Medical Imaging PGCert

Course overview

Medical imaging plays an essential role in modern medicine, supporting the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of disease. Technology is quickly and continuously evolving, and so are the exciting and rewarding careers in this field.

At Leeds, you will delve into the science and technology behind medical imaging techniques. This includes how images are captured, processed, displayed, stored and analysed. Some observation of clinical skills is offered as an option, to better understand clinical use of imaging equipment. You will build your skills and applied knowledge around medical imaging to suit your career path.

Whether you are a recent graduate, a medical student wishing to intercalate, or a healthcare professional, our course will introduce you to:

• Scientific principles behind the different imaging modalities,
• Specialist clinical applications in radiology,
• Artificial intelligence (AI) and other technological advances in imaging,
• Current issues in a modern radiology department.

A distinctive feature of this programme is the leadership in healthcare module, delivered by Leeds University Business School. This module enables you to view radiography services through a business lens, equipping you with the strategic insight and leadership skills essential for driving innovation and leading effectively within healthcare settings.

You will gain research experience and learn from internationally recognised researchers and experts working in radiography, sonography, mammography, medical physics, computer science, as well as medical industry and business representatives.

Course highlights

• Tailor your degree – this course is unique in that it can be tailored to your own professional interests. You can choose to learn the science behind several imaging modalities or focus on one or two with applied or complimentary skills such as leadership and patient-centred care, clinical application and image interpretation, or artificial intelligence and computer programming skills.
• Hybrid learning for flexibility – participate in lectures and practical sessions either in-person or online, with some assessments requiring on-campus attendance. Ideal for balancing study with professional commitments.
• Advanced in-house X-ray and CT simulation tools – you will have access to advanced in-house X-ray and CT simulation tools, developed by our expert researchers. These interactive tools let you explore how medical images are formed—giving you a deep understanding of imaging science in a safe, radiation-free environment. It’s a unique opportunity to build practical skills and confidence before working with real clinical equipment.
• World-Class Imaging Expertise - you will benefit from internationally recognised expertise in medical imaging education and research. With a legacy of innovation—including the first vascular 3D image reconstruction and pioneering work in mammography display, image quality testing, digital X-ray detectors, and cardiac MRI—our teaching is led by researchers who have shaped the field.
• Intelligent Imaging: AI in Practice - explore core AI principles and real-world applications across imaging modalities. Learn to critically evaluate the benefits, risks, and biases of AI tools, preparing you to make informed decisions in clinical practice.
• Research Meets Real-World Impact - Learn from leading academics who’ve played pivotal roles in breakthrough research with global innovators like Siemens, Fuji, Philips, Polaroid, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, and Thales Angénieux. Their work is powered by major funders including the European Union, Wellcome Trust, Cancer Research UK, British Heart Foundation, and The Royal Society - giving you direct access to cutting-edge knowledge and real-world impact.
• Leadership for Imaging Professionals - a highlight of this programme is the Leadership in Healthcare module, delivered by Leeds University Business School. It equips you with strategic and business-focused leadership skills to drive innovation and lead radiography services effectively within healthcare settings.

This course is also available to study as a MSc or  Diploma. You may transfer from your original programme to an alternative, providing you do this before you have completed the programme and before an award has been made. Part-time study is also an option.

Course details and modules

Tailor Your Learning to Your Goals
Design a personalised pathway aligned with your interests and career ambitions. Choose from a wide range of modules across three key themes:

• Understanding Imaging Technology - Explore how imaging modalities work, including AI, X-ray, CT, MRI, and Ultrasound.
• Clinical Applications in Radiology - Focus on patient care and clinical practice through modules like Person-Centred Care, Clinical Placement, and CT Applications.
• Advancing Your Career - Build essential skills in image interpretation, programming, leadership, and research through core and optional modules.

You'll study modules worth a total of 60 credits. If you study part time you will choose fewer modules across each year.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Compulsory modules

Fundamental Skills in Medical Imaging – 15 credits

Success in Medical Imaging requires you to develop in a range of areas. This module provides knowledge and skills in mathematics, physics, human biology, and information technology and develops key skills employed in communicating via the academic writing process.

Optional modules

Candidates must study at least 15 credits from the following modules:

Medical X-ray Imaging – 15 credits

This the foundation in understanding the broad range of X-ray imaging systems used in modern medicine, including interventional, mammography and CT. You will learn the underlying scientific principles, safety aspects, and technology beyond the undergraduate level. Clinical applications are used to illustrate the relevance of this knowledge in practice. Our in-house built X-ray simulation software will show you how to optimise radiation dose with respect to image quality and make the most of your imaging equipment.

X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) – 15 credits

This describes the scientific principles and computing techniques employed by modern CT systems, taking you on the journey of their evolution and keeping you up to date with the latest technology. You will learn to critically assess the performance of a wide range of CT technology available in different clinical application areas. Completion of the X-ray imaging module is required to enrol on this module. If you wish to become a CT specialist radiographer, this module will give you a scientific understanding of CT beyond the undergraduate level.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – 15 credits

You will learn how MRI scanners work! Specifically, you will learn the underlying physical principles and the application of MRI for use in hospitals and the research environment. The emphasis of this module is developing your understanding of the science of MRI, rather than image interpretation. You will have the opportunity to see ‘under the bonnet’ of a micro-MRI scanner.

Ultrasound Imaging – 15 credits

You will learn the underlying principles and the application of ultrasound imaging for use in clinical practice. You will hear from current researchers about the most cutting-edge ultrasound imaging techniques being tested. You will learn from physicists and practitioners through both lectures and practical hands-on experience with simulated and real ultrasound imaging equipment.

Candidates will be required to study up to 30 credits from the following optional modules:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Medical Imaging

You will understand the key principles of AI and see a number of commercial examples in medical imaging; these will cover a range of imaging modalities. You will learn to critically assess the benefits of AI tools along with the risks and biases associated with its use.

Person-Centred Care in Radiography – 15 credits

You will explore the complex interpersonal skills that are required to provide effective patient care, examining a range of case studies from real life. This will help you understand the needs of patients, and demonstrate the impact of professional behaviour on the care received by patients. This module is led by an internationally-recognised leader in this field of radiography.

Clinical Placement – 15 credits

You will spend time observing use of imaging equipment in a hospital or other department, or shadowing an industrial company representative. This will provide you with insight in a specialist area aligned with your imaging modality module selections and career aspirations. This exposure to the clinical environment may be new to you, or you may wish to expand your knowledge on a given modality; the experience is tailored to you the student.

Application of CT – 15 credits

You will learn how CT technology is applied in clinical practice, with focus on topics such as patient positioning and workflow. You will gain the knowledge required to be a CT specialist in radiography practice. This module differs from the X-ray CT module in that the latter focuses on science of, whereas this focuses on clinical application of, the technology.

Principles for Medical Imaging Interpretation – 15 credits

This introduces techniques used to interpret planar X-rays and CT image sets to students from a range of healthcare backgrounds; it is taught by a registered X-ray and CT reporting radiographer. You will develop analytical skills to recognise healthy anatomical features and how these may change with the presence of pathology, using a systematic approach. Within the University’s cadaver lab, images are shown alongside anatomy to aid your understanding of image content.

Computer Programming with Matlab – 15 credits

MATLAB is a powerful and commonly used computer programming language in medical imaging; this module will allow you to perform your own image processing and analysis. You will learn basic coding, developing algorithms of your own. Some previous computer programming is desirable but not required. Knowledge gained in this module will enhance learning in the AI in Medical Imaging module.

Introduction to leadership and organisational behaviour – 15 credits

You will learn to view your radiography service from a business perspective, gaining the knowledge and skills required to become a successful leader, even through crises. Taught by Leeds University Business School, with external clinical and industrial speakers, the knowledge gained on this module can be applied across a range of imaging careers.

Quantitative Research Methods – 15 credits

This will prepare you for your research project. You will learn to make judgements about the quality of peer reviewed literature, to understand the concepts of research and data analysis, and how to present and interpret appropriate information derived from statistical analysis. Real-life datasets will be used to apply your knowledge gained.

Learning and teaching

You can study flexibly to suit your own learning style and circumstances. Attend teaching sessions entirely on campus or join classroom sessions online through our hybrid teaching space. In Leeds there will be practical sessions and tutorials which can be joined online using our interactive Virtual Clinical Environment (VCE) technology.

Please note: if you are an international student in the UK on a student visa you must ensure that you comply with the conditions of your visa, which may include a specific level of attendance in person. Similarly, if you are sponsored, your sponsor may also have requirements as to your mode of attendance.

At Leeds, you will benefit from our long-standing internationally recognised expertise in medical imaging teaching and research. Leeds has a rich history in research and development, with many ‘firsts’ in imaging technology. You will be taught by researchers who developed the first vascular 3D image reconstruction, founded mammography image display solutions, created current standard image quality test tools, and clinically assessed the first digital X-ray image detectors and cardiac MRI techniques.

You will be taught by researchers who developed the first vascular 3D image reconstruction, founded mammography image display solutions, created current standard image quality test tools, and clinically assessed the first digital X-ray image detectors and cardiac MRI techniques.

Members of our teaching team are actively developing and testing ultrasound technologies for cancer treatment and cardiac MRI for microstructural quantification prior to first clinical implementation. A number of current imaging equipment test standards and cancer epidemiology reports have been created by our lecturers.

You will learn from academics who have played pivotal roles in ground-breaking research involving companies such as Siemens, Fuji, Philips, Polaroid, AstroZeneca, Pfeiser and Thales Angenieux, and funding agencies such as the European Union, Kidney Research UK, Breast Cancer Now, British Heart Foundation, Heart Research UK, Cancer Research UK, Wellcome Trust, The Royal Society, Academy of Medical Sciences and Grow Medtech.

Specific on-campus Learning and Teaching facilities include:

• Ultrasound Laboratory including ScanTrainer simulation system, Bodyworks Eve simulation systems, ultrasound and Doppler machines to scan live models, simulated patients and a library of real clinical cases.
• The ePIC pre-clinical imaging research facility including micro-MRI scanner which is used for practical learning.
• Virtual Clinical Experience (VCE) which uses smart glasses to enable real-time clinical or non-clinical interactions, thereby extending learning beyond traditional constraints.
• X-ray and CT software simulation tools developed by our expert researchers allow you to explore the science of image formation interactively without any ionising radiation.
• Anatomy Laboratory provides teaching space with cadaver specimens for medical education.

In addition to the above our libraries have a vast selection of material available online, including access to leading scientific journals which will support you to successfully study off-campus away from Leeds. All applications will be processed to allow you to study in the UK, offering you the greatest flexibility.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

For each 15-credit module there will be a single summative assessment, where focus is on applying knowledge and skills gained in a practical manner via case study, data interpretation, or personal reflection using written or oral (in person and pre-recorded) communication as well as exams.

We utilise both open and closed book computer-based assessments. Invigilated assessments require in-person attendance during the assessment periods in January and May, as well as August for re-assessment if applicable.

We will help you assure your learning is up to date during the module using course work as well as formative assessments including short quizzes, group discussions, workshops and tutorials.

Applying

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:2 (hons) in a biological/physical science or radiography, or medicine or dentistry equivalent.

The part-time variant of this programme is not suitable for international applicants who require a student visa. International applicants who do not require a student visa may be able to access the part-time variant of this programme by special arrangement. Please contact admissions for further information.

English language requirements

IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Science (6 weeks) and Language for Science: General Science (10 weeks). 

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional. 

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Application deadlines:

• 31 July 2026 (international applicants).
• 11 September 2026 (UK applicants).

Applications are considered on the basis of the applicant’s qualifications and experience. Applications may close before the deadline date if numbers accepted reach capacity.

Application information:

• It should be noted that this is not a practical or clinical based programme and your supporting statement must confirm understanding of this.
• No references are required for this programme.

The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page will take you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page will take you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

In addition to your CV and evidence of qualifications, please provide a supporting statement . Please limit length to 500 words or one side of A4 (8.5” x 11”) paper. You must answer the following 3 questions, as well as a statement that you confirm you understand the course content (see below):

1) How have your previous studies and/or work experience prepared you for this course?

2) What knowledge/skills do you expect to acquire from this course?

3) What are your expectations from this course in relation to your future career?

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

Admissions Policy for Clinical and Practice Courses in the Faculty of Medicine and Health 2026-27

This course is taught by

School of Medicine

Contact us

School of Medicine Postgraduate Admissions

Email: pgmed-admissions@leeds.ac.uk

Fees

UK: £4,500 (Total)

International: £11,166 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Studying in the School of Medicine at Leeds is an amazing opportunity, but we know that the cost can be difficult for many people to meet. If you are keen to join us, a range of funding opportunities are available.

Career opportunities

This course is designed for those who aim to expand their knowledge of imaging technology and further their career in medical imaging.

This pertains to working radiographers or technicians who want to progress into management and business of radiography. If you desire to change imaging modalities, you can develop skills and knowledge in a new modality, for example a move from general radiography into CT.

Newly graduated radiography students may wish to complete this course to learn more before entering the work force. Radiographers from outside UK could get exposure to the NHS and UK working radiography practices; this might be especially useful for those who apply for Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration to practice radiography in UK.

If you are seeking a career in medical physics, this course can help you. Past students have gained acceptance on the national Scientist Training Programme within the NHS. For others this course has allowed them to complete the competences outlined by the Association of Clinical Scientists via Route 2 training, as supported by the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine.

Graduates with medicine, biological and physical science, as well as computer science, physics or engineering degrees, who are interested in a career in medical imaging, will benefit from this course.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.