Year 1
Preparation for Practice
This module precedes the first practice placement, enabling the student to develop a sound knowledge base of health care principles which can be applied in the practice environment to provide safe and effective care. It will introduce and prepare the students to work within the National Health Service (NHS) and embody the NHS constitution and values. This module encourages the start of professional growth and ensures the development of essential personal skills such as resilience and responding to constructive feedback.
Principles of Imaging
This module will introduce the student to the scientific principles which directly underpin the production of X-radiation, its interaction with tissue and the capture of the emergent X-ray beam. The module will provide an opportunity for the student to develop essential theoretical knowledge and understanding of X-radiation generating equipment as well as image acquisition and manipulation techniques encountered in practice.
DI 1: Imaging of the Appendicular Skeleton and Chest, Abdomen and Pelvis
This module is designed to give the student an understanding of the anatomy, physiology and pathology of the appendicular and axial skeleton, chest and respiratory system, and abdomen. It will introduce the student to the common radiographic techniques employed in projection radiography and discuss care of the patient for such examinations.
Imaging 2 Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Systems
This module is designed to enable the student to develop a detailed understanding of the anatomy, physiology and common pathology of the gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary systems. The module will build upon the student’s understanding of radiographic projection imaging, and introduce common procedures used to image the gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary systems.
Diagnostic Imaging Practice 1
This module is designed to enable students to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills within the practice setting. Students will be given the opportunity through structured practice placements to make links between theory and practice based on the content of year 1 Imaging modules. This will be reinforced with practice tutorials undertaken by practice educators and specialists in the practice setting.
Personal and Professional Development
The purpose of the module is to enable students to identify and understand their key personal abilities in the context of their future career aspirations. The development of their personal and professional skill set is essential to a successful and rewarding career. Through the development of their critical, reflective abilities and their confidence and competence, they will evaluate their current strengths and weaknesses and take ownership of their personal and professional development.
Year 2
Cardiovascular, Urinary and Reproductive Systems
This module is designed to enable the student to develop a detailed understanding of the anatomy, physiology and pathology of the cardiovascular, urinary and reproductive systems. The module will build upon the student’s understanding of radiographic projection imaging and introduce a variety of other imaging procedures used to image the cardiovascular, urinary and reproductive systems.
Imaging 5 Endocrine and Central Nervous system
This module is designed to enable the student to develop a detailed understanding of the anatomy, physiology and pathology of the endocrine and central nervous systems. The module will build upon the student’s understanding of radiographic projection imaging and introduce a variety of other imaging procedures used to image the endocrine and central nervous systems.
Clinical Imaging and Technology
Diagnostic radiography is concerned with providing safe and accurate imaging examinations in order to facilitate appropriate treatment and management of service users presenting with a range of increasingly complex conditions. Such examinations encompass a wide range of situations across the life span, including acute and chronic conditions, trauma and health screening. This involves the use of specialised imaging modalities to facilitate diagnosis and expedite treatment. Diagnostic radiographers are required to perform and assist with these procedures.
Imaging 3 Trauma and Orthopaedic Imaging
The successful outcome of orthopaedic and trauma imaging of the chest and appendicular skeleton requires a sound knowledge of the presenting conditions, adaptation of technique and an understanding of the resultant images. This module aims to provide the student with an opportunity to evaluate this area of radiography and develop an appreciation of the factors which can enhance its diagnostic efficacy.
The Service User
The needs of diagnostic imaging service users and their carers vary considerably. These needs may relate to mental and physical disabilities, sociological and psychological issues, and age and physical development, as well as to the pathological conditions that are being investigated. It is essential that practitioners appreciate and respect the needs of all users and maintain equality of access in accordance with current healthcare policy and guidelines. Practitioners need to be able to provide service users with information about their imaging procedure and be able to adapt this to each individual person.
Research Methods
The development of research skills is an essential requirement for all graduates. The Society of Radiographers (SoR) advise that in order for radiography practice to advance, radiographers need to lead and participate in research and implement the findings of such research to enable improvements in health care delivery, patient care, technological innovations, education and development of the workforce. The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Standards of Proficiency requires radiographers to be able to engage in evidence-based practice.
Clinical Practice 2
This module is designed to enable students to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills within the practice setting. Students will be given the opportunity through structured practice placements to make links between theory and practice based on the content of year 2 Imaging modules. This will be reinforced with practice tutorials undertaken by practice educators and specialists in the practice setting.
Year 3
Imaging 6 Contemporary Issues in Diagnostic Imaging
Radiographers work as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team and actively contribute to the patient pathway. In undertaking their role, radiographers are required to apply theoretical knowledge and practical skills within a multi-disciplinary context. They provide accurate information for users attending for a range of examinations and procedures which needs to be underpinned with sound knowledge of the related technology, procedure or examination.
Image Interpretation
This module provides a learning opportunity for students to develop skills in aspects relevant to image interpretation, clinical reporting and decision making. This encompasses both academic and clinical components and reflects the Society and College of Radiographer’s expectation that undergraduate programmes should include aspects of medical image interpretation and clinical reporting in the curriculum.
Becoming the Practitioner
This module is designed to prepare the students with a portfolio of skills in preparation for their first post as a radiographer. It will afford the students the opportunity to explore a range of professional issues and the wider implications of current government initiatives and policies and to critically reflect on the NHS constitution, principles and values. Aspects and experience of role transition will also be discussed, underpinned by recent research and input from alumni. Students will be introduced to the principles of teaching and learning. The roles of supervision and mentoring learners in the practice environment will also be scrutinised.
Research Project
This module builds upon the Research Methods module and has been informed by the Society and College of Radiographers’ research strategy (2016-21). The research project provides the opportunity for students to develop an individual study drawn from an aspect of radiography. It will enable students to utilise skills developed throughout the course and allow them to apply problem solving and decision making skills in a novel situation. The research project also provides a mechanism for the continuing development of autonomy and self-direction.
Clinical Practice 3
This module is designed to enable students to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills within the practice setting. Students will be given the opportunity through structured practice placements to make links between theory and practice based on the content of the year 3 Imaging module. This will be reinforced with practice tutorials undertaken by practice educators and specialists in the practice setting. Students will be supported to practically apply their knowledge and understanding of image interpretation, clinical reporting and decision making within the practice setting.
