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.
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.
