Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging (BSc)

The programme has been designed to focus on the integrated relationship between all of the subjects and topics with a key focus on application of theory to the practice of diagnostic radiography in all modules.

Due to the practical nature of diagnostic radiography, the programme has been structured with an almost 50/50 split of academic time to clinical experience over the 3 years, to enable the practical integration of theory to clinical practice.

Diverse learning and teaching methods are used throughout to reflect module content, students' developing knowledge and growing expertise. All modules have a formalised teaching and learning structure which employ a range of formal lectures, tutorials, workshops and practical skills sessions. There will be a focus on both guided and self-directed study to enable development of a student centred approach to learning.

Practical workshops utilising both the Radiography Imaging suite and imaging simulation software will help you to develop skills and consolidate your learning.

Resources will be available online and during lectures and tutorials to help you and you will be actively encouraged to seek evidence from literature to help support and inform your ideas. 

Opportunities to hear directly from service users and carers will be provided throughout your study to enable you to understand experiences from the perspective of those that have a personal insight.  This will help to develop your professional practice.

In keeping with the professional clinical environment, great emphasis is placed on working in a multi-disciplinary team. There are opportunities embedded in all 3 years for shared and inter-professional education and you will have the opportunity to engage with students from a range of other healthcare disciplines.

This programme offers elements of provision through the medium of Welsh if you are Welsh speaking.  You will have the opportunity to have a Welsh speaking personal tutor and have your personal tutor meetings conducted through the medium of Welsh.  You can request Welsh speaking clinical placements and you will also be able to submit coursework and have feedback and submit summative assignments in Welsh.  

How will I be supported?

You will be assigned a personal tutor throughout your studies who you will have regular meetings with. They will provide pastoral support and academic guidance throughout the programme. In addition, you will be assigned an academic supervisor who will support you in the development of your research project.

On placement you will be supported by departmental clinical staff, practice educators and clinical lecturers. 

Additional support will be provided by the Student Support centre for advice and guidance, financial, counselling and well-being, disability and international student support. Further support can be accessed via the Student Advice service at Student Union for independent advice on university procedures and advocacy while the Skills Development Service and the library can offer guidance and tuition for all aspects of academic and skills development.

You will be allocated an academic supervisor to guide and advise you when undertaking your research study.

You will have access through the Learning Central Virtual Learning Environment to relevant multimedia material including presentations, lecture handouts, lecture capture recordings of lectures, bibliographies, further links, electronic exercises and discussion forums. The virtual learning environment which is accessible via desktop and mobile devices, allowing you to access electronic resources from anywhere. Dedicated computer labs, student study rooms, campus-wide Wi-Fi networks, printing facilities and a dedicated Healthcare library are available year-round. Staff are available onsite to assist you and provide support and advice.
You will have individual access to dedicated diagnostic imaging simulation software, available on any windows based device, which enables you to practice and undertake self or tutor directed learning tasks, as often as required for your own learning needs, in either your own or self-study time.  

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed in a variety of ways throughout your study to make sure that you have the opportunity to learn and improve upon your formative assessments and to showcase your skills and knowledge base through different assessment methods.

The summative assessment of the programme incorporates written assignments, project work, formal unseen examinations, seen examinations, presentations, objective structured practical assessment (OSPE), practical clinical assessment and assessment of professional behaviours.

Year 1 assessment is designed to ensure that you have attained knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of radiographic practice. Assessment at Years 2 and 3 is designed to take into account the progression from analysis and evaluation of more routine practice through to the complex decision making required for autonomous practice. Clinical education is assessed by the use of a clinical competency portfolio and observed assessment of practical clinical skills. All levels must be successfully completed but only Years 2 and 3 will contribute to the degree award.

Feedback
We will provide you with feedback on your work in a variety of formats. These will include oral feedback during tutorials, feedback provided during lectures, written feedback provided through online module discussion forums, and electronic written feedback on assessed coursework through Feedback Studio.  

You will be provided with summary written feedback in relation to examinations and you can discuss your overall performance with your personal tutor.  During clinical placements you will be supported on your progress by mentors/clinical educators who will provide verbal and written feedback on your clinical performance.

What skills will I practise and develop?

Knowledge & Understanding:

• Apply the core knowledge and skills associated with the safe and effective practice of diagnostic radiography and imaging with due regard to the ethical, social, political and legal aspects of care.
• Critically apply core knowledge and skills to autonomous radiographic practice as defined by the HCPC Standards of Proficiency (Radiographers) (2013). 

Intellectual Skills:

• Systematically evaluate research evidence including healthcare guidelines and integrate with individuals’ needs and personal/professional experience to provide effective management in line with clinical guidelines and evidence of best practice
• Contribute positively to the development of ethical research within the healthcare setting with ability to evaluate research questions, methodologies and research findings and integrate into professional practice.

Professional Practical Skills:

• Undertake practitioner, operator and referrer roles within IR(ME)R (2017 or subsequent amendments) as required within professional practice.
• Practice as an autonomous professional exercising own professional judgements within the scope of practice in accordance with the HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics (2016) and Proficiency (2013).
• Understand the impact of culture, equality and diversity on practice and ensure the provision of patient centred care in a non-discriminatory manner.
• Work effectively with all members of the Radiology team (Inter-professional) as well as other healthcare professionals (cross-professional boundaries).
• Apply for registration as a Diagnostic Radiographer with the HCPC.

Transferable/Key Skills:

• Demonstrate a wide range of highly developed and effective communication skills, including verbal, visual and written, using a critical approach to adapt these skills to ensure a collaborative approach to giving and receiving of information to a diverse range of audiences.
• Apply critical thinking and reasoning skills in the application of professional activities.
• In conjunction with HCPC requirements, take responsibility for own lifelong learning within a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) framework.