University Diploma Radiography Assistant Practitioner Bridging
Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-01-01 | - |
2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
University Diploma - Radiography Assistant Practitioner Bridging
This course is subject to validation.
Course Overview
This programme will provide an additional entry stream into the radiography profession. It will offer significant benefits by widening access to a large group of individuals who are not able to study radiography under the existing arrangements. In addition, it will allow employers to ‘grow their own’ workforce by progressing and upskilling Assistant Practitioners through a flexible educational system to progress to radiography level and meet the needs of current imaging departments. As a student progressing through the system you are more likely to stay and work with the employers who have invested in their education on completion of your studies. Upon successful completion of the programme, you will have gained credits and practical experience to APEL onto Year Three of any Diagnostic Radiography programme. This in turn would allow you to be eligible to apply for registration with the HCPC as a diagnostic radiographer upon completion.
On this course you will...
- Develop your education to achieve full practitioner status.
- Refresh and develop academic skills through continual support to a point where you are capable of undertaking Level 6 study.
- Achieve a comparable level of educational and clinical attainment to that of a radiography student at the end of their second year.
- Provide an enhanced level of patient centred care in a developing profession.
Key Details
- Recruiting to: UK / RoI / Settled in UK
- Course Location: Lancaster / Online
- Institute: Institute of Health
- Delivery Style: Blended Learning
- Course Duration: Part-time: 6 weeks
- Course Start Point: January / September
- Award: University Diploma
Minimum entry requirements
- Applicants should have an Assistant Practitioner foundation degree
- IELTS 6.5. You will need to be a IELTS 7 at the point of registration.
- GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4/C or above.
- You will be expected to produce a portfolio of evidence related to your skills.
- You must be a UK resident.
- DBS is required (if not employed).
- Employer must complete a Practice Placement Agreement if one is not already in place with UoC.
Tuition fees
- £4,625 - UK
Course Structure
What you will learn
You will build on the academic knowledge and clinical experience you acquired in studying your first assistant practitioner programme. This may include additional clinical experience in clinical areas such as CT or MRI to allow you to attain the equivalent learning outcomes achieved by a student radiographer at the end of their second year of a radiography BSc programme. As a student at the University of Cumbria, you are part of an inclusive learning community that recognises diversity. You will have opportunities to learn by interacting with others in a collegiate, facilitative and dynamic learning environment. Teaching, assessment and student support will allow equal and equitable opportunities for you to optimise your potential and develop autonomy.
Teaching & Assessment
How you will learn
The programme team will provide a flexible learning environment in which you may use a mixture of online resources, formal teaching sessions, self-directed learning and work-based learning to achieve your individual learning plan. A significant element of the programme will be delivered by work-based learning which will enable you to develop the equivalent depth and breadth of knowledge, skills and behaviours as would be exhibited by a student who has competed Level 5 of a BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography programme. You will also be able to mould your work-based experience to suit the needs of the employer to become a ‘role ready’ practitioner for the given employer context whilst also achieving national benchmark standards for the discipline.
How you will be assessed
The programme consists of one 60-credit module which will employ different assessment methods thus ensuring a balance of assessment across the programme. The use of a clinical portfolio which contains both summative and formative assessments is key to ensuring a valid assessment of the clinical skills and professional behaviours expected for your stage of training. Applied subject knowledge will be assessed via two relatively short formative examinations, which will be self-marked against model answers with tutor and peer support. You will be given immediate feedback which can be used to enhance performance in the two x 1 hour examinations at the end of the programme. A short written formative assignment will initially be used to assess academic skills which you will be able to use to inform your learning and access support as appropriate. Other formative written work will enable you to develop as independent autonomous thinkers who utilise an appropriate evidence base to enhance your practice.
Career Outcomes
This programme will prepare you for Level 6 (Year 3) of the radiography degree which will allow you to progress to a top-up programme or APEL into the third year of an existing Radiography programme. Students graduating as a radiographer will be able to register with the Health Care and Professions Council (HCPC) as a Diagnostic Radiographer and you will have excellent career paths with a range of opportunities for progression through a variety of specialities.
University of Cumbria
Overview:
University of Cumbria is a public university located in the northwest of England. It is known for its focus on practical learning and its commitment to supporting local communities. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including health, education, arts, science, and business.
Services Offered:
The university provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Access to academic staff, student finance advice, and accommodation services.Student Life:
A vibrant campus experience with facilities, student support, and opportunities for extracurricular activities.International Student Support:
Dedicated services for international students, including visa guidance, fees and finance information, and cultural integration support.Research:
Opportunities for postgraduate study and engagement in research projects across various fields.Business & Employer Services:
Support for businesses and employers, including CPD training, apprenticeship programs, and recruitment services.Student Life and Campus Experience:
University of Cumbria offers a diverse campus experience with multiple locations across Cumbria and London. Students can expect:
Beautiful Campuses:
Campuses located in scenic areas, including the Lake District and historic Carlisle.Community Focus:
A strong sense of community with opportunities to engage in local initiatives and events.Facilities:
Access to modern facilities, including libraries, labs, studios, and sports centers.Student Support:
A dedicated student support team providing guidance and assistance with academic, personal, and financial matters.Key Reasons to Study There:
Practical Learning:
Emphasis on practical skills development and real-world experience through placements and internships.Strong Industry Links:
Close partnerships with local businesses and organizations, providing students with valuable networking opportunities.Focus on Employability:
High graduate employment rates, with a strong focus on preparing students for successful careers.Unique Locations:
Campuses located in inspiring and diverse settings, offering a unique learning experience.Academic Programs:
University of Cumbria offers a wide range of academic programs, with strengths in the following areas:
Health:
Nursing, Midwifery, Paramedic Science, Radiography, and Health and Social Care.Education:
Teacher Training, Early Years Education, and Special Educational Needs.Arts:
Film, Theatre, Photography, Fine Art, and Creative and Media Arts.Science and Environment:
Wildlife Conservation, Forestry, Outdoor Education, and Environmental Science.Business and Leadership:
Business Management, Tourism, Law, Forensics, and Policing.Sport and Rehabilitation:
Sports Science, Sports Coaching, and Rehabilitation.Other:
The university is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and has received various accreditations for its commitment to these values. It also actively participates in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) and has a strong focus on knowledge exchange and impact.