Program Overview

MSc Diagnostic Radiography

The MSc Diagnostic Radiography programme is an intensive pre-registration course for students with a primary degree in a subject other than diagnostic radiography. The programme uses the learning and teaching methods that best support students to develop the knowledge, skills, and professional attributes necessary for effective radiography practice.

Course Outline

The aim of this programme is to provide each student with an excellent educational experience both in academic and clinical environments. This ensures graduates that can contribute to the constantly advancing and evolving nature of healthcare requirements.

• The programme is situated in the School of Medicine, which is part of the College of Medicine and Health.
• The College is located in the western end of the UCC campus and enjoys state-of-the-art facilities.
• Practice education is an integral component of the programme, and students are required to undertake a clinical placement.
• Clinical placements will mostly take place in the hospitals of the South/South West Hospital Group (SSWHG), Saolta University Healthcare Group, and other centres nationally from time to time.

Course Content

The course comprises 120 credits of taught components taken over two years, together with clinical placement blocks taken over 18 weeks in each year.

• In Year 1, students will take the following 60 credits:
  • RA6005: Professional Practice in Radiography 1
  • RA6006: Professional Practice in Radiography 2
  • RA6003: Medical Radiation Science
  • RA6001: Biological Sciences for Health Professionals
  • RA6002: Image Acquisition and Management of Information Systems
  • RA6004: Principles of Research & Research Methods
• In Year 2, students will take the following 60 credits:
  • RA6011: Professional Practice in Radiography 3
  • RA6012: Research Dissertation
  • RA6007: Advanced Radiation Science
  • RA6010: Imaging Service Provision and Healthcare Practice
  • RA6009: Image Interpretation
  • RA6013: Professional Practice in Radiography 4

Course Practicalities

This Master's programme is a 2-year full-time course – taken over three semesters per year. Students attend lectures with some dedicated time to independent learning.

• Assessment is by continuous assessment, which will consist of tutorial performance, small presentations, class tests, essays, practical vivas (competency-based), Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), and work-based placement assessments.
• The learning approach reflects the commitment to the Connected Curriculum, where the connection between students, learning, research, and leadership is emphasized.

Why Choose This Course

The MSc programme was the original MSc (Pre-Registration) Diagnostic Radiography programme in Ireland. Diagnostic imaging is a growth area in Ireland and internationally, and this course provides for this demand.

• Some students accepted for the MSc in Diagnostic Radiography may be partly sponsored by the Health Service Executive (HSE).
• The sponsorship from the HSE is subject to agreeing to a commitment to working in the SSWHG or Saolta Group hospitals as required and assigned for two years following completion of the programme.
• UCC offers scholarships and prizes to prospective and current students.

Skills and Careers Information

This dedicated Graduate Entry programme offers an intensive route for graduates from any clinical or science-related discipline to gain a recognized qualification in diagnostic radiography.

• The programme will prepare graduates for success in a competitive jobs market.
• When students complete this programme, they do so as Diagnostic Radiographers and can apply for registration.
• This programme is approved by Ireland's multi-profession health regulator – CORU.
• Following qualification, and when successfully registered with CORU, graduates are eligible to work as a diagnostic radiographer within any hospital or clinic that provides a Diagnostic Radiography Imaging Service.

Requirements

Applicants will hold a minimum Second Class Honours in a primary honours degree (NFQ Level 8), in Sciences, or a Health Sciences related discipline.

• Students who have graduated in the discipline of Diagnostic Radiography are not eligible to apply for this programme.
• Applicants will be shortlisted for interview based on educational qualifications, academic achievements, and motivation.
• Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview and each applicant will be scored by an interview panel on the basis of communication skills and motivation, and knowledge of the field.

Fees and Costs

The EU fee for this course is €11,500. The Non-EU fee for this course is €22,200.

• Some students accepted for the MSc in Diagnostic Radiography may be partly sponsored by the Health Service Executive (HSE).
• The sponsorship from the HSE is subject to agreeing to a commitment to working in the SSWHG or Saolta Group hospitals as required and assigned for two years following completion of the programme.
• Students will need to meet the costs of travel to hospitals in Cork City as well as other hospitals and clinical placement sites nationally, as and when necessary throughout the 2 years.
• Students will also incur the costs of accommodation during those placement blocks (usually ranging from 6-12 weeks at a time).
• Students will also incur the costs of uniforms which will be necessary for working on clinical placement.