Fundamentals of Bone Densitometry (DEXA)
Everything you need to know
- Start date: September 2027
- End date: January 2028
- Module leader: Denise Foulkes
- Level: 7
- Credits: 30
Introduction
This distance learning module explores DEXA/DXA principles and practice in detail, allowing healthcare professionals to develop knowledge, skills and confidence in scanning and patient-centred care.
Who is this course/module for?
The module is for:
- Qualified healthcare professionals
- Practitioners working in clinical bone densitometry settings and developing skills in a DXA suite.
What you’ll learn
Understand the physical principles of DXA, including T-scores, Z-scores, accuracy and artefacts
Apply radiation protection, safety, QA, legislation and governance in practice
Recognise osteoporosis and other metabolic bone disorders, including risk factors and presentation
Evaluate DXA images and integrate tools such as WHO classification, FRAX and QFracture
Understand the clinical uses and limitations of DXA scanning
Promote health, prevention and safeguarding (e.g. falls risk)
Contribute to service improvement, leadership and innovation in DXA
Deliver inclusive, patient-centred care within a multidisciplinary team (MDT)
Skills you’ll gain
- Develop clinical reasoning and decision-making skills
- Develop leadership skills
- Develop skills required to be a safe DXA practitioner
- Develop patient care and advice skills
How you’ll learn
Teaching materials will be made available to you on the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE/Blackboard) as learning ‘packages’ - this may include reading materials, recorded presentations, media links and research publications to enhance your knowledge and understanding of the topic areas through your own study.
Fees and Funding for 2026/27
| Indicative price for stand-alone module |
Home student: £1,825 EU / International students: £1,860 - The University cannot sponsor a Student Visa for CPD modules. However, if you already have permission to study in the UK, you can apply. If you’re unsure whether your visa allows this, please contact the International Experience Team at hallamhelp@shu.ac.uk to discuss your options. |
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| How to apply |
You can apply for this module using our online admissions form. After you have registered or logged in, select the module title under "Please choose your first module". |
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Entry requirements
An appropriately registered Healthcare Professional holding a BSc of 2:1 or above (or equivalent) or with 5 years+ clinical post qualification experience.
Students must have reliable internet access and supply IELTS of 6.5 or above (or equivalent).
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Attendance
Delivery Method:
Synchronous online learning (distance learning). Take part in live, timetabled online sessions using tools like video calls and virtual classrooms. You’ll learn in real time with tutors and other students, with no need to attend campus for teaching or assessments.
View our statement on notional study hours »
Provisional timetable
Trimester 1 only
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Assessment
Module assessment is made up of one or more assessment tasks. The assessment task(s) for this module are:
- Practice Portfolio
- Coursework
Successful completion of this module will earn you 30 level 7 credits
Further details
For further information please contact the module leader Denise Foulkes - d.foulkes@shu.ac.uk or contact the student experience team: