PgCert/PgDip/MSc Radiographic Reporting

The PgCert is typically achieved in Year 1 and credit carried forward to further study in Year 2 to achieve PgDip. Year 3 completes the MSc with a dissertation. The awards are flexible to suit individual needs:

PgCert (60 credits)

• Foundations of Image Interpretation (20 credits)
  This online module introduces the principles of images perception and the opportunities for error in decision making. The implications for practice are considered from abnormality signalling through to written reporting, for integration within a modern healthcare system. Assessment method: 4000 word essay. 100% weighting

Plus optional modules worth 40 credits

• Radiographic Reporting: Musculoskeletal (40 credits)
  This module enables the participant to achieve competence in the practice of radiographic reporting of the musculoskeletal system. The majority of the study element will be in the clinical environment working with a mentor in partnership with the module coordinator to ensure all academic components are met. Participants will be operating within the healthcare environment and must have access to the prescribed clinical practice which must include a mix of acute and non-acute musculoskeletal cases for review.
• Enabling Practice Through Work-Based Learning (20 credits)
  This module allows the student to investigate an area of their own choice, relevant to their field of practice. This module is delivered in the form of learning negotiated between the student, module co-ordinator and practice manager. The student will develop a negotiated, study management plan with agreed outcomes (learning contract). The contract is largely student managed with tutorial support from the module co-ordinator. Learning contracts combine several elements of planning, especially setting objectives and outcomes, devising criteria and formulating action plans. The learning that has been negotiated is an agreement to undertake a specific course of action leading to learning and professional development.

PgDip (120 credits)

• Foundations of Image Interpretation (20 credits)
  This module introduces the principles of images perception and the opportunities for error in decision making. The implications for practice are considered from abnormality signalling through to written reporting, for integration within a modern healthcare system. Assessment method: 3000 word essay. 100% weighting
• Research in Health and Social Care (20 credits)
  This module aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of key concepts and methods in health and social care research together with the skills to find, appraise and use the evidence to address policy and practice issues. It is available in taught or distance learning formats.

Plus optional modules worth 80 credits

• Radiographic Skeletal Reporting: Axial Skeleton (20 credits)
  This module forms a key component of the programme enabling you to achieve competence in the practice of radiographic image reporting on radiographs of the Axial skeleton (but will also include the pelvis). You will be operating currently within the healthcare environment and must have access to the prescribed clinical practice. This module would be suitable for students who have previously studied reporting of the appendicular skeleton only. Assessment method: 60 min OSCE (100%).
• Advances in Specialised Skeletal Imaging (20 credits)
  This module forms a component of the programme enabling you to achieve competence in the practice of radiographic image reporting. It will concentrate on the contribution of specialised modalities in confirming or contributing to the diagnosis and further investigation of musculoskeletal plain imaging reports. Assessment method: 3000 word case study  (100% weighting)
• Radiographic Reporting: Musculoskeletal (40 credits)
  This module enables the participant to achieve competence in the practice of radiographic reporting of the musculoskeletal system. The majority of the study element will be in the clinical environment working with a mentor in partnership with the module coordinator to ensure all academic components are met. Participants will be operating within the healthcare environment and must have access to the prescribed clinical practice which must include a mix of acute and non-acute musculoskeletal cases for review.
• Enabling Practice Through Work-Based Learning (20 credits)
  This module allows the student to investigate an area of their own choice, relevant to their field of practice. This module is delivered in the form of learning negotiated between the student, module co-ordinator and practice manager. The student will develop a negotiated, study management plan with agreed outcomes (learning contract). The contract is largely student managed with tutorial support from the module co-ordinator. Learning contracts combine several elements of planning, especially setting objectives and outcomes, devising criteria and formulating action plans. The learning that has been negotiated is an agreement to undertake a specific course of action leading to learning and professional development.

MSc (180 Credits)

• Foundations of Image Interpretation (20 credits)
  This module introduces the principles of images perception and the opportunities for error in decision making. The implications for practice are considered from abnormality signalling through to written reporting, for integration within a modern healthcare system. Assessment method: 3000 word essay, 100% weighting.
• Research in Health and Social Care (20 credits)
  This module aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of key concepts and methods in health and social care research together with the skills to find, appraise and use the evidence to address policy and practice issues. It is available in taught or distance learning formats.
• Dissertation (40 or 60 credits)
  This module enables you to plan and conduct an in-depth investigation of a topic that contributes to professional practice. It provides the opportunity to apply an understanding of research methods to the investigation and allows demonstration of your ability to work with relative autonomy in undertaking a sustained, in-depth piece of independent learning. It promotes the dissemination of findings to the relevant professional community.

Optional modules worth 80-100 credits

• Radiographic Skeletal Reporting: Axial Skeleton (20 credits)
  This module forms a key component of the programme enabling you to achieve competence in the practice of radiographic image reporting on radiographs of the Axial skeleton (but will also include the pelvis). You will be operating currently within the healthcare environment and must have access to the prescribed clinical practice. This module would be suitable for students who have previously studied reporting of the appendicular skeleton only. Assessment method: 60 min OSCE (100%).
• Radiographic Reporting: Musculoskeletal (40 credits)
  This module enables the participant to achieve competence in the practice of radiographic reporting of the musculoskeletal system. The majority of the study element will be in the clinical environment working with a mentor in partnership with the module coordinator to ensure all academic components are met. Participants will be operating within the healthcare environment and must have access to the prescribed clinical practice which must include a mix of acute and non-acute musculoskeletal cases for review.
• Advances in Specialised Skeletal Imaging (20 credits)
  This module forms a component of the programme enabling you to achieve competence in the practice of radiographic image reporting. It will concentrate on the contribution of specialised modalities in confirming or contributing to the diagnosis and further investigation of musculoskeletal plain imaging reports. Assessment method: 3000 word case study  (100% weighting)
• Enabling Practice Through Work-Based Learning (20 credits)
  This module allows the student to investigate an area of their own choice, relevant to their field of practice. This module is delivered in the form of learning negotiated between the student, module co-ordinator and practice manager. The student will develop a negotiated, study management plan with agreed outcomes (learning contract). The contract is largely student managed with tutorial support from the module co-ordinator. Learning contracts combine several elements of planning, especially setting objectives and outcomes, devising criteria and formulating action plans. The learning that has been negotiated is an agreement to undertake a specific course of action leading to learning and professional development.

This programme will assist in developing graduates career options as a practitioner, consultant, or researcher.

The course offers a flexible and responsive education and training provision which follows the requirements in respect of Continuing Professional and Personal Development (CPPD), linked to professional regulation and the Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF).

• Applicants will normally be a registered radiographer or other health care professional with full access to radiographic images for reporting which should include a high proportion of Accident and Emergency cases.
• Participants should have written confirmation and support of an appropriate radiology department in which to train.

Many students are funded by their employer/Trust as part of their professional development. Speak with your employer to find out if there is CPD funding available.