Radiographic Studies

You develop a framework of basic knowledge and skills necessary to fulfil the scope of practice of an Assistant Practitioner in Radiography.

This involves an understanding both of the technical principles of radiography and also radiographic anatomy, specific pathologies and disease processes, team working, patient care and communication skills.

The inclusion of clinical placements commencing in parallel with academic delivery and completing at the end of the academic year will encourage you to apply your learning to clinical practice. 

Events

We have on campus and virtual events to help you find out more about study, student experience and future career paths.

Learning Methods

This is a part-time practice based blended-learning course.

You will attend university three times per academic year for a total of 14 days. This is normally September/October, January and April/May.

On campus learning is delivered through keynote lectures, tutorials, interactive teaching, practical workshops, role play and simulation exercises.

Between attendance periods, modular content is delivered using the online interactive learning environment CampusMoodle, with an expected notional student effort of approximately 8-12 hours per week. 

In addition you will undertake 14 weeks of clinical placement in your employing hospital.

How long is a Radiographic Studies course?

A Radiographic Studies course can be successfully completed part-time in 1 year, in which the opportunity to receive the necessary skills are obtained.

Independent Study Summary

Each 15 credit module represents 150 hours of notional student effort including direct student classroom contact, directed learning and private study.

Each 30 credit module represents 300 hours of notional student effort. 

There is an expected notional student effort of approximately 8-12 hours per week outwith the three RGU attendance blocks, where you will work on your own doing prescribed reading, undertaking online activities, preparing answers to tutorial assignments or researching and writing course reports.

Staff Delivering This Course

Our staff feature in the annual Support and Teaching staff with Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) awards voted by the students and organised by RGU:Union.

All members of the academic staff team are qualified Diagnostic Radiographers registered with the regulatory body, the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).  In addition they are all members of the professional body, the Society and College of Radiographers (SCoR).  All staff have completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Learning and Teaching or module as required. Most of the team also have a relevant master's degree.

Academic staff members possess both subject expertise and the relevant clinical experience to deliver this course.

Assessment

The student will be encouraged to create an evidence based portfolio in order to support personal and professional development.

Clinical placement modules are assessed in practice by the supervising Practice Educator, using a continuous clinical assessment mechanism.  To ensure parity between placement sites, Practice Educators assess you against a minimum threshold level with a pass or fail outcome.

The university has standard assessment periods each year. For this course, some assessments will have submission dates out with the standard periods, due the nature of a part-time blended course.

Assessment is via:

• Short answer examination
• Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
• Workbooks
• Coursework
• Reflections
• Clinical Assessments
• Clinical Workbook
• Clinically Focussed Coursework

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams. 

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• English language
• Information technology support

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

Placements

Students will normally undertake a pre-course two week observation period within their place of work to begin an induction and familiarisation process within clinical radiography, e.g. conventional imaging pre-entry.

Compulsory placements

• One five week placement and one nine week placement (525 hours based upon 37.5 hours per week).
• For 2024/25 the first clinical placement will take place October, November or December 2024. Placement dates to be set in advance by RGU.

Clinical placements are undertaken at your place of work, in a UK diagnostic imaging department, under supervision. 

Job Prospects

This work based course combines a core knowledge base with clinical practice. It provides a platform upon which additional study can be built potentially to degree level and beyond.

Course accreditation and annual monitoring by the College of Radiographers (CoR) ensures that the course meets professional and clinical standards. Successful completion of the CertHE Radiographic Studies course may lead to possible advanced entry to the Robert Gordon University Master of Diagnostic Radiography (MDRad) course. Each applicant will be considered for the MDRad course on an individual basis.

What is needed for a Radiographic Studies course?

All applicants must be employed within a UK based radiography service e.g. RDA, helper or equivalent, with evidence of support of their manager. Applicants must be able to demonstrate skills in the use of a personal computer and common software.

Stage One Criteria

Appropriate entry qualifications include:

• 1 Higher grade pass or
• 4 Standard grade passes or
• SVQ Level 3 Care/Diagnostic and Therapeutic Support or Access to Science/Access to Nursing

Non standard entrants who do not meet the requirements above may also be considered at the course leader's discretion. 

Mature and Non-Standard Entry

The student must demonstrate an appropriate level of academic performance, which would indicate that there is a reasonable expectation that he or she is able to achieve the standard required for the award. Particular consideration will be given to mature students and student applications supported by employer references.

Additional Costs

• Uniforms
• Travel, subsistence and accommodation for each RGU attendance block