The MSc in Diagnostic Radiography is a full-time programme, which runs over two calendar years, with three 12-week semesters from the date of first registration. This programme confers eligibility for graduates to apply for registration with CORU as a diagnostic radiographer and work within the Republic of Ireland.

Applicants must satisfy the following:

1. Candidates will hold a minimum of an honours bachelor's degree, NFQ Level 8, minimum Second Class honours, in Sciences, or a Health Sciences related discipline e.g. Nursing, Biomedical Science, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Anatomy or equivalent to any of the above.
2. Students who have graduated in the discipline of Diagnostic Radiography are not eligible to apply for this programme.
3. Applicants will be shortlisted for interview based on:
   a. Educational qualifications.
   b. Academic achievements outside of curriculum, e.g. publications, conference presentations.
   c. Contributions beyond academia.
   d. Motivation: Applicants will submit a motivation statement as part of this application process. The motivational statement should be no longer than 800 words and will:
   * explain their motivation to become a Diagnostic Radiographer,
   * outline their research aspirations in Radiography and
   * indicate how their previous degree will contribute to their research and the practice of Radiography.
4. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interview and each applicant will be scored by an interview panel on the basis of:
   a. communication skills and motivation,
   b. clinical and academic qualifications and interests,
   c. knowledge of the field.
5. All applicants accepted onto the programme will need to have evidence of appropriate vaccinations for working in hospital environments.

Garda Vetting
Students, or applicants in receipt of an offer, on this programme will be subject to Garda Vetting as relevant. Students will be prohibited from engaging in a relevant work placement unless the vetting process has been cleared. Click here to view UCC's Student Garda Vetting Policy.

Fitness to Practise
This programme will be subject to the University's Fitness to Practise Policy - full details may be found here.

All modules are compulsory. Students will take modules to the value of 60 credits per year as outlined below.
Upon satisfactory completion of all modules in the first year to the value of 60 credits, students may proceed to the second year of the programme. On successful completion of all modules in the second year, to the value of 60 credits, students may graduate with an MSc (Diagnostic Radiography).

Year 1

Students take 60 credits:
RA6001 Biological Sciences for Health Professionals (10 credits)
RA6002 Imaging Acquisition and Management of Information Systems (10 credits)
RA6003 Medical Radiation Science (10 credits)
RA6004 Principles of Research and Research Methodology (10 credits)
RA6005 Professional Practice in Radiography 1 (10 credits)
RA6006 Professional Practice in Radiography 2 (10 credits)

Year 2

Students take 60 credits:
RA6007 Advanced Imaging Science and Applications (10 credits)
RA6008 Diagnostic Pathways and Patient Needs (10 credits)
RA6009 Image Interpretation (5 credits)
RA6010 Image Service Provision and Healthcare Management (5 credits)
RA6011 Professional Practice in Radiography 3 (10 credits)
RA6012 Research Dissertation (20 credits)

Examinations
Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2020/2021 Book and for each module in the Book of Modules, 2020/2021.

Three Year Rule
Candidates must pass Year 1 of the MSc in Diagnostic Radiography within three calendar years of the date of first registration for first year, before registering for Year 2 of the programme. Failure to comply with this rule will mean the student is ineligible to progress to the second year of the programme. Similarly, candidates must pass Year 2 of the MSc in Diagnostic Radiography within three academic years of the date of first registration for the second year. Failure to comply with this rule will mean the student is ineligible to continue studies on the MSc Diagnostic Radiography.

Exit Awards
Students who graduate with an exit award will not be eligible to practise as a Radiographer.

Exit Award: Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Imaging Studies (NFQ Level 9, Minor Award)
Students who successfully complete taught modules to the value of at least 30 credits (from RA6001, RA6002, RA6003 and RA6004) may choose to exit the programme and be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Imaging Studies at the end of First Year.

Exit Award: Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Imaging Studies (NFQ Level 9, Major award)
Students who successfully complete taught modules to the value of at least 60 credits (from RA6001, RA6002, RA6003, RA6004, RA6007, RA6008, RA6009 and RA6010) may choose to exit the programme and be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Imaging Studies at the end of Second Year.

Exit Award: MSc in Applied Imaging Studies (NFQ Level 9, Major award)
Students who successfully complete taught modules to the value of at least 90 credits (from RA6001, RA6002, RA6003, RA6004, RA6007, RA6008, RA6009, RA6010 and RA6012) may choose to exit the programme and be awarded an MSc in Applied Imaging Studies at the end of Second Year.

Recognition of Prior Learning
In accordance with UCC's Policy for Recognition of Prior Learning, students who have completed relevant modules of equal credit value in the College of Medicine and Health at UCC at NFQ Level 9, may apply for exemptions for modules taken within the last five years. For further information see here.

Programme Learning Outcomes for MSc (Diagnostic Radiography) (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate the professional attributes, leadership and clinical skills required to undertake evidence based competent clinical imaging practices in a variety of clinical settings.
• Demonstrate ongoing commitment to the professional and caring values which underpin a safe and high quality clinical service.
• Critically evaluate the findings of audit, clinical and academic evidence to enhance the organisation and management of patient care in a variety of diagnostic imaging contexts.
• Demonstrate the ability to evaluate and respond to complex and changing clinical situations in a professional manner.
• Apply in-depth knowledge and critical understanding of key clinical and professional issues in the practice of diagnostic radiography and apply clinical leadership and autonomous professional practice commensurate with a CORU registered diagnostic radiographer.
• Critically evaluate original research sources and their contribution to the evidence base of clinical practice.
• Synthesise an understanding of the ethical and confidentiality rules governing professional practice of diagnostic radiography in order to comply with all relevant professional statutory and regulatory body standards and processes by which these standards are maintained.
• Critically evaluate ongoing personal and professional development via the theory and practice of CPD.
• To evidence a self-reflective approach to professional practice decision making and be responsive to the needs of service users.
• Apply a holistic approach to the development of professional competencies within the multi-professional environment to become a safe reflective practitioner.

Programme Learning Outcomes for MSc (Applied Imaging Studies) (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Possess the academic skills to critically evaluate the evidence underpinning current imaging practices.
• Demonstrate ongoing commitment to the professional and caring values, which underpin a safe and high quality clinical service.
• Critically evaluate the findings of audit, clinical and academic evidence to enhance the organisation and management of patient care in a variety of diagnostic imaging contexts.
• Demonstrate the ability to evaluate and respond to complex and changing clinical situations in a professional manner.
• Apply in-depth knowledge and critical understanding of key clinical and professional issues in the practice of diagnostic radiography.
• Critically evaluate original research sources and their contribution to the evidence base of clinical practice.
• Critically evaluate ongoing personal and professional development via the theory and practice of CPD.
• To evidence a self-reflective approach to professional practice decision-making and be responsive to the needs of service users.

Programme Learning Outcomes for Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Imaging Studies (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Possess the academic skills to critically evaluate the evidence underpinning current imaging practices.
• Demonstrate ongoing commitment to the professional and caring values which underpin a safe and high quality clinical service.
• Critically evaluate the findings of audit, clinical and academic evidence to enhance the organisation and management of patient care in a variety of diagnostic imaging contexts.
• Critically evaluate original research sources and their contribution to the evidence base of clinical practice.
• Critically evaluate ongoing personal and professional development via the theory and practice of CPD.
• To evidence a self-reflective approach to professional practice decision-making and be responsive to the needs of service users.

Programme Learning Outcomes for Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Imaging Studies (NFQ Level 9, Minor Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Possess the academic skills to critically evaluate the evidence underpinning current imaging practices.
• Demonstrate ongoing commitment to the professional and caring values which underpin a safe and high quality clinical service.
• Through intelligent and critical analysis of original research sources, be able to synthesise the evidence base of clinical practice.
• Critically evaluate original research sources and their contribution to the evidence base of clinical practice.
• Critically evaluate ongoing personal and professional development via the theory and practice of CPD.