The PgCert Diagnostic Image Reporting course from Robert Gordon University combines academic theory with work-based clinical practice. It will give you the knowledge and ability to make a difference to peoples’ lives, and to become an effective player in this important development in the health service.
As a Diagnostic Radiographer, or someone working in a relevant diagnostic imaging setting, this course will advance your existing skills in the area of radiographic image interpretation. You will be able to produce clinical radiology reports that facilitate the diagnosis of patients and contribute to the effective and efficient patient-focused delivery of health care services in clinical practice.
Module 1
Principles of Diagnostic Image Reporting aims to provide you with the knowledge and understanding necessary to underpin the Reporting Radiographer role, including pattern recognition, visual perception, sensitivity and specificity, clinical reasoning and decision making.
The module is delivered by a series of lectures, webinars, direct and online tutorials and interactive image viewing workshops.
Module 2
Radiographic Appearances of Musculoskeletal Pathophysiology and Trauma helps you to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate the radiological appearances and the indicative signs of musculoskeletal and traumatic injury.
The module is delivered by a series of lectures, webinars, direct and online tutorials and interactive image viewing workshops.
Modules 3 & 4
Diagnostic Image Reporting Of The Appendicular Musculo-skeletal System (HSM133) and Diagnostic Image Reporting Of The Axial Musculo-skeletal System (HSM134) are work-based clinical modules, where you will learn the applied clinical skills of Radiographer Reporting within your own clinical workplace. These modules are delivered by online study combined with work-based clinical practice under the supervision of a clinical Mentor within your own clinical setting.
Modules
Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our course and module disclaimer for more information.
Detailed module informationLearning Methods
How long is a Diagnostic Image Reporting course?
Delivered over one or two academic years, this carefully designed suite of modules combines academic theory with work-based clinical practice. Minimal attendance on campus blended seamlessly with online study through our interactive e-Learning environment CampusMoodle, makes this an ideal study solution for busy health professionals.
Students may choose to study all four Radiographer Reporting modules exiting at Postgraduate Certificate level or alternatively study just the academic theory modules for CPD purposes.
Activity Summary
- Lectures - 10 students per group, 8 hours per term
- Practical class or workshop - 10 students per group, 8 hours per term
- Independent Study - 3 hours per week
- Placement / Work Based Learning - 4 hours per week
Staff Delivering on this Course
We have highly experienced Radiography Reporters and a Consultant Radiographer working on the teaching team, and so you’ll benefit from their wealth of experience and knowledge in clinical practice. This unique blend of theory and practice, RGU has a track record of producing Reporting Radiographers who are well-prepared for demanding and clinical environments.
Assessment
Typically students are assessed each year:
Year 1
- 1 x Computerised image based OSCE
- 1 x 3,000 word essay
- 2 x practice portfolios (if undertaking course over 1 year)
Year 2
- 2 x practice portfolios (if undertaking course over 2 years)
Feedback
We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.
Independent Study
A significant portion of this course is underpinned by independent learning, and you will be expected to be responsible for managing your coursework, reading and other learning activities appropriately.
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.
Job Prospects
Diagnostic Image Reporting is a rewarding career role to have developed for Diagnostic Radiographers’ career progression in recent years. It not only offers exciting and challenging professional development opportunities to the individual but also provides evidence-based quality and economic benefits to employers.
Reporting by Radiographers is a requirement for the future of the health service. Following the spending reviews, the Department of Health in England and Wales stressed the need to encourage the NHS to train Radiographers to report in line with best practice. Within Scotland, the importance of developing a robust Radiographer Reporting resource was since reinforced in an AHP National Delivery Plan.
What is needed to study PgCert Diagnostic Image Reporting?
- Applicants for these modules will normally be a Diagnostic Radiographer or a related healthcare professional working in a relevant diagnostic imaging setting.
- Applicants should be educated to Honours degree level (or equivalent) and have clinical experience of working with diagnostic images.
- Applicants who intend to study the work based modules must have access to the relevant clinical services and agreed clinical mentorship.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
This Diagnostic Image Reporting course has the following tuition fees:
For Academic Year 2024/2025
- £740 per module
- £2,960 for all four modules
For Academic Year 2023/2024
- £710 per module
- £2,840 for all four modules
Additional Costs
Some other costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with your placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and Living Costs
- Printing
Alumni Discount
Robert Gordon University is delighted to offer a 20% loyalty discount on course fees for all alumni who have graduated from RGU.
Student Funding
Postgraduate students will normally make their own arrangements for payment of fees. However, there are a limited number of SAAS funded places on certain postgraduate courses.
Scholarships and Financial Awards
You may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Disclaimer
For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:
Any questions?
Get in touch with our Student Admissions Service and we'll do our best to help.