Diagnostic Radiography (Pre-registration) MSc drafted
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-25 | - |
Program Overview
Course overview
Gain eligibility to apply to the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) for professional registration as a diagnostic radiographer on completion of this MSc. You’ll discover the radiographic techniques and imaging technologies required to conduct patient x-rays and scans on a course underpinned by team-based and problem-based learning.
Introduction
If you want to work as a diagnostic radiographer, x-raying and scanning patients in an NHS or private setting, this pre-registration MSc combines the academic knowledge and clinical learning experience you’ll need.
The programme will immerse you in the theory and practice of a comprehensive range of radiographic techniques needed for first post competencies working in the modern healthcare sector.
You’ll build awareness of anatomy, physiology and pathology and gain experience working with radiographic and cross-sectional images. You’ll also achieve an understanding of radiological science which is associated with medical imaging and radiation protection.
An introduction to research methods in health care will highlight the importance of evidence-based practice in diagnostic radiography.
You’ll develop into a diagnostic radiographer with the skills, knowledge and understanding required for safe and ethical practice. This expertise will be underpinned by a caring approach to patients, providing care in a professional, culturally sensitive and emotionally intelligent manner, with the ability to identify potential improvements in service delivery.
On completion of the course, you’ll be eligible to apply for professional registration with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC). This registration is required to work as a diagnostic radiographer in the UK.
Who is this course for?
We are looking for science graduates, or those with degrees in related subjects, such as psychology. You should be a caring, empathetic person who is energetic and wants to make a difference to people’s lives.
What you'll learn
Program Outline
Compulsory modules
Clinical and Professional Practice (DRAD403)
Credits: 20 / Semester: whole session
This is the first of two modules that relate to Clinical Practice and Professionalism. This module combines personal and professional development with the first practice placement experience which takes place over 14 weeks during Year 1. The student will be introduced to the importance of professionalism, skills and attitudes in preparation for first post competencies and lifelong learning. The practice-based experience enforces the university-based learning to ensure the student will meet the Health and Care Professions Council Standards of Proficiency for Radiographers for safe and effective practice.
This module will also enable students to develop their clinical knowledge and skills in the university and clinical environments. Within this module diagnostic imaging techniques of the chest, abdomen, appendicular and axial skeletons and AP pelvis will be taught, practised and assessed at University and undertaken whilst on clinical placement. During their placement the student will undertake, under close supervision imaging techniques of the chest, abdomen, appendicular skeleton, AP pelvis, axial skeleton (axial skeleton, lateral skull, facial bones and dental techniques).
The learning and teaching strategy for this module will take a student centred approach and will consist of university based lectures, tutorials, practicals, simulation and supportive online resources. The practical tutorials and simulation will take place in the School of Health Sciences imaging suite. Service users will also help to deliver tutorials and workshops. Practice placements will facilitate the supervised practice and consolidation of skills related to communication, patient centred care and radiographic practice. The module will be assessed by three components: assessment of radiographic imaging techniques, patient care and professional issues; reflective writing to demonstrate personal development and continuous assessment of professional practice (CPAR). In preparation for these assessments, the student will also be provided with formative feedback relating to academic and professional practice.
Musculoskeletal and Soft Tissue Imaging Systems 1 (DRAD402)
Credits: 20 / Semester: semester 2
This module is the first of the anatomy/patho-physiology and image interpretation modules in the Diagnostic Radiography Post-Graduate Pre-Registration Masters programme.
On successful completion the student will have developed knowledge of anatomy, patho-physiology and image interpretation of the skeleton, thoracic and abdominal cavities and their associated organs.
The module will be delivered using ‘Team Based Learning’ (TBL) and image viewing tutorials using both projection radiography (x-ray) and cross-sectional images, covering normal radiographic anatomy and common pathologies of the skeleton, thoracic and abdominal cavities. Teaching sessions in the Human Anatomy Resource Centre (HARC) contribute to this module and enable the student to visualise the anatomical body parts, giving a clearer understanding.
The module will be assessed via 2 on-campus written examinations.
The content of this module is delivered in the first teaching block, prior to clinical placement where students have the opportunity to apply this knowledge over the summer period.
Radiographic Science and Imaging Technologies (DRAD401)
Credits: 20 / Semester: semester 2
This Year 1 module provides a solid theoretical foundation in radiologic science to allow the student to make informed decisions about diagnostic image quality and patient dose. This module also provides a working knowledge of radiation protection and the relevant legislative framework in order to work safely in the clinical environment. This module also introduces a range of ionising and non-ionising imaging technologies used in radiography.
The module will be delivered via lectures to provide a theoretical foundation, while sessions using radiographic simulation software will demonstrate the application of the concepts to medical imaging. Tutorials will allow consolidation of the concepts covered in the lectures. The blended learning approach will be enhanced with a range of interactive educational technologies (e.g. Kahoot) to facilitate e-learning made available on the VLE. In addition to the ongoing formative quizzes in the VLE, a revision session will be available towards the end of the module to help students prepare for the assessment. The final assessment will be an electronic exam.
Musculoskeletal and Soft Tissue Imaging Systems 2 (DRAD404)
Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1
This module is the second of the anatomy, patho-physiology and image interpretation modules in the Diagnostic Radiography Pre-registration Masters programme. It also includes some radiographic procedures related to imaging these anatomical areas.
On successful completion, the student will have developed an understanding of anatomy, physiology and pathology of the central and peripheral nervous systems, skull, facial bones and dentition. Additionally they will be introduced to contrast imaging procedures of the cranial, thoracic and abdominal cavities.
The module will be delivered using ‘Team Based Learning’ (TBL) and image viewing tutorials, using both projection radiography (x-ray) and cross-sectional images , covering normal radiographic anatomy and common pathologies of the cranial, thoracic and abdominal cavities
Teaching sessions in the Human Anatomy Resource Centre (HARC) contribute to this module.
The module will be assessed via 2 on-campus written examinations.
The content of this module is delivered in the second teaching block, after clinical placement.
It prepares the students for the forthcoming radiographic techniques of year 2.
Research Methods in Healthcare Practice (HEAL417)
Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1
This module will enable students to develop a research proposal for either a review of evidence, empirical project, clinical audit or service evaluation that will contribute to the development of evidence-based healthcare practice.
The module is aimed at graduates from a range of different disciplines/subjects who have a range of knowledge and experience of research methods at undergraduate level and are looking to develop their research knowledge and skills further and prepare for a masters level research project in their own area of clinical practice e.g. diagnostic radiography, mental health nursing, occupational therapy or physiotherapy. The likely range of research skills in students from different undergraduate programmes is recognised and this module is designed to raise them all to the appropriate master level in the subject.
At the end of this module, students will be able to understand and appropriately critique the elements of ‘the research journey’ from conception of research question, through development of a proposal. They will be both consumers and producers of research who will meet the requirements of the standard of proficiency, for each profession, as laid down by the Health and Care Professions Council and the requirements of each professional body for evidence based practice.
The proposal produced in this module will then be undertaken as the students’ dissertation in the final year of their pre-registration master programme.
The syllabus for this module is aligned to the Curriculum 2021 Hallmarks and demonstrates active learning and authentic assessment, designed to create students with greater confidence to understand research evidence, contribute to that evidence and be able to develop research in their own area of professional practice.
The module delivery will use a blended approach with face to face and online delivery supported with synchronous and asynchronous lectures, quizzes and profession specific interactive discussion boards and tutorials.
The assessments for this module will be a Research Proposal. The assessments can be tailored to focus on the student’s area of interest and area of speciality and will include consideration of the ethical requirements of the selected project.
Careers and employability
Graduates in diagnostic radiography are a vital part of modern health care and in high demand both in the UK and abroad.
Successful completion of the programme confers eligibility to apply for professional registration as a qualified diagnostic radiographer with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
You will also be eligible to become a member of the Society and College of Radiographers.
You’ll be capable of challenging current clinical practice with an evidence-based approach and have the expertise to drive improvements in radiology services and patient-centred care.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
Career planning
Our Careers Studio and career coaches can provide tailored support for your future plans.
From education to employment
Employability in your curriculum for a successful transition
Networking events
Make meaningful connections with like-minded professionals
Career planning
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
Meet our Career Coaches
From education to employment
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
Employability programmes
Networking events
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Careers events
Your future
Upon successful registration with the HCPC, you’ll be eligible to apply to work as a band 5 diagnostic radiographer in either the NHS or private sector. There is an excellent chance of immediate post-qualification employment.
Your future career plans could involve undertaking post-registration qualifications with the HCPC in preparation for advanced and consultant practice. This could lead to opportunities to specialise in areas including medical ultrasound, computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, radionuclide imaging or mammography.
You could alternatively choose to pursue a managerial qualification, such as an MBA, or consider PhD study and a potential career in academia as a radiography educator or researcher.
Some radiographers also take up the opportunity of progressing into the business side of radiography in the private sector and become sales reps or product specialists.
99%
of Health Sciences students from the University of Liverpool find their main activity after graduation meaningful.
Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.
Working in the UK after graduation
The UK is a great place to live and work, so it's no surprise that many international students want to stay after they graduate. A graduate visa lets you stay in the UK for up-to two years after graduation. It's available to students in the UK on a student visa (or Tier 4 [General] student visa). Our careers service is here to support you getting work once you finish studying.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
| UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland) | |
|---|---|
| Part-time place, per year | £9,250 |
| International fees | |
|---|---|
| This course is not available to international students. |
Tuition fees are for January 2023.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs.
Learn more about tuition fees, funding and Postgraduate Loans
.Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
Additional study costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about additional study costs.
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to help cover tuition fees and help with living expenses while at university.
ANID CHILE Awards
20% reduction in tuition fees in partnership with the Chilean National Agency for Research and Development.
Chevening Scholarships
Full funding of tuition fees and living costs stipend, awarded by the University in partnership with Chevening.
COCYT Award
30% reduction in tuition fees with The National Council of Science and Technology of Mexico.
FIDERH Award
20% reduction in tuition fees in partnership with The Fund for the Development of Human Resources (FIDERH)
Fulbright Commission Scholarship
£20,000 towards tuition fees for a master's student. £2,500 monthly living stipend for a postgraduate research student.
FUNED Awards
20% reduction in tuition fees for those in receipt of FUNED loans.
HRM Princess Sirindhorn University of Liverpool Scholarship (Thailand)
Full tuition fees and living stipend of £9,000 for a new new postgraduate taught master’s student from Thailand.
John Lennon Memorial Scholarship
Various awards available for current or prospective UK (taught and research) students, either born in or with very strong family connections to Merseyside.
JuventudEsGto Scholarship
10% reduction in tuition fees for residents of State of Guanajuato.
Marshall Scholarship
Full tuition fee waiver for a master's student. £20,000 scholarship for a postgraduate research student.
Postgraduate Opportunity Bursary
A £3,000 fee reduction for University of Liverpool UK graduates progressing to a master's course within two years of graduating from their undergraduate degree.
Postgraduate Progression Award – International Students
£2,500 fee reduction for current international University of Liverpool undergraduate or alumni.
Postgraduate Progression Award – UK students
For current University of Liverpool undergraduates or alumni from the UK progressing to either full or part-time new postgraduate taught programme. A £1,000 reduction in tuition fees.
Sport Liverpool Scholarships
Up to £2,000 to support sporting performance.
The Aziz Foundation Scholarship
Scholarships to support British Muslims who will receive a full scholarship for their tuition fees covered by The Aziz Foundation.
Turkish Ministry of Education Scholarship
20% discount on master’s and postgraduate research tuition fees, excluding bench fees.
University of Liverpool Commonwealth Postgraduate Bursary
£2,500 fee reduction for Commonwealth for students studying all subjects.
University of Liverpool Graduate Association Hong Kong & Tung Postgraduate Scholarships
Up to £5,000 or up to £10,000 available for offer holders from Hong Kong, SAR and PR China.
University of Liverpool Humanitarian Scholarships for Masters Programmes
The awards are open to support people who have recognised status as either refugees or are under humanitarian protection.
University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC) Excellence Scholarship
£5,000 tuition fee reduction for University of Liverpool International College students.
University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC) Impact Progression Scholarship
Students must apply for one of the Kaplan Impact Scholarships demonstrating their commitment to making an impact across issues of importance to the University and Kaplan. £3,000 tuition fee reduction.
Vice-Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship
A reduction of £2,500 in tuition fees for high-achieving international students (including students from the EU).
Vice-Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship for China
There are 18 (eighteen) scholarships available for new postgraduate students from China (amount varies).
ANID CHILE Awards
Postgraduate taught and research students from Chile are eligible for this scholarship.
ANID CHILE
Chevening Scholarships
The University, in partnership with Chevening, is delighted to offer this generous scholarship to students who are studying a master’s programme and who have future leadership potential. Please note that there is a fee cap appl
University of Liverpool
Entry requirements
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
My qualifications are from:
Singapore
.
| Your qualification |
Requirements
About our typical entry requirements |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements |
You will normally need a 2:1 honours degree, or above, or equivalent in a relevant subject, such as biological sciences, physics, psychology or health sciences. Applicants with a 2:2 honours degree will be considered, subject to providing details of recent relevant experience or further study. Non-health related degrees and professional qualifications may also be accepted, with each application considered on its own merits. You must hold five GCSEs at grades 5-9 or A*-C including maths, English language and a science. Dual science awards are accepted. You must demonstrate good understanding of the profession including an awareness of the procedures undertaken. Usually a clinical observational visit to a diagnostic imaging department would be completed in support of the application but this requirement has been temporarily suspended due to COVID-19. An interview with an academic and clinical panel forms part of the selection process. This interview will use the values-based recruitment (VBR) process and you’ll be expected to demonstrate the relevance of the NHS’ values and pertinent skills required in a radiographic role.
Declaration of Criminal Background You will understand that as a health sciences student, and when you qualify, you will be asked to treat children and other vulnerable people. We therefore need information about any criminal offences of which you may have been convicted, or with which you have been charged. The information you provide may later be checked with the police. If selected for interview you will be provided with the appropriate form to complete.
Health Screening The University and the School of Health Sciences has an obligation to undertake health screening of all prospective healthcare students. Any offer of a place on this course of study is conditional on completion of a health questionnaire, and a satisfactory assessment of fitness to train from the University’s Occupational Health Service. This will include some obligatory immunisations and blood tests. |
| International qualifications |
Entry requirements for applicants from Singapore. If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet the entry requirements for a master’s degree at Liverpool, a pre-master’s, delivered by our partner, University of Liverpool International College, can help you gain a place. Although there’s no direct pre-master’s route to this MSc, completing a pre-master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses which may interest you. |
English language requirements
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language. International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| English language qualification | Requirements |
|---|---|
| IELTS |
E
View our IELTS academic requirements key. |
About our entry requirements
Our entry requirements may change from time to time both according to national application trends and the availability of places at Liverpool for particular courses. We review our requirements before the start of the new application cycle each year and publish any changes on our website so that applicants are aware of our typical entry requirements before they submit their application.
We believe in treating applicants as individuals, and in making offers that are appropriate to their personal circumstances and background. Therefore the offer any individual applicant receives may differ slightly from the typical offer quoted on the website.
