RadiogRaphy UNDERGRADUATE STUDY • 2011 ENTRY

STREATHAM CAMPUS, EXETER

Key Information

For further details on all our entry requirements, please see our Radiographypages at www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/degrees/radiography

Streatham Campus, ExeterWebsite: www.exeter.ac.uk/radiographyEmail: radiography@exeter.ac.ukPhone: +44 (0)1392 724149

UCAS CODE TYPICAL OFFER

BSc Single Honours Medical Imaging (Diagnostic Radiography) B821 ABB-BBC; 32-28

I joined t

he Univers

ity of Exe

ter in Aug

ust 2009 a

nd have be

en

made very

welcome. T

he course

offered he

re at Exet

er aims to

combine cl

inical and

academic

excellence

. We belie

ve that th

e

patient or

client is

of utmost

importanc

e and so w

e provide

extensive

clinical e

xperience

to ensure

our studen

ts are tru

ly

competent

and confid

ent when t

hey gradua

te and rea

dy to beco

me

committed,

caring he

althcare p

rofessiona

ls. The co

mbination

of

clinical p

lacements,

with a so

und academ

ic base, e

nsures tha

t

our studen

ts have an

excellent

understan

ding of th

e science

that under

pins medic

al imaging

. This mea

ns when yo

u graduate

you’ll be

equipped t

o pursue a

variety o

f career o

ptions ami

d

a rapidly

changing e

nvironment

.

Sue McAnul

la, Progra

mme Lead:

BSc (Hons)

Medical I

maging

(Diagnosti

c Radiogra

phy)

Why study DiagnosticRadiography at Exeter?Diagnostic Radiographers fulfil anessential role in the modern healthcaresetting, using their skills and knowledge toproduce detailed, high-quality anatomicaland physiological images of what ishappening within the human body. eseimages are used to assist in diagnosis ofinjury and disease thereby ensuring thatprompt, effective treatment is given.

e world of radiography and the role ofthe radiographer is constantly changingand developing. e equipment usedundergoes continual development and so radiographers need to be able to keepup to date with the latest technologicaladvances. e role of the radiographer has expanded to include reporting on the images produced, providing a writteninterpretation of any abnormalities seen,and administering contrast agents (a typeof dye) by means of an intravenousinjection. A new career pathway forradiographers was introduced following a government-led initiative, Agenda forChange. is new pathway introducedAdvanced Practitioner and ConsultantRadiographer roles to reward clinicalexpertise and knowledge.

Diagnostic radiographers work in manydifferent branches of Medical Imagingincluding:

RadiographyRadiography is the production of a‘radiograph’ using x-rays. It encompasses awide range of techniques used throughoutthe hospital. A radiographer uses theirskills and knowledge to modify standardtechniques to accommodate the variety of patients encountered, for example, in

Accident and Emergency, in theatre and on the wards, as well as the RadiologyDepartment.

FluoroscopyFluoroscopy is an x-ray technique used to produce a combination of dynamic(moving) and static images. It is usuallyused in combination with a contrast agent(dye) that has been introduced into thebody in order to clearly delineate certainstructures such as the gastrointestinaltract or blood vessels.

Computed Tomography (CT)is technique uses x-rays in conjunctionwith a specialised computer to produce

cross-sectional images of the body.Modern computers enable themanipulation of the data recorded by the scanner, to allow the images to be reformatted in other planes or viewedas a three-dimensional image.

UltrasoundUltrasound uses high frequency sound to look at certain structures within thebody. It is most commonly associated with monitoring the development of theembryo throughout pregnancy but it isalso used to look at other structures suchas the heart, organs within the abdomenand pelvis, and to evaluate blood flow in vessels.

7th in the UK for overall satisfactionin Medical Technology in the NationalStudent Survey (2009)�programme accredited by the Societyand College of Radiographers and theHealth Professions Counciltuition fees are paid by the NHS forhome applicantsmeans-tested NHS bursaries availablefor students satisfying residencyrequirementsclinical placements in RadiologyDepartments in 10 hospitals acrossCornwall, Devon, Dorset andSomerset

inter-professional learning andcommon foundation course withother allied health professionals

�based on the average of positive responses for full serviceuniversities (ie, excluding specialist colleges)

Nuclear Medicine (RadioisotopeImaging)is technique uses gamma-rays ratherthan x-rays. e substance that producesthe gamma-rays is called a ‘radio-pharmaceutical’: a radioactive isotopewhich is usually bound to anotherpharmaceutical agent and then introducedinto the body. e type of pharmaceuticalagent used determines which organs in the body will take up the radio-pharmaceutical. Taking images thatdemonstrate how the radiopharmaceuticalhas been taken up means that thefunction of the organ can be assessed. istechnique can be used on many differentbody systems including the renal system,bone and the heart.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is method requires the patient to lieinside a very strong magnet and utilisesthe magnetic properties of the individualhydrogen atoms within the body. MRI is used to produce detailed images of soft tissue structures within the bodyincluding the brain, spine, joints, and the abdominal-pelvic organs.

Further information on DiagnosticRadiography can be found at:www.radiographycareers.co.ukwww.sor.orgwww.nhscareers.nhs.uk

Radiography at ExeterOur BSc (Hons) in Medical Imaging(Diagnostic Radiography) aims to ensurethat, on graduation, you have the skillsrequired to successfully embark on acareer as a Diagnostic Radiographer andto be eligible to apply for registration withthe Health Professions Council (HPC). We aim to educate radiographers to be caringprofessionals, able to empathise withpatients and offer high levels of patient care,while being confident in their technicalability through a strong academicfoundation and able to work effectively in a multi-professional environment.

e programme is based within the Schoolof Physics on the Streatham Campus.Specialist facilities for radiography include adiagnostic x-ray room with digital imagingfacilities (computed radiography) wherepractical work is undertaken; andlaboratories for computing and practicalphysics work, for putting theory intopractice. In addition the University has a research MRI scanner at the St Luke’sCampus in Exeter within the PeninsulaMagnetic Resonance Research Centre.

Degree programmesFor up-to-date details of all our programmes and modules, please checkwww.exeter.ac.uk/radiography

BSc Medical Imaging (DiagnosticRadiography)is full-time three-year programmeincludes clinical placements which stretchinto the summer vacation and as such thisprogramme is longer than those in othersubjects (please refer to diagram opposite).is enables us to provide both the academic and practical content in sufficient detail toensure that at the end of three years you are competent to start work as a DiagnosticRadiographer. On graduation you will be eligible to apply for registration as aDiagnostic Radiographer with the HealthProfessions Council and for membership ofthe Society and College of Radiographers.Details of the modules you will study each year can be found at the back of this brochure.

Year 1: is year provides a foundation in the theoretical knowledge and practicalskills required for radiography. Academicstudy provides theoretical knowledge ofpatient care, anatomy, imaging techniques,professional practice and the science thatunderpins medical imaging. is academicknowledge is then complemented with aclinical placement that provides practicalexperience in the safe and effective practiceof general and fluoroscopic radiography.

Year 2: Drawing upon the knowledge andskills learnt in year one, year two developsfurther understanding of anatomical andphysiological concepts in contemporaryclinical imaging practice. You will developyour knowledge of radiation science andgain an appreciation of safe and optimal useof radiation-based imaging techniques. eyear two clinical placement provides furtherpractical experience of the safe and effectivepractice of general and fluoroscopic imagingand introduces interventional radiographyand other imaging modalities.

Year 3: e final year builds upon theknowledge and skills established in theprevious two years. You will integrate theorywith practice by drawing on your priorexperience of imaging modalities, and re-interpreting your knowledge of imagingwithin a scientific framework. During thethird clinical placement you will become anintegral member of the multi-professionalhealthcare team. You will have responsibilityfor organising your working day and liaisingwith staff in other departments, and willgain experience of managing an inter-professional team.

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Sept

Jan

March

May

July

including 1 reading week

including 1 reading week

including 2 weeks data collection for project

clinical placements elective placement academic radiography (including exams)

Nov

Our teaching encompasses a range ofmethods, combining traditional lectures and practical work with tutorials both at theUniversity and on placement. e academicblocks provide you with the underpinningtheory, linked to practice. We aim to developyou as an independent learner, equippingyou with the skills to support yourself inlifelong learning throughout the entirety of your career.

Inter-professional learning is integratedinto the programme. is takes a variety of forms, both on placement and at theUniversity. Our inter-professional partnersare the University of Plymouth and theUniversity College Plymouth St Mark and St John, through the Peninsula AlliedHealth Collaboration. Our aim is to provideyou with experiences and insights that willpromote an ethos of multi-professionalteam working within the clinical setting.

Clinical placementse clinical placements are within RadiologyDepartments in one of our 10 placementhospitals: Barnstaple, Bournemouth,Plymouth, Dorchester, Poole, Exeter,Taunton, Torbay, Truro and Yeovil. You willspend time at a different placement siteeach year in order to ensure you get a widerange of clinical experience whilst exploringall that the South West has to offer. Duringyour first placement you will be workingfrom 9.00am until 5.00pm for four and ahalf days per week. In the second and thirdyears you will undertake some weekend and out-of-hours duties. You will always besupervised by a qualified member of staff. Ifyou are eligible to apply for a NHS bursaryyou may be able to get financial assistance

with travel and accommodation costs duringyour clinical placements.

Research-led teachingWe believe every student benefits frombeing part of a research-led culture andbeing taught by experts – you will discussthe very latest ideas in seminars andtutorials and become actively involved in research yourself.

Research plays an important part indeveloping patient care and radiography as a whole for the future. You will be taught by staff who are at the cutting edge of theirresearch areas which ensures you receive themost up-to-date knowledge. During yourthird year you will undertake a researchproject in which you will investigate aparticular aspect of radiography in detailand may have the opportunity to workalongside research staff on current clinicalprojects.

FacilitiesWithin the Department we have a fullyfunctional diagnostic x-ray room. As astudent you’ll carry out practical work using this equipment, including positioningand radiographing high-tech teachingmannequins and undertaking qualitycontrol checks. You’ll also conduct a varietyof experiments such as investigating the use of filters and exploring the impact ofangulation on image quality and dose. You will also have the opportunity to usethe equipment for your third year researchproject.

e x-ray room also accommodates twoultrasound machines, and a resolution and

doppler string phantom which you can use for undertaking your research projects.

Other University research and teachingfacilities include a magnetic resonanceimaging scanner, a dual energy x-rayabsorptiometry scanner, and quantitativeultrasound scanners providing researchersand students alike with rich resources forlearning and research.

AssessmentAssessment is carried out via a combinationof continuous assessment (both academicand clinical) and examinations. e ratio ofcontinuous assessment to examinations isapproximately 5:4. You must pass your firstyear assessment in order to progress to thesecond year, but the results do not counttowards your degree classification. eassessments in the second and third years all contribute to your final degreeclassification. In your final year you willundertake a research project which willcount for 25 per cent of the year’s marks.Projects provide an opportunity for you tolink your clinical experience with the worldof research and enable you to demonstrateto employers your depth of knowledgeunderpinning your practical skills.

Academic supportWe are strongly committed to offering highlevels of student support. You will have aPersonal Tutor at the University and duringyour clinical placements you will be visitedfortnightly by a Clinical Tutor who will offerboth personal and academic support.

Learning and teaching

FundingAll students who fulfil residencyrequirements will have their tuition feespaid by the NHS and are eligible to apply for a means-tested NHS bursary. For more information, contact the NHS Student Grants Unit: www.nhsstudentgrants.co.uk; tel: +44 (0)845 358 6655 email: nhs-sgu@ukonline.co.uk

CareersA radiography degree is a passport to an interesting job and a fulfilling career.Starting salaries are over £20,000 per yearand there is a grading structure that sees anindividual’s salary increase as they move upthe profession. ere are also managementopportunities and consultant radiographyposts are planned.

Radiographers trained in the UK arerecognised as being among the best in theworld and the health providers of manyforeign countries recruit in the UK.

Entry requirements and applyingYou can find a summary of our typicalentry requirements on the inside front cover of this brochure.

We expect that applicants will haveundertaken a minimum of one week’s workexperience in an Imaging Departmentwithin a district general hospital or largerhospital. Offers for this degree will beconditional upon students completing aCriminal Records Bureau disclosure, whichis deemed satisfactory, and fulfilling healthassessment requirements.

I chose to study DiagnosticRadiography after spending some time on work experience at my local hospital. I’vealways had a keen interest

in biology, anatomy andphysiology and was interested in working with the

latest technology in a healthcare setting.This course teaches you much more than just the

practical aspects of radiography. The lecture content

is very varied and the clinical placements give you

the chance to develop your practical skills and put

the theory into practice. I now work as a Diagnostic Radiographer at the

Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. The University

provided employability workshops and lectures on

everything from how to fill in application forms to

interview techniques to help you to secure your first

job. My job is so varied; each day brings a new

challenge ensuring that you are always kept on your

toes. Developments in new technology mean that

radiography is constantly changing and advancing,

so there is always something new to learn.There are also numerous options for me to advance

my career. There are opportunities for me to

specialise in a particular clinical area, for example

Ultrasound, CT or MRI, or go into management.

There are also academic routes such as research

and teaching. Overall, Diagnostic Radiography is

a rewarding and fulfilling career.KATIE HART, DIAGNOSTIC RADIOGRAPHY GRADUATE

e full and most up-to-date informationabout Radiography is on our undergraduatewebsite at www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/degrees/radiographyand we strongly advise that you check thisbefore attending an open day or makingyour application. Some courses at theUniversity require prior study of specificsubjects and may also have minimum graderequirements at GCSE or equivalent,particularly in English Language and/orMathematics.

We make every effort to ensure that theentry requirements are as up-to-date aspossible in our printed literature. However,since this is printed well in advance of the start of the admissions cycle, in somecases our entry requirements and offers will change.

If you are an international student youshould consult our general and subject-specific entry requirements information forA levels and the International Baccalaureate,but the University also recognises a widerange of international qualifications.

You can find further information aboutacademic and English language entryrequirements at www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/international

For information on the application,decision, offer and confirmation process, please visit www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/applications

International studentsInternational students appreciate theUniversity’s convenient location close to the historic, student-friendly, city of Exeter,just two and a half hours from London. e University has a thriving internationalcommunity of some 2,500 students fromover 120 countries. In addition to an activeInternational Society, the University has anumber of student societies representingdifferent nationality or ethnic groups.

In the Department we pride ourselves onmaking you feel welcome and at home. Eachstudent has a personal tutor who can offerguidance and support. ere is also a central

International Student Adviser to help withwelfare and visa issues and the Universityorganises a ‘meet and greet’ service andWelcome Week for new internationalstudents.

e INTO University of Exeter Centreprovides a variety of courses for studentswho need to improve their academic English or top up their subject knowledgebefore starting a degree. e nine-monthfoundation programme for internationalstudents is designed for students whoseprevious academic qualifications do notmeet the entrance requirements for directentry. e INTO Centre also offers five and10 week pre-sessional English programmesand free in-sessional English languagesupport for students who meet ourlinguistic requirements. For furtherinformation visit www.into.uk.com/exeter

e International Office website containsmuch more information and can be found at www.exeter.ac.uk/international

Year 1Foundations ofPatient Care

Anatomy andPhysiology

Evidence-BasedProfessional Practice

Clinical Imaging 1

Introduction toRadiation Physics

RadiographicAnatomy

The role of a professional radiographer is high-quality patient care. Radiographers must not justknow what professional conduct is, they mustbehave in this way both instinctively and at alltimes. This requires appropriately developedinterpersonal skills, and an understanding ofaspects of sociology and psychology as they apply to the inter-professional clinical context.

This module develops knowledge, understandingand application of human anatomy and physiology.It draws on established-knowledge from thescientific disciplines of anatomy and physiologythat underpin sound practice in healthcare.

This module introduces the principles of evidence-based practice and research methodologies that underpin patient/client care. You will beintroduced to the principles of professionalpractice within health and social care. In thecontext of evidence-based professional practice,you will develop basic problem solving andreasoning skills. Alongside this you will develop an understanding of professional practice.

This module aims to develop knowledge of the technology which supports general andfluoroscopic radiography and its conduct. It alsoprovides knowledge of patient positioning forvarious parts of the anatomy.

Through this module you will develop essentialmathematical skills and gain knowledge of theessential science underpinning the variousradiation imaging modalities. The module alsoprovides introductory knowledge of radiationbiology and physics, sufficient to appreciate thelegislative framework of justification, optimisationand limitation in control of ionising radiations.

This module develops knowledge, understandingand application of biological concepts in thecontext of contemporary healthcare practice. Itdraws on established knowledge from the scientificdiscipline of anatomy that underpins soundpractice in healthcare. The discussion of anatomyemphasises how it is demonstrated in diagnosticimages.

Practice Placement 1

Year 2Clinical Imaging 2

Clinical Imaging 3

Project Studies 1

Science for MedicalImaging

Professional radiographers must be able to applytheir theoretical knowledge and practical skillswithin an inter-professional clinical context. Thisplacement provides practical experience of the safeand effective practice of general and fluoroscopicradiography. You will develop your patient careskills, and learn to identify professional andmanagement issues and understand how these are inter-related.

This module develops knowledge of the scienceand technology underpinning the x-ray sources,image receptors and supporting facilities used in clinical radiology. The module also providesunderstanding of the details of a number ofadvanced 2D x-ray imaging applications nowbecoming widely available in imaging departments.Encompassed within this module are the examplesituations of angiography and neurology,utilisation of x-ray interventional procedures and use of x-ray facilities in wards and A&Edepartments.

This module develops knowledge of the scienceand technology underpinning 2D and 3Dradionuclide imaging, ultrasound and MRI, and of the principles of safe practice in using thesevarious modalities. The module also providespractical training in interpretation of the imagesthat arise from these modalities.

This module develops a sound understanding ofresearch terminology, methods, and principles. Itis designed to enable you to understand differentresearch designs, to evaluate the research literatureand to prepare you to undertake research atundergraduate level.

This module develops a range of basicmathematical skills and knowledge of the essentialscience which underpins the various imagingmodalities. The module also aims to providesufficient knowledge of introductory radiationbiology and physics to allow an appreciation of safeand optimal use of radiation imaging techniques.

Radiography modules Full module descriptions are available at www.exeter.ac.uk/radiography

Digital ImageProcessing forRadiographers

Clinical Imaging 4

In this module, you will develop a level ofmathematical skill sufficient to analyse complexwaveforms and appreciate the statisticalconsequences of the information stored in animage. You will develop a knowledge of theunderlying algorithms used by image manipulationtools and the extent to which the use of theseaffect the qualities of the image. Finally, you willlearn how each and every component of theimaging chain, from presentation of patientthrough to the interpretive skills of theradiographer/radiologist can affect the predictive diagnostic capabilities of a method.

In this module, you will develop your knowledge of the legislative and professional framework thatgoverns radiographers together with associatedmanagerial, professional and inter-professionalissues encountered in clinical practice. Theresulting framework of knowledge and skillssupports safe and equitable practice.

Pathology forRadiographers

Practice Placement 2

Year 3Practice Placement 3

Project Studies 2

Skeletal ImageInterpretation

This module develops knowledge, understandingand application of anatomical and physiologicalconcepts in the context of contemporary clinicalimaging practice. It introduces biological andsociological themes related to health, includingtheir relationship to healthcare practice.

This placement provides further practicalexperience of the safe and effective practice ofgeneral and fluoroscopic imaging. It introducesinterventional radiography and other imagingmodalities. You will develop your patient care skills and learn to handle more complex situations.

During this third, and final, placement you will become an integral member of the multi-professional healthcare team; competent to dealwith a full range of patients using a wide range of modalities. You will have responsibility for organising your working day and liaising with staff in other departments, and will gainexperience of managing an inter-professionalteam.

This module will develop your skills in self-directedand group study. You will plan, undertake andevaluate a research project and write it up in aformat suitable for publication.

Advanced radiography requires an understandingof image interpretation and its applications. Thismodule draws on established-knowledge from the scientific disciplines of anatomy, radiographicanatomy and pathophysiology that underpinimage interpretation. You will develop thefundamental skills that underpin the writing of image comments.

Radiography modules continued

Experience for lifeStudying at the University of Exeter is about more than getting a degree – there’s a wealth of opportunities open to you todevelop personally as well as professionally.Exeter offers an exceptionally wide range of opportunities for you to gain the skillsemployers want – from managementtraining to business placements,volunteering programmes and pre-teachertraining, to a world-wide network of studyabroad opportunities and careers advicefrom our own successful graduates.

Great reputationExeter is ranked 9th in the UK in e TimesGood University Guide 2010, making it thehighest ranked South West university.Exeter has one of the highest NationalStudent Survey rankings in the country,being in the top five for the last two yearsand in the top 10 since the survey began,and in 2009 we scored in the top 10 forteaching, academic support, organisationand management, and overall satisfaction.*We are also in e Times top 10 research-intensive universities: nearly 90 per cent ofour research was rated as internationallyrecognised in the latest (2008) ResearchAssessment Exercise.

Investing in your futureWe have invested over £140 million in thelast five years in new buildings and facilitiesranging from academic resources to theStudents’ Guild building. e University isnow looking to the future with a planned£270 million investment in campus facilitiesover the next three years, including aredevelopment of the centre of theStreatham Campus called the ForumProject. We have also invested £9 million inlibrary facilities and £11 million in sportsfacilities, making them amongst the best in the country.

Exceptional location andgreat atmosphereA safe, student-friendly city, Exeter is ratedone of the best places to live in the UK forthe quality of its facilities, low crime rateand fantastic countryside. e Universityhas one of the UK’s most active students’unions, sees some of the top bands in thecountry perform on campus and is one ofthe UK’s top sporting universities.

Explore the possibilitiesOpen DaysCome and visit our beautiful campuses. We hold Open Days twice a year in June and September.

We will consider your application and if successful, we’ll contact you with aninvitation to visit us between November and early March. A visit to Exeter will giveyou the chance to find out more about yourcourse, speak to an academic member ofstaff, and view the accommodation on offer.While this opportunity to visit includes acampus tour and formal introduction to theSchool, much emphasis is placed on a moreinformal period for questions and answers. A number of our current students also takepart on these days, leading tours and givingyou the opportunity to ask them whatstudying at Exeter is really like! We will thencontact you to make you a formal offer.

Campus ToursWe run Campus Tours at the StreathamCampus every weekday at 2pm during term-time. You’ll be shown round by a currentstudent, who’ll give you a first-hand accountof what it’s like to live and study at Exeter.

For full details and to book your place,contact us on:Website: www.exeter.ac.uk/opendaysPhone: +44 (0)1392 724043Email: visitus@exeter.ac.uk

*based on the average of positive responses. Full serviceuniversities excludes specialist colleges.

e University of Exeter

The University’s undergraduate prospectus provides moreinformation about the University and the full range ofundergraduate degrees offered.

You can obtain a copy from www.exeter.ac.uk/prospectus

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This document forms part of the University’s Undergraduate Prospectus. Every effort has been made toensure that the information contained in the Prospectus is correct at the time of going to press. However,the University cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information contained within the Prospectus andreserves the right to make variations to the services offered where such action is considered to benecessary by the University. For further information, please refer to the Undergraduate Prospectus(available at www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/disclaimer).

Photography by Apex, Kate Bailey, Alex Campbell, Tim Pestridge, Princesshay,Steve Tanner and Karen Taylor.

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