UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORDSchool of Health Studies (SOHS)Department: Division of Radiography

Programme/course title: MSc Medical Imaging

Awarding and teaching

institution:

University of Bradford

Final award: Postgraduate Certificate with endorsement in

Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance

Imaging, Medical Image Reporting* /Post

Graduate Diploma/Masters Degree

* dependent upon modules studied.

FHEQ level 7 (formerly M level)

Programme title: MSc Medical Imaging

Approved by: College of Radiographers

Duration: Part Time: flexible by negotiation over 5 years

Full time: by negotiation

UCAS code: n/a

Date produced: April 2011

Last updated : August 2011

Introduction

This programme is delivered by the Division of Radiography academic team in partnership

with clinical and scientific experts working within specialised areas of medical imaging to

ensure the curriculum remains appropriately diverse and clinically relevant. The MSc Medical

Imaging programme provides healthcare practitioners engaged in a diverse range of imaging

specialities with a vocational pathway of study that is flexible and clinically relevant. It is

designed to support healthcare practitioners develop the knowledge, understanding and skills

in medical imaging that are required of a professional who aspires to work at an advanced

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level of practice. Applications are sought from registered health professionals working in the

medical imaging who feel that the programme may be of benefit.

The pathways in computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and medical image

reporting are long established and highly regarded by local NHS managers and are seen as

essential qualifications by some managers for advanced practitioner posts.

The MSc Medical Imaging programme is aligned with the School of Health’s CPD framework,

an exciting new multidisciplinary framework for continuing professional development. The

framework will enable you to identify the modules that you wish to study from the School’s

CPD module catalogue in order to create an individualised programme of study that will meet

your needs and the needs of a modern health service. The Schools CPD framework provides

a large number of diverse modules that you can elect to study.

The collection of modules that you chose to study will contextualise your learning in relation

to the Aims and Learning Outcomes for the programme outlined in the next section of this

document. This is particularly so for the ‘generic’ (modules delivered outside of radiography)

modules in the School of Health’s Framework. Modules such as the research or work based

project modules, for example, enable you to shape your own focus of study within the

modules aims and learning outcomes by learning the principles being taught and applying

them to your own professional/ employment area.

The flexibility offered by the School of Health’s CPD framework will enable you to take

forward your current experience whatever the area of your work in collaboration with the

University of Bradford. You will be able to obtain credits for short episodes of study, transfer

credits from prior certificated or experiential learning, undertake a single module or combine

studying a choice of modules over time. An academic advisor will discuss and support your

choices.

The role of higher education within the UK is not only to develop the learning and critical

thinking skills of students but to provide students such as yourself with the opportunity to

study for an award which will support your current and future career prospects. A key

component of our provision is engagement with local and regional employers to drive the

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employability of our graduates by developing healthcare practitioners for the future who can

work in a changing environment with a high level of mastery of clinical skills. Excellence and

sustainability in health care provision requires practitioners, specialists, managers and

leaders, such as yourself, to continue your professional development through life long

education.

An admission requirement for the course is that students are already registered with an

appropriate professional body. Successful completion of the course will not confer eligibility to

apply for Health Professions Council (HPC) registration.

Programme / Framework Aims

The MSc Medical Imaging and the School of Health’s CPD framework share the same aims.

There are several aims for the programme and these are contextualised within the aims of

the modules and the route of study that you take. If you study a module outside of

radiography, alongside students from different professions/employment areas, it is the

application of the Aims and Learning Outcomes to your own subject area that maintains the

focus on your area of interest on medical imaging. The programme aims are:

Level 7 (formerly M level)

A1 Provide a flexible educational framework that is vocationally relevant, which

meets the professional development needs of the student, as well as the

organisational needs of employers.

A2 Stimulate students to become autonomous self-directed learners who are

motivated to sustain and advance their own continuous professional learning

with a confidence to support the professional development of colleagues and

the work of their organisations.

A3 Develop the skills , knowledge, critical understanding and awareness of the

depth and breadth of knowledge applicable to their own fields of practice

A4 Further develop the students cognitive and practical skills to undertake data

synthesis, complex problem solving, the articulation of competing perspectives

and competence in their field of practice

A5 Provide opportunities for interprofessional teaching and learning to share the

knowledge, skills and experience common to a range of different health and

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social care disciplines.

A6 Develop critically reflective, competent practitioners, managers and leaders

who will inform and shape or change inclusive, fair and ethically sensitive

service provision.

A7 Provide a framework within which the curriculum, where required, meets the

regulatory needs of professional bodies such as the NMC and HPC or is kite

marked by the CMI.

A8 Develop the skills required for life-long learning and professional development

Additionally if you wish to study one or more core research modules or management modules for a post graduate diploma or undertake a Masters dissertation

A9 Develop an understanding of the theoretical constructs underpinning research

or project management which will inform the undertaking of an ethical piece of

research or a work based project and the ability to demonstrate how the

findings can influence practice and policy.

Programme Learning Outcomes

These learning outcomes are compatible with the Framework for Higher Education

Qualifications (FHEQ 2008). The programme contains nested pathways as well as the

flexibility to design your own pathway and the learning outcomes outlined below are

contextualised within the learning outcomes of the modules that you study. When you have

successfully completed your course of study within the programme you will be able to:

Study to post graduate certificate and diploma level

LO1 Develop a detailed knowledge and understanding of the literature that relates

to your specialist field of practice

LO2 Critically analyse and synthesise the research evidence that informs the

development of policy and service delivery in your specialist field of practice

LO3 Evaluate and critically apply theoretical concepts and where appropriate, for

your field of practice, master practical skills for the management of complex

issues within your field of practice

LO4 Reflect upon and demonstrate knowledge of values, ethical thinking, equality

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awareness, inclusive practice and demonstrate mastery within your specialist

field or practice.

LO5 Develop and demonstrate the ability to articulate sound arguments using a

variety of formats including written and oral communication skills

LO6 Demonstrate management and leadership through effective communication,

problem solving, and decision making

LO7 Demonstrate the ability to become an autonomous learner through

independent study and critical reflection on continuing development needs

LO8 Demonstrate the ability to use IT skills to gather and synthesise information ,

to access course materials

Study to Masters degree

LO9 Demonstrate a critical awareness and understanding of different theoretical

constructs underpinning research and/or project management

methodologies.

LO10 Design, undertake and report on either a systematic review, a piece of

empirical research, work based or management project that contributes to or

extends the body of knowledge for your field of practice

Curriculum

The curriculum has been designed to meet the needs of health care professionals aspiring

to work at an advanced level of practice within Medical Imaging. The programme curriculum

has been developed in accordance with two guiding principles identified in Securing the

Future1: ensuring a strong, healthy and just society; and using science responsibly. The

curriculum has also been informed by key professional documents and mapped to the

Quality Assurance Agency Framework for higher education2, College of Radiographers

Learning and Development Framework3 for advanced and consultant practice and the skills

and competencies within the Knowledge and Skills Framework4. 1 Department of Health (2005) Securing the future DoH: London

2Quality Assurance Agency (2008) The framework for higher education qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

3 College of Radiographers (2008) Learning and Development Framework. CoR: London

4 Department of Health (2004) The NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (NHS KSF) and the Development Review Process. DoH:

London

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The ethos of sustainable development is a fundamental feature of the programme with

students encouraged to develop autonomous learning skills and the ability to apply critical

thinking to clinical practice in order to contribute to the Department of Health’s strategic

objectives which seek to: narrow the health gap; prevent illness; and improve health and

well being. The programme also promotes independent learning to provide students with

the skills and desire to continue learning beyond the boundaries of the programme and

inform practice developments in the future.

The diagram on the following page indicates the pathways through the programme from

admission to Masters Degree. It indicates the number of credits you will need to obtain in

order to be eligible for the Certificate, Diploma or Masters level award in Medical Imaging.

You may choose to study any module within the MSc Medical Imaging module portfolio or

other relevant modules available within the School of Health CPD framework. However, in

order to be eligible for an award with the title Medical Imaging, at least 60 credits must carry

a HR module code.

Most students choose to initially study modules that from a defined pathway within a

specialised area of medical imaging. For example Computed Tomography, Magnetic

Resonance Imaging or medical Image Reporting. Successful completion of a defined

module pathway leads to an award endorsement in that discipline e.g. Postgraduate

Certificate in Medical Imaging (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). The table at the start of this

programme specification indicates the named award pathways available. A feature of these

certificated pathways with endorsement is their clinical focus and the commitment of the

course team to ensure that these pathways remain clinically relevant and of value to health

care practitioners practicing in these clinical specialties. The pathways contain clinical work-

based modules which assess the ability of students to apply academic learning to the

clinical setting.

The modular format of the programme and its articulation with the School of Health’s CPD

Framework permits you to select and study modules that are out with, but complementary to,

your particular imaging speciality and in so doing broaden your knowledge and understanding

of other areas of medical imaging and health care that impact on imaging services. The

curriculum provides a broad range of modules which can be combined to provide an

individualised award. It is possible with negotiation with the course leader or academic

advisor to undertake modules from across the School’s CPD Framework to accrue credits 6

from study of a diverse range of. By applying the course work from, for example, the research

or management work based project module to your field of practice, will make the module

relevant to Medical Imaging. This would also be the same for the independent study modules

or other interprofessional modules that are offered. It is the application that enables the

flexibility of these modules to meet your learning needs for your own practice or employment

areas. All students are required to undertake one of the School’s taught research module at

Postgraduate Diploma stage in order to qualify for the award. The final Master’s stage will

require you to complete a final stage investigation/project that is related to the taught

research module that you have previously studied.

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MSc Medical Imaging: Nested Pathway Modules

Unit code

Unit titleCredits Level Sem Pg

Cer

t in

M.I.

(Imag

e In

terp

reta

tion)

PgC

ert i

n M

.I.(M

agne

tic R

eson

ance

Im

agin

g)Pg

Cer

t in

M.I.

(Com

pute

d To

mog

raph

y)

PgD

ip M

edic

al Im

agin

g

MSc

Med

ical

Imag

ing

HR Computed Tomography 30 M (7) 1 C O O

HR Clinical Computed Tomography 30 M (7) 2 C O O

HR Magnetic Resonance Imaging 30 M (7) 1 C O O

HR Clinical Magnetic Resonance Imaging 30 M (7) 2 C O O

HR Principles of Reporting 30 M (7) 1 C O O

HR Medical Image Reporting 30 M (7) 2 C O O

HR Developing Practice 30 M (7) 1 O O

HR Current Topics in Radiography 30 M (7) 2 O O

Undertaking A Systematic Review 30 M (7) 1 or 2 C1 C1

Research in Health and Social Care 30 M (7) 1 or 2 C1 C1

Module from School of Health CPD Framework 30 M (7) 1or 2 O O

Dissertation 60 M (7) 1 or 2 C2 C2

Systematic Review 60 M (7) 1or 2 C2 C2

Work Based Project 60 M (7) 1or 2 C2 C2

O = optional C = core module C1= only 1can be studied C2= only 1can be studied

Teaching Learning and Assessment

The modules and courses nested within the programme offer you the capacity to

acknowledge and build upon the knowledge and skills you may have acquired through

previous learning experiences including those in the work place. As you undertake your

chosen pathway or undertake the modules of your choice you will be given the opportunity to

develop theoretical understanding, advance your knowledge and critical thinking and to

develop a range of skills appropriate and competencies appropriate to your

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professional/employment field, which will enable you to function more effectively in your

workplace.

The programme is not designed as a distance learning programme and most modules do

require attendance at the University. The delivery approach varies from module to module

and includes block attendance, a regular day each week, distance learning and blended

learning. Students may wish to consider the delivery approach for each module when

choosing the modules that they wish to study.

Whilst following this programme of study you will engage with learning through a range of

teaching methods. To a degree these methods will be dependent on modules studied,

however student-centred approaches to learning are a feature of many of the modules and

you will be expected to take responsibility for your learning as you develop your academic

skills. There is an expectation that students will use throughout their course of study the

University VLE. This will be particularly important for student who chose distance or blended

learning modules for a range of learning activities such as discussion groups, Wikis, online

tutorials and accessing learning materials. When devising your study plan with your personal

tutor you will be informed regarding delivery methods and which semester your chosen

modules are being delivered. You will also be informed about dates and times of attendance

at the university.

Following enrolment you will have a personal academic tutor appointed and they will

provide holistic guidance encompassing academic and personal support throughout your course

of study. For those students registering for the full MSc award this will include personal and

professional development (PDP) planning.

Your course of study will expose you to a range of different teaching, learning and

assessment strategies required to achieve the learning outcomes. The teaching approaches

that are used across the School of Health Studies are informed by the University core values

which are for teaching and learning to be: Reflective, Adaptable, Inclusive, Supportive,

Ethical and Sustainable. You may experience these across your choice of modules in order

to meet both the aims of the programme and your learning outcomes. Student-centred

approaches to learning are a feature of many of the modules and you will be expected to take

responsibility for your learning as you develop your academic skills through:

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Lectures: to a group of students where information will be presented and discussed

whilst informed by the core values.

Facilitated seminars and group discussion: where learning will be through the

interpretation and critical application of information and group learning

Tutorial where small group number of students reflect and discuss issues related to

their learning

Work-based learning: where learning is directed within the work environment and is

reflected upon and then reported on.

Work-based learning: where skills are taught in relation to theory and best practice

enabling students to advance their competent in their field of practice

Use of Web based virtual learning environments, such as Blackboard or Ning, to

access information and to interact with other students undertaking group work or

developing wikis.

Distance learning packages where clearly defined directed study and tasks are

available for the student to undertake.

Directed reading: where set reading may be recommended

Self Directed learning: Where student are expected to develop their own learning by

identifying areas of interest and areas in which knowledge needs to be developed.

Undertaking a work based project or a research module which is shaped by your own

self directed learning needs and the learning outcomes at MSc level.

You will be expected to develop an autonomous learning style and become self directed as a

learner.

Your learning will be assessed against the learning outcomes and programme aims through

the use of a range of different assessment techniques that are informed by the module

learning outcomes. Details of the assessment for each module can be found in the module

descriptors.

Assessment Regulations

This Programme conforms to the standard University Assessment Regulations for

Postgraduate Programmes which are available at the following link: (to be created)

http://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/acsec/QA_Hbk/Ord_5_PG_Taught_Awards.html

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Details of any exceptions to these regulations in this programme can be found at: weblink to

be created.

Admission Requirements

The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their previous

academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of each individual

application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of a

candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability to succeed on this

particular programme. Your application for the programme will be based on a combination of

your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience.

The entry requirements for this programme are:

A first degree in a relevant subject area, NVQ level 6 or equivalent or a relevant

postgraduate qualification

Students whose qualifications do not meet the entry requirements above but who have

a relevant professional qualification and significant experience and other evidence of

ability to study at this level.

Students for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 6.5 or

equivalent.

Support of your line manager or clinical director if you wish to study clinical based

modules.

Have access to a computer that has a broadband connection and that can browse the

internet and has word processing on it*

Have computing skills commensurate with the demands of course*

The University of Bradford has computers with internet and word processing facilities available to

students across a number of locations therefore students do not need to own their own computer

or have a home internet service. Computer literacy courses are available for people new to

information technology and both the Learner Development Unit and the Disability Office can

provide support to students who have a disability. Dyslexia screening is also available. For further

information please see www.bradford.ac.uk/lss

Please note that admission requirements may change, subject to the University's monitoring

and review procedures.

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Accreditation of Prior experiential / certified Learning (AP(E/C)L)

If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be equivalent to

parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this learning in order to

provide you with exemptions from specified modules contained within the curriculum.

You may be permitted to import specific academic credit subject to the conditions and

waivers from the regulations of the University of Bradford. Please talk to us if you do not fit

the standard pattern of entry qualifications. Guidance on how to make an APL claim is

available from the School of Health Studies.

The curriculum may change, subject to the University’s course approval, monitoring and

review procedures. In particular it is intended that new modules may be added in order that

customised programmes can be developed in response to employers training needs provided

that these align with the framework learning aims and objectives.

The University of Bradford has always welcomed applications from disabled students, and

these will be considered on the same academic grounds as are applied to all applicants. If

you have some form of disability you may wish to contact the programme leader before you

apply.

You or your manager may wish to visit our Escalate website for information on the

Universities Employer Engagement Programme. http://www.bradford.ac.uk/escalate/what-is-

escalate/

Learning Resources

The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and the School of Management library provide a

wide range of printed and electronic resources to support your studies. We offer quiet study

space if you want to work on your own, and group study areas for the times when you need

to discuss work with fellow students. Subject librarians for each School provide training

sessions and individual guidance in finding the information you need for your assignment,

and will help you organise your references properly.

Student PC clusters can be found in all our libraries and elsewhere on the campus. You can

also use the University's wireless network to access the internet from your own laptop. Most

of our online journals are available on the internet (both on and off campus), and you can

also access your University email account, personal information and course-related materials

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this way. Staff are on hand during the daytime to help you if you get stuck, and there is a 24

hour, 7 day a week IT help line available.

The University has dedicated Distance Learning contact staff throughout its Learner Support

Services who understand the specific needs that distance learners may have. They can

provide learning support via phone, e-mail and via Skype and this can be offered in the

evenings on request. There is also a dedicated distance learner web-page on the University

of Bradford web-site, which offers direct links to the learning support and other resources

relevant to distance learning students.

Student Support and Guidance

The University has defined a clear agenda to promote an inclusive and supportive working

and learning environment that is consistent with the university’s ethos to confront inequality

and celebrate diversity. This renewed approach sets out a strong commitment to celebrate

and supports the diversity of all its students.

Support for you personally and in your course of study, will be provided both by the University

and the Programme Team. You will be allocated a personal tutor who is someone with whom

you will be able to talk about any academic or personal concerns, by the use of telephone,

letter, e-mail and the VLE. The School will ensure that there is someone available with whom

you feel comfortable to help and support you. You will be provided with a comprehensive

series of handbooks that you can consult on a range of learning issues and your course

tutors will be available to consult on subject specific queries. A programme induction week

will introduce students to the programme and the University including student support

systems and information about counselling services, Learner Development Unit (LDU),

Disability office and the facilities available from the interactive learning centre (ILC). An online

induction package will also be available for distance learners and international students.

Further information on these is provided on the University web page

http://www.bradford.ac.uk/lss/. In addition, students enrolled on a pathway with a clinical

component will have an appointed clinical mentor who will liaise with the pathway coordinator

to ensure that students receive an appropriate level of guidance throughout their clinical

studies.

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Students’ Union

We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Students’ Union,

through a system of course representatives and formal staff student liaison committees, so

that any issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly.

The Students’ Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to provide confidential

counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any aspect of your personal or

academic life. Student Financial and Information Services (part of the Hub) will provide you

with information about a diverse range of issues such as council tax, personal safety and

tourist information.

Learner Development Unit

The Learner Development Unit provides support in all aspects of academic, maths, numeracy

and interpersonal skills. A programme of interactive workshops is delivered during both

semesters which complements the individual support available from Advisers and the wide

range of interactive online materials.

Disability

Disabled students will find a supportive environment at Bradford where we are committed to

ensuring that all aspects of student life are accessible to everyone.  The Disability Service

can help by providing equipment and advice to help you get the most out of your time at

Bradford and is a place where you can discuss any concerns you may have about

adjustments that you may need, whether these relate to study, personal care or other

issues.    For more information contact the Disability Service by phoning: 01274 233739 or

via email: disabilities@bradford.ac.uk

Ecoversity and education for sustainable development

Ecoversity is a strategic project of the University which aims to embed the principles of

sustainable development into our decision-making, learning and teaching, research activities

campus operations and lives of our staff and students. The focus of the modules and the

programme is to facilitate your continuing development as lifelong learners who have

developed critical thinking and analysis skills which you can apply into your work place.

Inherent within the learning outcomes for the modules and awards are the values we aspire

to in providing high quality education to support high quality care whatever professional

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discipline, sector or organisation you work for. The core work of the School of Health studies

is the focus on health and well being and developing professionals such as yourselves who

can work within multidisciplinary teams, work across care sectors using clinical, educational,

research or management and leadership skills to improve practice, improve services and

influence change. Modules from across the programme and Schools CPD framework offer

these opportunities, the core research modules are taught by a multidisciplinary team with a

range of different backgrounds and experiences to students such as yourself also from a

variety of backgrounds. This combined focus enables your education to have a sustainable

component in terms of your future career as well as the sustainability of your services by

maintaining and improving what you provide for your local communities. For more information

please go to http://www.brad.ac.uk/health/ecoversity/ or www.bradford.ac.uk/ecoversity/

Further Information:For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact Admissions.

The Admissions Office

The University of Bradford

Richmond Road

Bradford, BD7 1DP

UK

The Admissions Office

School of Health Studies

The University of Bradford

Richmond Road

Bradford

BD7 1DP

UK

+44 (0)1274 233054

http://www.brad.ac.uk/courses/

+44 (0)1274 236367

http://www.brad.ac.uk/acad/health

The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the University's

regulations and course approval, monitoring and review procedures.

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Flow Diagram MSc Medical Imaging

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Admitted to ProgrammeA.P.C.L / A.P.E.L

Import a maximum of 30 Credits

PgCert in Medical Imaging - with endorsement if specific pathway followed

e.g. PgCert. Medical Imaging (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Total of 120 credits from MSc medical imaging portfolio of modules or School of Health CPD Framework. To include 30 credit taught research module

PgDip in Medical Imaging

A.P.C.L / A.P.E.L

Import a maximum of 60 Credits

Total of 180 credits from MSc medical imaging portfolio of modules or other relevant modules within the School of Health Studies.

A.P.C.L / A.P.E.L

Import a maximum of 120 Credits

MSc Medical Imaging

PgCert. Image Reporting

(60 credits)

PgCert. Magnetic Resonance Imaging

(60 credits)

PgCert. Computed Tomography

(60 credits)

60 credits from MSc medical imaging portfolio of modules or other relevant modules from the Schools of Health

Studies CPD framework