(Part time) 2021 start
Diagnostic Imaging PGCert
Coronavirus information for applicants and offer holders
We hope that by the time you’re ready to start your studies with us the situation with COVID-19 will have eased. However, please be aware, we will continue to review our courses and other elements of the student experience in response to COVID-19 and we may need to adapt our provision to ensure students remain safe. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, regularly visit our website, which we will continue to update as the situation changes www.leeds.ac.uk/covid19faqs
Overview
Our Diagnostic Imaging course is designed to match both the professional development needs of diagnostic imaging practitioners and the changing needs of patients in the modern healthcare system. It will develop you into a highly competent practitioner who can make a real contribution to healthcare services.
The multi-disciplinary course will appeal to a range of healthcare professionals including:
- radiographers
- mammographers
- sonographers
- midwives
- medical doctors
- nurses
Make an impact
The course offers specialist clinical skills development underpinned by in-depth theoretical education in breast imaging and/or medical ultrasound. You’ll develop into a highly competent practitioner who can make a real contribution to healthcare services.
We have a highly successful record of educating breast imaging and medical ultrasound students at postgraduate level. You will benefit from being part of the School of Medicine, with its world-leading research and expertise.
Study for the Postgraduate Certificate normally takes one year part time.
You can also study this subject at Diploma level (120 credits) or a full MSc (180 credits). Study for the Postgraduate Diploma normally takes one year full time (specific module combinations only) or two years part time and the MSc 3 years part time. (CPD modules are also availible to study individually – please see careers section below).
Students who already have a Postgraduate Diagnostic Imaging qualification may access certain modules on a free-standing basis.
Virtual Postgraduate Open Day
Register your interest in our upcoming postgraduate virtual open day, which will feature a live subject talk and Q&A from our Diagnostic Imaging team.
Accreditation
The PGCert Diagnostic Imaging offered by the University of Leeds was approved by the College for Radiographers for a period of five years, from June 2016 to June 2021 inclusive. The programme is also accredited by the Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE).
Exemptions
<p>Students obtaining a Postgraduate Certificate which includes the Mammography Technique module will be eligible to apply for the College of Radiographers’ Postgraduate Award in Mammography.</p>Course content
On the PG Certificate you will study modules totalling 60 credits.
There are two compulsory modules: Professional Issues in Diagnostic Imaging and either Science and Technology of Ultrasound or Science and Technology of Mammography. In addition to these modules, you can tailor your studies to your own professional needs and interests by selecting from a range of optional clinical modules.
Clinical modules include:
Obstetric Ultrasound
Gynaecological Ultrasound
General Medical Ultrasound
Mammography Technique
Negotiated Imaging Practice
Focused Negotiated Imaging Practice
Image Guided Interventional Procedures
Interpreting and Reporting of Diagnostic Images
Breast Ultrasound, Musculoskeletal ULtrasound or Vascular Ultrasound may be available to be studied via the Negotiated Imaging Practice module. Alternative areas of clinical practice may be agreed by negotiation.
Clinical modules require you to obtain a clinical placement and to undertake 300 hours of clinical practice for a 30 credit module and 150 clinical hours for a 15 credit module in addition to the taught content. Each 30 credit module requires 8-10 days attendance at the University (3-5 days for 15 credits). This is in addition to the independent learning.
There is also a number of self-directed learning modules available:
Diagnostic Imaging Evidence Review
Diagnostic Imaging Clinical Project
Utilising CPD to Enhance Practice
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.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Professional Issues in Diagnostic Imaging 15 credits
- a) Science and Technology of Ultrasound [OR] b) Science and Technology of Mammography 15 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Gynaecological Ultrasound 30 credits
- General Medical Ultrasound 30 credits
- Interpreting and Reporting Diagnostic Images 30 credits
- Obstetric Ultrasound 30 credits
- Focused Negotiated Imaging Practice 15 credits
- Negotiated Imaging Practice 30 credits
- Mammography Technique 30 credits
- Image Guided Interventional Procedures 15 credits
- Diagnostic Imaging Evidence Review 15 credits
- Diagnostic Imaging Clinical Project 30 credits
- Utilising CPD to Enhance practice 15 credits
Learning and teaching
Teaching is through lectures, practical sessions, tutorials and seminars. You’ll learn through group work and discussion, individual exercises and practice.
You’ll be able to use University facilities for independent study, such as computing facilities and the Health Sciences library, with its extensive collection of online journals.
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
Modules are assessed by a variety of methods including essays, case reports, technical reports and unseen examinations.
The assessment of your competence to practice takes place via an observed clinical session or by portfolio, depending on the module. Formative assessment will provide support and feedback on your progress and confirm readiness for summative assessment.
Your results for every module contribute to your final degree classification.
Applying, fees and funding
Entry requirements
We typically require a 2:1 honours health-related degree from a recognised higher education institution in an appropriate subject, eg BSc (hons) in Radiography, Nursing, Midwifery, Clinical Physiology or Medicine. Applicants with a 2:2 degree and 1 year’s clinical experience also meet the entry criteria.
You must provide documentary evidence of
A clinical placement with suitably qualified/experienced named clinical mentors who will provide clinical learning support and supervision in the workplace.
Departmental support for your attendance and study time.
Applicants with a PG Diagnostic Imaging qualification awarded within the last 5 years may qualify for Advanced Standing and complete the programme in a shorter time.
The programme is generally not suitable for students who are from overseas as the entry criteria include a UK clinical placement.
English language requirements
IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 7.0 in any component..How to apply
This link takes 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.
Selection principles
Every applicant is invited to a recruitment half-day at the University, which may include a personal face-to face interview. You’ll be asked to identify your individual learning needs and your clinical placement site, so the course team can advise you on the most appropriate course/modules and time scale for study.
Admissions policy
School of Medicine Taught Postgraduate Policy 2021
Fees
- UK: £3,750 (total)
- International: £8,250 (total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
Brexit
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.
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 about additional costs
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.
NHS Yorkshire and Humber employees
A limited number of funded places are available for some NHS staff in the Yorkshire and Humberside region. If you are interested in this possibility, we encourage you to apply early to the course. Please discuss any proposed study with your line manager.
Career opportunities
Graduates will use the postgraduate qualification to enable them to be emplyoed as a sonographer or breast imager in the UK or abroad.
Students having completed the PGDip may wish to undertake futher academic study in order to achieve an MSc.
The dedicated careers team at leeds is always available to offer detailed advice on your career opportunities and development and you will be assigned a personal tutor during your time studying with who will be able to provide specialist guidance to help you in your chosen career.
Continuing professional development
Some of our course modules are available to study individually for CPD. Available CPD modules include:
Focused Negotiated Imaging Practice (MSK/vascular/other) – 15 credits
Negotiated Imaging Practice (MSK/vascular/Breast/other) – 30 credits
Gynaecological Ultrasound – 30 credits
Obstetric Ultrasound – 30 credits
General Medical Ultrasound – 30 credits
Image guided Interventional procedures – 30 credits
Additional new modules planned: Mammography Practice – 30 credits; Preliminary Evaluation of Diagnostic Images – 15 credits; & Evaluation and Reporting Diagnostic Images – 15 credits – please get in contact for more information.
If you are interested in studying one of these modules please email the course team for further details: diagnosticimaging@leeds.ac.uk
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 at the Careers website.