Diagnostic Radiography (Pre-registration) MSc

Program Overview

The 24-month MSc in Diagnostic Radiography (Pre-registration) at the University of Liverpool equips students with the knowledge and clinical skills to become qualified diagnostic radiographers.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This MSc in Diagnostic Radiography (Pre-registration) is a 24-month full-time program designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge and clinical experience to become qualified diagnostic radiographers.

Objectives:

• To develop the skills, knowledge, and understanding required for safe and ethical practice as a diagnostic radiographer.
• To build awareness of anatomy, physiology, and pathology.
• To gain experience working with radiographic and cross-sectional images.
• To develop into a diagnostic radiographer with a caring approach to patients, providing care in a professional, culturally sensitive, and emotionally intelligent manner.
• To identify potential improvements in service delivery.

Outline:

Year One:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Clinical and Professional Practice (DRAD403):
This module combines personal and professional development with a 14-week clinical placement. It introduces professionalism, skills, and attitudes for first post competencies and lifelong learning. Students will learn and practice diagnostic imaging techniques of the chest, abdomen, appendicular, and axial skeletons. Assessment includes radiographic imaging techniques, reflective writing, and clinical practice evaluation.
• Musculoskeletal and Soft Tissue Imaging Systems 1 (DRAD402): This module focuses on anatomy, patho-physiology, and image interpretation of the skeleton, thoracic and abdominal cavities, and their associated organs.
It utilizes Team Based Learning (TBL) and image viewing tutorials. Assessment is through two on-campus written examinations.
• Radiographic Science and Imaging Technologies (DRAD401): This module provides a theoretical foundation in radiologic science, radiation protection, and relevant legislative frameworks.
It introduces a range of ionizing and non-ionizing imaging technologies. Assessment is through an electronic exam.
• Musculoskeletal and Soft Tissue Imaging Systems 2 (DRAD404): This module covers anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the central and peripheral nervous systems, skull, facial bones, and dentition.
It introduces contrast imaging procedures of the cranial, thoracic, and abdominal cavities. Assessment is through two on-campus written examinations.
• Research Methods in Healthcare Practice (HEAL417): This module enables students to develop a research proposal for a review of evidence, empirical project, clinical audit, or service evaluation.
It aims to develop research knowledge and skills for a master's level research project. Assessment is through a Research Proposal.

Year Two:

• Compulsory Modules:
Students undertake a piece of empirical research, a service evaluation/audit, or a review of evidence in their chosen field of interest.
• Advanced Imaging Techniques and Multimodality Imaging (DRAD501): This module prepares students for their second-year practice placement block.
It covers anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the reproductive and endocrine systems, the visual and auditory systems, and their radiographic appearances using advanced imaging techniques like ultrasound and cross-sectional imaging. It also introduces advanced imaging procedures like adaptive trauma techniques, theatre imaging, and computed tomography (CT) scanning techniques. Assessment is through an electronic examination and a verbal presentation related to diagnosis of a selected medical condition using advanced imaging techniques.
• Professionalism, advanced practice and imaging services (DRAD502): This module explores professionalism and role development in preparation for graduation and employment.
It builds on clinical practice from Year 1 and imaging modalities from both years. Assessment consists of an online portfolio and an essay on the role of the radiographer in advanced practice.

Assessment:

• Exams: A mix of seen and unseen tasks, multiple choice questions, short-answer exercises, medical image viewing assessments, and anatomical diagrams.
• Research Proposal: A research proposal for a review of evidence, empirical project, clinical audit, or service evaluation.
• Dissertation: A research project submitted in the form of a journal.
• Clinical Practice Assessments: Weekly assessments to review performance and provide regular feedback.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: Lectures, tutorials, laboratory work, practical workshops, simulations, clinical placements, and independent study.
• Faculty: Experienced faculty members from the School of Allied Health Professions and Nursing.
• Unique Approaches: Team-based learning, problem-based learning, and research-connected teaching.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Diagnostic radiographer in the NHS or private sector.
• Advanced and consultant practice in areas like medical ultrasound, computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, radionuclide imaging, or mammography.
• Managerial roles with an MBA or other relevant qualifications.
• Academia as a radiography educator or researcher with a PhD.
• Business side of radiography in the private sector as sales reps or product specialists.
• Opportunities: High demand for diagnostic radiographers in the UK and abroad.

Other:

• Placement Opportunities: Healthcare partners across the North West provide exciting placement opportunities, allowing students to gain practical experience in a diverse population.
• Liverpool Hallmarks: Research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment.
• Graduate Outcomes: 99% of Allied Health Professions and Nursing students from the University of Liverpool find their main activity after graduation meaningful.

Tuition Fees:

• UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
• Full-time place, per year:£9,250
• International fees
• Full-time place, per year :£27,200