Study information

Programme Specification for the 2024/5 academic year

BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship)

1. Programme Details

Programme nameBSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship) Programme codeUDS3EMSEMS01
Study mode(s) Academic year2024/5
Campus(es)St Luke's (Exeter)
 NQF Level of the Final Award6 (Honours)

2. Description of the Programme

The BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging Degree Apprenticeship offers an employment based route into the profession of diagnostic radiographer. This 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 36 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 block attendance (3 x 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. When in the workplace, you will have a day a week for highly directed study, using e-learning resources provided by the University. 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 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 BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging (Degree Apprenticeship) programme is a 36 month programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 6 (as confirmed against the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ)). This programme is divided into 3 ‘Stages’. Each Stage is normally equivalent to a calendar year (i.e. of 12 month duration).  The programme is also 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.  

 

Interim Awards 

There are no interim awards. 

5. Programme Modules

There are no optional modules on this programme.

Stage 1

This Stage provides a foundation in the 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 general and fluoroscopic radiography.

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
RAD1001DA Applied Radiographic Knowledge (ARK) 1 30Yes
RAD1002DA Professional Practice 1 30Yes
RAD1003DA Practice Foundations 1 30Yes
RAD1004DA Practice Placement 1 30No

Stage 2

Drawing upon the knowledge and skills learnt in Stage one, Stage two develops further understanding of anatomical and physiological concepts in contemporary clinical imaging practice. You will develop your knowledge of radiation science and gain an appreciation of safe and optimal use of radiation-based imaging techniques. The Stage two workplace experience provides further opportunities to learn theory as applied to practice and to gain further practical experience of the safe and effective practice of general and fluoroscopic imaging, including the skills required to adapt technique to best meet the needs of the patient. A wider range of imaging modalities in introduced in Stage two.

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
RAD2001DA Applied Radiographic Knowledge (ARK) 2 30Yes
RAD2002DA Professional Practice 2 30Yes
RAD2003DA Practice Foundations 2 30Yes
RAD2004DA Practice Placement 2 30No

Stage 3

The final Stage builds upon the knowledge and skills established in the previous two Stages. You will integrate theory with practice by drawing on your prior experience of imaging modalities, and reinterpreting your knowledge of imaging within a scientific framework. During the third Stage 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 have responsibility for organising your working day and liaising with staff in other departments, and will gain experience of co-ordinating an inter-professional team. You will also undertake an employer negotiated placement in a jointly agreed area of practice.

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
RAD3001DA Applied Radiographic Knowledge (ARK) 3 30Yes
RAD3002DA Professional Practice 3 30Yes
RAD3003ADA Practice Foundations 3 30Yes
RAD3004ADA Practice Placement 3 30Yes

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.
2. Effectively and safely apply transferable skills to the management of individuals, with continual analysis and evaluation of outcome and appropriate modification of intervention.
3. Make evaluative judgements on the technical outcomes from imaging procedures and report the findings accordingly.
4. Communicate effectively with individuals, relatives, carers, and healthcare professionals establishing professional and ethical relationships.
5. Make judgements from the verbal and physical presentation of an individual , and written clinical indications, and evaluate and assess the undertaking of clinical examinations.
6. Undertake skilled competent, safe, evaluative reflective diagnostic radiography practice.
7. Analyse, evaluate and interpret the evidence underpinning diagnostic radiography practice critically and initiate change in practice appropriately.
8. Describe the context of healthcare provision including the structure and policies of the NHS.
9. Explain the theoretical basis of scientific research, clinical audit and service evaluation.
10. Explain the legal and ethical considerations which relate to radiography practice, and of the need to maintain professional integrity.
11. Explain the fundamental concepts of psychosocial science relevant to the student becoming a health team member, practitioner and healthcare educator.
12. Discuss current developments in the practice and theory of diagnostic radiography.
13. Summarise the anatomical, biomedical and physiological principles related to human health and disease.
14. Show an understanding of the theoretical basis of diagnostic radiography practice across a range of imaging modalities.

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 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 radiography in progressively greater depth at each stage 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.
16. Evaluate research and a variety of types of information and evidence critically
17. Synthesise information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding of theory and practice.
18. Apply strategies for appropriate selection of relevant information from a wide source and large body of knowledge.
19. Utilise problem solving skills.
20. Use effectively appropriate IT packages/systems for the analysis of data and the retrieval of appropriate information.

The radiography modules at stages 1 and 2 provide a thorough training in the academic and clinical basis of radiography. These skills are further developed in Stage 3 projects which require you to plan and execute a   service evaluation using research skills, present and defend their conclusions. At Stage 3 you will also form an integral part of the radiography healthcare team and develop their 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
22. Work effectively as a member of a team.
23. Evaluate his/her own academic, professional and clinical performance.
24. Utilise problem-solving skills in a variety of theoretical and practical situations.
25. Manage change effectively and respond to changing demands.
26. Take responsibility for personal (Personal Development Planning) and professional (Continuing Professional Development) learning and development.
27. Manage time, prioritise workloads and recognise and manage personal emotions and stress.
28. Understand career opportunities and challenges ahead and begin to plan a career path.
29. Use information management skills, e.g. IT skills.

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 their clinical skills. You gain experience of team working within and across professions and are supported in developing a reflective approach to their 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 

Undergraduate (UG) Programmes: The programme consists of 360 credits with 120 credits taken at each year. In total, participants will take no more than 120 credits at NQF level 4, and will take 120 credits at NQF level 6 (which includes the End Point Assessment). The pass mark for award of credit in UG modules (NQF levels 4-6) is 40%. 

Progression 

Undergraduate Degree Apprenticeship programmes: 

a. Module condonement is not permitted on this programme.  

b. Each component within a module must be achieved i.e. there is no condonement within a module. 

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 Placement modules (RAD1003DA, RAD1004DA, RAD2003DA and RAD2004DA 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 

Undergraduate Degree Apprenticeship programmes :  Assessment at Stage 1 does not contribute to the classification of the award. The award classification will be calculated from the credit-weighted average marks for Stages 2 and 3 combined in the ratio 1:2. 

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

Exit Awards:

The following exit awards are permitted from this programme subject to obtaining the required number of credits for each award as appropriate:

BSc (Ordinary) Health Sciences (Medical Imaging)

Cert HE Health Sciences (Medical Imaging)

Dip HE Health Sciences (Medical Imaging)

CertHE 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

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 their 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 them 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 they 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.

 

Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students’ learning.

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

10. Admissions Criteria

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

12. Indicators of Quality and Standards

Certain programmes are subject to accreditation and/or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).  

HCPC approval  

Ofsted inspection 

13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards

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

BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship)

19. UCAS Code

Not applicable to this programme.

20. NQF Level of Final Award

6 (Honours)

21. Credit

CATS credits

360

 ECTS credits

180

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

23. Dates

Origin Date

06/06/2019

 Date of last revision

29/09/2021