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Diagnostic radiographers provide an imaging service within a hospital setting 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 computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound and radionuclide imaging (RNI).

As a student on this course, you will complete a number of modules that integrate anatomy, physiology, radio diagnostic 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 be required to complete a dissertation.

Structure and exit awards

You must complete the full MSc (340 credits) to be eligible to register with the  and to work as a Diagnostic Radiographer. Single module study is not available.

Teaching, learning and assessment

Academic study is learner-centered 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.

A variety of assessment methods will be used, including online examinations, Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), self-appraisal, course work, ePortfolio, viva voce examinations and clinical assessment.

Placements

There are 18 weeks of placement in Year One and 22 weeks in Year Two, including an elective placement. ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ will allocate students with a placement across central Scotland, for example, the Lothians, Fife, Forth Valley, Ayrshire, Tayside and the Borders. However, for four of these weeks you will be on elective placement, which can be taken anywhere in the world. Students choose, arrange and fund this placement block but ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ can assist with any documentation that may be required.

Specialist facilities

³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ offers a variety of modern spaces for use by both our Master of Radiography: Diagnostic (MRad) and MSc Diagnostic Radiography (Pre-Registration) courses. We have a dedicated Diagnostic Radiography Room to practice technical and professional skills, with fully functioning x-ray equipment. Our diagnostic radiography students also utilise ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥'s Clinical Simulation Suite, and Physiotherapy and Podiatry Skills Rooms which are equipped to simulate the real-life placement environment. Students have access to numerous anatomy models which are incorporated into their learning during practical sessions and can be used during self-directed study sessions.   

Watch the video below to see all the specialist teaching and learning facilities at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥.

Teaching hours and attendance

Each module that you study on will require you to attend classes and carry out independent work. The pattern of attendance at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ will depend on the modules you are studying.

Attendance at professional modules is monitored to ensure safety to work in the clinical environment. In clinical placements the normal hours of a radiographer (ie full time, Monday to Sunday) will be followed.

Class sizes

The cohort is normally 15-20 students to ensure that the clinical experience can be tailored to individual needs. Some academic modules have larger class sizes as students engage with other allied health professionals.

Teaching staff

You can read more about the teaching staff on this course at the bottom of this page. Please note that teaching staff is subject to change.

• Introduction to Diagnostic Imaging (40 credits): This module aims to develop your knowledge base with regard to the relationships between the structures and functions of the body, imaging procedures and the principles of radiodiagnostic radiation safety.
• Fundamentals of Diagnostic Imaging (20 credits): This module aims to develop your knowledge and skills in selecting radiographic techniques in a variety of imaging modalities and patient conditions for safe and effective operation.
• Specialist Imaging and Advanced Diagnostic Practice (40 credits): This module will provide you with detailed knowledge and a critical understanding of the performance of specialist imaging modalities and procedures with regard to advanced practice, clinical governance and patient pathways.
• Cross Sectional Imaging Science (20 credits): This module aims to develop the ability to critically evaluate concepts and scientific principles of specialist equipment and associated cross-sectional anatomy, pathology and image quality related to Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
• Preliminary Clinical Evaluation (20 credits): This module will develop the critical analytical skills and competence required for clinical evaluation of musculoskeletal trauma images.
• Preparing for Practice as an Allied Health Professional (20 credits): This module aims to explore factors that shape and influence the provision of health and social care by the allied health professions.
• Leadership and Enterprise in Health Practice (20 credits): To critically evaluate the concepts of leadership and leading change, intra/entrepreneurship and innovation within the health and social care sector and explore opportunities for leading and developing enterprising ideas for health and wellbeing.
• Understanding and Appraising the Evidence for Practice (20 credits): The aim of the module is to support you to develop an in-depth understanding of approaches to research, to apply knowledge in order to critically appraise evidence and to form reasoned conclusions and to develop the research skills and knowledge necessary to undertake an independent research project.
• Applying skills of Critical Enquiry (project) (20 credits): The module aims to enable you to develop and apply the skills of research and enquiry to produce a small-scale study which demands a professional approach, academic rigour, independence and self-direction.
• Diagnostic Radiography Practice-based Learning: Placement 1 (60 credits): This module aims to enable successful integration into the multidisciplinary team and development of a holistic, safe and effective approach to conventional diagnostic imaging.
• Diagnostic Radiography Practice-based Learning: Placement 2 (60 credits): This module aims to develop further the knowledge, skills and professional attributes required of an entry level diagnostic radiographer.

Please note that the modules listed are correct at time of posting (October 2024) but are subject to change pending revalidation. In the event that modules change, ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ will seek to use reasonable endeavours to ensure that there is no detrimental impact on students. Please check back here for updates.

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.

Entry requirements

Second class honours degree or above in any discipline. It is essential that all applicants have some shadowing experience in a clinical environment. This course is not suitable for those already holding a diagnostic radiography or medical qualification. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview.

International students: You will be required to provide evidence of English language competence at no less than IELTS 7.0 with no individual component score less than 6.5.

Other requirements

A satisfactory criminal records check from the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme, an occupational health check and personal indemnity insurance (normally through membership of the professional body) are required.

Other information

• The cost of professional indemnity insurance is the responsibility of the student. For more information on this, visit the PG 2025 fees page on our website.
• The additional costs associated with placement travel and accommodation are the responsibility of the student. Students who receive SAAS funding may be able to claim for some of these expenses to be reimbursed.
• Uniform, PVG and badge costs – please see PG 2025 fees page on our website.

Disability/health conditions

If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or learning disability, it should not stand in the way of your studying at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥. However, if you are not sure whether your disability might be a barrier in your studies or in relation to the professional standards, please contact the disability service who will be able to have a conversation with you about reasonable adjustments and supports available to you.

Applying for this course

For more information on applying, or to apply for this course, please follow the links in the 'Start your application' box at the top right of this page.

Application deadline

The course accepts applications throughout the year, and normally the deadline for home applicants is mid-August, while the deadline for international students will typically be the end of June.

The course will close earlier if course is filled therefore we recommend applying as early as possible.

Terms and Conditions

The delivery of this course is subject to the terms and conditions set out in our 2025/26 Entry - Terms and Conditions (Postgraduate).

Contact Lis Taylor (Programme Leader) or Contact Admissions

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