Entry requirements
Entry requirements All modules are open to diagnostic radiographers. Each candidate is considered according to their ability to meet the demands of the programme. Some modules are open to other healthcare professionals. The image interpretation modules require students to have regular access to relevant radiographs as part of their regular practice. Normal entry requirements are one of the following • a pass degree in radiography or equivalent professional qualification • Diploma of the College of Radiographers or equivalent professional qualification Students with appropriate previous learning, either formally or through experience, may gain exemption from parts of the programme by submitting a claim under the University’s APEL and APCL procedures. This will be considered by the University, which will advise on procedures. International students will require one of the following English qualifications • TOEFL score of 550/213 or above • IELTS score of 6.0 or above • GCSE or GCE O level – grade B or above • Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English at grade C or above To be eligible for an award, you also need to have worked as a diagnostic radiographer for a minimum of one year before you can be accepted on this course. Students qualifying in medical imaging outside the UK must apply to the Health Professions Council to establish that they are eligible for state registration, before being considered for the course. The address for the Council is Park House, 184 Kennington Park Road, London, SE11 4BU Also, students need to be working clinically for part of the time whilst studying, in order to apply learning to the clinical situation. It is the responsibility of the student to find relevant clinical work.
Course description
This programme leads to MSc/PgDip/PgCert Medical Imaging, focusing on one of the following
• image interpretation in a specific work area
• modalities of CT, MR, PET/CT or vascular
• personal study route
We integrate theory with practice and challenge you to explore, reflect on, and analyse your professional experience and so improve your skills.
We designed the different routes to support the Agenda for Change (AFC), the NHS Key Skills Framework (NHS-KSF) and the National Profiles for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiographers (NPDTR).
Postgraduate certificate level studies reflect and are linked to AFC grade 6.
Postgraduate diploma level studies reflect and are linked to AFC grade 7.
MSc level studies reflect and are linked to AFC grade 8 consultant practice.
This is a very flexible programme. You can tailor your studies closely to your own interests with work-based learning, accreditation of prior experiential learning and accreditation of prior certificated learning.
You can take most modules as stand alone or as part of a wider course of study leading to MSc/PgDip/PgCert Medical Imaging.
We developed the image interpretation modules in response to the expanding role of healthcare practitioners. These modules may apply to physiotherapists, nurses and others who use radiographic images as an integral part of their practice.
The professional development in practice portfolio is an innovative module. It equips healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to allow them to develop a professional portfolio in support of their clinical practice. It also helps develop their critical understanding and expertise in their own field, boosting their ability to implement the principle of clinical governance. It is a core module for any award.
The course uses the University’s credit accumulation and transfer scheme, with modules and awards rated as follows
• individual taught modules 15 credits each
• postgraduate certificate 60 credits
• postgraduate diploma 120 credits
• masters (including dissertation) 180 credits
Associated careers
We designed the programme to enhance the careers of diagnostic radiographers with some modules of interest to other healthcare professionals.
The professional development portfolio is a generic module designed to enhance the careers of all healthcare professionals.
Course content
Each of the named awards has a number of core modules which all students must take. These are followed by optional modules.
For the masters course you also take taught modules in research methods, followed by a dissertation or research project.
Optional modules are available in clinical specialisms and in various subjects related to clinical practice. Modules are available from the Healthcare Practice Framework. Work-based learning and APEL are also options you might consider.
Postgraduate certificate
Image interpretation-based route
• professional development in practice
• image perception in diagnosis
• communicating outcomes from diagnostic imaging
• portfolio in extended role practice (image interpretation)
Modality-based route
• professional development in practice
• image perception in diagnosis
• one from CT, MR, PET/CT or Vascular
• portfolio in extended role (modality-based)
Personal study route
• professional development in practice
• plus three other 15 credit modules from the programme
If you successfully complete the postgraduate certificate you may go on to take the postgraduate diploma.
Postgraduate diploma
Image interpretation-based route continuing
• research methods in practice
• one from diagnosis of abdominal abnormalitltes, dianosis of thoracic abnormalities, diagnosis of orthopaedic abnormalities, diagnosis of head and neurological abnormalities
• multidisciplinary management of patients
• professional development in advanced practice
Image interpretation-based but studied modality at certificate
• research methods in practice
• one from diagnosis of abdominal abnormalities, diagnosis of thoracic abnormalities, diagnosis of orthopaedic abnormalities, diagnosis of head and neurological abnormalities
• communicating outcomes from diagnostic imaging
• portfolio in extended role practice (modality based)
Modality-based but studied image interpretation at certificate level
• research methods in practice
• one from diagnosis of abdominal abnormalities, diagnosis of thoracic abnormalities, diagnosis of orthopaedic abnormalities diagnosis of head and neurological abnormalities
• one from CT, MR, PET/CT or Vascular
• portfolio in extended role practice (image interpretation)
Personal study route
• research methods in practice
• plus three other 15 credit modules from the programme
If you successfully complete the postgraduate diploma you may go on to take the MSc.
MSc
Postgraduate diploma modules as above plus dissertation
Other healthcare professionals
Specific area of practice such as chest or abdominal X-ray examinations (15 or 30 level 7 credits)
• image perception in practice (15 credits)
• professional development in practice (as either 15 credits or cpd)
Broader area of practice such as all imaging modalities related to diagnosis in a particular body area or system (30 level 7 credits)
• image perception in practice (15 credits)
One from
• diagnosis of abdominal abnormalities • diagnosis of thoracic abnormalities • diagnosis of orthopaedic abnormalities • diagnosis of head and neurological abnormalities (15 credits)
