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.
Qualified radiographers working in or rotating through Computed Tomography who wish to advance their clinical practice and understanding of this modality.
This course has been designed to:
Students should be working as a radiographer in a Computed Tomography department at least three days per week (or equivalent).
City is unable to provide a clinical placement.
Students learn through a mix of lectures, class discussions, seminars, presentations, case study analyses, interactive computer-based exercises, a virtual learning environment, guided independent learning and individual supervision.
You will be taught by City Academics who specialise in Computed Tomography, Radiologists, Industry Professionals and Radiographers.
You are assessed on a range of areas including your project dissertation, exams, written assignments, oral presentations and posters.
Core and elective module diet will vary depending on which certificate is undertaken.
Core modules
Core modules in year one (certificate year) are:
Both these classroom modules involve two three day blocks of teaching totalling thirty-six hours (six hours per day).
For the Postgraduate Diploma (year two) in Radiography (Computed Tomography) the core modules of:
The remainder of the course will be selected from elective modules.
For the MSc Radiography (Medical Magnetic Resonance) (year three) you must obtain a minimum of 180 credits and include core modules of:
The remainder of the course will be selected from elective modules.
Elective modules
The postgraduate programme in Computed Tomography will enable the student to work towards advancing their practice and support a rationale for more senior roles in the profession including specialist clinical practice, management and research.
The programme is accredited by the College and Society of Radiographers.
Previous students have gone on to take positions overseas, in research, management and advance clinical practice. Some of our students have taken their skills and continued to study to PhD level.
The MSc Medical Magnetic Resonance has been designed for Qualified Radiographers working in or rotating through Magnetic Resonance Imaging who wish to advance their clinical practice and understanding of this modality.
This course has been designed to:
You will learn through a mix of lectures, class discussions, seminars, presentations, case study analyses, interactive computer-based exercises, a virtual learning environment, guided independent learning and individual supervision.
You will be taught by City Academics who specialise in Computed Tomography, Radiologists, Industry Professionals and Radiographers.
You are assessed on a range of areas including your project dissertation, exams, written assignments, oral presentations and posters.
Core and elective module diet will vary depending on which certificate is undertaken.
Core modules
Core modules in year one (certificate year) are:
Both these classroom modules involve two three-day blocks of teaching totalling thirty-six hours (six hours per day).
For the Postgraduate Diploma (year two) in Radiography (Medical Magnetic Resonance) the core modules of:
The remainder of the course will be selected from elective modules.
For the MSc Radiography (Medical Magnetic Resonance) (year three) you must obtain a minimum of 180 credits and include core modules of:
The remainder of the course will be selected from elective modules.
Elective modules
The postgraduate programme in Medical Magnetic Resonance will enable you to work towards advancing your practice and support a rationale for more senior roles in the profession including specialist clinical practice, management and research.
The programme is accredited by the College and Society of Radiographers.
Previous students have gone on to take positions overseas, in research, management and advance clinical practice. Some of our students have taken their skills and continued to study to PhD level.
Our world leading courses use innovative teaching methods to develop your knowledge and skills in forensic imaging and support you in your distance learning experience wherever you are in the world - for radiographers, technologists, and other forensic imaging professionals.These courses will support you to develop a forensic protocol that adheres to relevant guidance and legislation, and develop skills in producing images that will be acceptable in court by learning about the requirements for high-quality evidence.
You will learn about how to image children for suspected physical abuse and investigation of infant deaths, location of forensic evidence (for example drug smuggling, ballistic material), age assessments for human trafficking or illegal immigration, and identification of the deceased. A new module will develop skills in post-mortem imaging utilising CT and MRI to replace the conventional autopsy. The PgCert develops forensic imaging skills, enabling you to undertake forensic imaging in your department and to comply with the forensic radiography guidelines from the Society and College of Radiographers and the International Association of Forensic Radiographers. The second year develops more advanced forensic imaging skills in mass fatalities and Disaster Victim Identification, and a practice area of your choice. During your third year (MSc) you develop the research skills needed to contribute to the forensic imaging knowledge base.
Professional accreditation
Our courses are recognised by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences and accredited by the Society and College of Radiographers.
Two modules ensure that you are fit for practice within the scope of forensic practice relevant to the needs of a clinical radiology department. The first is Medico-Legal Issues in Forensic Imaging Practice (Sept - Jan) and the second is Principles of Forensic Imaging (Jan - June). All sessions are facilitated by recognised specialists in the field of forensics, demonstrating the multi-disciplinary nature of forensic practice.
Course structure
Year 1 core modules
Option modules (choose one of the following):
Year 2 core modules (MSc only)
Option modules (choose one of the following):
Year 3 core module (MSc only)
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
These courses are taught by distance learning, and are structured to keep you on track throughout your studies. You never need to attend the university, and apart from the webinars, you can complete the online activities at times that work best for you.
The three-week induction at the start of the course gives you time to get to know the virtual learning environment, learn what electronic learning resources are available to you, and introduces you to each other and the course. You will also have the opportunity to improve your writing skills with online workshops. So when the forensic topics start, you are read to concentrate on the subject.
Weekly contact with your tutor and peers via instant messaging or email, for support when you want it.
Topics are delivered at a pace that gives you more time to learn about that area and relate this to your own practice.
Structured activities help you to think about each topic and discuss ideas with your peers – videos, screencasts, quizzes, directed reading, virtual workspace for discussion, and interactive and collaborative work.
Regular webinars where you and your peers join together online at the same time to engage in a teaching session with your tutor or other forensic specialist.
Webinars take place on an evening (6.30pm - 8.30pm) and there are approximately six per 12-14 week module.
Courtroom simulation – learn how to give evidence and experience being cross-examined.
International specialists in the field of forensics, demonstrating the multidisciplinary nature of forensic practice in mass fatalities incidents, will facilitate all sessions. Previously, these specialists have included forensic radiographers and technologists, consultant paediatricians, consultant paediatric radiologists, forensic pathologists, forensic biologists, forensic researchers, rorensic anthropologists, HM Coroner, and a post-mortem imaging service provider.
How you are assessed
The assessment strategy is designed to be compatible with distance learning and to provide a variety of methods, enabling a more inclusive assessment strategy – written assignments and presentations. These are submitted online or presented in the webinar room.
The Society and College of Radiographers advocates that those who undertake forensic imaging examinations must be educated and trained at postgraduate level. This course addresses this. Successfully completion of the course enhances your career as a practitioner with specialist imaging skills.
Most advanced posts in the NHS require a master’s degree. If you plan to become the lead radiographer/technologist for forensic imaging in your department, the advanced skills you develop in this course will give you an advantage.
Feedback from previous students indicates that as a result of this course, they have become articulate and confident in presenting their research at conferences, aspiring, creative and confident in changing practice, aspiring to enhance practice resulting in promotion to forensic lead, and becoming more confident as a person. In addition, they have become articulate in writing at Level 7, critical of research, creative with learning and adaptable to learning and time management. Furthermore, they have been facilitated to be adaptable, confident, articulate leaders in forensic radiography with some becoming active committee members of the International Association of Forensic Radiographers, with some also engaging with the Department of Health and Home Office as a result, demonstrating the significant impact of this course on forensic imaging nationally and internationally.
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 an essential component of modern medicine, playing a key role in the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of disease. The Medical Imaging MSc covers:
Whilst not a clinical skills course, the teaching of the technical aspects of imaging techniques is firmly grounded and in their clinical usage. Many of our lecturers are at the forefront of research in their field and bring insights from emerging imaging techniques.
This programme is designed for recent graduates preparing for a career in medical imaging, professionals already working in the field, and medical students wishing to intercalate.
More Information
You can study this subject at a MSc, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate level.
You may transfer from your original programme to another one, provided that you do this before you have completed the programme and before an award has been made. Part-time study is also an option.
You’ll become familiar with the range of clinical imaging techniques.
By the end of the programme you should be able to:
PGCert
Compulsory modules:
For more information on typical modules, read Medical Imaging PGCert in the course catalogue
PGDip
Compulsory modules :
For more information on typical modules, read Medical Imaging PGDip in the course catalogue
MSc
You’ll study modules worth 180 credits. If you study this programme part time you will study fewer modules in each year.
Compulsory modules:
As an MSc student, you undertake a research project in the field of Medical Imaging. New research topics are available each year and include projects in MRI, Ultrasound, X-ray and their clinical application. You'll be asked to state your preferred research project. Before projects are allocated, you are encouraged to meet potential supervisors and discuss the research work.
All modules (except for your research project) are taught through traditional lectures, tutorials, practicals and computer based sessions. We also employ blended learning, combining online learning with other teaching methods.
You’ll be taught about the underpinning science of the various imaging modalities, and we cover a range of clinical applications demonstrating the use of medical imaging in modern medicine. Many of the lecturers are at the forefront of research in their particular field and will bring insights from current clinical imaging practice and developments of new and emerging imaging techniques.
The taught modules are assessed by coursework and unseen written examinations. Exams are held during the University exam periods in January and May.
The research project is assessed in separate stages, where you submit a 1,000-word essay (20%), a 5,000-word journal-style research article (70%) and make an oral presentation (10%).
Past graduates have gone on to enter careers in medical imaging or related disciplines, such as radiology and radiography. Often students are already working in the area, and use the skills and knowledge gained in the programme to enhance their careers. Students have gone on to take lecturer or research positions, and have also chosen to take post graduate research degrees (such as a PhD). As a intercalated degree for medical students the programme is useful for students considering radiology or many other medical specialties.
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 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.
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.
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.
On graduation you will be accredited by the Society and College of Radiographers.
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
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
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.
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.
