MSc/PgDip/PgCert Advanced Practice (Radiotherapy and Oncology)

Attendance

Distance learning

Distance learning – a mix of e-learning and work-based learning although you can study optional taught modules
You study for at least three years and a maximum of six years to masters level
Starts January and September

At a glance

Continue to develop your practice in radiotherapy and oncology, and gain accreditation for your advanced knowledge and skills. This course is designed to help you develop a profile that satisfies both statutory CPD and professional body requirements.

Key points
• Develop your practice as an advanced practitioner.
• Increase your ability to critically evaluate theoretical perspectives and relevant research underpinning professional practice.
• Satisfy various professional body and statutory CPD requirements.
• Study the whole course, or individual modules to gain academic credit towards a qualification.

About this course

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

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

The course improves your independent and active learning ability, enabling you to
• advance your knowledge, understanding and skills
• review and enhance your own and others practice
• develop your management of complex issues and problems
• lead practice developments

It also supports and enables you to work towards developing a profile that satisfies professional body requirements for advanced practice and statutory requirements for continuing professional development (CPD). This increases your employability and career potential.

Study individual modules
You can study individual modules from this course and gain academic credit towards a qualification. Visit our continuing professional development website for more information.

Associated careers

Prepare for or develop and enhance advanced level practice or begin working towards consultant practice. After graduation, you may be able to further your career in clinical practice in a variety of settings in the UK or internationally. Or you may pursue a career in teaching or research. You can also continue further study to professional doctorate or a PhD level.

Professional recognition

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

Course content

Postgraduate certificate core modules

• expert practice
• advanced practice profile

Postgraduate diploma core modules

• research methods for practice
• personalised study module or work-based learning module
• 45 credits of optional modules

Options

15 credit modules
• practice educator • treatment verification • informed consent in healthcare practice • clinical applications of radiobiology • pre-treatment imaging • paediatric cancer and its management • evidencing your CPD • prostate cancer • breast cancer radiotherapy • IMRT: principles to practice

30 credit modules
• advanced communication and information in supportive and palliative care • advanced communication skills in practice (taught and distance learning) • psychology of cancer care • fundamentals of radiotherapy planning • advances in radiotherapy planning

You can also study modules from across all postgraduate radiotherapy and oncology courses and the wider Faculty of Health and Wellbeing continuing professional development (CPD) framework.

MSc

• dissertation

Assessment

• demonstrate clinical competencies in your field of expertise • individually negotiated assignment • portfolio • outline business case • journal article • oral viva

Entry requirements

Normally you need one from
• a degree in therapeutic radiography
• a Diploma of the College of Radiographers (T) or equivalent study in therapeutic radiography
• an equivalent healthcare degree

If English is a second language, you also need an IELTS of 6.5 or above.

You also need a letter of support from line manager indicating that you are in an appropriate extended role in practice, have clinical support mechanisms and a mentor assigned.

We consider applicants on an individual basis. To be accepted, you need to satisfy the course leader that you have an ability to complete the course. A telephone conversation may be arranged with the course leader to discuss your role and the suitability of the course, before a place is offered.

You must be prepared to be intellectually challenged and to reflect on your clinical practice and consider how it may be improved based on critical evaluation. You need to be motivated, able to contribute to the online discussion and debate, and be prepared to study independently to explore the research literature that underpins practice.

You must also declare
•any disciplinary proceedings taken by earlier employers or educational establishments
•any investigation relevant to you under the Children Act 1989 or other associated legislation

Fees

Home and EU students

2013/14 academic year

Typically £1,785 for 60 credits

International students

2013/14 academic year

Typically £7,200 for the course

2014/15 academic year

Typically £7,380 for the course

How to apply

Complete the application form available at www.shu.ac.uk/study/form

Contact details

For further information contact the Post-experience and Postgraduate Office, Faculty of Health and Wellbeing, Collegiate Crescent Campus, Sheffield, S1 1WB. Phone +44 (0)114 225 2373, fax +44 (0)114 225 2394, e-mail AlliedHealth@shu.ac.uk