Diagnostic Radiography BSc/MSci

at Coventry University

Why you should study this course

Using advanced technology, diagnostic radiographers take images inside patients’ bodies to help understand and diagnose illness and injury. As well as working directly with patients, they consult with a range of healthcare professionals to design treatment programmes, procedures and therapies.
 

• Diagnostic Radiography at Coventry is available as either a 3-year BSc (Hons) degree or a 4-year Integrated Master’s MSci degree, with the final year of the MSci studied at master’s level.

• Our courses are intended to develop you into a radiographer who has a good understanding of all aspects of radiography and patient care who can respond to a rapidly evolving health delivery service.

• Delivering effective and compassionate patient care is at the centre of the course. You will have the chance to learn how to understand and manage the patients’ needs, the importance of communication and care alongside the science and technology of diagnostic imaging and how it is used in this dynamic care profession.

• As a diagnostic radiographer you will work directly with patients and produce, process and assess images of body structures - for example, skeletal and soft tissue injuries or abnormalities which are used to support and guide direct interventional treatments, procedures and therapies.

• Throughout the course you will be given the opportunity to develop knowledge of health-related sciences including, human anatomy, physiology, medical physics and technology to support the operation, interpretation and diagnostic processes of radiographic imaging. In addition, you will explore patient interaction, care and protection - including safe radiation practice - a fundamental responsibility for diagnostic radiographers. You will also examine the crucial role diagnostic radiographers play in health screening programmes such as cancer screening.

• Practice placements, which are sourced for you by the university, are an integral part of the course and aim to enable you to develop clinical skills and work as part of a multidisciplinary team. In addition, you will have the opportunity to learn about performing various aspects of diagnostic radiography practices alongside other healthcare students in the university’s purpose-built Simulation Centre, using the latest equipment that would normally be found in clinical settings.
   

What you'll study

Year One

You will be introduced to the foundation elements of diagnostic radiography through a range of theoretical and professional practice modules. The professional practice component is designed to help enable you to develop the clinical skills required to conduct a range of diagnostic imaging tests and provide excellent person-centred care.

Modules
 

• The Human Body – Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology (20 credits)

  This module aims to introduce you to the human body - anatomy, physiology and pathology. Anatomical knowledge and understanding of physiological systems provide an essential base for radiography practice. It also lays the foundations to enable you to understand human body conditions in order to produce diagnostic images which can affect treatment or management.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Coursework and presentation
   

• Imaging Science, Equipment and Technology (20 credits)

  This module aims to introduce you to the principles of imaging science, equipment and technology. The primary focus of the module will be projectional imaging. The knowledge and understanding of projectional imaging systems includes equipment, functional and operational aspects. It will also cover X-ray production, X-ray beam, interaction with matter and image formation. Radiation safety and protection will include ionising radiation legislation. You should also develop the key skills to practice safely whilst upholding image quality.]

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Exam
   

• Foundation of Evidence-Informed Practice (20 credits)

  Enabling you to become an independent, evidence informed, learner and professional radiographer is the focus of this module. It aims to introduce you to the basic principles of gathering, appraising, interpreting and applying evidence to support your learning and professional development. In addition, study skills will be a feature within the module, helping to support effective academic practice. The module also includes the principles underpinning research and evidence-informed practice in the context of diagnostic radiography.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Coursework
   

• Health and Wellbeing in the Community (20 credits)

  This module aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of the social, political, economic, cultural and environmental factors that influence individual and community health and wellbeing. The module draws upon key international, national and local initiatives to support your learning.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Coursework
   

• Introduction to Radiography Professional Practice (20 credits)

  The module begins to develop some of the fundamental skills required for effective diagnostic radiography practice. The areas covered in the module fall within the HCPC competency framework for registered radiographers. The module aims to enhance your understanding of the radiographer’s role, skills and attribute required s to undertake projectional imaging techniques of the musculoskeletal system and thorax and abdomen. This module also has a 3-week induction to professional practice-based learning experience placement to explore and understand the role of the radiographer and experience various imaging areas.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Objective structured exam and portfolio
   

• Image Evaluation (10 credits)

  Successful completion of this module introduces you to the fundamentals, principles and skills to evaluate projectional imaging images for upper & lower limbs, shoulder, thorax and abdomen areas. You will have the opportunity to study a series of diagnostic images to recognise patterns and appearances of abnormalities and injuries.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Objective structured exam and viva
   

• Radiography Professional Practice Experience (10 credits)

  This module provides a professional practice-based learning experience (6 weeks), which is sourced for you by the university. It aims to enable you to further understand the role of the diagnostic radiographer and their contribution to the multi-disciplinary team and inter-professional working.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Coursework and portfolio
   

Year two

In year two, you will explore the importance of evidence-informed practice in diagnostic radiography and build on your understanding of the radiographer’s role in various imaging areas and person-centred care. The content aims to further develops your theoretical understanding and practical application of diagnostic radiography practice.

Modules
 

• Developing Radiography Professional Practice (20 credits)

  This module aims to further build on your learning from year 1 to enhance your radiography knowledge and skills for practice. It is designed to allow you to explore complex and advanced examination techniques through effective, safe and evidence-based practice. It further develops your patient centred skills for service users with different physical, mental health and cultural needs. By successfully completing this module you will begin to develop autonomy and practice within professional, ethical and legal frameworks that underpin diagnostic radiography services. It is designed to enable you to gain an understanding of various imaging approaches and apply theory to practice whilst considering the patient’s condition, diagnostic pathways, safety, contrast use and radiation protection. This module provides a professional practice-based learning experience, which is sourced for you by the university.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Objective structured clinical exam and portfolio
   

• Imaging Science and Radiation Protection (10 credits)

  Developing your understanding of scientific principles related to digital X-ray imaging equipment including mobile, dentals and mammography units is the primary objective of this module. The design and functionality of each of these imaging units will be explored and discussed in terms of image process, workflow and storage image quality, quality assurance procedures, radiation protection, safety and technology.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Exam
   

• Human Body Systems and Pathology (20 credits)

  This module aims to build on your previous learning focusing on the organisation of the human body and the structure and function of the physiological systems. You will continue to explore the systems of the human body and relate this to the pathophysiology and management of conditions and diseases commonly presented within radiography professional practice.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Coursework and presentation
   

• Developing Evidence-Informed Practice (10 credits)

  This module aims to enable you to apply the theoretical knowledge, ethical principles and evidence informed skills developed in the Foundations of Evidence-Informed Practice module to clinical settings. You will explore how to design and justify empirical or literature-based study, relevant to diagnostic radiography and/or medical imaging science, demonstrating the application of sound ethical reasoning. In order to achieve this, it will introduce you to a diverse range of approaches to research, reviews and audits (qualitative, quantitative and participatory) and relevant health and social care policy and legislation. This module will encourage you to explore how the profession specific core values and beliefs can complement those of other health and social care professions, drawing on differing research traditions.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Coursework
   

• Imaging Science for Modality Systems (20 credits)

  During this module you will examine scientific principles and applications related to imaging techniques - interventional, fluoroscopy, Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Ultrasound (US) and Radio Nuclide Imaging (RNI). The design and functionality of each of these imaging tools will be explored including interaction processes, biological effects, image quality and technology advances.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Coursework and exam
   

• Image Interpretation (10 credits)

  This module is designed to build on your image interpretation skills of images of the body systems studied in year one. It aims to provide students with the fundamental knowledge and skills to assess images from various modalities through a systematic approach, highlighting radiographer's role assessing medical images, medico-legal perceptions and factors that influence image evaluation.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Objective structured clinical exam and viva
   

• Advancing Radiography Professional Practice (20 credits)

  This module is designed to further explore radiographic skills with various imaging techniques to develop understanding, knowledge and skills in imaging body systems. The tools studied in depth include interventional/fluoroscopy, CT, PET, MRI, US and RNI. This module provides a professional practice-based learning experience (5 weeks), which is sourced for you by the university.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Objective structured clinical exam and portfolio
   

• Student Elected Radiography Professional Practice Experience (10 credits)

  The Student Elected Radiography Practice Experience is designed provide you with the opportunity to broaden and gain specialist radiography professional practice, knowledge and skills. You can select a clinical placement nationally or internationally to further develop your clinical competencies within radiography. Through this experience you should be able to demonstrate a range of clinical skills by conducting a range of radiography examinations under supervision. This module requires a professional practice-based learning experience, which is sourced by the student, supported and vetted by the university for health and safety.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Portfolio and coursework
   

Final year

In the third year, which is the final year for students on the BSc course, you will examine the different pathways, advances and developments in radiography and have the opportunity to conduct a research project in an area of radiography of interest to you. In addition, you can study leadership and management in a diagnostic radiography context and undertake professional practice-based learning experience to move towards becoming an autonomous practitioner.

Modules
 

• Developing the Skilled Radiographer (20 credits)

  The module aims to prepare you to develop as a skilled radiographer by enhancing the knowledge and skills you acquired in years 1 and 2. Successful completion of year 3 will enable you to demonstrate your understanding of conducting clinical practice in a professional, ethical and safe manner in accordance with HCPC guidance.
   

  By successfully completing this module you will work towards performing radiographic procedures demonstrating the knowledge and skills required to practice autonomously by applying appropriate radiographic techniques for a range of conditions, following local protocols and national guidelines for radiographic professional practice. You will have the opportunity to participate in a mentorship programme to explore the mentor’s role. This module provides a professional practice-based learning experience (4 weeks), which is sourced for you the by the university.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Coursework, portfolio and objective structured clinical exam
   

• Imaging Pathways, Advances, Applications and Developments

  The aim of this module is to prepare you to develop and advance your understanding and knowledge of imaging techniques -computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), radionuclide imaging (RNI) and ultrasound (US). The module is designed to enable you to make decisions related to the service user's imaging journey and the assessment of imaging protocols.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Presentation
   

• Leadership and Management for Healthcare Professionals (20 credits)

  This module aims to support the development of leadership behaviours and management skills required to function effectively as a newly qualified registered healthcare professional working within a multi-professional team delivering high-quality care.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Coursework and group presentation
   

• Evidence-Based Research Project (20 credits)

  This module provides you with the opportunity to undertake an in-depth exploration of an area of professional interest. On completion of this module, you will have an enhanced understanding of the research process (either literature-based or empirical) and the potential of informing future practice.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Coursework
   

• Contemporary Diagnostic Imaging (10 credits)

  The module aims to explore contemporary issues in relation to diagnostic radiography practice. You will explore the systems and structures of health and social care, methods and tools for service delivery, and pressures on service planning, quality and delivery. The module will also explore macro and micro levels of resources that influence the functionality of the imaging department and complexities related to practice.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Coursework and group presentation
   

• Development of Image Reporting Skills (20 credits)

  The aim of this module is to consolidate the image interpretation skills developed in years 1 and 2 to provide you with the essential skills required of a newly qualified radiographer. Successful completion of the module will provide you with the detailed knowledge and skills needed to analyse and critically appraise the significance of the medical images produced.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Objective structured clinical exam and viva
   

• Transition to Autonomous Practice (10 credits)

  The primary aim of this key clinical education module is to support you in demonstrating your ability to undertake the role of an independent, autonomous and reflective clinician in a way that reflects the practice of a newly qualified radiographer. It gives you the opportunity to show how you can perform effectively and safely in practice in a range of radiography areas. This module provides for a professional practice-based learning experience, which is sourced for you by the university.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Objective structured clinical exam and portfolio
  
  Additional year
   

  In the third year, which is the final year for students on the BSc course, you will examine the different pathways, advances and developments in radiography and have the opportunity to conduct a research project in an area of radiography of interest to you. In addition, you can study leadership and management in a diagnostic radiography context and undertake professional practice-based learning experience to move towards becoming an autonomous practitioner.
   

  Modules
   

• Developing the Skilled Radiographer (20 credits)

  The module aims to prepare you to develop as a skilled radiographer by enhancing the knowledge and skills you acquired in years 1 and 2. Successful completion of year 3 will enable you to demonstrate your understanding of conducting clinical practice in a professional, ethical and safe manner in accordance with HCPC guidance.
   

  By successfully completing this module you will work towards performing radiographic procedures demonstrating the knowledge and skills required to practice autonomously by applying appropriate radiographic techniques for a range of conditions, following local protocols and national guidelines for radiographic professional practice. You will have the opportunity to participate in a mentorship programme to explore the mentor’s role. This module provides a professional practice-based learning experience (4 weeks), which is sourced for you the by the university.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Coursework, portfolio and objective structured clinical exam
   

• Imaging Pathways, Advances, Applications and Developments

  The aim of this module is to prepare you to develop and advance your understanding and knowledge of imaging techniques -computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), radionuclide imaging (RNI) and ultrasound (US). The module is designed to enable you to make decisions related to the service user's imaging journey and the assessment of imaging protocols.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Presentation
   

• Leadership and Management for Healthcare Professionals (20 credits)

  This module aims to support the development of leadership behaviours and management skills required to function effectively as a newly qualified registered healthcare professional working within a multi-professional team delivering high-quality care.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Coursework and group presentation
   

• Evidence-Based Research Project (20 credits)

  This module provides you with the opportunity to undertake an in-depth exploration of an area of professional interest. On completion of this module, you will have an enhanced understanding of the research process (either literature-based or empirical) and the potential of informing future practice.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Coursework
   

• Contemporary Diagnostic Imaging (10 credits)

  The module aims to explore contemporary issues in relation to diagnostic radiography practice. You will explore the systems and structures of health and social care, methods and tools for service delivery, and pressures on service planning, quality and delivery. The module will also explore macro and micro levels of resources that influence the functionality of the imaging department and complexities related to practice.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Coursework and group presentation
   

• Development of Image Reporting Skills (20 credits)

  The aim of this module is to consolidate the image interpretation skills developed in years 1 and 2 to provide you with the essential skills required of a newly qualified radiographer. Successful completion of the module will provide you with the detailed knowledge and skills needed to analyse and critically appraise the significance of the medical images produced.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Objective structured clinical exam and viva
   

• Transition to Autonomous Practice (10 credits)

  The primary aim of this key clinical education module is to support you in demonstrating your ability to undertake the role of an independent, autonomous and reflective clinician in a way that reflects the practice of a newly qualified radiographer. It gives you the opportunity to show how you can perform effectively and safely in practice in a range of radiography areas. This module provides for a professional practice-based learning experience, which is sourced for you by the university.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: Objective structured clinical exam and portfolio

Typical offer for 2022 entry.
 

Level 2 qualifications
 

Applicants must have at least 5 GCSEs which includes:
 

• English Language Grade 5 (or C)

• Maths Grade 5 (or C)

• Two Sciences Grade 5 (or C). This can be obtained from either Double Award Science or single sciences, any two from Biology, Chemistry or Physics
   

Functional Skills Level 2 in English is acceptable
 

Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths is acceptable
 

All shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview to assess their suitability for the course as part of the admissions and selection process.
 

Applicants are strongly advised to undertake an observational visit at a Radiology or X-ray or Medical Imaging department. Arrangements can be made directly with any local hospital (NHS or private). Although, work experience is not a compulsory element of the application or selection process, it will provide you with an insight into the radiography profession, radiographer’s role, and professional placement experience. We understand that this may be difficult with Covid restrictions, therefore we encourage you to research the role of a radiographer and be able to demonstrate your understanding of the role
 

Enrolment on the course is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and an Occupational Health (OH) assessment to assess fitness to undertake the clinical component of the course. Satisfactory health clearance and enhanced criminal record disclosure is also required. As part of the health clearance checks you will be required to provide information about your immunity and vaccination status. You will also be required to provide information about your COVID-19 vaccination status. We therefore recommend that you are fully vaccinated including the COVID-19 vaccine. The information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility to go on placement(s). Placements are provided at the placement provider’s discretion. The University is therefore unable to guarantee the provision of placements or the location and type of placement offered.
 

A-Levels
 

A-Level applicants are required to have three A Levels. In some courses it may be necessary for entrants to have passed specific A Levels in nominated subjects.
 

Access Diplomas
 

The Access Diploma to include 30 Level 3 credits at Merit and 15 at Distinction in Biology and/or Chemistry, plus GCSE English Language, Mathematics at grade 9-4, or specified equivalents.
 

Coventry University welcomes applicants who have completed, or who are studying, the Access to HE Diploma developed by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). Successful completion of the course will require you to gain 60 credits with at least 45 to be achieved at Level 3 (with the remainder at Level 2). In some cases we will require you to have gained Merit or Distinction grades in a number of units or in nominated subjects. For more information on the entry requirements for your chosen course please see the relevant course pages.
 

BTEC Level 3 Diplomas
 

The University will accept the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma for entry to most courses. In some cases we will require applicants to have studied either certain named modules or a specific named Diploma.
 

We will accept the Extended Diploma or Diploma in combination with another A Level equivalent.
 

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

English language requirements
 

• IELTS: 7.0 overall, with no component lower than 6.5

International Tuition Fees:

£18300 per year

The UK is facing a shortage of numbers in this vital profession with more than half of radiology leaders saying they need more diagnostic radiographers to keep patients safe.

Successful completion of either course will enable you to apply to register with the Health and Care Profession Council (HCPC) as a radiographer (additional costs apply). The 4-year integrated master's gives you the chance to take your learning to a higher level before joining the workforce and could support progression throughout the early years of your career.

The university's Talent Team, the careers and employability service, provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career options upon graduation.