MSc/PgDip/PgCert Diagnostic Imaging

Course structure

Distance learning

Starts September and January.

Typical modules may include

Course structure

The postgraduate certificate (PgCert) is achieved by successfully completing 60 credits. The postgraduate diploma (PgDip) is achieved by successfully completing 120 credits. The masters (MSc) award is achieved by successfully completing 180 credits.

The combination of modules studied on this course is tailored according to your own areas of interest, aims and goals. You discuss your individual study route with the course leader.

Core modules

Awareness of error in diagnostic imaging (15 credits)
The key aim of this module is to further enable health care professionals to use radiological images from all imaging modalities effectively in their practice. It begins by looking at how we perceive images and the three main types of error which may occur.

The module analyses the opportunities for error to occur in image interpretation from a generic basis, which can subsequently be continued within a specific anatomical or service area as part of advanced practice. It looks at how errors made in image interpretation can affect service delivery and users, and how they can be reduced in practice.

Research methods for practice (15 credits)
This module allows you to develop a critical understanding of a range of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and apply their use to specific health care scenarios. You are encouraged to critically appraise the appropriateness of a range of study designs and data collection and analysis methods, in relation to a specific research question(s).

This is a multi-professional module that gives you the opportunity to work and learn with others.

Dissertation (60 credits)
This module provides an opportunity to conduct a project that is important to your professional practice and relevant to your own workplace organisation, with the ultimate aim of influencing and impacting on the care provided to those using this service.

Optional modules

Chest radiographic image interpretation (15 credits)
This module allows you to develop and apply skills to recognise normal and abnormal appearances of chest radiographic images. By the end you will be able to synthesise clinical information commonly seen in acute and emergency care with radiographic appearances, enabling you to describe the radiographic appearances in a written format.

Learning is online and split into sections covering differing aspects of chest radiography including collapse and consolidation, blunt trauma and cardiac abnormalities. This module alone does not prove competence to provide medical reports, but professionals undertaking it will be able to use their knowledge and skills to enhance the service they provide according to their employer's policies.

For diagnostic radiographers, this module enhances your 'red dot' skills.Those wishing to move into formal radiographic reporting are advised to seek the advice of the course or module leader.

Appendicular musculoskeletal radiographic image interpretation (15 credits)
This module enables you to gain the theoretical knowledge required to interpret radiographic images of the appendicular skeleton through the study of radiographic appearances commonly seen in acute and emergency care. It is relevant to all health professionals who have an interest in, or require an understanding of, radiographs of trauma to the appendicular skeleton.

You develop and apply skills to recognise normal and abnormal appearances of radiographic images. By the end you will be able to synthesise clinical information commonly seen in acute and emergency care, enabling you to describe the radiographic appearances in a structured written format.

This module is offered in line with the current drive to improve patient experience in A&E by helping to eliminate missed diagnoses. This module alone does not prove competence to provide medical reports, but professionals undertaking it will be able to use their knowledge and skills to enhance the service they provide according to their employer's policies.

Axial musculoskeletal radiographic image interpretation (15 credits)
This module enables you to gain the theoretical knowledge required to interpret radiographic images of the axial skeleton through the study of radiographic appearances commonly seen in acute and emergency care. It is relevant to all health professionals who have an interest in, or require an understanding of, radiographs of the axial skeleton.

You develop and apply skills to recognise normal and abnormal appearances of radiographic images. By the end you will be able to synthesise clinical information commonly seen in acute and emergency care with radiographic appearances, enabling you to describe the radiographic appearances in a written format. You should have an extensive knowledge of the anatomy of the musculoskeletal system, and have experience of viewing radiographs of the axial skeleton.

Abdominal imaging (15 credits)
This module enables you to gain the theoretical knowledge required to interpret abdominal radiographic images through the study of radiographic appearances commonly seen and relation to appearances demonstrated on alternative imaging modalities. It is relevant to all health professionals who have an interest in, or require an understanding of, the abdominal radiograph and other imaging methods. You develop and apply skills to recognise normal and abnormal appearances of abdominal radiographic images.

Optional modules continued

Cross-sectional imaging (15 credits)
Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are rapidly advancing imaging tools. This module enables you to respond to the ever increasing diagnostic capabilities of these exciting imaging modalities by focussing on the modality(ies) relevant to their practice.

This is a theoretical module exploring the principles behind the production of images in CT/MRI relevant to the needs of health care professionals practicing in clinical magnetic resonance imaging. It enables you to evaluate and analyse these principles and their relevance in the optimal use of CT and MRI scanners for patient diagnosis. You explore the principles behind the provision of CT and MRI services and safety, and how it can be used to enhance service delivery and patient satisfaction.

Computed tomography head image interpretation: acute and emergency care (15 credits)
This module enables you to gain the theoretical knowledge required to interpret CT images of the head through the study of radiographic appearances commonly seen in acute and emergency care. It is relevant to all health professionals who have an interest in, or require an understanding of, CT head images.

You develop and apply skills to recognise normal and abnormal appearances of CT head images. By the end you will be able to synthesise clinical information commonly seen in acute and emergency care with CT head image appearances, enabling you to describe the appearances in a written format.

Introduction to healthcare education (30 credits)
This module introduces you to the evidence based theory needed to develop essential skills in learning, teaching and assessment (LTA). You develop the essential knowledge base and skills required by health care professional bodies in relation to health or social care focused workplace education.

You develop the skills needed to support and develop positive learning environments in your workplace, which have a direct impact on the quality of care and services for the public.

You also gain skills in assessing and supporting students, as well as managing student underperformance from an educational perspective, particularly when safe care and service need to be assured. This module meets the accreditation criteria required by a variety of professional body/accreditation schemes, for example the Practice Educator role in the Allied Health Professions, and can be used as evidence to gain accreditation as an educator.