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Radiography - Module / MSc / PgCert / PgDip

Currently viewing course to start in 2023/24 Entry.

Take the next step towards a career in extended or advanced practice while enhancing your qualifications with this postgraduate radiography course....

  • Level Postgraduate Taught
  • Study mode Part Time
  • Location City South
  • Award Module / MSc / PgCert / PgDip
  • Start date January 2024
  • Fees View course fees
  • School School of Health Sciences
  • Faculty Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences

Overview

Take the next step towards a career in extended or advanced practice while enhancing your qualifications with this postgraduate radiography course. This course, which is accredited by the Society and College of Radiographers, is aimed at those with a current qualification and registration as a diagnostic radiographer, therapeutic radiographer, or other health care professionals, with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration or equivalent.

This course is not open to International students.

What's covered in this course?

This postgraduate radiography course has been designed to help you realise your full potential and succeed in becoming a truly expert practitioner. You will develop the skills needed to meet the ever-changing needs of this fast-developing sector, whilst ensuring that the patient remains core to everything you do.

You will become a ‘champion’ in your area and be seen as a role model of advanced practice and professional development within your field of practice and study, inspiring other colleagues who wish to advance their knowledge and skills.

You will also gain a conceptual understanding of advances within radiography and radiotherapy and in doing so meet the needs of modern, effective and patient-centred clinical care, consistent with the highest public and peer expectations of advanced practice. 

The Musculoskeletal Reporting course and assessment is mapped to the RCR/CoR 'Standards for the education and training of reporting practitioners in musculoskeletal plain radiographs.'

Where will I learn?

You will be based at our £41 million City South Campus in Edgbaston, just outside of Birmingham City Centre. The campus has been specifically designed with our students in mind; you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities throughout your time here to support your learning and development.

Accredited By

This course is accredited by:

  • College of Radiographers

Why Choose Us?

  • You will learn from highly motivated and passionate lecturers, many of whom work clinically, ensuring course content is current and relevant.
  • Our course is accredited by the College of Radiographers and is consistently reviewed positively by learners.
  • We have recently been awarded Imaging Academy Hub status, so you will be provided with the very best learning and teaching experience. We are at the forefront of radiography education, and you will learn in our brand-new image interpretation suite with PACS access.
  • You will benefit from a choice of a wide range of clinical modules, including musculoskeletal reporting, adult chest and abdominal reporting, CT head reporting, leadership and MRI. We are also able to accommodate niche clinical requirements you or your department may have.
  • You will have access to a wide range of resources and input from top manufacturer application specialists in the field (module dependent) to develop your study skills, critical thinking, and research skills.
  • We are a friendly and approachable team with an extensive skill set including research. You will receive a high level of support in your studies as well as the opportunity to work collaboratively and meet peers from across the UK.

OPEN DAY

Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to meet us in person. You'll get the chance to learn about courses in subject talks, chat to tutors and explore our campus. We'll post you a detailed event programme to help plan your day and find your way.

Next Event: Saturday 24 June

Book your place

Entry Requirements

UK students
Essential

You should have completed a BSc (Hons) in Diagnostic/Therapeutic Radiography (minimum of 2.2) or equivalent qualification e.g. a Diploma of the College of Radiographers or a professional qualification related to your profession and be registered with the NMC or HCPC.

You should be currently practising, and have at least two years’ post-qualification experience as a radiographer if you wish to undertake a reporting pathway.

If you apply for any of the reporting modules below you must also have a clinical supervisor within your own department who is willing to support you through the course, together with written approval from the Trust or hospital employing you for clinical practice.

  • CT Head Reporting
  • Musculo Skeletal Reporting
  • Adult Chest and Abdomen Reporting

You must upload the Authorisation to Participate Form signed by your clinical supervisor as part of your online application process. 

EU students
Essential

If your first degree or equivalent qualification was not studied in the UK or you are applying from abroad where English is not your first language you will need to submit evidence of your IELTS score. This score will need to be a minimum of 6.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in all categories.

Fees & How to Apply

Please select your student status to view fees and apply
  • UK Student
  • International Student

UK students

Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.

Award: Module

Starting: Jan 2024

  • Mode
  • Duration
  • Fees
  • Part Time
  • TBC
  • £903 per 20 credit module

Award: MSc

Starting: Jan 2024

  • Mode
  • Duration
  • Fees
  • Part Time
  • 3 years
  • £903 per 20 credit module

Award: PgCert

Starting: Jan 2024

  • Mode
  • Duration
  • Fees
  • Part Time
  • 1 year
  • £903 per 20 credit module

Award: PgDip

Starting: Jan 2024

  • Mode
  • Duration
  • Fees
  • Part Time
  • 2 years
  • £903 per 20 credit module

International students

Sorry, this course is not available to International students.

Access to computer equipment

You will require use of a laptop, and most students do prefer to have their own. However, you can borrow a laptop from the university or use one of our shared computer rooms.

Printing

You will receive £5 print credit in each year of your course, available after enrolment.

Access to Microsoft Office 365

Every student at the University can download a free copy of Microsoft Office 365 to use whilst at university and for 18 months after graduation.

Key Software

You will be able to download SPSS and Nvivo to your home computer to support with your studies and research.

Key subscriptions

Subscriptions to key journals and websites are available through our library.

Placement expenses (mandatory)

There may be some costs for travel or temporary accommodation associated with placements. The NHS Learning Support Fund can help with these costs. Information about what the fund covers and eligibility criteria can be found online.

Excess printing (optional)

Once you have spent your £5 credit, additional printing on campus costs from 5p per sheet.

Books (optional)

All module key texts will be in the University library, but in limited numbers. You may choose to purchase a copy.

Subscriptions (optional)

You may wish to purchase subscriptions to additional journals and websites.

Memberships (optional)

You may wish to join a union or professional body related to this course.

Accommodation and living costs

The cost of accommodation and other living costs are not included within your course fees. More information on the cost of accommodation can be found in our accommodation pages.

Personal statement

You’ll need to submit a personal statement as part of your application for this course. This will need to highlight your passion for postgraduate study – and your chosen course – as well as your personal skills and experience, academic success, and any other factors that will support your application for further study.

Not sure what to include? We’re here to help – take a look at our top tips for writing personal statements and download our free postgraduate personal statement guide for further advice and examples from real students.

Course in Depth

PG Cert

PG Cert Radiography

Download the PG Cert Radiography Course Specification

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 20 credits):

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 40 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules:

All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.

PG Cert (Pathways)

PG Cert (Adult Chest and Abdomen Reporting)

Download the PG Cert Radiography (Adult Chest and Abdomen Reporting) Course Specification

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 60 credits):

PG Cert (Musculoskeletal Reporting)

Download the PG Certificate Radiography (Musculoskeletal Reporting) Course Specification

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 20 credits):

PG Cert (CT Head Reporting)

Download the PG Cert Radiography (CT Head Reporting) Course Specification

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 60 credits):

PG Cert (Computed Tomography)

Download the PG Cert Radiography (Computed Tomography) Course Specification

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 60 credits):

PG Cert (MRI)

Download the PG Cert Radiography (MRI) Course Specification

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 20 credits):

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 40 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules:

All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.

PG Cert (Breast Imaging Practice)

Download the PG Cert Radiography (Breast Imaging Practice) Course Specification

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 60 credits):

PG Dip

PG Dip Radiography

Download the PG Diploma Radiography Course Specification

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 40 credits):

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 80 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules:

All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.

PG Dip (Pathways)

PG Dip (Image Reporting) 

Download the PG Diploma Radiography (Image Reporting) Course Specification

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 40 credits):

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 80 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules:

All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.

PG Dip (Breast Interventional Techniques) 

Download the PG Diploma Radiography (Breast Interventional Techniques) Course Specification

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits):

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules:

Plus others from a range of module across the Faculty, dependent on student area of interest and in negotiation with the Course Lead.

PG Dip (Breast Image Reporting) 

Download the PG Diploma Radiography (Breast Image Reporting) Course Specification

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):

MSc

MSc Radiography

Download the MSc Radiography Course Specification

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 40 credits) plus a dissertation module of either 40 or 60 credits: 

Option 1:

If you have completed the 40 credit dissertation module, in order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 100 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules:

Optional 2:

If you have completed the 60 credit dissertation module, in order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 80 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules:

All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.

Course structure

All modules can be studied part-time to fit around your personal and professional commitments. You can study modules on a standalone basis or towards an award at PgCert, PgDip or MSc level. A blended learning approach is used with face-to-face lectures, online lectures, tutorials, formative assessments and workshops.

Most modules are delivered during a working day, on block release of two to three days at a time, with the clinical component taking place in your workplace under the direction of a clinical supervisor. You will regularly have an opportunity for formative assessment throughout the course and get regular verbal feedback on your progress.

You will also have access to Moodle, a virtual learning environment that provides online resources, discussion forums and directed and self-directed study.

If you have any questions, please email Nichola.Smith@bcu.ac.uk

PgCert and PgDip Pathway Options

The suite of courses offers opportunities for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiographers to study for the following named awards:

  • PgCert Radiography
  • PgCert Radiography (Adult, Chest and Abdomen Reporting)
  • PgCert Radiography ( Reporting)
  • PgCert Radiography (CT Head Reporting)
  • PgCert Radiography (Computed Tomography)
  • PgCert Radiography (MRI)
  • PgCert Radiography (Breast Imaging Practice)
  • PgDip Radiography
  • PgDip Radiography (MRI)
  • PgDip Radiography (Image Reporting)*
  • PgDip Radiography (Breast Interventional Techniques)
  • PgDip (Radiography (Breast Image Reporting)
  • MSc Radiography

*Two reporting modules must be studied for this award.

Each named award has its own clinical and academic requirements. Expected durations may also vary slightly. Applicants are recommended to contact Nichola Smith, Admissions Tutor (nichola.smith@bcu.ac.uk) for more information. 

MSc Pathway Options

There are two options available regarding the pathway you decide to take towards your MSc Radiography:

Core Modules

  • Leadership for Advanced Professional Practice – 20 credits
  • Research: Methods of Enquiry – 20 credits

Option one – Choose modules to the value of 120 credits (including core modules above) plus a 60 credit Dissertation.

Option two – Choose modules to the value of 140 credits (including core modules above) plus a 40 credit Dissertation.

Modules to choose from:
  • Open Module (20 credits)
  • Paediatric Reporting (20 credits)
  • Cross Sectional Anatomy (20 credits)
  • Chest and Abdomen for the Health Care Professional (20 credits)
  • Image Interpretation for the Health Care Professional (20 credits)
  • Fundamentals of MRI (20 credits)
  • Principles and Practice of MRI (20 credits)
  • MRI Specialist Techniques (20 credits)
  • Foundations and Practice of CT Head Reporting (40 credits)
  • Foundations and Practice of Skeletal Reporting (40 credits)
  • Foundations and Practice of adult Chest and Abdomen Reporting (40 credits)
  • Advanced CT Applications and Imaging Science (40 credits)

Assessment methods

A variety of assessment methods will be employed to ensure the student gains the most from their studies. Named pathways have assessment structures which include annotated bibliography, posters, assignments and objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs). These are aimed to improve student study skills and encourage students to continue with their study at Postgraduate level.

Students returning to study or those wishing to study single modules will receive study skills support within the module delivery, further support can be gained from the library and our Academic Development Department.

Details of individual module assessments are given in the PG Radiography Programme Specification. 

Accreditation or professional associations

This course is accredited by the following professional bodies. 

  • College of Radiographers
  • Health Care Professionals Council
College of Radiographers
College of Radiographers

The College of Radiographers (CoR) is a registered charity concerned with standards in the provision and development of diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy for the public benefit.

Employability

Enhancing Employability Skills

Health Care Professionals have never been better placed to extend their scope of practice. Imaging modalities such as MRI and CT are becoming more of a first line investigation in the treatment and management of patient conditions and thus they require Radiographers who are able to lead to service. The decrease in the number of radiologists coupled with the increase in demand for imaging services means there has never been a better time for radiographers to extend in to advanced practice with a qualification that is recognised internationally.

Your experience at BCU will ensure that you can compete in the international radiographic arena as a creative problem solver and an enterprising advanced practitioner. The present workforce is more mobile and global than it has ever been; there are opportunities for diagnostic radiographers and therapeutic radiographers who have qualified in the United Kingdom to work in other countries and thus have a global outlook on clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Placements

If you are studying a particular imaging modality we recommend that you work within this modality in the clinical setting. We do stipulate 1 day a week reporting time in the clinical setting for reporting modules and this will be guided self-study to gain practical experience. This will allow you to report, meet with your clinical supervisor and attend Multi-disciplinary meetings (MDT). Your individual learning is based on professional clinical practice and you will avail yourself of any learning opportunities pertinent to your area of study.

More about our placement opportunities

Facilities & Staff

We have invested £340 million in our facilities, including an upgrade to our Skills and Simulation facilities at City South Campus. We boast up-to-date, innovative facilities that simulate the real situations that you may come across in the workplace. These resources are essential in offering you a hands-on introduction to health and social care practice.

Mock Wards

These are set up to look like typical hospital wards, with four to six bays. Depending on the topic in hand, different manikins can be used as patients and relevant equipment is provided to practise clinical skills. Some of the manikins are interactive and can simulate different scenarios e.g. some allow you to cannulate, check pulses, intubate etc, and some can talk to you. One ward is often used as an adult ward, and the other as a child ward.

These rooms also allow for scenarios to be set up for other professions such as dietetics, paramedic science and social work.

The Operating Theatre and Recovery Suites

The operating theatre and recovery suite gives you the sense of what it would be like in a real surgical environment.

These spaces emulate the full surgical journey from anaesthetics, through surgery and into recovery. ODP students can practice a range of skills including gowning, hand washing, preparing instrument trays, and working with a patient. Nurses and midwives may experience a surgical placement and need to go to theatre or be part of the midwifery team involved with caesarean sections. Many other Allied Health Professionals may also see patients in recovery if necessary.

Home Environment Room

This space is used to simulate non-clinical settings, as not everything health professionals deal with is hospital based. This is used for simulations of home visits and home births. It also houses soft matting and a bubble machine that are used by the Learning Disability Nursing team.

Assisted Living Space

This space replicates a flat and is used for scenarios such as home visits. The sitting room area provides a different space to practise skills and simulations and work with service users and other students.

Assisted Kitchen

This specially designed kitchen has different areas where you can practice cooking, cleaning, boiling the kettle etc., with someone who has actual or simulated visual impairments. There are adapted devices to help, and simulation glasses for you to wear to experience visual impairments.

Physiotherapy Room

This is a space for physiotherapy students to use, with various equipment to practise client meetings.

Radiotherapy Planning Computer Suite

Our computers allow you to plan hypothetical treatments, in terms of angles and directions, ensuring that radiotherapy reaches where it is needed on a patient’s body.

Radiography Image Interpretation and Reporting Stations Computer Suite

These facilities allow you to view and analyse x-rays.

VERT - Virtual Environment for Radiotherapy Training

This room contains 3D technology to view virtual patients and look at trajectories for treatment.

Radiotherapy

This room contains the same bed/couch used when patients are given radiotherapy treatment. While students of course do not administer radiotherapy in this room, it does allow them to practise adjusting the equipment to make sure both it and a patient would be in the correct position to receive treatment.

Telehealth Room

This room allows for small group teaching in a central area (large boardroom type table) with fiv small telehealth booths down either side. These are to allow all our health professions students to practise delivering healthcare and advice remotely, either over the phone or on a video call. This addition to our teaching reflects moves in the sector to offer more flexible access to healthcare services, particularly as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Imaging Academy

This new facility is a larger version of our existing image interpretation computer facilities and forms part of the Midlands Imaging Academy Hub, funded by Health Education England. These expanded facilities will mean we can further develop our courses and expertise in radiography and imaging.

Speech and Language Therapy Resource Room

Our Speech and Language Therapy Team have developed a collection of tools, books and resources to help you learn and understand the implications of a speech or swallowing limitation. You can practise one to one client meetings and clinics and use the video recording equipment to review role play scenarios.

Our staff

Helen Hopkins

Course Leader for MSc Radiography

Having qualified from University of Central England (now BCU) in 2000, Helen worked for City Hospital, Birmingham for 13 years. She became an Advanced Practitioner in 2004 as a reporting radiographer. She maintained her clinical expertise by working evening shifts alongside her university work up until October 2013.

More about Helen