Medical Imaging Technology - MSc
The rapid evolution of medical imaging technology calls for expert practitioners to implement optimised imaging techniques and improve patient outcomes....
Studying with us in 2021/22
It is possible that the 2021/22 academic year may be affected by the ongoing disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Information about the arrangements the University has put in place for the 2021/22 academic year in response to Covid-19 and the emerging variants can be found here.
Should the impact of Covid-19 continue in subsequent years of your course, any additional and/or alternative arrangements put in place by the University in response will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, pandemic-related/health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.
- Level Postgraduate Taught
- Study mode Full Time
- Location City South
- Award MSc
- Start date January 2022
- Fees View course fees
- School School of Health Sciences
- Faculty Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences
Course overview
The rapid evolution of medical imaging technology calls for expert practitioners to implement optimised imaging techniques and improve patient outcomes. This course aims to prepare students from a diverse background such as engineering, biomedical engineering, medical / surgical, or life sciences for a professional career in imaging-related fields in healthcare and research, by providing in-depth knowledge in medical imaging technology and preparing for using technical and engineering skills to improve healthcare delivery and medical practice.
What's covered in this course?
Our MSc in Medical Imaging Technology combines elements from physics, mathematics, computer science, biomedical engineering, biology and clinical medicine to help you develop your knowledge, understanding and skills of engineering design, medical imaging technologies and clinical environment.
Through internationally recognised researchers, projects, guest lecturers and a stong collaboration with medical imaging technology SME’s / NHS Trust partners, you will develop the skills needed for a career in a medical imaging-related filed in clinical practice, research, or technical development. A range of optional modules will be offered so you can gain a greater knowledge in an area of your choosing.
This course comprises both a taught component and a research project, giving you the skills and knowledge required to pursue a career in applied medical imaging technology field within clinical medicine, medical research, and scientific research or development. The course offers you the opportunity to undertake an optional summer placement and work independently or as a team, to solve medical imaging technology problems, by interacting very closely with a range of professionals. Such professionals may vary from medical engineers to medical practitioners, from private medical device industries or local healthcare trusts (such as NHS), who are in partnership with the Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences.
Throughout the course you will complete your Professional Project – an independent piece of research on a topic within medical imaging technology that allows you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills.
We build employability into every aspect of our course. Through the course you will gain a range of transferable skills allowing you to take on a career in a number of sectors, alongside developing an in-depth understanding of your subject.
The course is currently in the process of seeking accreditation from the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM); such a professional recognition aims to ensure that graduates of accredited courses are equipped with the knowledge and skills for working in medical imaging technology workface in industry, healthcare or academic environments. Accreditation enables fast-track career progression as a professional medical imaging technician.
Where and how will I study?
You will learn within our recently extended City South Campus, located in Edgbaston just five minutes from Birmingham City Centre. Our campus has been recently re-developed and provides access to cutting-edge facilities that will enhance and support your learning during your time here.
You will experience a mixture of face-to-face and virtual teaching, self-directed study, practice-based lab activities and optional summer break placements.
Why Choose Us?
- You will learn in a multidisciplinary environment alongside physicists, engineers, healthcare professionals, clinicians and other professionals from a range of fields.
- The course is open to students from a wide range of backgrounds (such as science, engineering, medicine, biology, etc.)
- Partnership working with medical technology SME’s / NHS Trust partners.
- You will have the opportunity to undertake selective summer projects with a Medical Imaging Technology placement provider, such that you can gain valuable work based employment skills. With the support of the course team, you will need to source your specialised projects.
- Practitioners alongside the staff from the faculty and wider university involved in the delivery of curriculum.
- Careful selection of level 7 modules allowing students to cater for future career aspirations
- Careful selection of modules allowing students to cater for future career aspirations.
- With ongoing collaborations with partners around the globe, you will have numerous opportunities to undertake HELS go abroad opportunities.
- This degree is in the process of seeking accreditation from the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM).
Entry Requirements
UK students
| Applications will be through UCAS or direct application to the University. Opportunities for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will be identified during the admissions process and will be on an individual basis before enrolment. | ||
| Essential | ||
|---|---|---|
| Applicants need to hold at least a Second Class Honours degree or equivalent in an engineering, technical, life sciences, medicine or medical aligned qualification. | ||
| Applicants without standard entry qualifications who can demonstrate and provide evidence of the necessary knowledge and skills and experience (of minimum three years) to successfully complete the course will also be considered. |
International students
| Essential | ||
|---|---|---|
| Those who meet residency/academic requirements of UK learners but whose language is not English will need to hold IELTS with an overall score of at least 6.0 with no element below 5.5. |
Other requirements
| In addition, development of this new provision, will provide opportunities for: | ||
|---|---|---|
| BCU top-up degree (in Biomedical Engineering) students in Colombo, Sri Lanka. | ||
| BEng Biomedical Engineering – UG degree, students at BCU to progress to a standalone Masters provision with or without a gap year, etc. | ||
|
BCU Biomedical Science or Diagnostic Radiography or Radiotherapy students to progress to a standalone Masters provision in Medical Imaging Technology |
||
|
BEng Mechanical / Electronics engineering – UG degree, students at BCU to progress to a standalone Masters provision with or without a gap year, etc. |
Fees & How to Apply
- UK students
- International students
Award: MSc
Starting: Jan 2022
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 15 months
- £9,800 per year
Award: MSc
Starting: Jan 2022
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 15 months
- £13,200 per year
If you're unable to use the online form for any reason, you can complete our PDF application form and equal opportunities PDF form instead.
Personal statement
Students are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application for this course.
Your postgraduate personal statement is going to shine a light on your personal experience, academic success, personal skills and any other factors that will support your application for further study.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
Your passion and motivations
Studying a postgraduate course usually means you want to specialise in something. So what’s driving you?
Why this course?
Show that you’ve researched the course offering. What is it about this particular course that appeals to you? Is it the lecturers? The modules? Etc.
What makes you a good postgraduate candidate?
Tutors want to know that you can handle postgraduate study, so show them how your undergraduate experiences or work life has equipped you for a more advanced level of study. Key areas to address are research and group work but this can vary depending on your chosen course.
Relevant academic or work experience
Add anything relevant that relates back to your chosen course and shows how your skills will contribute towards your learning. What extra-curricular activities have you taken part in? What awards have you won? What employment or voluntary experience do you have that has helped you develop transferable skills? How do these specifically relate to the course you are applying for?
You should also mention your future plans and how a postgraduate qualification fits in. Try to look beyond your postgraduate study – do you plan to jump straight into a specific career or follow your studies with a research degree? Lastly, use plain, professional English and, where possible, utilise the language of your chosen industry.
Get more information on writing personal statements.
Course in Depth
Core Modules
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 180 credits):
Principles of Experimental Design and Ethical Practices in Engineering and Technology for Medicine 20 credits
Introduction to STEMM Principles and Practices for Technical Decision Making 40 credits
Medical Imaging Equipment and Healthcare Technology 20 credits
Fundamental Principles and Applications of Molecular Medical Image Synthesis and Processing 20 credits
Masters Research Project 60 credits
Optional Modules
20 credits of optional modules are required to ensure 180 credits are achieved to gain the MSc.
Healthcare Technology Management 20 credits
Leadership and Project Management for Health and Healthcare 20 credits
Elective Summer Placement 0 credits
Internet of Things for Healthcare Applications 20 credits
How you will learn
An extensive range of assessments are utilised within this programme, which include podcasts, webinars, video conferencing presentations and debates, article preparation for publication, case reviews, critical incidence analysis and service development opportunities.
Employability
Employability
By undertaking suitable elective/optional placement opportunities, you'll gain a greater understanding of the causes and mechanisms underlying health, ageing and disease. This will allow you to collaboratively support the design and delivery of healthcare technology and or medical imaging devices within a clinical or industrial setting.
You may also have invaluable opportunities to test and demonstrate new electro-mechanical models and tools for health and care delivery.
You may also have invaluable opportunities to practice with the state of the art medical imaging equipment such as X-ray, CT, MRI and Medical Ultrasound facilities within our life science training centres/labs or externally.
Placements
You may have the chance to undertake valuable elective work placements, either in the UK or internationally. This could be done in a local hospital, a manufacturing company or in another relevant sector.
International Students
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Explore some of the good reasons why you should study here.
- Find out how to improve your language skills before starting your studies.
- Find all the information relevant to applicants from your country.
- Learn where to find financial support for your studies.
Facilities and Staff
Our Facilities
We are constantly investing in our estate and are currently in the process of spending £340 million on new learning facilities.
We boast up-to-date, innovative facilities that simulate the real situations that medical staff may come across.
These resources are essential in offering students a hands-on introduction to health and social care practice. Much of our teaching is carried out within our state-of-the-art, £30m Seacole Building, which houses cutting-edge learning facilities.
Take a virtual tour of our skills suites at Seacole
In a sector where new techniques are constantly being discovered, we work hard to ensure that students learn using the most up-to-date equipment available. These include the only mock operating theatre in an English university and a cutting-edge radiography virtual clinical training facility, virtual ward and virtual case creator.
Zeiss Laboratory
We are the very first University in the UK to install a Zeiss interactive digitally connected microscope system in our life sciences laboratories.
Microbiology equipment
Our Life Science labs are equipped with modern equipment for teaching many of the molecular biology techniques that underpin modern clinical and research labs such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) machines (including real-time PCR), protein and DNA electrophoresis & sequencing equipment, ELISA, a variety of cell-analysis and cell-culture tools.
Biomedical Laboratories
The physiology laboratory is equipped to help you learn about the way the human body works by performing investigative experiments. The biomedical science laboratory will allow you to learn about anatomy, cellular processes, immunology and enzymology in a hands-on way that links directly to day-to-day health care.
Engineering facilities
active learning labs such as engineering workshops that contain state-of-the art machine tools. Mechanical engineering labs, innovative CAD lab, automotive test cells and engineering social study space..
Mary Seacole Library
The Seacole library, based at City South Campus, is one of the UK's largest specialist health education libraries. The state-of-the art facility offers an extensive range of range of information and reference materials set out in a relaxing environment, conducive to studying. There are comfortable seating areas, group study areas, a silent study area and private study rooms.
You will have access to all of the University’s libraries.
Computer Facilities
The Seacole building houses a large open access IT Suite which comprises of 96 PCs, full colour printers, photocopiers and scanners. Our PCs utilise the latest Intel i5 core technology, all with:
- Fast (unrestricted) internet connectivity
- Ability to save files to USB, DVD & CD
- Microsoft Office software
- Research and statistical software
- Storage space which can be accessed from any PC across the University and from home
Our PCs are also designed to support students who may have difficulties with reading and writing, featuring specialised software with zooming/magnification and screen reading capabilities, which may also be customised for individual student needs.
The IT Suite offers extended opening hours and is supported by a specialist Open Access Assistant during term time. In addition to the open access PCs within the IT Suite, there are 12 networked student PCs available within Seacole library.
Our staff
Dr Zenghai Lu
Course Leader for MSc Medical Engineering
Dr Zenghai Lu is a senior lecturer and course leader in medical engineering and imaging technology at Birmingham City University (BCU), and his responsibilities involve postgraduate course associated operational administration, curriculum development and quality management and enhancement.
His current research focuses on developing smartphone-based multispectral imaging system for mobile skin diagnosis and disease management.
Before he joined BCU, he have worked as a lecturer in Medical Imaging (Medical Physicist) for ~2 years at Teesside University involving designing and delivering modules and assisting in curriculum design for Bsc & Msc healthcare profession courses. This involved managing timetabling, assessment & feedback, and developing innovative teaching techniques such as research-lead teaching. Before he joined Teesside, he have worked as a university teaching associate in Physics for ~2 years at the University of Sheffield, involving delivering core physics modules as module leaders and personal tutors.
More about Zenghai