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Radiography - Module / MSc / PgCert / PgDip

Currently viewing course to start in 2024/25 Entry. Switch to 2025/26 Entry

Take the next step towards a career in extended or advanced practice while enhancing your knowledge, skills and qualifications in core clinical areas as well as leadership and research....

  • Level Postgraduate Taught
  • Study mode Part Time
  • Award Module / MSc / PgCert / PgDip
  • Start date January 2025
  • Fees View course fees

This course is:

Overview

Take the next step towards a career in extended or advanced practice while enhancing your knowledge, skills and qualifications in core clinical areas as well as leadership and research. This course, which is accredited by the Society and College of Radiographers, is aimed at professionals with a current qualification and registration as a diagnostic radiographer, therapeutic radiographer, or other healthcare professionals, with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration or equivalent.

This course is not open to International students.

What's covered in this course?

Our postgraduate radiography programme aims to equip you with the necessary knowledge, skills and attributes to become a professional expert in your field of practice.

Whichever route and/or specialism choose from our programme, you will develop the skills required to meet the changing demands of the rapidly evolving radiography sector, while keeping the patient at the core of your practice and gain the knowledge base required to implement service improvements with a view to improving patient outcomes.

By engaging with Radiography at a postgraduate level you will become a champion in your area of expertise, recognised as a role model for enhanced and advanced practice and professional development, and inspiring your colleagues to enhance their knowledge and skills.

In addition to gaining a conceptual understanding of the latest advances in radiography and radiotherapy, you will learn to provide modern, effective, and patient-centred clinical care, in line with the highest public and peer expectations of enhanced and advanced practice.

The Musculoskeletal Reporting course and assessment are aligned with the RCR/CoR 'Standards for the education and training of reporting practitioners in musculoskeletal plain radiographs'

Where will I learn?

You will be based at our City South Campus in Edgbaston, just outside of Birmingham City Centre. The campus has been specifically designed with our students in mind; you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities throughout your time here to support your learning and development.

Accredited By

This course is accredited by:

  • College of Radiographers

Why Choose Us?

  • You will learn from highly motivated and passionate lecturers, many of whom work clinically, ensuring course content is current and relevant.
  • Our course is accredited by the College of Radiographers and is consistently reviewed positively by learners.
  • We have recently been awarded Imaging Academy Hub status, so you will be provided with the very best learning and teaching experience. We are at the forefront of radiography education, and you will learn in our brand-new image interpretation suite with PACS access.
  • You will benefit from a choice of a wide range of clinical modules, including musculoskeletal reporting, adult chest and abdominal reporting, CT head reporting, leadership and MRI. We are also able to accommodate niche clinical requirements you or your department may have.
  • You will have access to a wide range of resources and input from top manufacturer application specialists in the field (module dependent) to develop your study skills, critical thinking, and research skills.
  • We are a friendly and approachable team with an extensive skill set including research. You will receive a high level of support in your studies as well as the opportunity to work collaboratively and meet peers from across the UK.

OPEN DAY

Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to learn about this course in detail, chat to students, explore our campus and tour accommodation.

Next Event: 24 November 2024

Book now

Entry Requirements

Essential requirements

UK students
Essential

You should have completed a BSc (Hons) in Diagnostic/Therapeutic Radiography (minimum of 2.2) or equivalent qualification e.g. a Diploma of the College of Radiographers or a professional qualification related to your profession and be registered with the NMC or HCPC.

You should be currently practising, and have at least two years’ post-qualification experience as a radiographer if you wish to undertake a reporting pathway.

Applications to any reporting pathways should be supported by a clinical supervisor and department manager. A completedAuthorisation to Participate form is required as part of the online application process. 

If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us.

Fees & How to Apply

Please select your student status to view fees and apply
  • UK Student
  • International Student

UK students

Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.

Award: Module

Starting: Jan 2025

  • Mode
  • Duration
  • Fees
  • £950 per 20 credits

Fees for Part-time students

This course can be studied on a Part-time study basis. The cost per year of study is based on credit requirements for that year.

Award: MSc

Starting: Jan 2025

  • Mode
  • Duration
  • Fees
  • £950 per 20 credits

Fees for Part-time students

This course can be studied on a Part-time study basis. The cost per year of study is based on credit requirements for that year.

Award: PgCert

Starting: Jan 2025

  • Mode
  • Duration
  • Fees
  • £950 per 20 credits
  • Year 1 - 60 credits

Fees for Part-time students

This course can be studied on a Part-time study basis. The cost per year of study is based on credit requirements for that year.

Award: PgDip

Starting: Jan 2025

  • Mode
  • Duration
  • Fees
  • £950 per 20 credits

Fees for Part-time students

This course can be studied on a Part-time study basis. The cost per year of study is based on credit requirements for that year.

International students

Sorry, this course is not available to International students.

Access to computer equipment

You will require use of a laptop, and most students do prefer to have their own. However, you can borrow a laptop from the university or use one of our shared computer rooms.

Printing

You will receive £5 print credit in each year of your course, available after enrolment.

Access to Microsoft Office 365

Every student at the University can download a free copy of Microsoft Office 365 to use whilst at university and for 18 months after graduation.

Key Software

You will be able to download SPSS and Nvivo to your home computer to support with your studies and research.

Key subscriptions

Subscriptions to key journals and websites are available through our library.

Placement expenses (mandatory)

There may be some costs for travel or temporary accommodation associated with placements. The NHS Learning Support Fund can help with these costs. Information about what the fund covers and eligibility criteria can be found online.

Excess printing (optional)

Once you have spent your £5 credit, additional printing on campus costs from 5p per sheet.

Books (optional)

All module key texts will be in the University library, but in limited numbers. You may choose to purchase a copy.

Subscriptions (optional)

You may wish to purchase subscriptions to additional journals and websites.

Memberships (optional)

You may wish to join a union or professional body related to this course.

Accommodation and living costs

The cost of accommodation and other living costs are not included within your course fees. More information on the cost of accommodation can be found in our accommodation pages.

Personal statement

You’ll need to submit a personal statement as part of your application for this course. This will need to highlight your passion for postgraduate study – and your chosen course – as well as your personal skills and experience, academic success, and any other factors that will support your application for further study.

If you are applying for a stand alone module, please include the title of the module you want to study in your Personal Statement.

Not sure what to include? We’re here to help – take a look at our top tips for writing personal statements and download our free postgraduate personal statement guide for further advice and examples from real students.

Course in Depth

PG Cert

PG Cert Radiography

Download the PgCert Radiography Course Specification

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 20 credits):

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 40 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules:

All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.

PG Cert (Pathways)

PG Cert (Adult Chest and Abdomen Reporting)

Download the PG Cert Radiography (Adult Chest and Abdomen Reporting) Course Specification

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 60 credits):

PG Cert (Musculoskeletal Reporting)

Download the PG Certificate Radiography (Musculoskeletal Reporting) Course Specification

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 20 credits):

PG Cert (CT Head Reporting)

Download the PG Cert Radiography (CT Head Reporting) Course Specification

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 60 credits):

PG Cert (Computed Tomography)

Download the PG Cert Radiography (Computed Tomography) Course Specification

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 60 credits):

PG Cert (MRI)

Download the PG Cert Radiography (MRI) Course Specification

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 20 credits):

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 40 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules:

All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.

PG Cert (Breast Imaging Practice)

Download the PG Cert Radiography (Breast Imaging Practice) Course Specification

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 60 credits):

PG Dip

PG Dip Radiography

Download the PG Diploma Radiography Course Specification

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 40 credits):

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 80 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules:

All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.

PG Dip (Pathways)

PG Dip (Image Reporting) 

Download the PG Diploma Radiography (Image Reporting) Course Specification

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 40 credits):

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 80 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules:

All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.

PG Dip (Breast Interventional Techniques) 

Download the PG Diploma Radiography (Breast Interventional Techniques) Course Specification

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits):

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules:

Plus others from a range of module across the Faculty, dependent on student area of interest and in negotiation with the Course Lead.

PG Dip (Breast Image Reporting) 

Download the PG Diploma Radiography (Breast Image Reporting) Course Specification

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):

PG Dip (MRI)

Download the MSc Radiography Course Specification for details of this pathway.

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):

MSc

MSc Radiography

Download the MSc Radiography Course Specification

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 40 credits) plus a dissertation module of either 40 or 60 credits: 

Option 1:

If you have completed the 40 credit dissertation module, in order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 100 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules:

Optional 2:

If you have completed the 60 credit dissertation module, in order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 80 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules:

All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.

Course structure

All modules can be studied part-time to fit around your personal and professional commitments. You can study modules on a standalone basis or towards an award at PgCert, PgDip or MSc level. A blended learning approach is used with face-to-face lectures, online lectures, tutorials, formative assessments and workshops.

Most modules are delivered during a working day, on block release of two to three days at a time, with the clinical component taking place in your workplace under the direction of a clinical supervisor. You will regularly have an opportunity for formative assessment throughout the course and get regular verbal feedback on your progress.

You will also have access to Moodle, a virtual learning environment that provides online resources, discussion forums and directed and self-directed study.

If you have any questions, please email postgradradiography@bcu.ac.uk

Assessment methods

To ensure an optimal learning experience, a range of assessment techniques are used. Specific evaluation methods have been established for designated routes, such as posters, assignments, and objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs). These are all designed with the intention of enhancing your study skills and supporting transferable skills for enhanced and advanced practice.

If you require additional support outside of the course delivery, you will be able to access this through the library or our Academic Development Department.

Accreditation or professional associations

This course is accredited by the following professional bodies. 

  • College of Radiographers
  • Health Care Professionals Council
College of Radiographers
College of Radiographers

The College of Radiographers (CoR) is a registered charity concerned with standards in the provision and development of diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy for the public benefit.

Employability

Enhancing Employability Skills

Radiographers and other Allied Healthcare Professionals are ideally place to expand their range of skills and capabilities thanks to the advancements made in healthcare technology and demands on the healthcare system. MRI and CT scans have become essential first steps in the diagnosis and treatment of patients, increasing the need for skilled Radiographers to lead the way. A growing demand for imaging services, presents an excellent opportunity for Radiographers to extend their expertise through internationally recognised reporting qualifications.

Studying with us will equip you with the tools needed to excel in your chosen field.

Placements

We do not offer postgraduate placements, so it is recommended you work within the modality you are studying.

A minimum of one day per week is recommended for reporting modules. This will allow you to report, meet with your clinical supervisor and undertake self study.

Facilities & Staff

We have invested over £400 million in our facilities, including an upgrade to our Skills and Simulation facilities at City South Campus. We boast up-to-date, innovative facilities that simulate the real situations that you may come across in the workplace. These resources are essential in offering you a hands-on introduction to health and social care practice.

Mock Wards

These are set up to look like typical hospital wards, with four-six bays. Depending on the topic in hand, different manikins can be used as patients and relevant equipment is provided to practise clinical skills. Some of the manikins are interactive and can simulate different scenarios e.g. some allow you to cannulate, check pulses, intubate etc, and some can talk to you. One ward is often used as an adult ward, and the other as a child ward.

These rooms also allow for scenarios to be set up for other professions such as dietetics, paramedic science and social work.

The Operating Theatre and Recovery Suites

The operating theatre and recovery suite gives you the sense of what it would be like in a real surgical environment.

These spaces emulate the full surgical journey from anaesthetics, through surgery and into recovery. ODP students can practice a range of skills including gowning, hand washing, preparing instrument trays, and working with a patient. Nurses and midwives may experience a surgical placement and need to go to theatre or be part of the midwifery team involved with caesarean sections. Many other Allied Health Professionals may also see patients in recovery if necessary.

Home Environment Room

This space is used to simulate non-clinical settings, as not everything health professionals deal with is hospital based. This is used for simulations of home visits and home births. It also houses soft matting and a bubble machine that are used by the Learning Disability Nursing team.

Assisted Living Space

This space replicates a flat and is used for scenarios such as home visits. The sitting room area provides a different space to practise skills and simulations and work with service users and other students.

Assisted Kitchen

This specially designed kitchen has different areas where you can practice cooking, cleaning, boiling the kettle etc., with someone who has actual or simulated visual impairments. There are adapted devices to help, and simulation glasses for you to wear to experience visual impairments.

Physiotherapy Room

This is a space for physiotherapy students to use, with various equipment to practise client meetings.

Radiotherapy Planning Computer Suite

Our computers allow you to plan hypothetical treatments, in terms of angles and directions, ensuring that radiotherapy reaches where it is needed on a patient’s body.

Radiography Image Interpretation and Reporting Stations Computer Suite

These facilities allow you to view and analyse x-rays.

VERT - Virtual Environment for Radiotherapy Training

This room contains 3D technology to view virtual patients and look at trajectories for treatment.

Radiotherapy

This room contains the same bed/couch used when patients are given radiotherapy treatment. While students of course do not administer radiotherapy in this room, it does allow them to practise adjusting the equipment to make sure both it and a patient would be in the correct position to receive treatment.

Telehealth Room

This room allows for small group teaching in a central area (large boardroom type table) with five small telehealth booths down either side. These are to allow all our health professions students to practise delivering healthcare and advice remotely, either over the phone or on a video call. This addition to our teaching reflects moves in the sector to offer more flexible access to healthcare services, particularly as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Imaging Academy

This new facility is a larger version of our existing image interpretation computer facilities and forms part of the Midlands Imaging Academy Hub, funded by Health Education England. These expanded facilities will mean we can further develop our courses and expertise in radiography and imaging.

Speech and Language Therapy Resource Room

Our Speech and Language Therapy Team have developed a collection of tools, books and resources to help you learn and understand the implications of a speech or swallowing limitation. You can practise one to one client meetings and clinics and use the video recording equipment to review role play scenarios.

Ultrasound simulation suite

You have access to a wide range of Ultrasound simulation equipment to develop your clinical skills and aid in training. The equipment includes two ultrasound machines with a range of phantoms, scan training stations and eve body works.


Our staff

Helen Hopkins

Course Leader for MSc Radiography

Having qualified from University of Central England (now BCU) in 2000, Helen worked for City Hospital, Birmingham for 13 years. She became an Advanced Practitioner in 2004 as a reporting radiographer. She maintained her clinical expertise by working evening shifts alongside her university work up until October 2013.

More about Helen

Nichola Smith

Senior Lecturer

Nichola graduated from Cardiff University in 2012 with a BSc (Hons) in Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging, and has been working in this field ever since. In her clinical duties, Nichola gained experience in various areas of Diagnostic Radiography, including plain film, and Interventional Radiology. Following a Postgraduate Diploma from BCU, Nichola...

More about Nichola