Masters Degrees (Radiotherapy)

If you are a therapeutic radiographer, dosimetrist or other healthcare professional working in radiotherapy and oncology, this course can help you develop your knowledge of radiotherapy planning. It’s a highly focused course that gives you a thorough understanding of the key practices surrounding simulating and evaluating radiation doses for radiotherapy.

You gain an in-depth understanding of current and future radiotherapy planning issues and, crucially, develop the ability to apply critical thinking skills to practice. You gain general critical thinking and literature skills as well as more specific planning theory and plan evaluation skills.

Your studies cover core modules involving fundamental planning theories, plan evaluation, advanced planning and image guided radiotherapy. We also introduce you to research skills, which you use to produce a final dissertation.

The course is delivered using our virtual learning environment, known as Blackboard. You don't need to attend the university and you can study via the web in your own time, which means you can fit the course around your clinical work. The web-based learning materials are designed to help improve your radiotherapy knowledge, as well as share experiences with other students through our e-based discussion forum. If you are not confident with computers, help and support is available.

For some modules there is a requirement to produce a plan for the course and you must have access to a clinical radiotherapy planning environment. This helps support the demands of your postgraduate work.

You may be eligible to apply for accreditation of work-based projects and prior certificated learning, which will count towards your final award.

Study individual modules

You can study individual modules from our courses and gain academic credit towards a qualification. Visit our continuing professional development website for detailed information about the modules we offer.

Professional recognition

This course is accredited by the College of Radiographers.

Course structure

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. 

Postgraduate certificate core modules

• Fundamentals of radiotherapy planning (30 credits)
• Image guided radiotherapy (15 credits)

Plus a further 15 credits from the optional modules list 

Postgraduate diploma core modules

• Advanced radiotherapy planning (30 credits)
• Research methods for practice (15 credits)

Plus a further 15 credits from optional module list.

Masters

• Dissertation (60 credits)

Assessment

We use various assessment methods, supporting the development of both your academic and professional skills.Short online activities are used to promote engagement with the distance learning materials, provide support for the final assignment and facilitate online discussion with fellow peers. Other methods of assessment include

• essays
• business cases or journal article
• project and research work
• poster and PowerPoint presentation
• case studies
• service improvement proposal and plans
• critical evaluations
• profiles of evidence
• planning portfolio.

Employability

As a graduate of this course you gain a deeper understanding of current and future radiotherapy planning issues and gain the ability to apply critical thinking skills to practice. This can help you to advance to more senior radiotherapy roles.

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Therapeutic radiographers play an important role for cancer patients as they are appropriately trained to plan and deliver radiotherapy treatment while ensuring each patient receives care and support and is treated as an individual. This programme has been developed to accelerate graduates into the radiotherapy workforce with the essential technical, communication and caring skills that are required in the NHS or private radiotherapy departments.

Key benefits

This course is accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and on successful completion, you can apply to register with them for the protected title of Therapeutic Radiographer.

This course is also accredited by the Society and College of Radiographers (SCoR).

Course detail

We are recognised nationally and internationally as one of the leading education and training centres for Radiotherapy and Oncology, and are proud to have produced the Society and College of Radiographers national student of the year in 2013 (BSc Radiotherapy and Oncology). A recent Radiotherapy MSc graduate also obtained the UWE Santander Master's Bursary for research or work experience. He used the money to gain experience at the Peter Mac RT department in SABR and HEARTSPARE (treatment techniques) in Australia.

Our teaching staff are known for their exceptional knowledge, clinical experience and student support, while our national student survey rank proves our continually high standards when it comes to learning experience and employability.

Our academic team's research-based approach to teaching led to them being chosen to host the inaugural VERT International Users Conference in 2010.

Year 1

In your first year you'll study a range of modules that allow you to build on your existing graduate skills. You will learn the fundamentals of radiotherapy and oncology linking with the relevant anatomy and associated physiology. You will also be introduced to applied physics relating to the radiation and technology in order to receive the underpinning knowledge required for the first clinical placement.

• Principles of Radiotherapy and Oncology (15 credit)
• Science and Technology in Radiotherapy (15 credits)
• Radiotherapy and Oncology Practice (15 credits including Practice Placement 1)
• Research methods in Radiotherapy (15 credits)
• Radiotherapy and Oncology theory and Practice (30 credits including Practice Placement 2)
• Dissertation (45 credits)

Year 2

In your second year, you'll build on the knowledge and skills you learned in Year 1 to explore more complex aspects of Radiotherapy and Oncology practice.

• Communication Skills in Cancer and Palliative Care (15 credits)
• Complex issues in radiotherapy and oncology (30 credits including Placement 3)

Placements

We have excellent industry links in the South West, with placements possible in nine different NHS hospitals from Cheltenham to Truro. You'll take part in three 14-week placements over the two years, where you'll learn on the job while carrying out primary research towards your final dissertation.

Format

Based on our health-focused Glenside campus, this course begins in January and involves classroom-based modules and clinical placements where you gain your clinical competence and undertake research. It's an excellent mix of study and professional experience. The focus is on using your graduate skills to be an independent learner and manage your workload effectively.

Assessment

We use a range of assessment methods throughout the programme, including written assignments, exams, presentations, interactive online assessment, objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) and continuous practice assessment in a clinical environment.

The course is assessed according to the University Academic Regulations and Procedures, and we expect full attendance at all times. You must take your professional practice placements in order, and you'll need to pass each placement before being allowed to start the next. There is always at least one external examiner.

Careers / Further study

Students graduating from this course are highly employable, and there are lots of career opportunities and areas for role extension in therapeutic radiography, including planning and dosimetry. Once qualified you will be eligible to register with the Health and Care Professionals Council.

How to apply

Information on applications can be found at the following link: http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/study/applyingtouwebristol/postgraduateapplications.aspx

Funding

- New Postgraduate Master's loans for 2016/17 academic year –

The government are introducing a master’s loan scheme, whereby master’s students under 60 can access a loan of up to £10,000 as a contribution towards the cost of their study. This is part of the government’s long-term commitment to enhance support for postgraduate study.

Scholarships and other sources of funding are also available.

More information can be found here: http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/feesandfunding/fundingandscholarships/postgraduatefunding.aspx

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The aim of this course is to enable students to build on their current skills set, through teaching and their own research, in order to work at an advanced level within the radiotherapy department and/or the radiotherapy treatment planning area. The course will develop students' knowledge and skills in the advanced radiation therapy management of cancer patients and to enable students to critically evaluate and participate in research in this area.

The M.Sc. uses a range of authentic assessments which give students the opportunity to produce assessed work which is highly relevant to the clinical environment and which develops independent life-long learning skills.

This M.Sc. course has two separate strands:

1. Advanced Radiotherapy Practice

2. Radiation Therapy Treatment Planning

Strand 1: Advanced Radiotherapy Practice

This course aims to develop students' knowledge and skills in the advanced radiotherapy management of cancer patients and to enable students to critically evaluate and participate in research in this area. The course will provide knowledge of advanced clinical practice for radiation therapists, develop the role of the radiation therapist and provide skills required to further research into cancer management in the radiotherapy department.

On completion of this strand, students will be able to demonstrate:
The ability to use evidence-based medicine to underpin their radiation therapy practice
Proficiency in undertaking research in the field of radiation therapy
An understanding of management processes and their application in oncology
An understanding of the biological consequences of ionising radiation exposure and its potential in cancer treatment
Familiarity with radiological anatomy and the acquisition of optimal imaging for radiotherapy.
Understand the principles of contouring and become proficient in contouring for prostate radiotherapy.

Strand 2: Radiation Therapy Treatment Planning

This course develops students' skills in the area of radiotherapy treatment planning. All components of treatment planning are taught from 3D Conformal Radiotherapy to IMRT treatment planning and treatment planning for specialist techniques such as stereotactic radiotherapy and brachytherapy.

On completion of this strand, students will be able to:
Prepare 3D and IMRT treatment plans
Analyse and discuss treatment plans for specialist techniques
Undertaking research in the field of radiation therapy treatment planning
Identify radiological anatomy and discuss optimal imaging for radiotherapy, from diagnosis to on-treatment verification.
Understand the principles of contouring and become proficient in contouring for prostate radiotherapy.

For both strands, Year 1 consists of six taught modules (60 ECTS). Students who progress to Year 2 will undertake a research dissertation (30 ECTS). Students who pass the taught component and have completed 60 ECTS may exit with a postgraduate diploma if they do not wish to proceed to the dissertation in Year 2.

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As a practising therapeutic radiographer, this unique programme allows you to quickly and easily obtain a full masters qualification.

Having an MSc Radiotherapy will enable you to meet the standards expected by the profession and greatly enhance your career prospects.

To apply you must already have the Postgraduate Diploma in Radiotherapy from the University of Liverpool, or a pre-registration Postgraduate Diploma from a different UK university that confers eligibility to apply for registration as a therapeutic radiographer with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). You should also have 12 to 18 months clinical work experience.

The MSc consists of one 60 credit dissertation. Your learning starts with a four day block workshop, which runs in September and January each year. You then complete your independent research project under the guidance of an appropriate supervisor. You can liaise with your research supervior to develop a study plan that works for you both e.g. face to face meetings, online meetings or a combination.

The Directorate staff have a very wide range of expertise including medical physics in radiotherapy, computer treatment planning, imaging in radiotherapy, general cancer care and strategic planning of cancer services locally and nationally. The Directorate also has its own CTSim, treatment planning system, a patient management information system and a virtual environment in radiotherapy (VERT) system. These facilities will allow supervisors to support students on the MSc in Radiotherapy in a diverse range of dissertations.

Completion of the MSc must be achievable within 6 years of the start of your pre-registration Postgraduate Diploma programme.

Why Radiotherapy?

Unique programmes

We are the only Russell Group University delivering Radiotherapy education programmes.

Clinical Placement Sites

Our clinical palcement sites are second to none. We have three Internationally renowned cancer centres: The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre and Rosemere Cancer Centre.

Clinical and Academic experience

We use real, 21st century radiotherapy technologies.

State of the art facilities

Our state-of-the-art facilities include a CT scanner, Virtual Reality Radiotherapy Suite, Human Anatomy Resource Centre, Oncology Management System and Eclipse Treatment Planning System.

Successful students present work at national and international conferences

The best poster award at the annual Society and College of Radiographers Conference in 2015 went to a recent graduate of the MSc Radiotherapy. The poster was also accepted for the multi-disciplinary annual conference of the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology in 2015.

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If you are a non-radiotherapy graduate who would like to become a registered therapeutic radiographer, this postgraduate course in radiotherapy and oncology will prepare you to become one. By graduating from this course, you are allowed to register for this role through the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

By qualifying in this area you are able to respond to the increasing demand for therapeutic radiographers in the health service. Medical, technological and professional advances in radiotherapy mean the role of the therapeutic radiographer is ever changing.

Your on-campus training is based at the £13 million purpose-built Robert Winston Building. Here you use the state-of-the-art virtual environment for radiotherapy training (VERT). It creates a life-size 3D replica of a clinical environment. We also have 20 networked eclipse planning computers and 10 image review licences with specialist staff on hand to teach you radiotherapy planning and image matching. We are one of the only universities outside of the USA that can offer these facilities.

You get real insights into all aspects of radiography with our professionally approved teaching programme. You learn from a lecturing team who are all qualified radiographers involved in research at a national level.

In addition to this expertise, we invite guest lecturers to teach that are leaders in their field. You also meet and hear from ex-patients who share their experiences of treatment.

As part of the course, you gain important clinical experience in one of our nine participating hospitals. This gives you the knowledge, skills and confidence to undertake and develop your professional role.

Clinical placements may be taken in

• St James' Hospital, Leeds
• Royal Derby Hospital
• James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough
• Leicester Royal Infirmary
• Lincoln County Hospital
• The Freeman Hospital, Newcastle
• Nottingham City Hospital
• Castle Hill Hospital, Hull
• Weston Park Hospital, Sheffield.

To begin with, your studies focus on the theoretical knowledge you need for your clinical experience. We encourage you to question and analyse, not simply accept the theory wholesale. You also learn to look at the complete picture from the view of the patient, healthcare team and associated scientific principles.

You gradually learn to apply theory to practice and tailor treatment to each patient by accurately targeting high dose radiation beams and sparing surrounding normal tissues.

Your studies enable you to develop and adapt your clinical expertise through reflective practice. You learn to analyse and evaluate your experience as you gain and develop new skills and competencies and to look for areas that need changing.

The course is designed in response to recent government initiatives to modernise healthcare education, increase recruitment into the health service and improve cancer care services.

Radiotherapy open days

To build your knowledge and understanding of radiotherapy and oncology you may be interested in attending an open day at one of our partner hospitals. More information about current opportunities to attend a hospital open day are shown here

CPD online

CPD Online, part of our CPD Anywhere™ framework, is being offered free to new graduates of this course for 12 months, as part of our commitment to support your lifelong learning.

CPD Online is an online learning environment which provides information to help your transition into the workplace. It can enhance your employability and provide opportunities to take part in and evidence continuing professional development to help meet professional body and statutory requirements.

For further information, visit the CPD Anywhere™ website at http://www.shu.ac.uk/faculties/hwb/cpd/anywhere.

Care experience

Before you apply for health courses, we require you to have gained some practical experience relating to your subject area. Download our applicant experience guidelines for information about the kinds of experience we expect you to have and the best places to gain it. Evidence of the experience gained, understanding of the profession and a genuine, reasoned commitment to studying a professional course must be explicit in your personal statement to be selected for interview.

Professional recognition

This course is pending accreditation by the College of Radiographers.

This course is subject to approval by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Graduates are eligible to apply to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and apply to become members of the Society and College of Radiographers. You must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in order to practise as a therapeutic radiographer in the UK.

Course structure

Year one modules

• Principles of Oncology, Radiotherapy and Technology 1
• Body Systems and Anatomical Image Interpretation
• Researching for practice • Introduction to Professional Practice
• Personal and Professional Development 1
• Competency for Practice 1

Year two modules

• Principles of Oncology, Radiotherapy and Technology 2
• Dissertation
• Personal and Professional Development 2
• Competency for Practice 2

Assessment

• individual assignments
• personal and professional development portfolio
• clinical assessment and appraisal
• case studies
• formatively assessed learning packages
• placement reports
• viva
• dissertation

Employability

After successfully completing the course and registering with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) you will be qualified to work in radiotherapy departments throughout the UK and overseas. Opportunities exist to specialise in particular areas of clinical practice such as management, quality assurance , treatment planning and patient information/counselling.

Alternatively, you may choose to enter the teaching profession.

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If you are a therapeutic radiographer or another healthcare professional working within radiotherapy and oncology, this course offers you the opportunity to progress in your specialism. The modules cover a wide range of topics relevant to this area of clinical practice, allowing you to tailor the course to your own career development needs.

Some of the modules you can take are radiotherapy specific, while others take a wider perspective and look at the interdisciplinary nature of approaches in oncology. All modules are designed to support your continuing professional development and the development of skills needed to plan and evidence this.

Opportunities for both independent study and work-based learning are included as part of the course structure. Both allow you to negotiate learning objectives that can be centred on your own area of interest within the workplace.

You may also be eligible to apply for accreditation of work-based projects and prior certificated learning, which will count towards your final award. Please contact us for more information.

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

The course is accredited by the College of Radiographers.

Course structure

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.

Postgraduate certificate core modules

• Fundamentals of radiotherapy and oncology practice (15 credits)
• Professional practice portfolio (15 credits)

Plus a further 30 credits from optional modules - see list

Postgraduate diploma core modules

• Research methods for practice (15 credits)
• Personalised study module or work based learning for service development modules (15 credits)

Plus a further 30 credits from optional modules - see list

Masters

• Dissertation (60 credits)

Assessment

We use various assessment methods, supporting the development of both your academic and professional skills.Short online activities are used to promote engagement with the distance learning materials, provide support for the final assignment and facilitate online discussion with fellow peers on the module. Other methods of assessment include

• essays
• business cases or journal article
• project and research work
• poster and PowerPoint presentation
• case studies
• service improvement proposal and plans
• critical evaluations
• profiles of evidence
• planning portfolio.

Employability

The course is designed to be clinically relevant to therapy radiographers and other healthcare professionals working in cancer care. Your studies are designed to be in line with current drivers and agendas focused on staff development and career progression.

You will be able to take advantage of an increasing number of opportunities related to role development and extension, and skills mix across the various healthcare professions working in radiotherapy and oncology. 

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The University of Liverpool, the Health and Care Professions Council and Society and College of Radiographers have recently re-approved this exciting professional programme, intended for graduates from a health, science, biomedical or social science background. Successful completion of the two-year, full-time, NHS funded (Tuition Fees) programme allows you to practice as a Therapeutic Radiographer within the National Health Service or private health sector.

Therapeutic radiographers play a vital role in the treatment of cancer patients, they are the only health professional qualified to plan and deliver radiotherapy. Crucially, they also support and care for patients throughout their treatment. This innovative pre-registration programme is designed to produce practitioners who are competent, discerning and committed to personal and professional development whilst at the same time ensuring that their patients receive the treatment and care appropriate to their needs.

This programme is studied full time over two calendar years, commencing in semester two (January). It is a vocational programme, taught and assessed predominately at level 7 but does not involve a substantial piece of independent work such as a research dissertation. The programme structure follows the University Framework for Modular Postgraduate Programmes, with students expected to take modules worth 60 credits in each year of study. The programme is a mixture of academic and clinical placement blocks, with 50 weeks of the programme delivered at the University integrated with 43 weeks of professional, clinical placement. The blocks of radiotherapy clinical placement will be delivered in the three main Cancer Centres in the North West of England – The Christie NHS Foundation Trust (and its two Satellite centres), the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre (and its satellite centre) and Rosemere Cancer Centre.

The programme is delivered over four semesters and two post-semester periods to facilitate the completion of clinical placements. There are two assessment points in each year of study (normally May/June and December/January), at the end of each semester. The structure and pattern of the delivery of the programme ensures that theory and practice are fully integrated.

Why Postgraduate Diploma in Radiotherapy?

Unique programmes

We are the only Russell Group University delivering Radiotherapy education programmes.

Clinical Placement Sites

Our clinical placement sites are second to none. We have three internationally renowned cancer centres: The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre and Rosemere Cancer Centre.

Clinical and Academic experience

We use real, 21st century radiotherapy technologies.

State of the art facilities

Our state-of-the-art facilities include a CT scanner, Virtual Reality Radiotherapy Suite, Human Anatomy Resource Centre, Oncology Management System and Eclipse Treatment Planning System.

Highly advantageous course completion date

This is the only course with a January out-turn into the employability market.

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Additional Entry Requirements:

A satisfactory criminal records check will be required.

This course will allow individuals to retrain in the area of radiotherapy and oncology. It is not suitable for people already holding a qualification in therapeutic radiography.

Students normally complete a PgDip in two years. Some choose to return to progress to an MSc on a part-time basis.

Radiography is a caring profession that calls for technological expertise. Therapeutic radiographers use radiation to give radiotherapy  treatment to patients with cancer. If you are considering this career move, it is essential that you have good interpersonal skills as radiographers have to interact with other healthcare professionals as well as with patients and their families, many of whom may need considerable reassurance.

This course will focus on the professional elements required of a therapeutic radiographer. The aim of the course is to further develop the analytical, theoretical and practical skills of an honours graduate so that they can demonstrate the necessary attributes required for a registered therapeutic radiographer. This will enable employment within the UK.

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. Clinical work-based learning will be undertaken, on a rotational basis, within regional cancer centres in hospitals in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness, and your personal performance will be assessed. These placements will take place over May to September. In general, you will be assessed by a variety of methods including case studies, essays and presentations. Normally there are fewer than 15 students on this course, this ensures individuals receive excellent support and guidance. Joint teaching with other courses is utilised within this course. This allows individuals  to benefit from a shared teaching and learning approach where discussion and experiences between students can occur.

Teaching hours and attendance

All academic modules will be studied on campus where you will be required to attend classes and carry out independent work. The number of classes on campus along with required independent study will depend on size of the module. Both work based learning modules will be undertaken whilst on clinical placement in any of the five cancer centres in Scotland. In Year One clinical placement runs for 16 weeks May- Aug. In Year Two placement lasts for 20 weeks, May–Sept.

Links with industry/ professional bodies

You can become a member of the College of Radiographers as a student and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) on graduation. The course leads to eligibility to register as a therapeutic radiographer with the HCPC.

Modules

15 credits: Preparing for Practice as an Allied Health Professional/ Radiotherapy Science/ Research Methods for Health Professionals

30 credits: Introduction to Cancer and its Management/ Radiotherapy and Oncology Practice 1/ Radiotherapy and Oncology Practice 2

10 credits: Introduction to the Human Body/ Science and Technology

50 credits: Work-Based learning 1/ Work- Based Learning 2

If progressing to MSc, you will also complete a research project (60 credits).

Careers

Graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the HCPC and to work as therapeutic radiographers with the NHS in the UK. Currently, graduates from QMU have a high employment record. Many graduates have worked abroad. However, although HCPC is recognised in many overseas countries, you may have to apply to the registration body of the country in which you wish to work.

Quick Facts

• A starting salary of £21,909 with  excellent opportunity for career progression up to consultant level.
• A professional career in which you are eligible to register within just two years. 
• A caring profession that calls for technological expertise in the rapid developing area of cancer treatment.

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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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Therapeutic radiographers are at the forefront of cancer care, having a vital role in the delivery of Radiotherapy services. They treat cancer patients with x-rays using highly sophisticated equipment. They are also responsible for ensuring that treatment planning and delivery is achieved with absolute precision.

In the treatment of cancer, accuracy is paramount and a variety of highly specialised equipment is available within Radiotherapy Departments to achieve this. Computerised Tomography (CT) simulators employ the latest technology to localise tumours.

Technological advances

Technological advances in linear accelerator design ensure that treatment conforms to patients needs with pinpoint accuracy. Treatment units housing radioactive sources also play a useful role in patient management, as do 3D planning systems.

London South Bank University has invested heavily to ensure that students have access to the best learning tools and staff. There are two dedicated fully equipped skill labs that enable Dosimetry (Radiotherapy treatment planning) and a state of the art virtual environment of a radiotherapy treatment room (VERT).

Communication and care

Alongside the technology, the importance of high standards of communication and care of cancer patients cannot be overestimated. Cancer patients are treated by a multidisciplinary team in which the therapeutic radiographer plays a major role in reducing the sense of vulnerability and promoting patients autonomy.

As a graduate, you'll be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Radiographer .

PgDip programme

The PgDip programme is an accelerated programme over two years, for graduate students who already have a Level 6 qualification. Building on graduate skills you'll develop an enquiring, reflective, critical and innovative approach to Therapeutic Radiography within the context of the rapid changes occurring in the health service.

Top-up to MSc

By adding the research element of a dissertation (an extended and independent piece of written research), you'll be able to graduate with a Masters-level qualification.

Modules

On this programme we'll develop you as confident and competent practitioner who practices autonomously, compassionately, skilfully and safely. The programme comprises of five compulsory modules instilling a range of academic knowledge from health sciences to profession specific radiotherapy and oncology practice. And, add a dissertation for the award of a Masters.

Year 1

Radiation science and technology
Applied biological sciences
Radiotherapy theory and practice 1

Year 2

Patient care and resource management in radiotherapy
Radiotherapy theory and practice 2
Dissertation (MSc only)

Teaching and learning

Academic theoretical knowledge is gained through taught session led by lecturers and experts in the field, supported by blended learning and self-study activities.

Practical skills are normally developed through practical skills based sessions using VERT and dosimetry software, problem-based approaches and clinical placement.

Types of learning activities include:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Enquiry-based learning
• Tutorials
• Formative assessments
• E discussions
• Observation and demonstration of practices within clinical placements.

Placements

Clinical placements are an essential element of the course. You will spend 50% of your time involved in academic study and 50% in clinical practice within a broad variety of healthcare settings. A clinical practice placement allows you to put theory into practice by working with a range of health professionals in clinical situations to develop the skills, knowledge and experience required to become a competent radiographer. Although sometimes initially challenging, practice learning is one of the most interesting and exciting aspects of learning to be a radiographer.

Clinical settings

At LSBU you will experience a variety of clinical settings such as NHS Trusts and the independent sector.

Placements for Therapeutic Radiography include:

• Brighton and Sussex University Hospital: Sussex Cancer Centre
• Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust: Kent Oncology Centre
• Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
• Royal Surrey Hospital
• Queens Hospital, Romford.

Structure of placements

Placements are spread over two years.

The first clinical placement; approximately seven weeks after the start of the course, gives a real taster of the role of the radiotherapy radiographer in the radiotherapy treatment process. It gives you an opportunity to confirm correct choice of career early within the course. Thereafter clinical placements follow the same pattern throughout the course.

Support from a mentor

An identified Link Lecturer and Personal Tutor from the University will be the person you can contact during working day hours whilst on placement with any concerns or questions you are unable to solve otherwise. As there is a close relationship between LSBU and the clinical placement; the Link Lecturer will pay regular scheduled visits to the different sites to meet up with students.

Professional links

The programme is validated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the Society and College of Radiographers.

Radiotherapy as a career

On successful completion of the course you'll be eligible to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a therapeutic radiographer.

From helping plan and administering treatment, to explaining it to patients and assessing their responses, therapeutic radiographers are involved in every stage of the treatment process.

Therapeutic radiographers work closely with professionals from other disciplines, are involved in the care and support of the cancer patient and their families through all parts of the patient pathway from the initial referral through to treatment review and follow-up stages. They are predominantly responsible for treatment for the accurate localisation, planning and delivery of ionising radiation.

Therapeutic radiographers need excellent interpersonal skills and emotional resilience as they deal with patients and their families at very difficult and emotional times. Making patients feel comfortable and guiding them through the process can be as important as the technical skills required for this role.

Career progression

Through the acquisition of a wide range of transferable skills such as psychosocial, organisational, management, technical and scientific skills, individuals are well prepared to work in any situation that best suits their individual expertise and interest.Working as a consultant practitioner is one common career path as well as management, research, clinical work and teaching.

After qualification, clinically experienced therapeutic radiographers may gain additional specialist skills and expertise through the postgraduate, post-registration and continuing professional development frameworks.

LSBU Employability Services

LSBU is committed to supporting you develop your employability and succeed in getting a job after you have graduated. Your qualification will certainly help, but in a competitive market you also need to work on your employability, and on your career search. Our Employability Service will support you in developing your skills, finding a job, interview techniques, work experience or an internship, and will help you assess what you need to do to get the job you want at the end of your course. LSBU offers a comprehensive Employability Service, with a range of initiatives to complement your studies, including:

• Direct engagement from employers who come in to interview and talk to students
• Job Shop and on-campus recruitment agencies to help your job search
• Mentoring and work shadowing schemes.

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If you are a practitioner working in an extended role or at an advanced practice level in your clinical field, this course is designed to help you develop your practice. You can tailor course content to reflect your evolving scope of practice, individual development needs and service requirements.

You critically evaluate theoretical perspectives and relevant research to help inform and underpin your clinical decision-making and develop your ability to work collaboratively across professional boundaries.

The course improves your independent and active learning ability, so you can

• advance your knowledge, understanding and skills
• review and enhance your own and others practice
• develop your management of complex issues and problems
• lead practice developments

It also supports and enables you to work towards developing a profile that satisfies professional body requirements for advanced practice (for UK practitioners) and statutory requirements for continuing professional development (CPD). This may also meet the requirements of advanced practice in other countries, which increases your employability and career potential. It is a requirement for all students to have a tripartite agreement with employer support to undertake the course. You must be in a role where there is an opportunity to practice advanced skills under the guidance and mentorship of someone appropriately qualified.

Study individual modules

You can study individual modules from this course that reflect your areas of specialism and gain academic credit towards a qualification. Visit our continuing professional development website for more information.

Professional recognition

The course is recognised by the College of Radiographers for the purposes of professional accreditation.

Course structure

Distance learning – 3 years. A mix of e-learning and work-based learning although you can study optional taught modules.

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. 

Postgraduate certificate core modules

• Expert practice (30 credits)

Plus a further 30 credits of optional module list

Postgraduate diploma core modules

• Advancing practice (15 credits)
• Researching for practice (15 credits)
• Personalised study module or work-based learning for service development (15 credits)

Plus a further 15 credits from the optional module list

MSc

• Dissertation (60 credits)

Assessment

• demonstrate clinical competencies in your field of expertise
• individually negotiated assignment
• portfolio
• select modules that support your areas of clinical specialism

Employability

Prepare for or develop and enhance advanced level practice or begin working towards consultant practice. Strengthening your ability to evidence and articulate your clinical skills and expertise may enable you to further your career in clinical practice in a variety of settings. This may include positions in teaching and research, both in the UK or internationally. You can also continue further study to professional doctorate or a PhD level.

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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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Programme Aims

This award is offered within the Postgraduate Scheme in Health Technology, which aims to provide professionals in Medical Imaging, Radiotherapy, Medical Laboratory Science, Health Technology, as well as others interested in health technology, with an opportunity to develop advanced levels of knowledge and skills.

The award in Medical Imaging and Radiation Science is specially designed for professionals in medical imaging and radiotherapy and has the following aims.

A. Advancement in Knowledge and Skill
‌•To provide professionals in Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy, as well as others interested in health technology, with the opportunity to develop advanced levels of knowledge and skills;
‌•To develop specialists in their respective professional disciplines and enhance their career paths;
‌•To broaden students' exposure to a wider field of health science and technology to enable them to cope with the ever-changing demands of work;
‌•To provide a laboratory environment for testing problems encountered at work;
‌•To equip students with an advanced knowledge base in a chosen area of specialisation in medical imaging or radiotherapy to enable them to meet the changing needs of their disciplines and contribute to the development of medical imaging or radiation oncology practice in Hong ‌Kong; and
‌•To develop critical and analytical abilities and skills in the areas of specialisation that are relevant to the professional discipline to improve professional competence.

B. Professional Development
‌•To develop students' ability in critical analysis and evaluation in their professional practices;
‌•To cultivate within healthcare professionals the qualities and attributes that are expected of them;
‌•To acquire a higher level of awareness and reflection within the profession and the healthcare industry to improve the quality of healthcare services; and
‌•To develop students' ability to assume a managerial level of practice.

C. Evidence-based Practice
‌•To equip students with the necessary skill in research to enable them to perform evidence-based practice in the delivery of healthcare service and industry.

D. Personal Development
‌•To provide channels through which practising professionals can continuously develop themselves while at work; and
‌•To allow graduates to develop themselves further after graduation.

Programme Characteristics

The Medical Imaging and Radiation Science award offers channels for specialization and the broadening of knowledge for professionals in medical imaging and radiotherapy. It will appeal to students who are eager to become specialists or managers in their areas of practice. Clinical experience and practice in medical imaging and radiotherapy are integrated into the curriculum to encourage more reflective observation and active experimentation.

Programme Structure

The Postgraduate Scheme in Health Technology consists of the following awards:
‌•MSc in Medical Imaging and Radiation Science
‌•MSc in Medical Laboratory Science

A range of subjects that are specific to Medical Imaging and Radiation Science, and a variety of subjects of common interest and value to all healthcare professionals, are offered. In general, each subject requires attendance on one evening per week over a 13-week semester.

Award Requirements

Students must complete 1 Compulsory Subject (Research Methods & Biostatistics), 4 Core Specialism Specific Subjects, 2 Elective subjects (from any subjects within the Scheme) and a research-based Dissertation or 3 other subjects from the Scheme. They are encouraged to select a dissertation topic that is relevant to their professional and personal interests. Students who have successfully completed 30 credits, but who have taken fewer than the required 4 Core Specialism Specific Subjects, will be awarded a generic MSc in Health Technology without a specialism award.

Students who have successfully completed 18 credits, but who decide not to continue with the course of MSc study, may request to be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma (PgD) as follows:
PgD in a specialism if 1 Compulsory Subject, 4 Core Subjects and 1 Elective Subject are successfully completed; or
PgD in Health Technology (Generic) if 1 Compulsory Subject and any other 4 subjects within the Scheme are successfully completed.

Core Areas of Study

The following is a list of Core Subjects. Some subjects are offered in alternate years.

‌•Multiplanar Anatomy
‌•Advanced Radiotherapy Planning & Dosimetry
‌•Advanced Technology & Clinical Application in Computed Tomography
‌•Advanced Technology & Clinical Application in Magnetic Resonance Imaging
‌•Advanced Topics in Health Technology
‌•Advanced Ultrasonography
‌•Computed Tomography (CT): Practicum
‌•Digital Imaging & PACS
‌•Imaging Pathology
‌
Having selected the requisite number of subjects from the Core list, students can choose the remaining Core Subjects or other subjects available in this Scheme as Elective Subjects.

The two awards within the Scheme share a similar programme structure, and students can take subjects across disciplines. For subjects offered within the Scheme by the other discipline of study, please refer to the information on the MSc in Medical Laboratory Science.

English Language Requirements

If you are not a native speaker of English, and your Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification is awarded by institutions where the medium of instruction is not English, you are expected to fulfil the University’s minimum English language requirement for admission purpose. Please refer to the "Admission Requirements" http://www51.polyu.edu.hk/eprospectus/tpg/admissions-requirements section for details.

‌•Additional Document Required
‌•Employer's Recommendation
‌•Personal Statement
‌•Transcript / Certificate

How to Apply

For latest admission, please visit [email protected] http://www51.polyu.edu.hk/eprospectus/tpg and eAdmission http://www.polyu.edu.hk/admission

Enquiries

For further information, please contact:
Telephone: (852) 3400 8653
Fax: (852) 2362 4365
E-mail: [email protected]

For more details of the programme, please visit [email protected] website http://www51.polyu.edu.hk/eprospectus/tpg/2016/55005-rmf-rmp

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The M.Sc. in Medical Physics is a full time course which aims to equip you for a career as a scientist in medicine. You will be given the basic knowledge of the subject area and some limited training. The course consists of an intense program of lectures and workshops, followed by a short project and dissertation. Extensive use is made of the electronic learning environment "Blackboard" as used by NUI Galway. The course has been accredited by the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (UK).

Syllabus Outline. (with ECTS weighting)
Human Gross Anatomy (5 ECTS)
The cell, basic tissues, nervous system, nerves and muscle, bone and cartilage, blood, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, nutrition, genital system, urinary system, eye and vision, ear, hearing and balance, upper limb – hand, lower limb – foot, back and vertebral column, embryology, teratology, anthropometrics; static and dynamic anthropometrics data, anthropometric dimensions, clearance and reach and range of movement, method of limits, mathematics modelling.

Human Body Function (5 ECTS)
Biological Molecules and their functions. Body composition. Cell physiology. Cell membranes and membrane transport. Cell electrical potentials. Nerve function – nerve conduction, nerve synapses. Skeletal muscle function – neuromuscular junction, muscle excitation, muscle contraction, energy considerations. Blood and blood cells – blood groups, blood clotting. Immune system. Autonomous nervous system. Cardiovascular system – electrical and mechanical activity of the heart. – the peripheral circulation. Respiratory system- how the lungs work. Renal system – how the kidneys work. Digestive system. Endocrine system – how hormones work. Central nervous system and brain function.

Occupational Hygiene (5 ECTS)
Historical development of Occupational Hygiene, Safety and Health at Work Act. Hazards to Health, Surveys, Noise and Vibrations, Ionizing radiations, Non-Ionizing Radiations, Thermal Environments, Chemical hazards, Airborne Monitoring, Control of Contaminants, Ventilation, Management of Occupational Hygiene.

Medical Informatics (5 ECTS)
Bio statistics, Distributions, Hypothesis testing. Chi-square, Mann-Whitney, T-tests, ANOVA, regression. Critical Appraisal of Literature, screening and audit. Patient and Medical records, Coding, Hospital Information Systems, Decision support systems. Ethical consideration in Research.
Practicals: SPSS. Appraisal exercises.

Clinical Instrumentation (6 ECTS)
Biofluid Mechanics: Theory: Pressures in the Body, Fluid Dynamics, Viscous Flow, Elastic Walls, Instrumentation Examples: Respiratory Function Testing, Pressure Measurements, Blood Flow measurements. Physics of the Senses: Theory: Cutaneous and Chemical sensors, Audition, Vision, Psychophysics; Instrumentation Examples: Evoked responses, Audiology, Ophthalmology instrumentation, Physiological Signals: Theory Electrodes, Bioelectric Amplifiers, Transducers, Electrophysiology Instrumentation.

Medical Imaging (10 ECTS)
Theory of Image Formation including Fourier Transforms and Reconstruction from Projections (radon transform). Modulation transfer Function, Detective Quantum Efficiency.
X-ray imaging: Interaction of x-rays with matter, X-ray generation, Projection images, Scatter, Digital Radiography, CT – Imaging. Fundamentals of Image Processing.
Ultrasound: Physics of Ultrasound, Image formation, Doppler scanning, hazards of Ultrasound.
Nuclear Medicine : Overview of isotopes, generation of Isotopes, Anger Cameras, SPECT Imaging, Positron Emitters and generation, PET Imaging, Clinical aspects of Planar, SPECT and PET Imaging with isotopes.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging : Magnetization, Resonance, Relaxation, Contrast in MR Imaging, Image formation, Image sequences, their appearances and clinical uses, Safety in MR.

Radiation Fundamentals (5 ECTS)
Review of Atomic and Nuclear Physics. Radiation from charged particles. X-ray production and quality. Attenuation of Photon Beams in Matter. Interaction of Photons with Matter. Interaction of Charged Particles with matter. Introduction to Monte Carlo techniques. Concept to Dosimetry. Cavity Theory. Radiation Detectors. Practical aspects of Ionization chambers

The Physics of Radiation Therapy (10 ECTS)
The interaction of single beams of X and gamma rays with a scattering medium. Treatment planning with single photon beams. Treatment planning for combinations of photon beams. Radiotherapy with particle beams: electrons, pions, neutrons, heavy charged particles. Special Techniques in Radiotherapy. Equipment for external Radiotherapy. Relative dosimetry techniques. Dosimetry using sealed sources. Brachytherapy. Dosimetry of radio-isotopes.

Workshops / Practicals
Hospital & Radiation Safety [11 ECTS]
Workshop in Risk and Safety.
Concepts of Risk and Safety. Legal Aspects. Fundamental concepts in Risk Assessment and Human Factor Engineering. Risk and Safety management of complex systems with examples from ICU and Radiotherapy. Accidents in Radiotherapy and how to avoid them. Principles of Electrical Safety, Electrical Safety Testing, Non-ionizing Radiation Safety, including UV and laser safety.
- NUIG Radiation Safety Course.
Course for Radiation Safety Officer.
- Advanced Radiation Safety
Concepts of Radiation Protection in Medical Practice, Regulations. Patient Dosimetry. Shielding design in Diagnostic Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Radiotherapy.
- Medical Imaging Workshop
Operation of imaging systems. Calibration and Quality Assurance of General
radiography, fluoroscopy systems, ultrasound scanners, CT-scanners and MR scanners. Radiopharmacy and Gamma Cameras Quality Control.

Research Project [28 ECTS]
A limited research project will be undertaken in a medical physics area. Duration of this will be 4 months full time

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