Programme Specification - University Campus Suffolk

							University Campus Suffolk

Programme Specification

Course Title:      BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography

An award of the University of East Anglia and the University of Essex, this course is run by the School
of Allied Health Professions and Science, in the Faculty of Health, Wellbeing and Science.

The information contained within this programme specification is correct as at June 2007.


UCAS Course Code / UCS Course Code:              B821


Course Summary

Radiography is a diagnostic aid, which provides physicians and surgeons with pictorial evidence of
disease or malfunction of organs.

With modern technology, radiography has progressed from the simple production of an x-ray film to
the use of sophisticated high-tech equipment such as ultrasound, CT scanners and MRI scanners.
Today, some of the imaging performed in X-ray departments does not use ionising radiation and many
departments are now known as diagnostic imaging departments.

The diagnostic radiographer is someone who can combine technical skill with a caring attitude, has a
sense of responsibility and likes to work as part of a team.

This is a three year course, (40 wks/year) with two semesters each year, leading to a BSc (Hons)
degree in Diagnostic Radiography. The course is offered in conjunction with the BSc (Hons) in
Oncology and Radiotherapy Technology and some core subjects are taught jointly. Each year there is
one Inter-professional module with students from nursing, midwifery, social work and operating
department practitioners.

The course provides a vocational education with the aim of producing an ‘educated, clinically
competent radiographer’. Clinical competence is seen to encompass more than the ability to
undertake radiographic examinations satisfactorily. It refers to all aspects of the radiographer’s role
including the provision of a high standard of patient care, good interpersonal skills, and the ability to
adapt and take decisions to suit individual circumstances. As such, the importance of the students
gaining good clinical education cannot be overstated. You will spend approximately half of the course
in practice placements, 20-21 weeks each year.

At the end of the three years when you have successfully completed all the assessments, you will be
awarded a BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography. Graduates are eligible to apply for professional
registration with the Health Professions Council (HPC).
Entry Requirements

A satisfactory occupational health assessment and enhanced Criminal Records Bureau disclosure will
be required for all students prior to commencing the course.

Standard Applicants
                                                       st
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age by the 1 September in the year of admission.
    UNITS: Minimum required: 12                  TARIFF: 160 points with interview.
    Minimum from 6/12 unit awards: 12            Science subjects preferred.
                                                 Minimum points from 6/12 unit awards: 120
                                                                               Key     FSMU
                  GCE Awards                     VCE Awards                    Skills
                            A-                              A-        Double
                  AS        Level     AEA        AS         Level     Award
    On own                  Y                               Y         Y
    As            Y         Y         Y          Y          Y         Y          Y         Y
    component
    Excluded      General Studies
    subjects

This must be supported by a minimum of 5 GCSE’s at Grades A – C normally including English,
Mathematics and a Science.

Other routes

         BTEC National Diploma :- MPP = 160 Tariff points

         QAA approved ACCESS to HE Courses: Science options preferred. Merit required for 160
          Tariff points.

         Irish Leaving Certificate applicants will normally be expected to gain 6 passes at the higher
          grade (grade A-C), subjects to include Mathematics, English and a Science. Irish is not
          accepted. Tariff offer of 160 points applies.

         International or European Baccalaureate

Non Standard Applicants

     Mature students i.e. those 21 years and over will be assessed on an individual basis. For those
      students who do not satisfy the standard entry requirements, as detailed above related experience
      may be taken into account as well as evidence of recent study equivalent to the entry level above.

     Applications to Intermediate level ie with ‘Advanced standing’ will only be considered with relevant
      clinical experience eg assistant practitioners or those with overseas radiography qualifications and
      experience.

     International applicants must provide evidence of competence in English language – Grade C
      GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The British Council run an International English Language
      Testing Service (IELTS) in many countries that students from overseas can use to check language
      proficiency. The minimum IELTS accepted for this course is 7.0

It is in the prospective student’s interest to visit a clinical department of their choice and spend at least
one day observing the work of that department prior to an interview.

Normally no applicant will be offered a place on the degree course without having been interviewed.
The interview panel will usually comprise of one clinical and one academic staff member.
The Institution operates an equal opportunities policy and every effort will be made to facilitate
disabled applicants if they are considered employable as radiographers on successful completion of
the course.

There is a possibility that prospective students can gain exemption for up to a maximum 120 credits
through Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning. If you are not sure if you qualify for APEL,
please call and ask.

All students will be required, as a condition of enrolment, to abide by and to submit to the procedures
of the Institutions regulations and procedures as amended from time to time.


Course Aims

The BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography programme aims are:

    1. To provide a vocational education which will enable graduates to meet the criteria for
       professional registration with the Health Professions Council as a Diagnostic radiographer.

    2. To enable students to acquire the skills of research and enquiry with which to develop an
       analytical, evaluative and reflective approach to practice, thereby providing graduates with a
       strong foundation for life-long learning.

    3. To produce graduates who will work as an effective member of the multi-professional health
       care team delivering a user-focussed service.


Learning Outcomes
These course aims are broken down into sets of related skills, which are known as learning outcomes.
QAA subject benchmarks were used as reference points for learning outcomes and these meet the
requirements of the professional body and UEA.

Certificate level
At the end of year one it is intended that you will be able to demonstrate:

Knowledge and understanding and cognitive skills
Emphasis on building a knowledge base; on introduction of radiographic and medical terminology; key
ideas; acknowledging sources; accuracy; rational argument; models of enquiry.
Key/common skills
Secure foundation in study skills; library and laboratory skills; computer literacy; ability to communicate
effectively.
Subject-specific skills
Care and nursing skills; basic radiographic skills; developing ability to reflect on practice.
Predominately learning is teacher designed/guided; scope for individual and group initiative within
controlled framework; close supervision in clinical environment developing ability to work in a team.

Intermediate level
At the end of year two it is intended that you will be able to demonstrate:

Knowledge and understanding and cognitive skills
Ability to relate complex elements of knowledge to one another – to seek links and integrate subject
areas, theory and clinical experience; a critical and analytical approach to data and evidence.

Key/common skills
Further consolidation of appropriate study skills and of critical thinking; development of problem
solving and research skills; ability to monitor personal development as a learner.
Subject-specific skills
Beginning to develop a mastery of complex skills and concepts in diagnostic imaging; ability to audit
own skills and understanding and set objectives for clinical placements. Adaption of techniques to
meet user needs.
Teacher/student in collaborative partnership but with learning design largely teacher influenced;
learner has mastery over a range of learning styles and can select appropriate strategy for task in
hand and outcome identified

Honours Level
At the end of year three and their full programme of study it is intended that you will be able to
demonstrate:

Knowledge and understanding and cognitive skills
Emphasis on analysis, synthesis and reflection; ability to handle cognitive complexity; to evaluate; to
apply knowledge and new skills in new situations; to apply the particular to the general.
Key/common skills
Full range of study skills consolidated; understanding of conceptual and theoretical issues
demonstrated or applied to independent enquiry; ability to articulate personal standpoint in the context
of an understanding and respect for views of others.
Subject-specific skills
Mastery of radiographic skills; developing creative solutions or approaches; professional autonomy.

Assumption of greater responsibility for own learning – both independent and collaborative.
Collaborative with peer group, teachers and clinical colleagues.


Module Framework

The BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography programme includes the following modules:

Certificate Level
     Professional Practice 1                  40 credits          Diagnostic only
     Principles of Radiological Physics       20 credits          Joint with Oncology
     Health Care Principles                   20 credits          Joint with Oncology
     Communication and Interpersonal Skills   20 credits          Inter-professional
     Physics and Information Technology       20 credits          Joint with Oncology
(Certificate In Higher Education may be awarded for 120 credits)

Intermediate Level
    Professional Practice 2                 40 credits            Diagnostic only
    Pharmacology                            20 credits            Joint with Oncology
    Focus on User Needs                     20 credits            Diagnostic only
    Getting to Grips with Research          20 credits            Inter-professional
    Trauma, Orthopaedics and Theatre        20 credits            Diagnostic only
     Radiography
(Diploma In Higher Education may be awarded for 240 credits).
Honours Level
    Professional Practice 3                     40 credits        Diagnostic only
    Preparation for Practice                    20 credits        Joint with Oncology
    Inter-professional collaboration            20 credits        Inter-professional
    Dissertation                                40 credits        Individual diagnostic
Option: Students may participate in an ERASMUS University exchange programme equating to 40
credits at Honours level.
BSc (Hons) degree in Diagnostic Radiography is awarded for 360 credits.
Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Teaching & Learning Strategies
The programme takes an integrated approach to each module and the learning and teaching strategy
reflects this. A balanced range of delivery techniques based on blended learning will be employed, for
example interactive lectures, student-led seminars, group work, virtual learning environments, problem
based learning/evidence based learning, workshops, case studies, learning communities, experiential
work and role-play. Lecturers and clinical lecturers from the academic and practice setting
respectively, support students as they progress in their learning. Students are actively encouraged
throughout the programme to link practice and theory. This is crucial in a vocational programme.
Some students may find that they prefer interactive lectures whilst others flourish when challenged by
experiential methods e.g. PBL/EBL. Some students excel when given the opportunity to explore on-
line and web-based methods e.g. VLE’s. This provides space for a varied and flexible approach to the
delivery of the curriculum, encouraging the development of an independent learner with a positive
attitude towards learning and learning to learn. Ultimately, this lays a foundation and instils motivation
towards lifelong learning and preparation for Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

The Assessment
Assessment takes place in both the practice and campus settings and as such must be valid, rigorous,
reliable, predictable and discriminatory.
The assessment methods for modules have been developed to emphasise an integrative approach to
ensure the development of a competent, reflective radiographer as well as reflect the specific nature of
each module. The degree cannot be awarded unless the student completes all the assessment
elements for each of the modules.
The assessment strategy has been designed to:
        Evaluate each student’s competence to practice as a clinical radiographer
        Assess the student’s learning attainments, academically and clinically
        To reinforce the academic and practice links between all components of the course.
A multi-assessment strategy has been adopted. The assessment methods include:
        Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
        Objective Structured Practical Assessment (OSPA)
        Practice portfolios
        Patient based case profiles, presented as posters, in written format or as seminar
         presentations.
        Written examinations – both seen and unseen papers
        Viva voce
        Essay type assignments


Course Delivery

The course is delivered in two semesters, in 40 weeks each year. At Certificate level the academic
timetable covers five days per week. Typical taught hours are 16-20 per week. At Intermediate level
this reduces to four days per week and approximately 15 hours/wk with 8-12 hours/week at Honours
level.
The clinical practice blocks are full time Monday to Friday, 9.00 – 5.00pm, or as determined by each
clinical department in order to offer a full service to patients. During these blocks students will be
supernumerary and receive a half-day study in order to spend time reflecting upon practice and
relating theory to the practical work which they are undertaking. Students will be expected to work an
average 30 hours per week in the clinical department.
Upon starting the course in September you will spend the first 8 weeks of the course at the university
campus. Details of the overall year plan and a timetable for the first academic year will be sent out to
applicants when accepted upon the course. Students may also telephone and enquire about any of
these aspects.
Placements / Work Based Learning / Work Experience

Approximately 50% of the academic year is spent in the practice setting. There is an 90% attendance
requirement for clinical experience. Clinical placements are in NHS Trust Hospitals, which are
validated for a specified maximum number of students, and places are allocated just prior to enrolment
on the course, when places have been accepted and confirmed.

You will gain your clinical experience at one hospital – at present this could be at the Ipswich Hospital,
Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital, Addenbrooke’s Hospital Cambridge, West Suffolk Hospital Bury
St Edmunds, Colchester Hospital, The James Paget Hospital Gorleston, The Queen Elizabeth
Hospital King’s Lynn, or Peterborough Hospital. (Accommodation is available at your clinical site in
addition to the academic site.)

In addition, you will have the opportunity of elective clinical placements in other hospitals in the final
year of the programme.


Tutorial and Study Support

All students are allocated a personal tutor during induction –the personal tutor, an academic member
of the course team, will normally be the same person for the duration of the course. Individual tutorials
will be conducted in accordance with UCS Personal Tutorial Policy and will follow the guidance
provided in the Personal Tutors’ Handbook and the Graduate Key Skills Planning Handbooks (P4).
Students can seek and will receive additional support from module leaders and other lecturers when it
is appropriate.

Additional study support is arranged for any student with special needs e.g. dyslexia. Support is also
available for literacy, numeracy & statistics & ICT through the open study workshops on campus.

At each clinical placement site there is a clinical lecturer who co-ordinates the students’ clinical
experience and provides pastoral and tutorial support. In the clinical environment students also have
Mentors who are members of the clinical staff in the department where the student is undertaking their
clinical experience. Mentors play an integral role in the professional development of the students,
helping them achieve their personal / learning objectives, being involved in the assessment of the
student’s clinical competence as well as providing pastoral guidance where appropriate.


Fees and Payments

Course fees are paid by the Department of Health and students are eligible to apply for an NHS
Bursary to help support their living expenses during the course

Opportunities on Completion of the Course

Once you have qualified as a diagnostic radiographer there are a range of courses available to study
many of which are specifically designed to meet the needs of radiographers particular professional
interests. All radiographers continue their professional development throughout their careers and there
are many Post Graduate courses available to help support them.

Examples of areas which radiographers may progress into include:

    Advanced Practitioner
    Specialist Practitioners
    Teaching – academic and clinical
    Working abroad
    Post graduate study – PGC, PGD, MSc, EdD, PhD
    Research
Any other essential Information

All students will be required, as a condition of enrolment, to abide by and to submit to the procedures
of the Institutions regulations and procedures as amended from time to time.
The Institution uses all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses in accordance with the description
set out in this Programme Specification. In some circumstances, for example, where student numbers
are insufficient, rendering the course as described unviable, the Institution reserves the right to change
or to withdraw courses. If the Institution withdraws any course, it will use all reasonable endeavours to
provide a suitable alternative course. The Institution cannot accept legal or financial liability arising as
a result of such changes.



Alternative format
Should you require this programme specification in an alternative format, please contact us on 01473
251166.

University Campus Suffolk reserves the right to amend the information in this programme specification
as and when required.