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The aim of this course is to develop the analytical, theoretical and practical skills learned as a graduate and focus on the professional and clinical elements required to be a successful diagnostic radiographer. This course is not suitable for applicants already holding a qualification in diagnostic radiography.
Diagnostic radiographers provide an imaging service for most departments within the hospital including, accident and emergency, outpatients, operating theatres and wards. X-rays are an imaging technique used by diagnostic radiographers to visualise injuries or disease, or monitor changes inside the body. Diagnostic radiographers carry out a range of procedures, which may include cross-sectional imaging techniques such as computerised tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound and radionuclide imaging (RNI).
Academic study will be learner-centred with the analysis and synthesis of knowledge being of paramount importance. You will be expected to take overall responsibility for your learning. Teaching methods include keynote lectures, clinical workshops and tutorials, student-led seminars, group discussions, clinical observation and practice. Directed learning materials will be delivered via a virtual learning environment (Hub) and comprise readings, self assessment quizzes, workbooks, tutorial questions with answers and narrated lectures.
Clinical skills will be developed in work placements in radiology departments in hospitals in central Scotland, e.g. Lothians, Fife, Forth Valley, Ayrshire, Tayside and the Borders. In Year One there are 18 weeks of placement and 23 weeks in Year Two. Four of these weeks are on elective placement which can be taken anywhere in the world. A variety of assessment methods will be used, including online examinations, Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), self-appraisal, course work, e-Portfolio, viva voce examinations and clinical assessment.
The MSc Diagnostic Radiography programme has a small cohort of 12- 15 students to ensure that the clinical experience can be tailored to individual needs. Some academic modules have larger class sizes as students engage with other allied health professionals.
Each module which you study on campus will require you to attend classes and carry out independent work. The pattern of attendance at QMU will depend on the modules you are studying. In the first semester, attendance will be mainly on Wednesdays and Fridays for professional modules.
Attendance at professional modules is monitored to ensure safety to work in the clinical environment. In clinical placements the normal hours of a radiographer (i.e. full time, Monday to Friday) will be followed.
Successful completion will enable application for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council ( HCPC), a requirement for employment in the NHS. Student rates have been negotiated for membership of the Society and College of Radiographers (free for the first year of study and £48 for the subsequent year).
30 credits: Introduction to Radio diagnostic Imaging/ Fundamentals of Diagnostic Radiography/ Advanced Diagnostic Radiography 15 credits: Preparing for Practice as an Allied Health Professional/ Research Methods for Health Professionals 20 credits at SCQF 10: Practice-Based Learning1/ Practice Based Learning 3
40 credits at SCQF 10: Practice-Based Learning 2/ Practice-Based Learning 4
If studying for the MSc, you will also complete a research project (60 credits).
Following graduation and registration with the HCPC you can work as a registered diagnostic radiographer within the NHS. Diagnostic radiography is a fast-moving and continually changing profession, and long-term career prospects may include specialisation, management, research and teaching.
A satisfactory criminal records check will be required.
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:
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.
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).
Students obtaining an MSc which includes the Mammography Technique module will be eligible to apply for the College of Radiographers’ Postgraduate Award in Mammography.
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
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.
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.
Graduates will use the postgraduate qualification to enable them to be employed as a sonographer in the UK or abroad.
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.
This course is designed for health professionals who use diagnostic imaging and interventions in their current role, including • diagnostic and therapeutic radiographers • radiation technologists • physiotherapists • nurses • advanced nurse practitioners • junior doctors • dentists • podiatrists.
It is available worldwide as you don't have to attend the university. You complete your learning at a time and place that suits your own personal and employment circumstances.
You learn in a variety of areas and formats, tailoring the content to your individual circumstance and need. There are opportunities to develop your theoretical knowledge in and around diagnostic imaging, or to specialise in a particular area.
Modules relate to diagnostic imaging as well as wider health practice, and take place in a multi-disciplinary and international environment in an online setting. The core topics covered may include
As this is a distance learning course, you use various online platforms and technologies to support your learning, such as our virtual learning environment (SHUspace) and PebblePad. Learning takes place in various formats including
You are supported by an expert team of academics and tutors, all of whom are experienced registered health professionals. Current clinical practitioners also help develop and deliver resources. The course team has a range of specialist expertise including • image interpretation • cross-sectional imaging • interventional radiology • research • higher education • professional issues • advanced practice.
You have a course leader and a named academic advisor to support your learning. Each module has a module leader to aid you specifically in that area, and we have dedicated student support officers who support all aspects of your time on the course.
This course allows you to apply masters level thinking to your practice and boost your confidence in your judgement. This can enhance your job prospects and career progression wherever you choose to work.
Study individual modules
You can study individual modules from this course and gain academic credit towards a qualification. Visit our continuing professional development website for more information.
Professional recognition
This course is accredited by the Society and College of Radiographers.
The postgraduate certificate (PgCert) is achieved by successfully completing 60 credits. The postgraduate diploma (PgDip) is achieved by successfully completing 120 credits. The masters (MSc) award is achieved by successfully completing 180 credits.
The combination of modules studied on this course is tailored according to your own areas of interest, aims and goals. You discuss your individual study route with the course leader.
Core modules
Optional modules
The approach to assessment is varied and we use both formative (not formally marked) and summative (formally marked) assessments in each of the modules. The assessment pattern is designed to encourage your personal, professional, and academic development.Short online formative activities (e-tivities) are used to promote engagement with the distance learning materials, provide support for the final assignment and facilitate online discussion with fellow students on the module. Final summative tasks to assess your completion of the modules are varied but include methods such as
This course is designed to enhance your current practice and role, employability and professional development opportunities. You are able to take advantage of an increasing number of opportunities related to role development and extension, and skills mix across the various healthcare professions using diagnostic imaging.
You may use this course to evidence your CPD and produce a CPD portfolio, or to develop into an area of advanced practice such as image interpretation.
It is designed with health professionals in mind, helping to support career progression and service development.
The course may also allow you to develop your career into academic teaching or research, or offer a route to PhD study.
The School of Health Sciences is delighted to deliver a series of four postgraduate Diagnostic Image Reporting modules. Diagnostic Image Reporting is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding career progression roles to have developed for Diagnostic Radiographers in recent years.
It not only offers exciting and challenging professional development opportunities to the individual but evidence based quality and economic benefits to the employer.
Following the Spending Review of 2010, the Department of Health in England and Wales stressed the need to encourage the NHS to train radiographers to report in line with best practice. Within Scotland, the importance of developing a robust Radiographer Reporting resource is reinforced in the 2012 AHP National Delivery Plan.
Reporting by radiographers is not an option for the future, it is a requirement.
Please visit the website to find out how to apply.
Designed to train a new generation of leaders in the field, our MSc Diagnostic Imaging programme will give you new insight into current and best practice – and train you to create real and meaningful change. You’ll develop advanced critical thinking skills, synthesise evidence from a range of research and other sources and build on industry knowledge and clinical experience to inform professional discussion and debate.
As a part of GCU’s thriving and diverse academic community, you’ll not only prepare for a successful career but use what you learn to advance the field and contribute to the common good.
You can choose between studying the broad-based MSc Diagnostic Imaging programme or an optional pathway specific to your area of practice.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Increase your understanding of MRI theory and practice with this professional development opportunity, which includes supervised placements.
Medical Ultrasound: Use state-of-the-art simulation facilities and sonographic equipment to gain new insight into the clinical applications of medical ultrasound. You’ll rehearse practical scanning skills and get valuable feedback from experts in the field.
In addition to profession specific learning, core modules allow for learning from and alongside a broad range of health and social care professionals, and encourage development of advanced practice skills such as evidence-based practice, research and leadership.
We use a wide range of learning and teaching methods to ensure that you have both the necessary knowledge and understanding of business and management and a portfolio of intellectual and personal skills.
Each module on the programme uses its own learning, teaching and assessment strategy to achieve learning objectives. Assessment methods vary between modules and may include unseen examinations, class tests, essays, management reports, case studies, presentations, and group work.
The learning and teaching methods we use ensure that our programme is both vocationally relevant and academically challenging. Our approach is student-centred, practical, participative and relevant to the needs of employers.
We've moved away from the traditional teacher-centric learning to a more independent learning approach, where you are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills.
Your MSc Diagnostic Imaging helps you improve your skills and push boundaries – setting you up for success whether you pursue a career in industry or academia. Our graduates make a positive impact through service redesign and radiographer-led service provision – as well as published research, conference presentations and doctoral study.
Diagnostic imaging reporting enables radiographers in clinical practice to advance their skills in the field of interpretation of radiographic images. The course enables radiographers to produce clinical radiology reports that facilitate in the diagnosis of patients.
As a practising radiographer you are enabled to work at an advanced level through using some of our innovative distance learning tools. You learn through a variety of methods including webinars, discussion boards, quizzes and other learning materials.You have access to our online Teesside University Picture Archive and Communication System, which contains over a million radiographic images and reports, as well as our Structured Preliminary Clinical Evaluation (SPiCE) system. Due to the number of images, we also develop a virtual placement, allowing you to have your own real-time work list, similar to clinical practice. The SPiCE system allows you instant feedback on your work using accuracy, sensitivity and specificity.
The course is split into three sections with the PgCert allowing you to report on appendicular and axial skeleton and the PgDip allowing you to progress further and produce imaging reports on chest radiographs. Our clinical modules cover the major anatomies of the body and our principles module introduces you to the theory that underpins the writing of diagnostic radiographic reports. To enable you to go on to the MSc we also have modules in research design that lead into the dissertation module in the third year.
Course structure
Year 1 core modules
Year 2 core modules
Final-year core modules
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
The course is delivered by distance learning, meaning that the materials and synchronous sessions can be accessed wherever you have access to a computer and an internet connection. You are given an induction to familiarise yourself with this new way of learning and to help you become accustomed to the software.
The synchronous sessions are delivered through a webinar (a seminar on the internet) meaning that you have instant interaction with the tutor and your fellow students. There are also structured activities such as discussion boards and instant messaging, quizzes, and the opportunity to undertake image interpretation at your leisure using our Teesside University Picture Archiving and Communication System (TUPACS).
How you are assessed
The assessment strategy is designed to ensure that all assessments can take place easily for distance learners, these include examinations, case studies, and portfolio assessments. All of these can be undertaken online and using our TUPACS and own Structured Preliminary Clinical Evaluation (SPiCE) system, which has been adapted for reporting radiographers.
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.
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.
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.
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
This qualification may enhance your career prospects within the allied health professions.
Medical imaging is key to fast and accurate diagnosis in modern healthcare. As a radiographer you meet a variety of people and help provide them with a diagnosis to inform their treatment.
Radiographers work with the latest technology and often in fast paced environments where a clear head and an organised approach is key to safe practice. Through this course you build on your prior learning of anatomy and physiology to develop a critical understanding of contemporary radiography practice. You gain the skills to be a safe, autonomous, caring, professional practitioner. Core skills underpinning radiography include dispensing ionising radiation, interpreting medical image appearances, care of the patient and use of technology. We take a problem-based approach to learning, which includes opportunities to share learning with students from other allied health professions to promote teamwork and engagement. Successful completion of the course provides eligibility to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council and membership of the Society and College of Radiographers.
Students studying this programme who obtain an NHS bursary can't also apply for a postgraduate loan from the Student Loan Company. From September 2018 funding for this programme will change. The website will be updated when details are confirmed.
Professional accreditation
The course is accredited with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the College of Radiographers. Practice placements are at Middlesbrough, Stockton, Hartlepool, Darlington, Bishop Auckland, Sunderland, Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle and North Tyneside
This is a unique, progressive and integrated fast-track course. It incorporates natural sciences, clinical sciences, health policy and research methods. The course would especially suit applicants with a biomedical sciences or anatomy background. We take a problem-based approach to learning, which includes opportunities to share learning with students from other allied health professions. We promote teamwork and an appreciation of how other disciplines contribute to health care.
Course structure
Year 1 core modules
Year 2 core modules
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
On campus, learning is facilitated through lectures, seminars, group work and problem-based learning. In addition the medical imaging team has access to IT facilities and a proportion of teaching is supported through a computer program which simulates the taking of x-rays plus special image retrieval and display systems.
Approximately 50% of your learning occurs in the clinical environment. During this time you have one day a week as study time, engaging with learning materials through the university’s VLE. The placements are designed to provide you with increasingly demanding opportunities to achieve the outcomes of the programme and to fulfil the requirement for clinical competence. You also experience a range of imaging strategies in different environments, so that as a radiographer you can act as both an informed source and an advocate for the patient. The clinical environment provides the setting for experiential learning and the development of clinical reasoning, problem-solving and a reflective approach to practice. You are encouraged to apply your theoretical knowledge to the practical situation, plan your practice, undertake the examination and reflect on the process and outcome.
How you are assessed
A range of assessment methods are used including written assignment, presentation and oral and written examinations. If you choose to complete the major project module of the MSc you are required to write a journal article.
Graduates in diagnostic radiography are a vital part of modern health care and employment opportunities are available in the UK and abroad.
The taught Infection Biology MSc will help you to develop your knowledge and understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which bacteria, viruses and parasites cause disease in humans and in domesticated animals, and the immune responses generated by these hosts to such pathogens. You can choose to specialise in virology, microbiology (bacteriology) or parasitology.
The MSc programme will consist of five taught courses and a project or dissertation, spread over 11-12 months. Three courses are compulsory, and two are chosen from a series of options.
The PgDip programme will consist of five taught courses, spread over 7-8 months, with three compulsory courses and two chosen from a series of options.
The PgCert programme consists one core taught course over 3-4 months.
Teaching and learning methods
A variety of methods are used, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, laboratories and problem-based learning. These are supplemented by a wide range of course specific electronic resources for additional learning and self assessment. As a result, you will develop a wide range of skills relevant to careers in infection biology research, diagnostics or drug development. These skills include team-working, data interpretation and experimental design. You will use primary scientific literature as an information resource.
Electronic resources
Our online resources were voted the best in the United Kingdom in the International Student Barometer in 2012, and include
About half of our MSc students enter a research career, mainly by undertaking further postgraduate research studies towards a PhD, or by working in research laboratories in clinical or academic settings, including national government laboratories.
Other students go on to work in the pharmaceutical, diagnostic or biotechnological industries.
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