Fundamentals of Chest Radiographic Image Interpretation
Introduction
Delivered as 100% Distance Learning, the materials for this module are accessed as 'online anytime' with no scheduled teaching on campus or live online. There will be feedback and communication between students and the course team via online platforms throughout the module. This approach allows you the flexibility to study at a time convenient to you, removing the need to take time away from work or home.
This module will help you develop and apply skills to recognise normal and abnormal appearances of projectional chest radiographic images. By the end of the module you will be able to synthesise clinical information commonly seen in acute and emergency care, with projectional radiographic appearances to enable you to describe the radiographic appearances in a written format. Learning is divided into sub-sections designed to cover differing aspects of projectional chest radiography including appearances of:
Normal projectional Chest X-ray appearances
Collapse and consolidation;
Blunt and penetrating trauma;
Cardiac, mediastinal and hilar abnormalities;
Placements of lines and tubes.
Please note: This module alone does not prove competence to provide medical reports, professionals undertaking it will be able to use their knowledge and skills to enhance the service they provide according to their employer's policies and within their defined scope of clinical practice.
For Diagnostic Radiographers, this module will enhance your 'abnormality detection systems' and 'preliminary clinical evaluation' or commenting skills.
For non-radiographers this module will provide a basis to allow you to continue to develop the knowledge to support your clinical practice.
Who the module is aimed at
The module is relevant to professionals who use or interpret images in their practice, typically junior doctors, diagnostic and therapeutic radiographers, physiotherapists, nurses and ACPs.
Benefits of taking the module to the individual, the organisation and the patient:
By studying this module you can informally interpret projectional radiographic appearances of the chest.
What you learn
By engaging successfully with this module you can:
Recognise normal and abnormal appearances of projectional radiographic images of the chest and formulate a diagnosis or differential diagnoses.
Formulate and communicate a written professional opinion, based on the interpretation of projectional radiographic images of the chest.
General areas covered:
A systematic approach to evaluate projectional images of the chest
Identify the range of normal appearances versus normal variants and pathological or traumatic appearances
Acute respiratory conditions
Some common chronic lung diseases and malignancies.
Acute trauma.
Correct position of lines, tubes, and drains.
Skills gained for the workplace
Technical image interpretation skills and academic skills
To study this 100% distance learning module you will require access to a computer with:
A reliable internet connection
Microsoft or Apple Mac Supported Office Software
The current version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox
Fees and Funding for 2025/26
| Indicative price for stand-alone module |
Home student: £885 EU / International students: £885 - this is part-time study and therefore cannot provide sponsorship for Tier 4. |
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| How to apply |
To apply for a self-funded place, please complete and return the application form below: To apply for a Workforce Development / Workforce Transformation funding WDF/WTF funded place, please complete and return the relevant application form below Further information and Workforce Development Funding / CPD Funding online application form |
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Entry requirements
• Relevant professional health qualification
• Relevant work experience
• Relevant workplace opportunities and organisational support(The above must be evidenced in the applicants application form)
International students must have reliable internet access and supply IELTS of 6.5 or above (or equivalent).
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Attendance
Delivery Method:
This module is delivered via distance learning
View our statement on notional study hours »
Provisional timetable
The next intake for this module will begin 12th January 2026 and will end 14th May 2026.
This module is delivered via distance learning. Attendance at the university is not required but engagement with online activity is expected. -
Assessment
Module assessment is made up of one or more assessment tasks. The assessment task(s) for this module are:
- Phase Test
Successful completion of this module will earn you 15 level 7 credits
Further details
For further information please contact the module leader Denise Foulkes - d.foulkes@shu.ac.uk