MSc/PgDip/PgCert Advancing Diagnostic Imaging Practice
Attendance
Part-time
Part-time – normally one year to certificate, two years to diploma and three years to masters, with a maximum of six years
Some modules may be studies distance learning.
A 15 credit taught module is generally based on 150 hours of learning
Starts September and January
At a glance
Enhance your career potential as a diagnostic radiographer by gaining an advanced level of expertise in image interpretation, as well as other key areas such as risk and liability.
Key points
• Advance your practice with a focus on diagnostic image interpretation or focussed imaging practice.
• Develop a professional portfolio to improve your ability to implement clinical governance.
• Study for one of three qualifications or choose individual modules as part of a CPD plan.
• Learn within national frameworks and policies such the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework and the Agenda for Change (AFC).
About this course
If you are a diagnostic radiographer, this course allows you to study advanced practice. It is designed for diagnostic radiographers but may be be suitable for other healthcare professionals including • therapeutic radiographers • physiotherapists • nurses • orthotists • junior medical staff.
Your studies can either lead to the qualification PgCert Diagnostic Image Interpretation or an MSc/PgDip/PgCert Advancing Diagnostic Imaging Practice.
During the course, you focus on
• image interpretation in an area, such as musculoskeletal, chest and CT head
• modalities of CT and MRI
• risk and liability
We integrate theory with practice and challenge you to explore, reflect on, and analyse your professional experience to improve your skills.
During one module, you develop a professional portfolio to demonstrate your clinical practice. This process helps you develop your critical understanding and expertise in your own field, boosting your ability to implement the principle of clinical governance.
We assess the clinical competencies through a professional portfolio where you provide evidence of your academic learning and clinical competence, and develop a professional profile in a chosen area of practice
The diagnostic imaging team is made up of experienced registered professionals with a range of specialities including radiographic image interpretation, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and interventional radiology. Based in a state-of the-art building with fully operational X-ray department, operating theatre and ward spaces, we offer exceptional facilities to students learning both on campus and off-site.
All study routes and modules are designed to support the
• Agenda for Change (AFC)
• NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework
• National Profiles for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiographers
• key national policies such as the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines for head injury
Course structure
The course uses the University’s credit accumulation and transfer scheme, with modules and awards rated as
• individual modules 15 or 30 credits each
• postgraduate certificate 60 credits
• postgraduate diploma 120 credits
• masters (including dissertation) 180 credits
Postgraduate certificate level studies reflect and are linked to AFC grade six. Postgraduate diploma level studies reflect and are linked to AFC grade seven. MSc level studies reflect and are linked to AFC grade eight consultant practice.
Tailor the course to your needs
Designed to be flexible, you can tailor your studies closely to your own interests through work-based learning, accreditation of prior experiential learning and accreditation of prior certificated learning.
Choose to 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
The course is designed to enhance the careers of professional groups including • diagnostic radiographers • physiotherapists • nurses • medical staff.
Professional recognition
All routes are endorsed by the College of Radiographers.
Course content
Postgraduate Certificate Image Interpretation
• awareness of errors in medical imaging • professional portfolio of clinical competence
Plus one from • musculoskeletal radiographic image interpretation – axial • musculoskeletal radiographic image interpretation – appendicular • chest radiographic image interpretation • CT head image interpretation
Postgraduate Certificate Advancing Diagnostic Imaging Practice
• awareness of errors in medical imaging • 60 credits of option modules
Postgraduate diploma
Negotiated option modules
MSc
Postgraduate diploma modules plus research methods modules and a dissertation
Option modules
• musculoskeletal radiographic image interpretation – axial • musculoskeletal radiographic image interpretation – appendicular • chest radiographic image interpretation • CT head image interpretation • interventional radiological studies procedures • CT • MRI • research module • professional portfolio of clinical competence or expert practice • modules from the advanced practice programme
Assessment
Assessment may include • essays • computer based examinations • project work • preparing reviews of articles and position papers • preparing a research proposal.
Each module is assessed individually using various methods.
Entry requirements
We consider each candidate according to their ability to meet the demands of the programme. Modules are open to a range of professional groups and we consider applicants individually.
The routes incorporating the professional portfolio of clinical competence requires you to have regular access to relevant radiographs as part of your practice.
Normal entry requirements are one of the following
• a pass degree in radiography or equivalent professional qualification
• Diploma of the College of Radiographers or equivalent professional qualification
If you have appropriate previous learning, either formally or through experience, may gain exemption from parts of the programme by submitting a claim under the University’s APEL and APCL procedures. This will be considered by the University, which will advise on procedures.
International students require one of the following English qualifications
• TOEFL score of 550/213 or above
• IELTS score of 6.0 or above
• GCSE or GCE O level – grade B or above
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English at grade C or above
You would normally need to be working clinically for part of the time while studying, in order to apply learning to the clinical situation. It is your responsibility to find relevant clinical work and clinical mentors.
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 £1,530 a stage for PgCert, PgDip and MSc stages
Some of the modules on this course may be funded by the Department of Health.
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 or email AlliedHealth@shu.ac.uk