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Study information

Programme Specification for the 2023/4 academic year

MSci (Hons) Medical Imaging (Diagnostic Radiography)

1. Programme Details

Programme nameMSci (Hons) Medical Imaging (Diagnostic Radiography) Programme codeUFX4EMSEMS05
Study mode(s)Full Time
Academic year2023/4
Campus(es)St Luke's (Exeter)
NQF Level of the Final Award7 (Masters)

2. Description of the Programme

This programme runs as an adjunct to the BSc(Hons) Medical Imaging programme. It will allow you achieve HCPC registration as a diagnostic radiographer whilst also facilitating further study and experience in an area of clinical specialism. In particular, you will graduate with enhanced skills, knowledge and understanding in a specialist area of cross-sectional imaging (CT and MRI). The course will extend your knowledge of the underlying principles of cross-sectional imaging, allowing development of a greater skillset to apply in the unique environment of these modalities. You will develop a greater knowledge of common anatomical and pathological presentations, and develop your patient care skills specific to cross-sectional imaging. The programme is designed to facilitate fast track into cross-sectional imaging departments upon graduation.

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

This programme will:

• Provide you with the skills to adapt and respond positively to change.

• Develop critical and analytical problem-based learning skills, which are transferable to prepare you for graduate employment.

• Enhance the development of your interpersonal skills.

• Provide you with opportunities for shared multidisciplinary and inter-professional learning with

health professions.

• Assist you in developing the skills required for both autonomous practice and team-working.

• Provide you with the knowledge, understanding and skills for a career specific to cross-sectional imaging..

• Develop your competence in applying learnt skills to the practice environment in medical imaging. .

• Develop your critical and analytical skills in relation to diagnostic radiography.

• Provide education and training that is accredited and approved by the Society & College of

Radiographers and the Health and Care Professions Council.

• Foster opportunities that engage with a range of advanced concepts and applications, drawing upon the

specialist expertise of staff in cross-sectional imaging.

• Offer regular and frequent small-group contact with staff with the appropriate teaching skills and

experience, including those currently involved in relevant advanced clinical practice.

• Create an environment which is caring and supportive in both academic and pastoral aspects and which

will encompass an appropriate range of teaching and learning methods, broadening the learning

experience.

4. Programme Structure

The MSci (Hons) Medical Imaging (Diagnostic Radiography) is a 4-year full-time programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into 4 stages. Each stage is normally equivalent to an academic year. This programme is offered only via transfer from the BSc (Hons) Medical Imaging.

This programme runs  adjunct to the existing BSc (Hons) Medical Imaging programme with transfer onto MSci offered to BSc Hons students achieving 60%+ at the end of year 2. By transferring onto the MSci (Hons) Medical Imaging (Diagnostic Radiography), you will complete 120 credits at level 7 in an area of clinical specialism in addition to the full 360 credits required at level 6 to achieve HCPC registration as a diagnostic radiographer.

The programme is divided into units of study called modules which are assigned a number of 'credits'.

The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally

equivalent to 10 hours of work

 

Possible Exit awards would be: 

  1. MSci (Hons) Health Sciences (Medical Imaging) - used as an exit where the student meets the requirements for a standard MSci (Hons) but fails to meet the additional requirements in 1 (such as fitness to practice and clinical assessments that are non-condonable). 
  2. BSc (Hons) Medical Imaging (Diagnostic Radiography) - used as an exit where the student meets all the requirements for a radiography BSc (Hons) 
  3. BSc (Hons) Health Sciences (Medical Imaging) - used as an exit where the student meets the requirements for a standard BSc (Hons) but fails to meet the additional requirements in 3. 
  4. BSc (Ordinary) Health Sciences (Medical Imaging) - used as an exit where the student fails to meet the requirement for the BSc (Hons). 
  5. DipHE Health Sciences (Medical Imaging) - used as an exit where the student fails to meet the requirements for the BSc (Ord). 
  6. CertHE Health Sciences (Medical Imaging) - used as an exit where the student fails to meet the requirements for the DipHE. 

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.

The MSci (Hons) Medical Imaging (Diagnostic Radiography) is a 4-year full-time programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into 4 stages. Each stage is normally equivalent to an academic year. This programme is offered only via transfer from the BSc (Hons) Medical Imaging.

 

This programme runs  adjunct to the existing BSc (Hons) Medical Imaging programme with transfer onto MSci offered to BSc Hons students achieving 60%+ at the end of year 2. By transferring onto the MSci (Hons) Medical Imaging (Diagnostic Radiography), you will complete 120 credits at level 7 in an area of clinical specialism in addition to the full 360 credits required at level 6 to achieve HCPC registration as a diagnostic radiographer.

 

The programme is divided into units of study called modules which are assigned a number of 'credits'.

The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally

equivalent to 10 hours of work

 

Possible Exit awards would be: 

  1. MSci (Hons) Health Sciences (Medical Imaging) - used as an exit where the student meets the requirements for a standard MSci (Hons) but fails to meet the additional requirements in 1 (such as fitness to practice and clinical assessments that are non-condonable). 
  2. BSc (Hons) Medical Imaging (Diagnostic Radiography) - used as an exit where the student meets all the requirements for a radiography BSc (Hons) 
  3. BSc (Hons) Health Sciences (Medical Imaging) - used as an exit where the student meets the requirements for a standard BSc (Hons) but fails to meet the additional requirements in 3. 
  4. BSc (Ordinary) Health Sciences (Medical Imaging) - used as an exit where the student fails to meet the requirement for the BSc (Hons). 
  5. DipHE Health Sciences (Medical Imaging) - used as an exit where the student fails to meet the requirements for the BSc (Ord). 
  6. CertHE Health Sciences (Medical Imaging) - used as an exit where the student fails to meet the requirements for the DipHE. 

Stage 1


You may take optional modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.

 

Stage 1: 120 credits of compulsory modules, 0 credits of optional modules

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
PAM1007 Practical Placement 1 30Yes
PAM1016 Research and Evidence Based Practice 15Yes
PAM1018 Foundations of Patient Care 15Yes
PAM1019 Anatomy and Physiology for Radiographers 30Yes
PAM1020 Fundamentals of Radiographic Practice 30Yes

Stage 2


Stage 2: 120 credits of compulsory modules, 0 credits of optional modules

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
PAM2006 Practical Placement 2 30Yes
PAM2007 Project Studies 1 15Yes
PAM2011 Science for Medical Imaging 15Yes
PAM2013 Medical Imaging Applications 30Yes
PAM2014 Pathology and Image Interpretation 1 30Yes

Stage 3


 Stage 3: 120 credits of compulsory modules (120 Level 6;), 0 credits of optional modules

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
PAM3004 Project Studies 2 30Yes
PAM3012 Digital Image Processing for Radiographers 15Yes
PAM3018 Practice Placement 3 30Yes
PAM3019 Pathology and Image Interpretation 2 30Yes
PAM3020 Professional Skills for Radiographers 15Yes

Stage 4


Stage 4: 90 credits of compulsory modules (90 Level 7), 30 credits of optional modules (all Level 7)

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
PAMM111 Scientific Principles of Cross-sectional Imaging 15Yes
PAMM112 MRI: Theory and Applications 30Yes
PAMM113 CT: Theory and Applications 30Yes
PAMM114 Cross-sectional Imaging Practice Placement 15Yes

Optional Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
HPDM092 Fundamentals of Research Design 15No
HPDM128 Principles of Advanced Clinical Practice 30No
HPDM080 Leadership in Healthcare 15No
HPDM142 Principles of Supervision, Mentoring and Coaching 15No
HPDM103 Teaching Practitioner 15No
HPDM081 Management in Healthcare 15No
HPDM105 Education Essentials 15No

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. Ability to reflect upon and make informed decisions about clinical practices consistent with accepted protocols and individual patient's needs.
2. Ability to effectively and safely apply transferable skills to the management of individuals, with continual analysis and evaluation of outcome and appropriate modification of intervention.
3. Ability to make evaluative judgements on the technical outcomes from imaging procedures and report the findings accordingly.
4. Ability to communicate effectively with individuals, relatives, carers, and healthcare professionals establishing professional and ethical relationships.
5. Ability to make judgements from the verbal and physical presentation of an individual and evaluate and assess the undertaking of clinical examinations.
6. Ability to undertake skilled competent, safe, evaluative reflective diagnostic radiography practice.
7. Ability to analyse, evaluate and interpret the evidence underpinning diagnostic radiography practice critically and initiate change in practice appropriately.
8. Knowledge of the context of healthcare provision including the structure and policies of the NHS.
9. An understanding of the theoretical basis of scientific research and clinical audit.
10. Awareness of legal and ethical considerations which relate to radiography practice, and of the need to maintain professional integrity.
11. Awareness of the fundamental concepts of psychosocial science relevant to the student becoming a health team member, practitioner and healthcare educator.
12. Awareness of current developments in the practice and theory of diagnostic radiography, especially cross-sectional imaging.
13. Knowledge of the anatomical, biomedical and physiological principles related to human health and disease.
14. An understanding of the theoretical basis of diagnostic radiography practice.

Material is introduced by lectures and directed reading/research. Students are given clear guidance in how to manage their learning and are expected to take progressively more responsibility for their own learning at each stage. Understanding is developed and consolidated in tutorials, by laboratory work and private study exercises, carried out individually and in pairs or groups. A mix of self-assessed and tutor-marked work provides rapid feedback. Project work is used to integrate material and make knowledge functional. A set of compulsory modules cover radiography in progressively greater depth at each stage of the programme.

Direct assessment is through a range of tests, formal written examinations, and marked coursework in the form of problem sheets, presentations, laboratory reports, reports/essays based on directed reading and research. The Stage 3 project assessment is based on performance in research undertaken, oral presentations, planning ability, a formal written report and a poster presentation. Assessment criteria are published in the Medical Imaging Handbook.

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:

1. Ability to apply the skills needed for academic study and enquiry.
2. Ability to evaluate research and a variety of types of information and evidence critically.
3. Ability to synthesise information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding of theory and practice.
4. Ability to apply strategies for appropriate selection of relevant information from a wide source and large body of knowledge.
5. Ability to utilise problem solving skills.
6. Effective use of appropriate IT packages/systems for the analysis of data and the retrieval of appropriate information.

The modules at stages 1 and 2 provide a thorough training in the academic and clinical basis of diagnostic radiography. These skills are further developed in stage 3 projects which require students to plan and execute research, present and defend their conclusions. The students at stage 3 will also form an integral part of the radiography healthcare team and develop their teamwork and management skills within the clinical setting. In stage 4, students will apply and extend the skills they have developed to Level 7 content involving cross-sectional imaging and advanced clinical practice.

The programme features a wide range of learning, teaching and assessment methods which a specified in detail on the individual module descriptions. For the academic radiography teaching blocks, learning and teaching is based on lectures supported by tutorials (every two weeks, in groups of around 10 students) and by practical classes (including case scenarios in Stage 2 and inter-professional workshops in Stage 3). The inter-professional learning in Stage 1 and Stage 2 is based on lectures supported by seminars and tutorials. The Project Studies 2 module in Stage 3 is based around practical research, supported by tutorials. Stage 4 learning may include hybrid teaching modules. Assessments within the programme include clinical assessments, placement log books, examinations, tests, coursework, essays, reports, oral presentations, interviews and practical work. 

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:

1. Ability to manage time, prioritise workloads and recognise and manage personal emotions and stress.
2. Ability to understand career opportunities and challenges ahead and begin to plan a career path.
3. Ability to information management skills, e.g. IT skills.
4. Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals using a variety of means.
5. Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
6. Ability to evaluate his/her own academic, professional and clinical performance.
7. Ability to utilise problem-solving skills in a variety of theoretical and practical situations.
8. Ability to manage change effectively and respond to changing demands.
9. Ability to take responsibility for personal (Personal Development Planning) and professional (Continuing Professional Development) learning and development

The programme features a wide range of learning, teaching and assessment methods which are specified in detail on the individual module descriptions. For the academic radiography teaching blocks, learning and teaching is based on lectures supported by tutorials (every two weeks, in groups of around 10 students) and by practical classes (including case scenarios in Stage 2 and inter-professional workshops in Stage 3). The inter-professional learning in Stage 1 and Stage 2 is based on lectures supported by seminars and tutorials. The inter-professional Project Studies 2 module in Stage 3 is based around practical research, supported by tutorials. Assessments within the programme include clinical assessments, placement log books, examinations, tests, coursework, essays, reports, oral presentations, interviews and practical work.

Assessment of key skills is mostly through items of coursework: written and oral presentations, project work, and through assessments in the clinical setting.

7. Programme Regulations

The programme consists of 480 credits with 120 credits taken at each year. The pass mark for award of credit in PG modules (NQF level 7) is 50%.

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

The School provides:

  • A system of academic and personal tutors for its students.
  • Student Co-ordinators who oversee student attendance, progress and progression.
  • A School Handbook and web-based learning materials on-line.
  • Tutorials to support the lecture-based material.
  • A Student/Staff Liaison Committee, and student representation on the School Teaching Committee so students can contribute directly to the enhancement of educational and other provision at discipline level.

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.

Admission to the MSci(Hons) pathway can only be offered to BSc(Hons) students achieving 60%+ at the end of stage 2.

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.

(Quality Review Framework.

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

MSci (Hons) Medical Imaging (Diagnostic Radiography)

19. UCAS Code

N/A

20. NQF Level of Final Award

7 (Masters)

21. Credit

CATS credits

480

ECTS credits

240

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

[Health care] Radiography

23. Dates

Origin Date

26/01/2022

Date of last revision

01/09/2022