Radiography - Module / MSc / PgCert / PgDip
Currently viewing course to start in 2024/25 Entry. Switch to 2025/26 Entry
Take the next step towards a career in extended or advanced practice while enhancing your knowledge, skills and qualifications in core clinical areas as well as leadership and research....
- Level Postgraduate Taught
- Study mode Part Time
- Award Module / MSc / PgCert / PgDip
- Start date January 2025
- Fees View course fees
- Subject Health Professions
- Location City South
This course is:
Overview
Take the next step towards a career in extended or advanced practice while enhancing your knowledge, skills and qualifications in core clinical areas as well as leadership and research. This course, which is accredited by the Society and College of Radiographers, is aimed at professionals with a current qualification and registration as a diagnostic radiographer, therapeutic radiographer, or other healthcare professionals, with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration or equivalent.
What's covered in this course?
Our postgraduate radiography programme aims to equip you with the necessary knowledge, skills and attributes to become a professional expert in your field of practice.
Whichever route and/or specialism choose from our programme, you will develop the skills required to meet the changing demands of the rapidly evolving radiography sector, while keeping the patient at the core of your practice and gain the knowledge base required to implement service improvements with a view to improving patient outcomes.
By engaging with Radiography at a postgraduate level you will become a champion in your area of expertise, recognised as a role model for enhanced and advanced practice and professional development, and inspiring your colleagues to enhance their knowledge and skills.
In addition to gaining a conceptual understanding of the latest advances in radiography and radiotherapy, you will learn to provide modern, effective, and patient-centred clinical care, in line with the highest public and peer expectations of enhanced and advanced practice.
The Musculoskeletal Reporting course and assessment are aligned with 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 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:
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 learn about this course in detail, chat to students, explore our campus and tour accommodation.
Next Event: 24 November 2024
Entry Requirements
Essential 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. |
Applications to any reporting pathways should be supported by a clinical supervisor and department manager. A completedAuthorisation to Participate form is required as part of the online application process. |
If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us.
Fees & How to Apply
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 2025
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Part Time
- TBC
- Show fees
- £950 per 20 credits
Fees for Part-time students
This course can be studied on a Part-time study basis. The cost per year of study is based on credit requirements for that year.
Award: MSc
Starting: Jan 2025
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Part Time
- 3 years
- Show fees
- £950 per 20 credits
Fees for Part-time students
This course can be studied on a Part-time study basis. The cost per year of study is based on credit requirements for that year.
Award: PgCert
Starting: Jan 2025
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Part Time
- 1 year
- Show fees
- £950 per 20 credits
- Year 1 - 60 credits
Fees for Part-time students
This course can be studied on a Part-time study basis. The cost per year of study is based on credit requirements for that year.
Award: PgDip
Starting: Jan 2025
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Part Time
- 2 years
- Show fees
- £950 per 20 credits
Fees for Part-time students
This course can be studied on a Part-time study basis. The cost per year of study is based on credit requirements for that year.
International students
Sorry, this course is not available to International students.
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.
If you are applying for a stand alone module, please include the title of the module you want to study in your Personal Statement.
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 PgCert Radiography Course Specification
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 20 credits):
Leadership is one of the core pillars of both enhanced and advanced practice. The goal of this module is to help you develop independent learning and advanced scholarship, which can aid in your ongoing professional development. Through this module, you will examine the role of leadership in broader health contexts, particularly during times of service delivery transformation and change. Additionally, you will acquire academic skills to analyse evidence that supports various aspects of your clinical practice, enabling you to act autonomously and confidently within your own scope of responsibility, acquiring the skills to lead on meaningful evidence-based changes in service delivery.
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.
As a student studying this module you will be encouraged to take a critical stance during the use of cross sectional imaging. This module is designed to be suitable for both diagnostic and radiotherapy radiographers working or wishing to work in the imaging modality of computed tomography. Within the module students will be able to develop their analysis of anatomy as presented on cross sectional anatomy. The successful student may accrue new insights into the usefulness of cross sectional anatomy in support of their area of practice.
This module is designed to broaden the horizons of your specialist knowledge by encouraging the deep exploration of a particular aspect of practice related to your award. The content of this module may be tailored to the specific needs of you and your department. Ultimate flexibility is afforded, as the subject matter is selected by you in liaison with the module leader and no university attendance is required.
This module may be used to facilitate your movement into an advance practice role by providing the academic endorsement to a training programme that is based in your own clinical department. Alternatively the module may be used as a vehicle to deepen your knowledge of an area of practice you are interested in.
This module will equip you with the skills required to issue a radiological report on plain images of the Paediatric skeleton. The module is aimed at Reporting radiographers who wish to develop an in depth knowledge in support of expertise already gained through PG reporting education. It is has been highlighted by clinical reporters that there is sometime a delay in issuing reports on paediatric plain imaging due to constraints being placed on reporting radiographers and the age range which they can independently report on. This may delay the report being issued and thus have an impact on further treatment for the child. The module will consider the paediatric to be up to the age of 16; this module will not explore paediatric chest and abdomen appearances.
Fundamentals of MRI is intended to serve as an introduction to both the physical principles and the clinical applications of MRI and is suitable for study by those new to MRI, or those with more experience who wish to further their knowledge. The aim is to produce healthcare practitioners with sound academic knowledge who are considerate of patient care and safety in the MRI department, whatever their professional background. The clinical applications you will study are those most commonly encountered in practice and the physical principles are covered from a basic to intermediate level. The module may be studied as part of an award pathway, but is equally suited to being taken as a stand-alone module.
MRI Specialist Techniques is designed to enhance your MRI knowledge by raising your awareness and developing your understanding of the various specialist and emerging techniques in MRI. MRI is a rapidly-changing technology and the focus of this module is the state-or-the-art, thus encouraging the exploration of current thinking and emergent practice. Your ability to present information in a manner suitable for use by others is assessed in this module – thus enhancing your ability to disseminate your knowledge. The module is suitable for study by any professional with an interest in this area who wishes to enhance their knowledge, although a sound understanding of the physical principles of MRI is advantageous.
MRI Principles and Practice is designed to build on the knowledge gained in Fundamentals of MRI, but may also be taken by those who already possess a sound knowledge of the basic physical principles of MRI. It is intended that by studying this module you will gain an advanced level of knowledge regarding the physical principles of MRI which may be applied to your own practice. This module also deals with the safe use of gadolinium-based contrast agents, an awareness of which is fundamental for providing safe patient care. The clinical applications in the head and neck, abdomen, pelvis and vascular system are also studied in this module to enable you to develop a critical awareness of how MRI contributes to the management of pathology.
This module is designed for all healthcare professionals to develop skills in adult chest x-ray interpretation. It is especially suited to allied health and nursing professionals but can be accessed by any healthcare professional wishing to develop skills in image interpretation of the adult chest x-ray.
By studying this module you will develop a critical approach to image interpretation of x-rays of the adult chest. Though the module does not give you the skills required to produce a formal report on a chest x-ray, the knowledge and skills you develop will enable you to make clinical decisions based on your interpretation.
This module aims to provide grounding in imaging interpretation (core imaging) for the wider healthcare sector, with a holistic approach to the patient. The module provides the necessary theoretical content to enable you to be able to interpret radiographic images. This module will support radiographers and other healthcare professionals who will be undertaking initial commenting in their imaging departments or as part of their role. Radiographers are expected to be able to assess image appearances and make a comment based on this interpretation. This offers an additional stage of interpretation for the patient and enhances the practice of the radiographer and healthcare professional. This level of interpretation offers an additional level of safety to the patient as their image will have been scrutinised prior to final reporting. This module will enhance the image interpretation skills of any healthcare professional who wishes to improve their ability to detect abnormalities on skeletal images. This module will improve image interpretation skills however it will not equip you with the skills to offer a legally binding report.
This module specifically addresses the broader programme aims related to “pursuing excellence” and “practice-led, knowledge applied” through a flexible provision that encourages students to develop their research ideas, enabling those on various Health MSc programmes to satisfy their individual learning needs, whilst contributing to their area of study.
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):
This module aims to support you to develop independent learning and advanced scholarship which may be employed to support your continuing professional development. You will be studying the role that leadership plays within wider health contexts such as during periods of change and transformation of service delivery. You will develop academic skills that will allow you to interrogate evidence that supports aspects of your clinical practice which will allow you to act with confidence and autonomy within your own scope of responsibility.
This module aims to empower you to engage in Adult Chest and Abdomen image reporting, with a focus on supporting decision-making and understanding the patient pathway. Designed with a learner-centric approach, this module will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to become a competent reporter, by exploring the foundations of image reporting such as visual perception, satisfaction of search, medico-legal aspects of reporting, maintaining quality in report writing, and interpreting the image. As an Adult Chest and Abdomen reporter, your actions will have a direct impact on the management of patient care. By participating in this module, you will be better equipped to understand and navigate the patient pathway, contributing to an improved standard of patient care.
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):
This module aims to support you to develop independent learning and advanced scholarship which may be employed to support your continuing professional development. You will be studying the role that leadership plays within wider health contexts such as during periods of change and transformation of service delivery. You will develop academic skills that will allow you to interrogate evidence that supports aspects of your clinical practice which will allow you to act with confidence and autonomy within your own scope of responsibility.
This module will encourage you to engage in active and informed participation in core image reporting of the musculoskeletal radiograph (excluding skull). The module will adopt a learner-centric approach and through your study and development, you will become champions in the specialism of musculoskeletal reporting. Your actions, as a musculoskeletal reporter, will have a direct consequence on the management of patient care and will help ensure imaging departments are able to produce timely imaging reports in line with IR(ME)R. The module will explore and contextualise the foundations of image reporting such as visual perception, satisfaction of search, medico-legal aspects of reporting, maintaining quality in report writing and conducting audit as well as the fundamental skill of interpreting the image. This module and assessment to mapped to the RCR and CoR 'Standards for the education and training of reporting practitioners in musculoskeletal plain radiographs.
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):
This module aims to support you to develop independent learning and advanced scholarship which may be employed to support your continuing professional development. You will be studying the role that leadership plays within wider health contexts such as during periods of change and transformation of service delivery. You will develop academic skills that will allow you to interrogate evidence that supports aspects of your clinical practice which will allow you to act with confidence and autonomy within your own scope of responsibility.
This module provides a framework for radiographers who wish to undertake reporting of adult CT head scans and facilitates the development of professional and clinical competencies necessary for reporting images of CT head scans.
The post graduate radiography programme at Birmingham City University will support students wishing to have an in-depth and advanced knowledge and understanding in radiography which will be informed by current practice and research. We are proud of the links we have forged with clinical departments to develop a programme which meets the current and developing needs of imaging departments and health-care in the wider context.
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):
This module aims to support you to develop independent learning and advanced scholarship which may be employed to support your continuing professional development. You will be studying the role that leadership plays within wider health contexts such as during periods of change and transformation of service delivery. You will develop academic skills that will allow you to interrogate evidence that supports aspects of your clinical practice which will allow you to act with confidence and autonomy within your own scope of responsibility.
This module will build upon the study skills you developed at undergraduate level. We will support you in developing advanced knowledge and understanding in radiography, informed by current practice and research in the field of Computed Tomography.
The programme aims to develop your collaborative skills. Therefore, whilst studying this module, you can expect to work with and learn from students and professionals, both in the classroom and online.
Enabling you to become a self-directed learner who takes ownership of your personal and professional development is part of the programme philosophy.
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):
This module aims to support you to develop independent learning and advanced scholarship which may be employed to support your continuing professional development. You will be studying the role that leadership plays within wider health contexts such as during periods of change and transformation of service delivery. You will develop academic skills that will allow you to interrogate evidence that supports aspects of your clinical practice which will allow you to act with confidence and autonomy within your own scope of responsibility.
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.
Fundamentals of MRI is intended to serve as an introduction to both the physical principles and the clinical applications of MRI and is suitable for study by those new to MRI, or those with more experience who wish to further their knowledge. The aim is to produce healthcare practitioners with sound academic knowledge who are considerate of patient care and safety in the MRI department, whatever their professional background. The clinical applications you will study are those most commonly encountered in practice and the physical principles are covered from a basic to intermediate level. The module may be studied as part of an award pathway, but is equally suited to being taken as a stand-alone module.
MRI Specialist Techniques is designed to enhance your MRI knowledge by raising your awareness and developing your understanding of the various specialist and emerging techniques in MRI. MRI is a rapidly-changing technology and the focus of this module is the state-or-the-art, thus encouraging the exploration of current thinking and emergent practice. Your ability to present information in a manner suitable for use by others is assessed in this module – thus enhancing your ability to disseminate your knowledge. The module is suitable for study by any professional with an interest in this area who wishes to enhance their knowledge, although a sound understanding of the physical principles of MRI is advantageous.
MRI Principles and Practice is designed to build on the knowledge gained in Fundamentals of MRI, but may also be taken by those who already possess a sound knowledge of the basic physical principles of MRI. It is intended that by studying this module you will gain an advanced level of knowledge regarding the physical principles of MRI which may be applied to your own practice. This module also deals with the safe use of gadolinium-based contrast agents, an awareness of which is fundamental for providing safe patient care. The clinical applications in the head and neck, abdomen, pelvis and vascular system are also studied in this module to enable you to develop a critical awareness of how MRI contributes to the management of pathology.
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):
This module aims to support you to develop independent learning and advanced scholarship which may be employed to support your continuing professional development. You will be studying the role that leadership plays within wider health contexts such as during periods of change and transformation of service delivery. You will develop academic skills that will allow you to interrogate evidence that supports aspects of your clinical practice which will allow you to act with confidence and autonomy within your own scope of responsibility.
The module will be delivered with a student centred approach that will enable you to develop skills for lifelong learning and for you to develop as an innovative individual who will drive and promote improvements within the service. The module will focus on excellence, best practice and awareness of the fast technological advances in breast imaging. You will evaluate approaches to quality control and quality enhancement and the development of professional standards to ensure the highest standards of patient care remain core to the philosophy of the breast care service.
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):
This module aims to support you to develop independent learning and advanced scholarship which may be employed to support your continuing professional development. You will be studying the role that leadership plays within wider health contexts such as during periods of change and transformation of service delivery. You will develop academic skills that will allow you to interrogate evidence that supports aspects of your clinical practice which will allow you to act with confidence and autonomy within your own scope of responsibility.
This module specifically addresses the broader programme aims related to “pursuing excellence” and “practice-led, knowledge applied” through a flexible provision that encourages students to develop their research ideas, enabling those on various Health MSc programmes to satisfy their individual learning needs, whilst contributing to their area of study.
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.
As a student studying this module you will be encouraged to take a critical stance during the use of cross sectional imaging. This module is designed to be suitable for both diagnostic and radiotherapy radiographers working or wishing to work in the imaging modality of computed tomography. Within the module students will be able to develop their analysis of anatomy as presented on cross sectional anatomy. The successful student may accrue new insights into the usefulness of cross sectional anatomy in support of their area of practice.
This module is designed to broaden the horizons of your specialist knowledge by encouraging the deep exploration of a particular aspect of practice related to your award. The content of this module may be tailored to the specific needs of you and your department. Ultimate flexibility is afforded, as the subject matter is selected by you in liaison with the module leader and no university attendance is required.
This module may be used to facilitate your movement into an advance practice role by providing the academic endorsement to a training programme that is based in your own clinical department. Alternatively the module may be used as a vehicle to deepen your knowledge of an area of practice you are interested in.
This module will equip you with the skills required to issue a radiological report on plain images of the Paediatric skeleton. The module is aimed at Reporting radiographers who wish to develop an in depth knowledge in support of expertise already gained through PG reporting education. It is has been highlighted by clinical reporters that there is sometime a delay in issuing reports on paediatric plain imaging due to constraints being placed on reporting radiographers and the age range which they can independently report on. This may delay the report being issued and thus have an impact on further treatment for the child. The module will consider the paediatric to be up to the age of 16; this module will not explore paediatric chest and abdomen appearances.
This module aims to provide grounding in imaging interpretation (core imaging) for the wider healthcare sector, with a holistic approach to the patient. The module provides the necessary theoretical content to enable you to be able to interpret radiographic images. This module will support radiographers and other healthcare professionals who will be undertaking initial commenting in their imaging departments or as part of their role. Radiographers are expected to be able to assess image appearances and make a comment based on this interpretation. This offers an additional stage of interpretation for the patient and enhances the practice of the radiographer and healthcare professional. This level of interpretation offers an additional level of safety to the patient as their image will have been scrutinised prior to final reporting. This module will enhance the image interpretation skills of any healthcare professional who wishes to improve their ability to detect abnormalities on skeletal images. This module will improve image interpretation skills however it will not equip you with the skills to offer a legally binding report.
This module is designed for all healthcare professionals to develop skills in adult chest x-ray interpretation. It is especially suited to allied health and nursing professionals but can be accessed by any healthcare professional wishing to develop skills in image interpretation of the adult chest x-ray.
By studying this module you will develop a critical approach to image interpretation of x-rays of the adult chest. Though the module does not give you the skills required to produce a formal report on a chest x-ray, the knowledge and skills you develop will enable you to make clinical decisions based on your interpretation.
Fundamentals of MRI is intended to serve as an introduction to both the physical principles and the clinical applications of MRI and is suitable for study by those new to MRI, or those with more experience who wish to further their knowledge. The aim is to produce healthcare practitioners with sound academic knowledge who are considerate of patient care and safety in the MRI department, whatever their professional background. The clinical applications you will study are those most commonly encountered in practice and the physical principles are covered from a basic to intermediate level. The module may be studied as part of an award pathway, but is equally suited to being taken as a stand-alone module.
MRI Specialist Techniques is designed to enhance your MRI knowledge by raising your awareness and developing your understanding of the various specialist and emerging techniques in MRI. MRI is a rapidly-changing technology and the focus of this module is the state-or-the-art, thus encouraging the exploration of current thinking and emergent practice. Your ability to present information in a manner suitable for use by others is assessed in this module – thus enhancing your ability to disseminate your knowledge. The module is suitable for study by any professional with an interest in this area who wishes to enhance their knowledge, although a sound understanding of the physical principles of MRI is advantageous.
MRI Principles and Practice is designed to build on the knowledge gained in Fundamentals of MRI, but may also be taken by those who already possess a sound knowledge of the basic physical principles of MRI. It is intended that by studying this module you will gain an advanced level of knowledge regarding the physical principles of MRI which may be applied to your own practice. This module also deals with the safe use of gadolinium-based contrast agents, an awareness of which is fundamental for providing safe patient care. The clinical applications in the head and neck, abdomen, pelvis and vascular system are also studied in this module to enable you to develop a critical awareness of how MRI contributes to the management of pathology.
This module will build upon the study skills you developed at undergraduate level. We will support you in developing advanced knowledge and understanding in radiography, informed by current practice and research in the field of Computed Tomography.
The programme aims to develop your collaborative skills. Therefore, whilst studying this module, you can expect to work with and learn from students and professionals, both in the classroom and online.
Enabling you to become a self-directed learner who takes ownership of your personal and professional development is part of the programme philosophy.
This module provides a framework for radiographers who wish to undertake reporting of adult CT head scans and facilitates the development of professional and clinical competencies necessary for reporting images of CT head scans.
The post graduate radiography programme at Birmingham City University will support students wishing to have an in-depth and advanced knowledge and understanding in radiography which will be informed by current practice and research. We are proud of the links we have forged with clinical departments to develop a programme which meets the current and developing needs of imaging departments and health-care in the wider context.
This module will encourage you to engage in active and informed participation in core image reporting of the musculoskeletal radiograph (excluding skull). The module will adopt a learner-centric approach and through your study and development, you will become champions in the specialism of musculoskeletal reporting. Your actions, as a musculoskeletal reporter, will have a direct consequence on the management of patient care and will help ensure imaging departments are able to produce timely imaging reports in line with IR(ME)R. The module will explore and contextualise the foundations of image reporting such as visual perception, satisfaction of search, medico-legal aspects of reporting, maintaining quality in report writing and conducting audit as well as the fundamental skill of interpreting the image. This module and assessment to mapped to the RCR and CoR 'Standards for the education and training of reporting practitioners in musculoskeletal plain radiographs.
This module will encourage you to engage in active and informed participation in core image reporting of the Adult Chest and Abdomen. Adult is considered to be any patient over the age of 16. The module will adopt a learner-centric approach and through your study and development, you will become champions in the specialism of Adult Chest and Abdomen reporting. Your actions, as an Adult Chest and Abdomen reporter, will have a direct consequence on the management of patient care and will help ensure imaging departments are able to produce timely imaging reports in line with IR(me)R. The module will explore and contextualise the foundations of image reporting such as visual perception, satisfaction of search, medico-legal aspects of reporting, maintaining quality in report writing and conducting audit as well as the fundamental skill of interpreting the image.
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):
This module aims to support you to develop independent learning and advanced scholarship which may be employed to support your continuing professional development. You will be studying the role that leadership plays within wider health contexts such as during periods of change and transformation of service delivery. You will develop academic skills that will allow you to interrogate evidence that supports aspects of your clinical practice which will allow you to act with confidence and autonomy within your own scope of responsibility.
This module specifically addresses the broader programme aims related to “pursuing excellence” and “practice-led, knowledge applied” through a flexible provision that encourages students to develop their research ideas, enabling those on various Health MSc programmes to satisfy their individual learning needs, whilst contributing to their area of study.
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.
This module provides a framework for radiographers who wish to undertake reporting of adult CT head scans and facilitates the development of professional and clinical competencies necessary for reporting images of CT head scans.
The post graduate radiography programme at Birmingham City University will support students wishing to have an in-depth and advanced knowledge and understanding in radiography which will be informed by current practice and research. We are proud of the links we have forged with clinical departments to develop a programme which meets the current and developing needs of imaging departments and health-care in the wider context.
This module will encourage you to engage in active and informed participation in core image reporting of the musculoskeletal radiograph (excluding skull). The module will adopt a learner-centric approach and through your study and development, you will become champions in the specialism of musculoskeletal reporting. Your actions, as a musculoskeletal reporter, will have a direct consequence on the management of patient care and will help ensure imaging departments are able to produce timely imaging reports in line with IR(ME)R. The module will explore and contextualise the foundations of image reporting such as visual perception, satisfaction of search, medico-legal aspects of reporting, maintaining quality in report writing and conducting audit as well as the fundamental skill of interpreting the image. This module and assessment to mapped to the RCR and CoR 'Standards for the education and training of reporting practitioners in musculoskeletal plain radiographs.
This module will encourage you to engage in active and informed participation in core image reporting of the Adult Chest and Abdomen. Adult is considered to be any patient over the age of 16. The module will adopt a learner-centric approach and through your study and development, you will become champions in the specialism of Adult Chest and Abdomen reporting. Your actions, as an Adult Chest and Abdomen reporter, will have a direct consequence on the management of patient care and will help ensure imaging departments are able to produce timely imaging reports in line with IR(me)R. The module will explore and contextualise the foundations of image reporting such as visual perception, satisfaction of search, medico-legal aspects of reporting, maintaining quality in report writing and conducting audit as well as the fundamental skill of interpreting the image.
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):
This module aims to support you to develop independent learning and advanced scholarship which may be employed to support your continuing professional development. You will be studying the role that leadership plays within wider health contexts such as during periods of change and transformation of service delivery. You will develop academic skills that will allow you to interrogate evidence that supports aspects of your clinical practice which will allow you to act with confidence and autonomy within your own scope of responsibility.
The module will be delivered with a student centred approach that will enable you to develop skills for lifelong learning and for you to develop as an innovative individual who will drive and promote improvements within the service. The module will focus on excellence, best practice and awareness of the fast technological advances in breast imaging. You will evaluate approaches to quality control and quality enhancement and the development of professional standards to ensure the highest standards of patient care remain core to the philosophy of the breast care service.
The module will provide you with the necessary skills to undertake X-ray guided breast interventional procedures and develop your leadership qualities to enable you to work towards advanced clinical practice. Completion of a logbook of cases is required to provide evidence of your clinical competence and the production and presentation of a poster will demonstrate your understanding of the evidence base that underpins the principles of breast biopsy.
This module specifically addresses the broader programme aims related to “pursuing excellence” and “practice-led, knowledge applied” through a flexible provision that encourages students to develop their research ideas, enabling those on various Health MSc programmes to satisfy their individual learning needs, whilst contributing to their area of study.
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.
As a student studying this module you will be encouraged to take a critical stance during the use of cross sectional imaging. This module is designed to be suitable for both diagnostic and radiotherapy radiographers working or wishing to work in the imaging modality of computed tomography. Within the module students will be able to develop their analysis of anatomy as presented on cross sectional anatomy. The successful student may accrue new insights into the usefulness of cross sectional anatomy in support of their area of practice.
This module is designed to broaden the horizons of your specialist knowledge by encouraging the deep exploration of a particular aspect of practice related to your award. The content of this module may be tailored to the specific needs of you and your department. Ultimate flexibility is afforded, as the subject matter is selected by you in liaison with the module leader and no university attendance is required.
This module may be used to facilitate your movement into an advance practice role by providing the academic endorsement to a training programme that is based in your own clinical department. Alternatively the module may be used as a vehicle to deepen your knowledge of an area of practice you are interested in.
Fundamentals of MRI is intended to serve as an introduction to both the physical principles and the clinical applications of MRI and is suitable for study by those new to MRI, or those with more experience who wish to further their knowledge. The aim is to produce healthcare practitioners with sound academic knowledge who are considerate of patient care and safety in the MRI department, whatever their professional background. The clinical applications you will study are those most commonly encountered in practice and the physical principles are covered from a basic to intermediate level. The module may be studied as part of an award pathway, but is equally suited to being taken as a stand-alone module.
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):
This module aims to support you to develop independent learning and advanced scholarship which may be employed to support your continuing professional development. You will be studying the role that leadership plays within wider health contexts such as during periods of change and transformation of service delivery. You will develop academic skills that will allow you to interrogate evidence that supports aspects of your clinical practice which will allow you to act with confidence and autonomy within your own scope of responsibility.
The module will be delivered with a student centred approach that will enable you to develop skills for lifelong learning and for you to develop as an innovative individual who will drive and promote improvements within the service. The module will focus on excellence, best practice and awareness of the fast technological advances in breast imaging. You will evaluate approaches to quality control and quality enhancement and the development of professional standards to ensure the highest standards of patient care remain core to the philosophy of the breast care service.
This module is for those mammographers, breast clinicians and appropriate others who seek to extend their role to undertake breast image interpretation and reporting. The module will provide the knowledge and skills necessary to analyse and interpret mammographic images in the screening, new referral and post-operative follow-up situations in line with national guidelines, protocols and scope of practice.
This module specifically addresses the broader programme aims related to “pursuing excellence” and “practice-led, knowledge applied” through a flexible provision that encourages students to develop their research ideas, enabling those on various Health MSc programmes to satisfy their individual learning needs, whilst contributing to their area of study.
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:
This module aims to support you to develop independent learning and advanced scholarship which may be employed to support your continuing professional development. You will be studying the role that leadership plays within wider health contexts such as during periods of change and transformation of service delivery. You will develop academic skills that will allow you to interrogate evidence that supports aspects of your clinical practice which will allow you to act with confidence and autonomy within your own scope of responsibility.
This module specifically addresses the broader programme aims related to “pursuing excellence” and “practice-led, knowledge applied” through a flexible provision that encourages students to develop their research ideas, enabling those on various Health MSc programmes to satisfy their individual learning needs, whilst contributing to their area of study.
This double module provides the student with the opportunity to complete a piece of work around a chosen topic in order to demonstrate competence in the planning, execution, analysis and evaluation of a Research Project, a Systematic Review or Project Management. It involves 400 hours of study. The focus is on facilitating the student's independent, critical study in their academic discipline or area of professional practice.
This triple module forms the final bridge between the award of a Postgraduate Diploma and a Health MSc related to a named award. It provides the student with the opportunity to complete a piece of work around a chosen topic in order to demonstrate competence in the planning, execution, analysis and evaluation of a Research Project, a Systematic Review or Project Management. It involves 600 hours of study. The focus is on facilitating the student's independent, critical study in their academic discipline or area of professional practice.
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.
As a student studying this module you will be encouraged to take a critical stance during the use of cross sectional imaging. This module is designed to be suitable for both diagnostic and radiotherapy radiographers working or wishing to work in the imaging modality of computed tomography. Within the module students will be able to develop their analysis of anatomy as presented on cross sectional anatomy. The successful student may accrue new insights into the usefulness of cross sectional anatomy in support of their area of practice.
This module is designed to broaden the horizons of your specialist knowledge by encouraging the deep exploration of a particular aspect of practice related to your award. The content of this module may be tailored to the specific needs of you and your department. Ultimate flexibility is afforded, as the subject matter is selected by you in liaison with the module leader and no university attendance is required.
This module may be used to facilitate your movement into an advance practice role by providing the academic endorsement to a training programme that is based in your own clinical department. Alternatively the module may be used as a vehicle to deepen your knowledge of an area of practice you are interested in.
This module will equip you with the skills required to issue a radiological report on plain images of the Paediatric skeleton. The module is aimed at Reporting radiographers who wish to develop an in depth knowledge in support of expertise already gained through PG reporting education. It is has been highlighted by clinical reporters that there is sometime a delay in issuing reports on paediatric plain imaging due to constraints being placed on reporting radiographers and the age range which they can independently report on. This may delay the report being issued and thus have an impact on further treatment for the child. The module will consider the paediatric to be up to the age of 16; this module will not explore paediatric chest and abdomen appearances.
This module aims to provide grounding in imaging interpretation (core imaging) for the wider healthcare sector, with a holistic approach to the patient. The module provides the necessary theoretical content to enable you to be able to interpret radiographic images. This module will support radiographers and other healthcare professionals who will be undertaking initial commenting in their imaging departments or as part of their role. Radiographers are expected to be able to assess image appearances and make a comment based on this interpretation. This offers an additional stage of interpretation for the patient and enhances the practice of the radiographer and healthcare professional. This level of interpretation offers an additional level of safety to the patient as their image will have been scrutinised prior to final reporting. This module will enhance the image interpretation skills of any healthcare professional who wishes to improve their ability to detect abnormalities on skeletal images. This module will improve image interpretation skills however it will not equip you with the skills to offer a legally binding report.
This module is designed for all healthcare professionals to develop skills in adult chest x-ray interpretation. It is especially suited to allied health and nursing professionals but can be accessed by any healthcare professional wishing to develop skills in image interpretation of the adult chest x-ray.
By studying this module you will develop a critical approach to image interpretation of x-rays of the adult chest. Though the module does not give you the skills required to produce a formal report on a chest x-ray, the knowledge and skills you develop will enable you to make clinical decisions based on your interpretation.
Fundamentals of MRI is intended to serve as an introduction to both the physical principles and the clinical applications of MRI and is suitable for study by those new to MRI, or those with more experience who wish to further their knowledge. The aim is to produce healthcare practitioners with sound academic knowledge who are considerate of patient care and safety in the MRI department, whatever their professional background. The clinical applications you will study are those most commonly encountered in practice and the physical principles are covered from a basic to intermediate level. The module may be studied as part of an award pathway, but is equally suited to being taken as a stand-alone module.
MRI Specialist Techniques is designed to enhance your MRI knowledge by raising your awareness and developing your understanding of the various specialist and emerging techniques in MRI. MRI is a rapidly-changing technology and the focus of this module is the state-or-the-art, thus encouraging the exploration of current thinking and emergent practice. Your ability to present information in a manner suitable for use by others is assessed in this module – thus enhancing your ability to disseminate your knowledge. The module is suitable for study by any professional with an interest in this area who wishes to enhance their knowledge, although a sound understanding of the physical principles of MRI is advantageous.
MRI Principles and Practice is designed to build on the knowledge gained in Fundamentals of MRI, but may also be taken by those who already possess a sound knowledge of the basic physical principles of MRI. It is intended that by studying this module you will gain an advanced level of knowledge regarding the physical principles of MRI which may be applied to your own practice. This module also deals with the safe use of gadolinium-based contrast agents, an awareness of which is fundamental for providing safe patient care. The clinical applications in the head and neck, abdomen, pelvis and vascular system are also studied in this module to enable you to develop a critical awareness of how MRI contributes to the management of pathology.
This module will build upon the study skills you developed at undergraduate level. We will support you in developing advanced knowledge and understanding in radiography, informed by current practice and research in the field of Computed Tomography.
The programme aims to develop your collaborative skills. Therefore, whilst studying this module, you can expect to work with and learn from students and professionals, both in the classroom and online.
Enabling you to become a self-directed learner who takes ownership of your personal and professional development is part of the programme philosophy.
This module provides a framework for radiographers who wish to undertake reporting of adult CT head scans and facilitates the development of professional and clinical competencies necessary for reporting images of CT head scans.
The post graduate radiography programme at Birmingham City University will support students wishing to have an in-depth and advanced knowledge and understanding in radiography which will be informed by current practice and research. We are proud of the links we have forged with clinical departments to develop a programme which meets the current and developing needs of imaging departments and health-care in the wider context.
This module will encourage you to engage in active and informed participation in core image reporting of the musculoskeletal radiograph (excluding skull). The module will adopt a learner-centric approach and through your study and development, you will become champions in the specialism of musculoskeletal reporting. Your actions, as a musculoskeletal reporter, will have a direct consequence on the management of patient care and will help ensure imaging departments are able to produce timely imaging reports in line with IR(ME)R. The module will explore and contextualise the foundations of image reporting such as visual perception, satisfaction of search, medico-legal aspects of reporting, maintaining quality in report writing and conducting audit as well as the fundamental skill of interpreting the image. This module and assessment to mapped to the RCR and CoR 'Standards for the education and training of reporting practitioners in musculoskeletal plain radiographs.
This module will encourage you to engage in active and informed participation in core image reporting of the Adult Chest and Abdomen. Adult is considered to be any patient over the age of 16. The module will adopt a learner-centric approach and through your study and development, you will become champions in the specialism of Adult Chest and Abdomen reporting. Your actions, as an Adult Chest and Abdomen reporter, will have a direct consequence on the management of patient care and will help ensure imaging departments are able to produce timely imaging reports in line with IR(me)R. The module will explore and contextualise the foundations of image reporting such as visual perception, satisfaction of search, medico-legal aspects of reporting, maintaining quality in report writing and conducting audit as well as the fundamental skill of interpreting the image.
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 postgradradiography@bcu.ac.uk.
Assessment methods
To ensure an optimal learning experience, a range of assessment techniques are used. Specific evaluation methods have been established for designated routes, such as posters, assignments, and objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs). These are all designed with the intention of enhancing your study skills and supporting transferable skills for enhanced and advanced practice.
If you require additional support outside of the course delivery, you will be able to access this through the library or our Academic Development Department.
Accreditation or professional associations
This course is accredited by the following professional bodies.
- College of Radiographers
- Health Care Professionals Council
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
Radiographers and other Allied Healthcare Professionals are ideally place to expand their range of skills and capabilities thanks to the advancements made in healthcare technology and demands on the healthcare system. MRI and CT scans have become essential first steps in the diagnosis and treatment of patients, increasing the need for skilled Radiographers to lead the way. A growing demand for imaging services, presents an excellent opportunity for Radiographers to extend their expertise through internationally recognised reporting qualifications.
Studying with us will equip you with the tools needed to excel in your chosen field.
Placements
We do not offer postgraduate placements, so it is recommended you work within the modality you are studying.
A minimum of one day per week is recommended for reporting modules. This will allow you to report, meet with your clinical supervisor and undertake self study.
Facilities & Staff
We have invested over £400 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-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 five 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.
Ultrasound simulation suite
You have access to a wide range of Ultrasound simulation equipment to develop your clinical skills and aid in training. The equipment includes two ultrasound machines with a range of phantoms, scan training stations and eve body works.
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 HelenNichola Smith
Senior Lecturer
Nichola graduated from Cardiff University in 2012 with a BSc (Hons) in Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging, and has been working in this field ever since. In her clinical duties, Nichola gained experience in various areas of Diagnostic Radiography, including plain film, and Interventional Radiology. Following a Postgraduate Diploma from BCU, Nichola...
More about Nichola