Programme Specification for the 2023/4 academic year
MSc Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging (Pre-Registration) (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship)
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | MSc Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging (Pre-Registration) (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship) | Programme code | PAS2EMSEMS02 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Academic year | 2023/4 | |
| Campus(es) | St Luke's (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 7 (Masters) |
2. Description of the Programme
The MSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging Degree Apprenticeship is an employment based programme offering an employment based programme will ensure you have the skills required to successfully embark on a career as a Diagnostic Radiographer and to be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
The programme is taught over 24 months, during which time you will be working, under supervision, in an Imaging Department, gaining the insight and skills needed to work effectively in the multidisciplinary hospital setting upon graduation. We aim to educate radiographers to be caring professionals, able to empathise with patients and offer high levels of patient care, while being confident in their technical ability through a strong academic foundation and able to work effectively in a multi-professional environment.
Your tuition fees for this degree will be paid for by your employer whilst you will be earning a salary.
Upon graduation, you will receive a University of Exeter degree and be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
The course will be delivered through a combination of block attendance, virtual masterclasses, webinars and distance learning. The block attendance will consist of 1 week per year in South Cloisters at our St Luke's Campus, where we have excellent facilities including a diagnostic x-ray room with digital imaging facilities and laboratories for computing and practical work. The 6 masterclasses, spread throughout the year, will also provide live teaching. When in the workplace, you will have a day a week for highly directed study, using e-learning resources provided by the University. This will be supported by webinars and optional virtual ‘drop in’ sessions with members of the academic team. The remaining four days a week will be spent in your employing department, putting theory into practice and gaining the skills and competence needed to be a caring, compassionate radiographer.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
This programme is intended to:
- Provide you with the knowledge and skills to equip you for a career in diagnostic radiography.
- Develop your competence in applying clinical skills to the practice of radiography.
- Develop your critical and analytical powers in relation to diagnostic radiography.
- Provide you with the skills to adapt and respond positively to change.
- Develop critical, analytical problem-based learning skills and the transferable skills to prepare you for graduate employment.
- Enhance the development of your interpersonal skills, and inter-professional working.
- Assist you to develop the skills required for both autonomous practice and team-working.
- Provide education and training that is approved by the Society & College of Radiographers and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council.
- Provide education and training that aligns with the Diagnostic Radiographer (Integrated Degree) Apprenticeship Occupational Duties and Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours.
There will be:
- ·Opportunities to engage with a range of advanced concepts and applications, drawing upon the specialist expertise of the academic staff.
- ·Regular and frequent e-learning support from staff with the appropriate teaching skills and experience, including either current activity in high-level research or clinical expertise.
An environment which is caring and supportive in both academic and pastoral aspects and which will encompass an appropriate range of teaching methods broadening the learning experience.
4. Programme Structure
The MSc Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging Degree Apprenticeship (pre-registration) programme is a 24 month programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ)). The programme is delivered over two years and is divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The total programme study hours will meet the requirements of the ESFA 20% off the job guidelines and therefore the notional amount of study time per module will vary from the norm of 1 credit equaling 10 hours (TQA Manual ‘Special Provisions for Degree Apprenticeships Section 6.1)
Interim Awards
There are no interim awards.
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
Stage 1
Year 1:
This Stage provides theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for radiography. Academic and supported study provides theoretical knowledge of patient care, anatomy, imaging techniques, professional practice and the science that underpins medical imaging. This academic knowledge is complemented in the workplace which provides a practical environment in which to learn how theory is applied in practice and practical experience in the safe and effective practice of radiography.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| RADM101DA | Applied Radiographic Knowledge (M) | 30 | Yes |
| RADM102DA | Professional Practice (M) | 15 | Yes |
| RADM103DA | Practice Foundations (M1) | 15 | Yes |
| RADM104DA | Practice Placement (M1) | 30 | Yes |
Stage 2
Year 2:
Drawing upon the knowledge and skills learnt in year one, in year two you will have further opportunities to learn theory as applied to practice and to gain further practical experience of the safe and effective practice in the range of imaging modalities. During this year in the workplace you will become an integral member of the multi-professional healthcare team and will undertake an audit, service evaluation or piece of research. You will also undertake an employer negotiated placement in a jointly agreed area of practice.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| RADM201DA | Radiographic Image Evaluation (M) | 15 | Yes |
| RADM202DA | Evidence Based Practice for Radiographers (M) | 15 | Yes |
| RADM203DA | Practice Foundations (M2) | 30 | Yes |
| RADM204DA | Practice Placement (M2) | 30 | Yes |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Reflect upon and make informed decisions about clinical practices consistent with accepted protocols and individual patient's needs. | As an apprenticeship programme where the majority of time is in the workplace, initial material is introduced by lectures and practical sessions at the University and is further developed by highly directed distance learning (utilising e-learning resources), as well as directed reading/research. You are given clear guidance in how to manage your learning and you are expected to take progressively more responsibility for your own learning at each stage. Regular tripartite review meetings are held in addition to regular monitoring of the e-portfolio by the personal tutor and / or module lead. You are supported with e-tutorials throughout the academic year. A mix of self-assessed and tutor-marked work provides timely feedback. Project work is used to integrate material and make knowledge functional. A set of compulsory modules cover the breadth of radiography throughout both stages of the programme. | 1: Clinical assessment of practice, professional discussion (viva) 2: Clinical assessment of practice, professional discussion (viva) 3: Clinical assessment, written reports / case-studies, professional discussion (viva) 4: Clinical assessment of practice, professional discussion (viva) 5. Clinical assessment of practice, professional discussion (viva) 6. Clinical assessment of practice, professional discussion (viva) 7. Clinical assessment, written reports / case-studies, professional discussion (viva) 8. Written reports / case-studies, professional discussions (vivas), written examinations. 9. Written reports, dissertation, oral presentations (including poster presentations) 10. Written reports / case-studies, professional discussions (vivas), progress testing, 11. Written reports / case-studies, professional discussions (vivas), progress testing, oral presentations 12. Written reports / case-studies, professional discussions (vivas), progress testing, oral presentations 13. Written reports / case-studies, professional discussions (vivas), progress testing, oral presentations 14. Written reports / case-studies, professional discussions (vivas), dissertation, progress testing, oral presentations (including poster presentations) |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
15. Apply the skills needed for academic study and enquiry. | The radiography modules provide a thorough training in the academic and clinical basis of radiography. These skills are further developed in the 2nd year project which requires you to use your planning skills to undertake, present and defend an audit, service evaluation or research project. You will become an integral part of the radiography healthcare team and, in year 2, will develop your teamwork and management skills within the clinical setting. | 15: Written reports / case-studies, professional discussions (vivas), dissertation, progress testing, oral presentations (including poster presentations) 16: Written reports / case-studies, professional discussions (vivas), dissertation, progress testing, oral presentations (including poster presentations) 17: Written reports / case-studies, professional discussions (vivas), dissertation, progress testing, oral presentations (including poster presentations) 18: Written reports / case-studies, professional discussions (vivas), dissertation, progress testing, oral presentations (including poster presentations) 19: Written reports / case-studies, professional discussions (vivas), dissertation, progress testing, oral presentations (including poster presentations), clinical assessments 20: Written reports, dissertation |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
21. Communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals using a variety of means. | The programme features a wide range of learning and teaching activities. The academic blocks provide lectures, seminars and group work supported by practical sessions and lay the foundation for distance learning and directed personal study. The workplace practice placement provides a supported environment within which you apply theory to practice and develop your clinical skills. You gain experience of team working within and across professions and are supported in developing a reflective approach to your practice through a placement portfolio / workbook. | 21. Clinical assessments (Structured Objective Assessment of Practice (SOAP)) 22. Clinical assessments (Structured Objective Assessment of Practice (SOAP)) 23. Clinical assessments (Structured Objective Assessment of Practice (SOAP)), professional discussion (viva) 24. Clinical assessments (Structured Objective Assessment of Practice (SOAP)), service evaluation (dissertation) 25. Clinical assessments (Structured Objective Assessment of Practice (SOAP)), professional discussion (viva) 26. Professional discussion (viva) 27. All assessments 28. Professional discussion (viva) 29. All assessments, including use of hospital based IT as part of clinical assessments. |
7. Programme Regulations
Credit
Postgraduate (PG) Programmes: The programme consists of 180 credits with 90 credits taken at each year. The pass mark for award of credit in PG modules (NQF level 7) is 50%.
Progression
Postgraduate (PG) Programmes:
a. Module condonement is not permitted on this programme.
b. Each component within a module must be passed.
c. Where a student has failed an assessment within a module they will be given the opportunity to be referred in that assessment. The referred assessment will be capped at the pass mark. The module mark will not be capped. In some circumstances a second referral attempt may be allowed where specified in the module descriptor.
d. Referral of failed assessments will take place within the degree apprenticeship academic year. There will be no separate referral / deferral assessment period and decisions on referral will not require an Assessment, Progression and Awarding Committee. Where possible timeframes for reassessment are indicated on the module descriptor.
e. Only the year 1 placement modules (RADM103DA, RADM104DA) may be referred / deferred into the following academic year, but award of credits must be achieved at the referral APAC (Assessment, Progression and Awarding Committee) for subsequent continuation on the programme. Please refer to the TQA Special Provisions for Degree Apprenticeships policy for more information.
f. The gateway requirements for the End Point Assessment (as stipulated by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education) must be met prior to the End Point Assessment. The gateway requirements include consistent achievement of the knowledge, skills and behaviours of the occupational standard, sign off of Practice Assessment Documents, achievement of all required modules from this programme (360 credits), achievement of English and mathematics at Level 2 (please refer to the End Point Assessment standard for full information)
g. The End Point Assessment starts with the Examination board and finishes when the required documentation is submitted to the HCPC. For the purposes of the End Point Assessment, the Examination Board must have an External Examiner in attendance.
Assessment and Awards
PG Programmes: A pass mark of 50% is required for all modules.
The Institute of Apprenticeships and Technical Education will classify the End Point Assessment as Pass or Fail.
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook.
Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
Programme-Specific Award Rules:
The following exit awards are permitted from this programme subject to obtaining the required number of credits for each award as appropriate:
PGDip Health Sciences (Medical Imaging)
PGCert Health Sciences (Medical Imaging)
If you are receiving one of the above exit awards, you are not eligible for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council and may not use the protected title ‘radiographer’.
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
Personal and Academic tutoring: It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you on individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.
You will also have a named mentor within their employing department who will be your point of contact over the duration of the programme. The mentor will provide support and guidance particularly in relation to work-based learning.
Learning Resources
You will receive an induction to enable you to best utilize the resources available through the University (including IT and email access, library induction, study skills and how to access study skills support). Within the workplace, apprentice students will be given IT access so as to be able to access both their employer’s and the University’s electronic learning resources. This includes virtual learning environments, digital copies of recommended library books and recommended internet resources.
You will have access to an on-line portal (portfolio) through which you will record their learning activities, reflections upon their experiences and general progress. This portal will be interactive and will include feedback from colleagues and University staff. The portal will also support interactions between your fellow students (building a sense of community and enabling peer-support) and between you and academic staff.
Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables you & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
Applicants must hold an offer of employment as a Diagnostic Radiographer apprentice.
(Standard entry) All applications are considered individually on merit. The University is committed to an equal opportunities policy with respect to gender, age, race, sexual orientation and/or disability when dealing with applications. It is also committed to widening access to higher education to students from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience.
Candidates must satisfy the general admissions requirements of the University of Exeter.
Candidates must satisfy the following admissions criteria
- A BSc (Hons) 2:1 or above
- Or A BEng (Hons) 2:1 or above.
Required subjects: GCSE Maths and English grade C or 4 or Functional Skills level 2 (in accordance with the Institute for Apprenticeships funding requirements – TQA Manual ‘Special Provisions for Degree Apprenticeships Section 1.4)
Apprentices whose first language is not English need to meet IELTS requirements of at least 7.0 overall and no less than 6.5 in any other section
College entry – Candidates not fulfilling the above criteria will need to submit an application to the non-standard entry panel with a letter of from their employer detailing how they will be supported through the masters degree apprenticeship.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
69
18. Final Award
MSc Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging (Pre-Registration) (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship)
19. UCAS Code
Not applicable to this programme.
20. NQF Level of Final Award
7 (Masters)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 180 |
ECTS credits | 90 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 08/02/2021 |
Date of last revision | 21/10/2021 |
|---|
