Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences: Oncological Sciences MSc

About the course

The MSc Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences: oncological sciences is designed to enable radiotherapists to develop their knowledge and understanding in the field of radiotherapeutic practice. 

Applicants will normally have completed a relevant university degree and have a recognised qualification in radiography or radiotherapy. You will normally have at least one year's post-qualification experience (post internship) and evidence of appropriate continuing professional development.

The course enhances your current knowledge and understanding and gives you opportunities to challenge and critically evaluate your professional practice.

Course philosophy

• To facilitate independent learning and reflection in practice
• To enhance specialist professional skills
• To explore the evidence for practice
• To recognise the place of research in the continued development of the profession

In addition, the course offers the opportunity to share ideas with other health professions in order to develop intellectual abilities and assist in the advancement of health care.

Course structure

The MSc Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences: oncological sciences is modular in structure. If you wish to collect credits towards and award or a qualification see below the award and credit requirements:

• Postgraduate certificate - 60 credits
• Postgraduate diploma - 120 credits
• Masters degree - 180 credits

To complete a Masters degree award for this course you need to collect the following credits:

• Research modules - 60 credits
• Oncological sciences modules - minimum 30 credits
• Optional interprofessional modules - maximum 90 credits

Module Structure

Research modules

• Research Methods module (15 credits)
• Research Dissertation (45 credits)

Oncological sciences modules

• Imaging for radiotherapy and oncology (15 credits)
• Localisation for the delivery of palliative radiotherapy (30 credits)
• Radiotherapy breast localisation (30 credits)
• Independent professional study 1 and 2 (15/30 credits)
• Independent reflection of professional study 15/30 credits)
• Independent work-based skills 1 and 2 (15/15 credits)

Optional interprofessional modules

• Contemporary pain management issues (15 credits)
• Developing and managing people (15 credits)
• Facilitation of education in practice (15 credits)
• Musculoskeletal injection therapy (15 credits)
• Foundation acupuncture (30 credits)
• Redesigning services for the future (15 credits)
• Preparing for postgraduate success - distance learning (15 credits)

View the MSc Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences brochure

View the Health and Emergency postgraduate and short courses prospectus

Why choose this course?

• For radiographers and health care professionals who want to specialise in the area of radiotherapeutic practice
• Enhances your skills and knowledge to meet clinical demands and advanced practice
• Provides flexible study options through a modular structure
• Taught by experienced staff and visiting external specialists
• Accredited by the College of Radiographers

Study routes

• Part Time, 5 Years

Locations

• University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Teaching methods

Modules are facilitated by a variety of experienced lecturers from the University as well as external lecturers.

Delivery of modules incorporates blended learning which aims to combine e-learning activities with campus based learning. You need to have access to a suitable personal computer and a good reliable Internet connection (broadband recommended). Most modern PCs or Macs (less than 3 years old) should be suitable. If you have any queries or need any additional support with IT skills, the School employs an e-learning technologist who will be pleased to help and advise you. Please contact the module lead for details.

Assessment methods include objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), clinical portfolios, case study presentations, oral presentations and written presentations.

Work Placement

The University cannot offer to provide clinical placements for students.

Professional Accreditations

Accredited by the College of Radiographers

Structure

Year 1

Core Modules

Optional

• Advances in radiotherapy in oncology management

  The module is designed to enable practitioners to advance their knowledge and understanding of contemporary radiotherapy practice and other adjuvant management options available for a range of cancers. Using a case based approach, advances in the oncological management of patients with cancer will be explored and the place of radiotherapy as a treatment modality will be evaluated. Students will able to evaluate and reflect on this with regard to their own professional practice.

• Contemporary Pain Management Issues in the Health Sciences

  Students will be encouraged to draw on past experiences of clinical practice and educational processes (e.g. relevant postgraduate training/courses) and actively engage in critical evaluation of relevant published material and contemporary clinical practices within the pain field. The teaching of this module will be multidisciplinary, and is aimed at multiple professions. Where appropriate, expert external speakers will be brought in to ensure that the currency of the curriculum offered is at the cutting edge of clinical practice. Mapping to KSF dimensions- This module contributes to the development of knowledge and understanding of Core Dimensions 1,2,5, Health and Wellbeing 1,2, Information and knowledge 2,3 and General 1,2.

• Developing and Managing People in Healthcare

  Students will be supported in the achievement of the learning outcomes through the use of the application of theory and models to their own and peer's work environments. Participants will take part in online activities that will support their learning. Students will be required to analyse theoretical concepts, critically appraise the literature and examine the theory and the reality of practice. Students will be expected to access databases and the wider web based material, as well as written literature. Mapping to KSF: This module contributes to the development of knowledge and understanding for Core Dimensions 1, 2, 4, 6 and to General 1, 6, 7.

• Facilitation of Education in Practice 1

  This module, by the use of tutor supported independent study and workshops, explores, reflects upon and develops the individual learning achieved through the support, mentorship and educational role associated with their professional practice eg the support of peers, more junior colleagues, unqualified staff including students, other members of the multidisciplinary team,clients and carers and members of external organisations. The module will be supported by blended learning initiatives which will enable the student to maximise their learning in the practice environment. Mapping to KSF: This module contributes to the development of knowledge and understanding for Core Dimensions 1, 2, 3,4, 5,6 Information and Knowledge 2, 3 and General 1 and 6

• Facilitation of Education in practice 2

  This course, by the use of tutor supported independent study and workshops, explores, reflects upon and develops the individual learning achieved through the support and mentorship role associated with the support of learners in the practice setting. This module contributes to the development of knowledge and understanding for KSF Core Dimensions 1, 2, 3,4, 5,6 Information and Knowledge 2, 3 and General 1 and 6.

• Imaging for Non-Trauma

  This module takes an overview of the pathophysiological processes that affect the bones and joints of the skeleton. The module includes the effect of disease of the skeleton on patient presentation. There will be emphasis on image appearances, both of normal images and the changes brought about by a range of non- trauma pathologies. The radiographic techniques utilised to obtain the skeletal images will be reviewed. The module will be suitable for health care professionals whose employment involves working with radiographic images. Mapping to KSF: The module contributes to the development of knowledge and understanding of Core dimensions 2, 4, 5, Health and Wellbeing 7 and 9.

• Imaging for Trauma

  This module takes an overview of the traumatic processes that affect the bones and joints of the skeleton. The module includes the effect of the mechanisms of injury on the skeleton and on patient presentation. There will be emphasis on image appearances, both of normal images and the changes brought about by trauma. The module will be suitable for health care professionals whose employment involves working with radiographic images. Mapping to KSF dimensions: the module contributes to the development of knowledge and understanding of Core dimensions 2, 4, 5, Health and Well Being 7 and 9

• Imaging for radiotherapy and oncology

  The module is designed to enable practitioners to advance their knowledge and understanding of a range of imaging modalities and their use in the management of cancer. Students will gain a knowledge and understanding of the most up to date equipment and imaging techniques and be able to reflect on them with respect to their own clinical practice experience.

• Independent Professional Study 1

  The module enables students to study areas of personal interest within their own professional context. The topic will inform and be of benefit to development of their practice. An individually tailored outcomes-based programme of study is developed with guidance from an academic tutor. Mapping to KSF (only relevant to students employed in the NHS) The module contributes to the development and understanding for KSF Core dimensions 1,2,4,5. Additional dimensions will be identified by the student depending on their chosen topic and will be identified in the course guide.

• Independent Professional Study 2

  The module enables students to study areas of personal interest within their own professional context. The topic will inform and be of benefit to development of their practice. An individually tailored outcomes-based programme of study will be developed with guidance from an academic tutor. Mapping to KSF (only relevant to students employed in the NHS) The module contributes to the development and understanding for KSF Core Dimensions 1,2,4,5. Additional dimensions will be identified by the student depending on their chosen topic and will be identified in the course guide.

• Independent reflection in professional practice 1

  An individually negotiated course that, by the use of a blend of profession specific tutor supported independent study and work based learning, facilitates the student to explore, reflect upon and develop the individual learning achieved through the day to day activities in their area of professional practice. Mapping to KSF (only relevant to students employed by NHS): The module contributes to the development of knowledge and understanding for KSF Core dimensions 1, 2, 4, and 5. Additional dimensions will depend upon the activities selected by the student.

• Independent reflection in professional practice 2

  An individually negotiated course that, by the use of a blend of profession specific tutor supported independent study and work based learning, facilitates the student to explore, reflect upon and develop the individual learning achieved through the day to day activities in their area of professional practice. Mapping to KSF (only relevant to students employed by NHS): The module contributes to the development of knowledge and understanding for KSF Core dimensions 1, 2, 4, and 5. Additional dimensions will depend upon the activities selected by the student.

• Independent work based skills 1

  This is an individually negotiated module that, by use of profession specific tutor supported independent study, explores, reflects upon and develops the learning and skills acquisition of the individual. The module enables students to develop skills in a particular area of practice as identified by the individual and supported by their line manager where relevant. The area of skills development will be of benefit to developing their chosen area of professional practice. An individually tailored outcomes-based programme of study is developed with guidance from a profession specific academic tutor. A clinical placement within the area appropriate to their practice and with agreement from their line manager (where relevant) is required in order to undertake the module.

• Independent work based skills 2

  This is an individually negotiated module that, by use of tutor supported independent study, explores, reflects upon and develops the learning and skills acquisition of the individual. The module enables students to develop skills in a particular area of practice as identified by the individual and supported by their line manager where relevant. The area of skills development will be of benefit to developing their own area of practice. An individually tailored outcomes-based programme of study is developed with guidance from a profession specific academic tutor. A clinical placement within the area appropriate to their practice and with agreement from their line manager (where relevant) is required in order to undertake the module.

• Localisation for the Delivery of Palliative Radiotherapy

  This module is designed to give practitioners the knowledge understanding and skills required to undertake radiotherapy localisation of well defined lung, bone and other relevant tumours requiring palliative radiotherapy treatment. A clinical placement in a radiotherapy localisation suite is required in order to undertake the module.

• Multiplanar anatomy and pathology for imaging

  This module is designed to equip practitioners with a more comprehensive knowledge of anatomy and a range of pathologies of the body. Normal anatomy of various areas would be taught from first principles and students would be exposed to a range of imaging techniques and modalities in the identification and presentation of pathological processes of these areas. This module would be suitable to those working in medical imaging, oncology and related fields. Delivery of the module will use distance learning methods in reflective and innovative ways to enhance the students' learning experience. StudyNet will be used to facilitate the students' study and communication between the students and the tutors throughout the module. Mapping to KSF: This module contributes to the development of knowledge and understanding for Core Dimensions 2,4,5, HWB7h, I&K 9c

• Preparing for Postgraduate Success

  The module content includes developing academic skills in preparation for post graduate study and assessment. Students will search and evaluate sources of evidence including: databases, journals, books, grey literature, media websites and publications. Evaluation of professional and government guidelines will be a key component of the module. Students will also be facilitated to develop their critical reflection skills and academic writing and communication. Additionally, the module will also include study skills such as time management and planning for assessments.

• Radiotherapy Breast Localisation

  This module is designed to give practitioners the knowledge understanding and skills required to undertake radiotherapy localisation to the breast. A clinical placement in a radiotherapy localisation suite is required in order to undertake the module.

• Research Dissertation

  This module is primarily self-directed where students will undertake a self-directed independent research project typically under the direction of a project supervisor or supervisors. Any quantitative, qualitative or combined methodologies may be used as appropriate to the question under investigation. Library based projects and reviews may be considered but must address a clear research question and follow a rigorous, structured methodology. Students are required to undertake the project in an area relevant to their work practice. Research may form part of an ongoing programme of research in the School or the students' place of work, but must show evidence of originality. Mapping to KSF: This module contributes to the development of knowledge and understanding of Core Dimensions 1,2,4,5,General 2 and Information and Knowledge 2,3.

• Research Methods

  The module consists of both traditional and blended learning, including lectures, group and peer led tutorials, and directed learning tasks. Students will be expected to participate in discussions regarding the philosophical considerations and practical issues surrounding research within the healthcare or work setting. Students will be encouraged to draw on past experiences of research and evaluative processes (e.g. audit) and actively engage in critical evaluation of relevant published material within their specialist field in addition to generic research methodology literature. Through these processes, students will develop their understanding of the key issues underpinning research in practice and the place of research within evidence based healthcare or their work setting. Mapping to KSF: This module contributes to the knowledge and understanding for Core Dimensions 2,4, Information and knowledge, 2,3 and General 1,2.

• Research Methods Distance Learning

Fees & funding

Fees 2013

UK/EU Students

Full time: £6,700 for the 2013 academic year

International Students

Discounts are available for International students if payment is made in full at registration

View detailed information about tuition fees

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

How to apply