Radiography (MSc)
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode: Part time
Open day
Find out more about studying here as a postgraduate at our next Open Day.
Why study this course
The programme aims to increase practical and theoretical knowledge of radiography so that you can apply these skills in the further advancement of your profession. In addition, our three mammography modules (HCT053, HCT119 and HCT254) can be studied on a stand-alone basis to provide practicing radiographers with the expertise necessary to become effective, competent, independent mammography practitioners.
Join our MSc Radiography programme that is accredited by the Society and College of Radiographers and designed to help you expand your knowledge and enhance your clinical skills in this fast-developing sector. The skills you can obtain are transferable to all healthcare organisations and are recognised overseas.
Our programme is aimed at those with a current qualification and registration as a diagnostic radiographer, therapeutic radiographer, or other health care professionals with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration or equivalent.
This part-time course aims to develop your skills in areas such as image appreciation, radiographic reporting and mammography and many other core practices associated with radiography. Due to our optional approach to learning you will get to choose modules that best suit your needs so that your learning is relevant for you.
In order to take your understanding of radiography further, you have a choice of dissertations, systematic review, empirical research or work-based project, which will increase your ability to influence change in the field of radiography and take the next step in your career.
You will also have the opportunity to work in our dedicated general X-Ray room with PACS system for both image viewing experience and for experimental purposes. As well as a dedicated X-ray space we also have dosimetry equipment, a radiography training room using 3D interactive simulation to include Shaderware Computers and dedicated ultrasound equipment available for research opportunities and to enhance your learning.
Your learning will be supported and delivered by experienced researchers and academics alongside clinical experts. Radiologists and clinical radiographers support each of the clinical modules ensuring a high degree of current and relevant clinical knowledge is applied alongside the requirement for questioning practice. You will also be assigned a designated personal tutor who will support you throughout your studies.
You will also be part of a group of students who come from a variety of clinical backgrounds which also enhances your learning experience and you will be encouraged to share ideas and experiences.
Undertaking our programme will support your personal and professional development as well as influencing and informing healthcare across Wales and beyond.
Be part of something life-changing and take on a new challenge today.
Distinctive features
Here are some of the key features of why we think our programme is the right choice for you:
- Our course is accredited by the Society and College of Radiographers and you will have opportunity to learn in a School which is an accredited Joanna Briggs Centre.
- You will be designated a personal tutor who will support you throughout your studies. Personal tutors will be allocated (where possible) to match your specific area of experience.
- Certain teaching on the programme is given through the interpretation of medical test results.
- You will benefit from a large range of equipment specially designed to enhance your learning including; a X-ray room and PACS system.
- The programme has a variety of assessment methods including; presentations, practical, written assessments, coursework, reports, exams and reflective assignments.
- You will learn the most relevant and up-to-date skills owing to the involvement of research-active and clinical staff in course design and delivery.
- You can choose two optional modules that best suit your learning needs from a select list for this programme,.
- The opportunity to become a student representative and shape future educational provision will be open to you.
- You will benefit from learning alongside a diverse group who are studying at various points in their career.
- All University teaching sessions are captured on video and where appropriate, are made available online for you to review and revisit your learning.
- If your first language is not English, there are open access English Language courses available to you.
Accreditations
Society and College of Radiographers
Where you'll study
School of Healthcare Sciences
Our courses are designed to provide you with the knowledge and experience you need to embark on a professional healthcare career.
Admissions criteria
In order to be considered for an offer for this programme you will need to meet all of the entry requirements. Your application will not be progressed if the information and evidence listed is not provided.
With your online application you will need to provide:
- A copy of your certificate and transcripts which show you have achieved an honours degree or passed a Higher Education Diploma in Radiography, or an equivalent international degree.
- A copy of your IELTS certificate with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or evidence of an accepted equivalent. Please include the date of your expected test if this qualification is pending. If you have alternative acceptable evidence, such as an undergraduate degree studied in the UK, please supply this in place of an IELTS.
- A reference from your employer to evidence that you are a qualified radiographer with at least two years full-time equivalent clinical experience and that you are currently working in a radiology/mammography department in the UK. References should be signed, dated and less than six months old at the time you submit your application.
- A personal statement which must address the following key points:
- Why have you selected this programme?
- What interests you about this programme?
- An understanding of the modules being offered at Cardiff University.
- Any relevant experience related to the programme or module content.
- How you plan to use the qualification in your career and the potential professional benefit from your studies.
- Why you feel you should be given a place on the programme.
If you intend to complete modules HCT207 Appendicular/Axial Radiographic Reporting and HCT108 Adult Chest and Abdomen Reporting you must have secured the support of a radiological mentor at the point of application. Please provide your mentors details as your second referee and make them aware that the programme team will be in touch to confirm their support.
Application Deadline
We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications normally close at the end of July but may close sooner if all places are filled.
Selection process
We will review your application and if you meet all of the entry requirements, including an assessment of suitability through the personal statement, we will make you an offer.
Find out more about English language requirements.
Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements.
Criminal convictions
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Course structure
The MSc Radiography programme is modular and students must complete 120 credits in the taught component of the programme and a further 60 credits in the dissertation component. 60 credits are ‘core modules’ and must be undertaken, and 60 credits are optional.
Taught modules are arranged in block format of 2-3 days and run throughout the semesters identified.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum. Final modules will be published one month ahead of your programme starting.
Year one
Year 1 Semester 1 you will have one 30 credit Core Module.
Year 1 Semester 2 you will have one 30 credit Core Module.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Research methods and data analysis in healthcare | HCT343 | 30 credits |
| Applied Radiation Science | HCT345 | 30 credits |
Year two
You can choose 2 modules from the Optional collection.
NB
- Modules commence in Semester 1 and complete in Semester 2
- Students cannot complete certain modules as they are taught together but assessed differently.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Competence in Mammography | HCT053 | 30 credits |
| Adult Chest and Abdomen Image Appreciation | HCT104 | 30 credits |
| Adult Chest and Abdomen Reporting | HCT108 | 30 credits |
| Image Interpretation and Reporting in Mammography | HCT119 | 30 credits |
| Appendicular & Axial Image Radiographic Reporting | HCT207 | 30 credits |
| Appendicular & Axial Image Appreciation | HCT208 | 30 credits |
| Image Guided Interventional Procedures of the Breast | HCT254 | 30 credits |
| Leadership in Health and Social Care | HCT393 | 30 credits |
| Image Appreciation in Mammography | HCT395 | 30 credits |
Year three
Choice of 1 Dissertation module (60 credits)
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Empirical Dissertation | HCT117 | 60 credits |
| Empirical Dissertation | HCT117 | 60 credits |
| Dissertation M Level: Work-based Project | NRT079 | 60 credits |
| Dissertation M Level: Work-based Project | NRT079 | 60 credits |
| Dissertation M Level: Systematic Review of the Literature | NRT080 | 60 credits |
| Dissertation M Level: Systematic Review of the Literature | NRT080 | 60 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
How will I be taught?
Teaching is conducted mainly through workshops, tutorials and seminars. There are also lectures which are followed up by opportunities to discuss and evaluate ideas presented. Course content is supported by online resources.
Self-directed study forms an important part of the course and you will be guided in the areas for study and study skills.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed through a variety of assessment procedures, such as written assignments, oral presentations, portfolio and work-based projects. There are also clinical examinations in the Image Appreciation and reporting modules. This enables you to demonstrate your ability at analysing and evaluating a situation but also to use a variety of ways to present your ideas and abilities. The dissertation is a culmination of the development of all these skills.
How will I be supported?
This programme gives you the opportunity to share ideas with a variety of health professionals. As well as developing your own intellectual abilities, this sharing of ideas enables you to learn and benefit from the experiences of others. Opportunity is given for this sort of discussion and exchange of ideas through seminars and tutorials.
You are given a named personal tutor following registration onto the programme, who is able to assist you with any pastoral care as well as advice on writing style, grammar and academic mentoring.
All modules within the programme make extensive use of Cardiff University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Learning Central, on which you will find course materials, links to related materials and assessment exemplars. All lectures are recorded via Panopto and are available to you throughout your programme.
The University offers a wide range of services and activities designed to support you. These include a student counselling service, a student advisory service, day care facilities, sport and exercise facilities, as well as campus information, library and IT services.
Our student app allows you to access Cardiff University services and personalised information in one place in a simple and convenient way from a smartphone via the app store.
Features on the app include:
- Campus maps
- Student library renewals, payments and available items
- Student timetable
- Find an available PC
- Access to help and student support
- Student news
- Receive important notifications
- Links to launch other University apps such as Outlook (for email) and Blackboard (for Learning Central).
- Links to recommended apps such as nextbike to help make the most of your student experience.
What skills will I practise and develop?
Knowledge & Understanding:
- Demonstrate enhanced clinical knowledge and skills and apply these critically to your radiography practice, to develop a complete understanding of radiology modalities and apply the knowledge to improve both service user outcomes and colleague insights.
- Develop a practical understanding through evaluation of established techniques of research and enquiry to interpret knowledge to support implementation of research findings into radiography practice.
- Examine and evaluate the position of radiography in healthcare practice and critically appraise advances or changes in professional practice.
- Initiate change and lead in the management of change and the advancement of the radiography profession.
Intellectual Skills:
- Critical analysis of research.
- Reflection and critical analysis of the radiography profession and of your own practice.
Professional Practical Skills:
- Practical skills in areas of advanced practice
Transferable skills
- Confident communication skills.
- Critical academic writing and study skills.
- Time management and self-organisation skills.
- Develop practical research skills and apply them to practice.
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
As this programme is three years or over in duration and has a one year full time equivalent you will not be eligible for a postgraduate loan. The UK Government has more information about eligibility for postgraduate loans.
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
Fees will be invoiced by module. Normally, invoices will be released shortly after enrolment for each individual module. For more information please refer to our tuition fees pages.
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss national, your tuition fees for 2025/26 be in line with the overseas fees for international students, unless you qualify for home fee status. UKCISA have provided information about Brexit and tuition fees.
Fees for island status
Learn more about the postgraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
Fees for overseas status
Fees will be invoiced by module. Normally, invoices will be released shortly after enrolment for each individual module. For more information please refer to our tuition fees pages.
Additional costs
Living costs
We’re based in one of the UK’s most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Funding
Careers and placements
The increase in demand for imaging services means there has never been a better time for radiographers to explore opportunities to extend in to advanced practice with an internationally recognised qualification.
Imaging services are increasingly a first line investigation in the treatment and management of patient conditions. This requires radiographers who are able to lead service, and the MSc Radiography is designed to further enhance the clinical skills and theoretical knowledge of qualified diagnostic/therapeutic radiographers to the benefit of patients and wider inter-professional teams.
Placements
The clinical modules all require a clinical placement and radiological support. Students must be working in a clinical environment to practice these skills. Cardiff University does not organise the clinical placements. The radiological mentor must be indicated, and a mentor form completed before the start of the programme.
Next steps
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HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
