Diagnostic Radiography  (MDSJ)

The overall purpose of the programme is to develop radiography graduates who are patient-centred, competent and safe diagnostic imaging practitioners with a strong professional identity and understanding of their role in the wider healthcare context and their contribution as part of a multi-disciplinary team.  Graduates of the programme will demonstrate well-developed autonomous learning skills and the capacity for continually developing their professional knowledge and practice, in an evidence-based, research oriented and international context. As the national radiography training centre, students will gain competency to practice as radiographers whilst on clinical placement in our dedicated hospital sites, ensuring graduate clinical excellence. We aim to provide a supportive learning environment to foster and develop excellence in radiography / diagnostic imaging which is both dynamic and research-informed to match the rapidly expanding and ever-changing field that is radiography. Our learning environment ensures appropriate access to cutting edge imaging technology across the national clinical sites and diverse and innovative approaches to both teaching and assessment are employed to ensure an optimum learning experience for all students. Teaching methods include both didactic and experiential learning through clinical placement with a focus on active learning through practical hands on skills labs, while assessment strategies include practical, oral and written assessments including individual and group work to foster team-work and collaboration.

1 - Competently undertake and appraise specific diagnostic imaging examinations
2 - Adhere to best practice safety and quality guidelines relevant to clinical practice
3 - Acquired the relevant knowledge of underpinning scientific principles, diagnostic imaging practice, technology & clinical practice
4 - An ability to communicate effectively within the multidisciplinary healthcare environment
5 - Integrate professional values and standards in their daily practice and promote these in a wider societal context
6 - Demonstrate an understanding of the roles and responsibilities as an autonomous professional throughout their clinical practice
7 - Act as reflective practitioners and demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning
8 - Demonstrate and apply an evidence-based approach to all aspects of diagnostic imaging practice
9 - Acquired the relevant skills to engage with research and clinical audit.
10 - Demonstrate an ability to work effectively, both independently and as part of a team
11 - Apply problem-solving skills across a wide range of clinical scenarios
12 - Engage with the professional education of students, colleagues and other health professionals to foster an ethos of continuing learning and knowledge sharing

Diagnostic imaging is a growth area in Ireland and internationally. All graduates in the past five years have obtained employment as radiographers. As well as the traditional hospital-based career, some radiographers are employed as applications or sales specialists.

An increasing number of graduates are now undertaking PhD studies. Diagnostic imaging offers successful graduates exciting opportunities to pursue research and/or to develop specialist clinical skills.

Professional Work Experience

Radiography will first be demonstrated in UCD’s own imaging facilities, before you progress to performing examinations on patients. Teaching hospitals also participate in your training and you’ll work alongside radiography colleagues to learn and refine your professional skills.

Stage 1

During year one, students are introduced to the fundamental concepts of radiation science and technology, human anatomy and physiology and radiographic techniques, together with the equipment for X-ray production and image formation and display. Students will explore the importance of evidence-based practice to healthcare delivery in general and with reference to the diagnostic radiography profession. Students undertake over 13 weeks of clinical placement during year 1 of the programme, when they will have an opportunity to interact with patients and clinical colleagues and develop their radiographic technique skills.

Stage 2

In year two, students will deepen their knowledge of radiographic technique, learning about the modifications required for paediatric radiography and for demonstrating specific disease processes. The principles and applications of the specialist imaging modalities are also studied, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, computed tomography (CT), ultrasound and interventional radiology. At this point, the study of human pathology also begins. The study of pathology is integrated with and underpins a critical approach to the use of imaging techniques and image evaluation. Again, a series of clinical placements will take place throughout the academic year and during the summer trimester; approximately 14 weeks in total.

Stage 3

In year 3, which is a single trimester in duration, students will complete their study of pathology and disease processes, undertake a capstone, professional completion module, a legal medicine and professionalism module, and complete additional practical clinical placements (approximately 9 weeks in total). This approach will enable students to integrate knowledge, clinical skills and decision-making in preparation for commencing their career as a diagnostic radiographer.

See the UCD Assessment website for further details

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Module Weighting Info
 

The 2.5-year graduate entry programme is open to applicants who hold an NFQ Level 8 degree at the minimum award level of 2.2 or equivalent, which includes research activity (module / thesis) to a minimum of 5 ECTS. Applicants are also required to have a Science subject at minimum level Irish Leaving Certificate O6, IB Standard Level 4, GCSE Grade C or equivalent.

Mandatory healthcare screening and Garda/Police vetting required.