centred Cultures+

30 credits: Current Developments (distance)/ Developing Professional Practice*

45 credits: Developing Professional Practice*

To obtain an MSc, you require:

30 credits: Research Methods (distance/ contact)

60 credits: Research Project (in an area relevant to medical imaging) (distance) Key: * attendance and work-based + Block/ day release

Careers

This qualification may enhance your career prospects within the allied health professions.

Quick Facts

• A flexible approach to learning is taken.  
• This course is accredited by the Society and College of Radiographers. 
• The ultrasound route is accredited by the Consortium of Sonographic Education (CASE).

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Please note: this programme is only available to home/EU students.

Choose Kingston's Radiography: Medical Imaging (Mammography) MSc

Mammography exists in a changing professional environment and requires practitioners to continually update and review clinical practice. These courses provide a flexible framework to prepare you for advanced practice by studying topics relevant to your needs and those of your clinical departments.

You may be granted credits for your previous academic and professional qualification through Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) scheme. You can take individual modules as 'free standing' as part of your continuing professional development (CPD). An independent work-based learning module enables you to study around your individual CPD and workplace needs.

What will you study?

You will study modules relating to breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and care; management; supervisory and assessment roles; quality issues; research methods and ethics; as well as taking a module of independent study to meet a particular professional need or interest.

Some of the modules are developed in partnership with the Jarvis National Breast Screening Training Centre and South West London (St George's) National Breast Screening Training Centre.

Assessment

Case studies; research protocols; dissertation; essays; portfolios; practical assessment; OSCE; reflective log book.

Course structure

The postgraduate admissions administrator will help you choose the most suitable combination of modules depending on your needs. Some of the modules are developed in partnership with a range of healthcare providers.

Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list.

Available modules
-Research and Evidence Based Practice in Healthcare (for PgDip)
-Dissertation (for MSc)
-Advanced Practice - Negotiated Independent Work Based Learning
-Advanced Principles and Practice of Breast Interventional Techniques
-Clinical Breast Examination and Client Communication
-Contemporary Practice In Breast Cancer Genetics and Diagnosis
-Cross-sectional Imaging - Diagnostic
-Interpretation and Reporting in Mammography
-PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) Administration
-Ultrasound of the Breast
-Management of Resources and Quality within Healthcare
-Professional Practice in Mammography 1 ^
-Professional Practice in Mammography 2 ^
-Practice Education and Mentorship+

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The MPhil in Radiology is entirely research-based with students undertaking a project in one of the active research themes in the Department, currently: MRI, Hyperpolarised MRI, PET, Imaging in Oncology, Breast Imaging and Neuroradiology. The MPhil degree is examined by research dissertation (up to a maximum of 20,000 words) and oral examination.

The University Department of Radiology is fully integrated into Addenbrooke's Hospital and students will work with both University and NHS specialists in their research area. Being able to work well as part of a team is essential, but students must also be self-motivated. They will be working under a supervisor who will guide them through their research project.

In addition to the research training provided within the Department, as part of the Graduate School of Life Sciences students will have access to several other courses to widen their experience and to enable them to acquire additional practical skills. Students are also likely to attend external meetings and conferences.

The Department may accept one or two MPhil students each year.

See the website http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/cvrdmpmsc

Course detail

The MPhil course in Radiology is exclusively research-based. The research area and supervisor will be confirmed during the application process. Students will conduct their research with both University and NHS specialists in their field of study and may be co-supervised by someone on the Addenbrooke's staff.

Format

Supervisions are usually weekly for about an hour.

Students are likely to attend research group meetings where research results are presented and discussed.

Students are expected to attend the weekly Radiology Forum lecture (Wednesdays at 5.00 p.m.).

Students may be involved in the recruitment of patients onto trials and help to monitor their progress. Depending on their training, students may also undertake some basic procedures, such as sample collection.

There may be an opportunity to participate in small group teaching if this is relevant to the student's project. More general small group teaching may be available.

The Departmental Journal Club meets during lunchtime every two weeks in term time.

Students are expected to undertake a literature review relevant to their chosen research project.

There are radiology conferences in the UK and overseas throughout the year. If a student has developed his or her research to a sufficient level to coincide with a relevant conference, then there could be the opportunity to present a poster.

The supervisor will provide feedback to the student each term. The feedback will relate to the progress the student has made as well as specific comment on their research project. This will be discussed with the student in advance of the submission of the report to the University.

Assessment

The MPhil is examined on a written research dissertation (up to 20,000 words) and a viva.

In addition to the research dissertation, there is an oral examination on the research project conducted by internal and external examiners appointed by the Faculty Degree Committee.

Continuing

Those who wish to progress to a PhD after completing an MPhil will be required to satisfy their potential supervisor, Head of Department and the Faculty Degree Committee that they have the skills and ability to achieve the higher degree.

How to apply: http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/applying

Funding Opportunities

Funding via a Departmental research grant may be available. If it is, a studentship will be advertised on the University's web-site (http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/?category=6) as well as the Department's web-site (http://radiology.medschl.cam.ac.uk/).

General Funding Opportunities http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/funding

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Radiography exists in a changing professional environment and requires practitioners to continually update and review clinical practice. This course provides a flexible framework to prepare you for advanced practice by studying topics relevant to your needs and those of your clinical departments.

You may be granted credits for your previous academic and professional qualification through Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) scheme. An independent work-based learning module enables you to study around your individual CPD and workplace needs.

What will you study?

You will study modules relating to clinical roles, management, supervisory and assessment roles, quality issues, research methods and ethics, as well as taking a module of independent study to meet a particular professional need or interest.

Assessment

Case studies; research protocols; dissertation; essays; portfolios; practical assessment; OSCE; reflective log book.

Course structure

The postgraduate admissions administrator will help you to choose the most suitable combination of modules depending on your needs.

Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list.

Available modules
-Research and Evidence Based Practice in Healthcare (for PgDip)
-Dissertation (for MSc)
-Advanced Principles and Practice of Breast Interventional Techniques
-Advanced Practice - Negotiated Independent Work Based Learning
-Clinical Breast Examination and Client Communication
-Contemporary Practice In Breast Cancer Genetics and Diagnosis
-Cross-sectional Imaging - Diagnostic
-Interpretation and Reporting in Mammography
-Professional Practice in Mammography 1 ^
-Professional Practice in Mammography 2 ^
-Ultrasound of the Breast
-Management of Resources and Quality within Healthcare
-Practice Education and Mentorship+
-PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) Administration

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About the course

The MSc Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences course and its four specialised pathways is designed to enable you to enhance your current knowledge and understanding in the field of diagnostic and therapeutic radiography and give you opportunities to challenge and critically evaluate your professional practice. The aim is to advance your skills as a professional and develop your career so that you can practice safely, effectively and legally.

The Radiotherapy and Oncology pathway specialises in the field of radiotherapeutic practice. Many of the options develop competencies for advanced practice such as in the palliative care and breast localisation modules.

See the website http://www.herts.ac.uk/courses/msc-medical-imaging-and-radiation-sciences-oncological-sciences

Course structure

The MSc Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences: radiotherapy and oncology pathway is modular in structure. If you wish to collect credits towards and award or a qualification see below the award and credit requirements:
- Postgraduate certificate - 60 credits
- Postgraduate diploma - 120 credits
- Masters degree - 180 credits

To complete a Masters degree award for this course you need to collect the following credits:
- Research modules - 60 credits
- Oncological sciences modules - minimum 30 credits
- Optional interprofessional modules - maximum 90 credits

Teaching methods

Modules are facilitated by a variety of experienced lecturers from the University as well as external lecturers.

Delivery of modules incorporates blended learning which aims to combine e-learning activities with campus based learning. You need to have access to a suitable personal computer and a good reliable Internet connection (broadband recommended). Most modern PCs or Macs (less than 3 years old) should be suitable. If you have any queries or need any additional support with IT skills, the School employs an e-learning technologist who will be pleased to help and advise you. Please contact the module lead for details.

Assessment methods include objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), clinical portfolios, case study presentations, oral presentations and written presentations.

Work Placement

The University cannot offer to provide clinical placements for students.

Professional Accreditations

Accredited by the College of Radiographers

Find out how to apply here http://www.herts.ac.uk/courses/msc-medical-imaging-and-radiation-sciences-oncological-sciences#how-to-apply

Find information on Scholarships here http://www.herts.ac.uk/apply/fees-and-funding/scholarships/postgraduate

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The MSc Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences course and its four specialised pathways is designed to enable you to enhance your current knowledge and understanding in the field of diagnostic and therapeutic radiography and give you opportunities to challenge and critically evaluate your professional practice. The aim is to advance your skills as a professional and develop your career so that you can practice safely, effectively and legally.

The Radiotherapy and Oncology pathway specialises in the field of radiotherapeutic practice. Many of the options develop competencies for advanced practice such as in the palliative care and breast localisation modules.

Course structure

The MSc Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences: radiotherapy and oncology pathway is modular in structure. If you wish to collect credits towards and award or a qualification see below the award and credit requirements:
-Postgraduate certificate - 60 credits
-Postgraduate diploma - 120 credits
-Masters degree - 180 credits

Why choose this course?

-It gives you the opportunity to share ideas with other health professions in order to develop intellectual abilities and assist in the advancement of health care
-It offers you flexible study options based on a modular structure
-It includes interprofessional learning
-The teaching is done by experienced staff and visiting external specialists
-Accredited by the College of Radiographers

Professional Accreditations

Accredited by the College of Radiographers.

Teaching methods

Modules are facilitated by a variety of experienced lecturers from the University as well as external lecturers.
Delivery of modules incorporates blended learning which aims to combine e-learning activities with campus based learning. You need to have access to a suitable personal computer and a good reliable Internet connection (broadband recommended). Most modern PCs or Macs (less than 3 years old) should be suitable. If you have any queries or need any additional support with IT skills, the School employs an e-learning technologist who will be pleased to help and advise you. Please contact the module lead for details.

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OVERVIEW

The MSc in Cancer Medicine will provide students with new knowledge of how precision medicine can improve and shape future healthcare. Students will gain hands-on experience of molecular techniques and the equipment/devices used in a modern molecular laboratory; the course will provide training in laboratory and research skills that are applicable across multiple scientific disciplines in a supportive learning environment. Students will be able to evaluate how novel therapeutic approaches can be used to stratify patients into treatment groups for better clinical management (stratified / precision medicine). They will observe the delivery of precision medicine through tours of the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre.

There are optional modules in the second semester allowing students to explore.the fundamental principles of Carcinogenesis and the translational approaches (including cutting edge technologies) which allow cancer scientists and clinicians to advance our understanding and treatment of cancers. The Precision Cancer Medicine stream provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of the Hallmarks of Cancer from the role of genetic/epigenetic alterations, cell cycle control and metastases/angiogenesis to the development of applications to help diagnose cancers earlier, improve treatments, rationally design clinical trials and reduce chemotherapy drug resistance.

The Radiation Oncology stream will develop skills in understanding the biological principles of radiotherapy and its clinical applications in the treatment of cancer. This will include the physical and chemical basis of radiation interactions and the biological consequences of radiation exposures. Clinical aspects of Radiation Oncology will be covered including principle of advanced radiotherapy delivery, cancer imaging techniques and biomarker discovery.

Importantly, both streams show how our improved understanding of the molecular processes driving cancer growth and spread can be ‘translated’ through research-intensive MSc projects to improve the treatment and survival of cancer patients.

For further information email [email protected] or send us a message on WhatsApp

CANCER MEDICINE HIGHLIGHTS

The strong links between us and the biotech and biopharmaceutical sectors provides a stimulating translational environment, while also expanding your career opportunities.

GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES

• Our partnership with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) provides opportunity to study in the USA. Further information is available on our website.

INDUSTRY LINKS

• The strong links between us and the biotech and biopharmaceutical sectors provides a stimulating translational environment, while also expanding your career opportunities.

WORLD CLASS FACILITIES

• The Programme will be taught in the Centre for Cancer Research & Cell Biology a purpose-built institute at the heart of the Health Sciences Campus, boasting state-of-the-art research facilities

INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED EXPERTS

• We have an international reputation in this area, achieved through; high-impact peer review publications; significant international research funding and the establishment of successful spin-out companies.

COURSE STRUCTURE

Semester 1

Research Translational: from Concept to Commercialisation (Full Year)

• This module covers the principles of disease biology and new technological developments that increase our understanding of disease processes. It develops an appreciation of the importance of innovation, business awareness and leadership skills in the translation of discovery science to clinical implementation.

Diagnosis and Treatment (Semester 1)

• This module provides a comprehensive overview of the diagnosis and treatment of the common solid and haematological malignancies, including breast, ovarian, genitourinary and gastrointestinal cancers as well as the leukaemias. An overview of the common diagnostic pathways in clinical practice will be provided, and this will including gaining an understanding of imaging modalities and histopathological techniques in routine use. 

Cancer Biology (Semester 1)

• This module provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles of carcinogenesis highlighting how normal control processes are bypassed during tumour formation. The pathogenic mechanisms to be discussed will range from genomic alterations in key gene families, to epigenetic mechanisms of gene control, alterations in kinase activities or protein turnover, or activation of aberrant phenotypes such as invasion and angiogenesis.Semester 2

Students will make a selection from the following modules:

• Precision Cancer Stream
• Cancer Genetics & Genomics
• Translational Cancer Medicine

OR

• Radiation Oncology and Medical Physics (ROMP)
• Biology of Radiotherapy

Clinical Radiation

Building on the biological basis of radiotherapy, this module will develop knowledge and skills in understanding clinical radiotherapy and medical imaging. Through the delivery of a multidisciplinary taught programme, students will cover clinical tumour and normal tissue biology, radiological imaging and the design of radiotherapy treatment plans. This will develop the clinical rationale for radiotherapy in the treatment of cancer and highlight emerging treatment combinations and techniques for biomarker discovery in radiation oncology.Biology and Imaging

Research Project

You will undertake a project in the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology.

Dissertation

This module comprises the write-up contribution to the overall research element of the programme, with the Research Project (SCM 8067). The Dissertation will represent the student’s personal studies in the literature, a description of their experimental execution of their project, data presentation, analysis and interpretation, followed by critical discussion and conclusions.

For further information email [email protected] or send us a message on WhatsApp

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This course is for therapeutic radiographers and will enable you to develop your professional knowledge and enhance your clinical and research skills. The modules on this course have been selected with the development and progression of the therapeutic radiography profession in mind.

Teaching, learning and assessment

The teaching and assessment strategies will enable you to develop your full potential by recognising and building on prior knowledge and experience and by facilitating development of subject-related and transferable skills. There are various forms of assessment including case study analysis, portfolio of evidence of practice, essays, written examination and a project containing evidence of research methods and analysis will be used to monitor your progress. Class sizes for attendance based modules are normally around 8-10 students. This ensures that students receive excellent support from tutors and benefit from sharing experiences with peers.

Teaching hours and attendance

Each module which you study on campus will require you to attend classes and carry out independent work. Your attendance at QMU will depend on which module you are studying.

Links with industry/professional bodies

On graduation you will be accredited by the Society and College of Radiographers.

Modules

The full MSc Radiotherapy award of 180 credits will require study of two modules of 90 credits - Research Methods (30 credits), a project (60 credits), and the remaining 90 credits to be taken from the following

modules:

30 credits (distance learning): Emerging Technologies in Radiotherapy/ Management of Prostate Cancer/ Management of Breast Cancer

30 credits: Radiotherapy Verification and Analysis/ Decision Taking in Radiotherapy Planning for Palliative Cancers/Decision Taking in Radiotherapy Planning for Breast Cancer/ The Principles of Gynaecological Brachytherapy/ The Clinical Practice of Vaginal Vault Brachytherapy/ Planning and Delivery of Gynaecological Brachytherapy/ Ultrasound Localisation Procedures for Intrauterine Brachytherapy Insertions/ 3-D Computerised Tomography (CT) Treatment Planning for Vaginal Vault Brachytherapy/ Imaging Modalities (Computed  Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Positron Emission Tomography ) for Therapeutic Radiographers/ Image Interpretation and Pattern Recognition for Therapeutic Radiographers (choice of Abdomen/ Pelvis – Thorax/ CNS-Head/Neck)/Independent Study/ Current Developments

15 credits: The Principals of Gynaecological Brachytherapy/Leading in Healthcare/ Managing Change in Healthcare/ Independent Study

Careers

This course is part of continuing professional development and is designed to improve the delivery of the service. Gaining this qualification may enhance your career prospects within the profession of radiography.

Quick Facts

• This course is accredited by the Society and College of Radiographers. 
• The course offers advanced practice modules. 
• The course offers a flexible approach to learning.

This course is due for revalidation in Spring 2018. It is likely that this will result in module changes. Please check the website for updates.

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We invite postgraduate research proposals in a number of disease areas that impact significantly on patient care. We focus on exploring the mechanisms of disease, understanding the ways disease impacts patients’ lives, utilising new diagnostic and therapeutic techniques and developing new treatments.

As a student you will be registered with a University research institute, for many this is the Institute for Cellular Medicine (ICM). You will be supported in your studies through a structured programme of supervision and training via our Faculty of Medical Sciences Graduate School.

We undertake the following areas of research and offer MPhil, PhD and MD supervision in:

Applied immunobiology (including organ and haematogenous stem cell transplantation)

Newcastle hosts one of the most comprehensive organ transplant programmes in the world. This clinical expertise has developed in parallel with the applied immunobiology and transplantation research group. We are investigating aspects of the immunology of autoimmune diseases and cancer therapy, in addition to transplant rejection. We have themes to understand the interplay of the inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses by a variety of pathways, and how these can be manipulated for therapeutic purposes. Further research theme focusses on primary immunodeficiency diseases.

Dermatology

There is strong emphasis on the integration of clinical investigation with basic science. Our research include:

• cell signalling in normal and diseased skin including mechanotransduction and response to ultraviolet radiation
• dermatopharmacology including mechanisms of psoriatic plaque resolution in response to therapy
• stem cell biology and gene therapy
• regulation of apoptosis/autophagy
• non-melanoma skin cancer/melanoma biology and therapy.

We also research the effects of UVR on the skin including mitochondrial DNA damage as a UV biomarker.

Diabetes

This area emphasises on translational research, linking clinical- and laboratory-based science. Key research include:

• mechanisms of insulin action and glucose homeostasis
• insulin secretion and pancreatic beta-cell function
• diabetic complications
• stem cell therapies
• genetics and epidemiology of diabetes.

Diagnostic and therapeutic technologies

Focus is on applied research and aims to underpin future clinical applications. Technology-oriented and demand-driven research is conducted which relates directly to health priority areas such as:

• bacterial infection
• chronic liver failure
• cardiovascular and degenerative diseases.

This research is sustained through extensive internal and external collaborations with leading UK and European academic and industrial groups, and has the ultimate goal of deploying next-generation diagnostic and therapeutic systems in the hospital and health-care environment.

Kidney disease

There is a number of research programmes into the genetics, immunology and physiology of kidney disease and kidney transplantation. We maintain close links between basic scientists and clinicians with many translational programmes of work, from the laboratory to first-in-man and phase III clinical trials. Specific areas:

• haemolytic uraemic syndrome
• renal inflammation and fibrosis
• the immunology of transplant rejection
• tubular disease
• cystic kidney disease.

The liver

We have particular interests in:

• primary biliary cirrhosis (epidemiology, immunobiology and genetics)
• alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
• fibrosis
• the genetics of other autoimmune and viral liver diseases

Magnetic Resonance (MR), spectroscopy and imaging in clinical research

Novel non-invasive methodologies using magnetic resonance are developed and applied to clinical research. Our research falls into two categories:

• MR physics projects involve development and testing of new MR techniques that make quantitative measurements of physiological properties using a safe, repeatable MR scan.
• Clinical research projects involve the application of these novel biomarkers to investigation of human health and disease.

Our studies cover a broad range of topics (including diabetes, dementia, neuroscience, hepatology, cardiovascular, neuromuscular disease, metabolism, and respiratory research projects), but have a common theme of MR technical development and its application to clinical research.

Musculoskeletal disease (including auto-immune arthritis)

We focus on connective tissue diseases in three, overlapping research programmes. These programmes aim to understand:

• what causes the destruction of joints (cell signalling, injury and repair)
• how cells in the joints respond when tissue is lost (cellular interactions)
• whether we can alter the immune system and ‘switch off’ auto-immune disease (targeted therapies and diagnostics)

This research theme links with other local, national and international centres of excellence and has close integration of basic and clinical researchers and hosts the only immunotherapy centre in the UK.

Pharmacogenomics (including complex disease genetics)

Genetic approaches to the individualisation of drug therapy, including anticoagulants and anti-cancer drugs, and in the genetics of diverse non-Mendelian diseases, from diabetes to periodontal disease, are a focus. A wide range of knowledge and experience in both genetics and clinical sciences is utilised, with access to high-throughput genotyping platforms.

Reproductive and vascular biology

Our scientists and clinicians use in situ cellular technologies and large-scale gene expression profiling to study the normal and pathophysiological remodelling of vascular and uteroplacental tissues. Novel approaches to cellular interactions have been developed using a unique human tissue resource. Our research themes include:

• the regulation of trophoblast and uNk cells
• transcriptional and post-translational features of uterine function
• cardiac and vascular remodelling in pregnancy

We also have preclinical molecular biology projects in breast cancer research.

Respiratory disease

We conduct a broad range of research activities into acute and chronic lung diseases. As well as scientific studies into disease mechanisms, there is particular interest in translational medicine approaches to lung disease, studying human lung tissue and cells to explore potential for new treatments. Our current areas of research include:

• acute lung injury - lung infections
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• fibrotic disease of the lung, both before and after lung transplantation.

Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics

Our research projects are concerned with the harmful effects of chemicals, including prescribed drugs, and finding ways to prevent and minimise these effects. We are attempting to measure the effects of fairly small amounts of chemicals, to provide ways of giving early warning of the start of harmful effects. We also study the adverse side-effects of medicines, including how conditions such as liver disease and heart disease can develop in people taking medicines for completely different medical conditions. Our current interests include: environmental chemicals and organophosphate pesticides, warfarin, psychiatric drugs and anti-cancer drugs.

Pharmacy

Our new School of Pharmacy has scientists and clinicians working together on all aspects of pharmaceutical sciences and clinical pharmacy.

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