MSc Diagnostic Radiography (Pre-Registration)

Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh

Refocus your career as a diagnostic radiographer on the only fast-track course of its type in Scotland. Three blocks of practice placement will build on course modules providing theoretical knowledge, ensuring you are well-equipped to enter into this caring profession.

On this course you will develop the analytical, theoretical and practical skills you learned on your undergraduate degree (which can be in any subject) and focus on the professional and clinical elements required to be a successful diagnostic radiographer. This course is not suitable for applicants already holding a qualification in diagnostic radiography or medicine.

Why QMU?

• This is the only MSc Diagnostic Radiography (Pre-Reg) fast-track course in Scotland.
• This course has an excellent graduate employment rate and all graduates since the course began have found employment within the profession.
• This course provides the luxury of a variety of clinical placements, producing flexible graduates, which employers have praised.
• Small class sizes ensure high academic support and a unique clinical experience.

Course overview

Diagnostic radiographers provide an imaging service for most departments within the hospital including accident and emergency, outpatients, operating theatres and wards. X-rays are an imaging technique used by diagnostic radiographers to visualise injuries or disease, or monitor changes inside the body. Diagnostic radiographers also carry out a much wider range of procedures, which may include cross-sectional imaging techniques such as computerised tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound and radionuclide imaging (RNI).

As a student on this course, you will complete a number of modules which integrate anatomy, physiology, radiodiagnostic imaging, physics and equipment, enabling you to understand the theory of diagnostic imaging. This theory will be put into practice in workshops in a clinical laboratory enabling you to experience the role of a diagnostic radiographer, including communication with teams and with service users, before placement blocks. You will also have the opportunity to complete a dissertation.

Teaching, learning and assessment

Academic study is learner-centred with the analysis and synthesis of knowledge being of paramount importance. You will be expected to take overall responsibility for your learning. Teaching methods include keynote lectures, clinical workshops and tutorials, student-led seminars, group discussions, clinical observation and practice. Directed learning materials will be delivered via a virtual learning environment (the Hub) and comprise reading, self-assessment quizzes, workbooks, tutorial questions with answers and narrated lectures. Clinical skills will be developed in work placements in radiology departments in hospitals in central Scotland.

Careers

Diagnostic radiography is a fast-moving and continually changing profession, and long-term career prospects may include specialisation, management, research and teaching. Following graduation and registration with the HCPC you can work as a registered diagnostic radiographer within the NHS.

Exit awards

MSc (180 credits at SCQF Level 11 and 120 credits at SCQF Level 10)
PgDip (120 credits at SCQF Level 11 and 120 credits at SCQF Level 10)
MSc Applied Health Studies (180 credits at SCQF Level 11)
PgDip Applied Health Studies (120 credits at SCQF Level 11)
PgCert Applied Health Studies (60 credits at SCQF Level 11)