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Radiography  (MDS4)

BSc (NFQ Level 8) · Academic Year 2024/2025
School
School of Medicine
Attendance
Full Time
Level
Undergraduate
NFQ Level
8
Award
Bachelor of Science
Mode of Delivery
On Campus
Programme Director
Ms Marie-Louise Ryan
Overall Programme Credits:
240
Programme Credits:
Stage 1
Core/Option: 55 Electives: 5
Stage 2
Core/Option: 55 Electives: 5
Stage 3
Core/Option: 60 Electives: 0
Stage 4
Core/Option: 60 Electives: 0
Major/Minor Core & Option Credits:
Stage 1: 55
Stage 2: 55
Stage 3: 60
Stage 4: 60

Curricular information is subject to change.

Diagnostic radiographers are responsible for producing high-quality images to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

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

Diagnostic radiographers are responsible for producing high-quality images to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

The skills of a radiographer are diverse: whilst obviously a caring profession, Radiography requires considerable technological and scientific expertise in both the production of images and the responsible delivery of ionising radiation.

Upon graduation you will have the knowledge base and clinical competencies to practise as a radiographer and will undertake your professional duties with the highest level of patient care. You will be able to integrate the technological, psychological and sociological aspects of healthcare in order to perform your role with confidence in an integrated healthcare team.

The programme is organised into four strands:

- Practice of radiography
- Technology of radiography
- Clinical practice of radiography
- Subjects associated with radiography

You develop knowledge of all aspects of imaging, including how to care for patients, how to perform examinations, how to provide high levels of radiation protection and how to evaluate the quality of images.

The focus of the programme is on general radiographic procedures, although you also have an overview of the more specialised modalities of computed tomography, magnetic resonance, positron emission tomography, radionuclide imaging and ultrasound.

PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE
From early in Stage 1, you will perform radiography under supervision in state-of-the-art imaging facilities in UCD's Health Sciences Centre, before progressing to perform examinations on hospital patients.

Throughout the programme there is increasing emphasis on self-directed learning as well as a greater proportion of clinical placement. These all build to allow you acquire professional competence on graduation.

Generally, you choose two sites for the duration of your clinical experience from a list of specified hospitals, with one site for Stages 1 & 2 and a different site for Stages 3 & 4. You will become integrated with the department team in your training hospital, working alongside Radiography colleagues to learn and refine your professional skills as a radiographer.

You may apply for a three-month Erasmus exchange with one of our European partner institutions (including Belgium, Finland, Greece, the Netherlands, Norway, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia and Sweden). Further elective opportunities include visiting the USA and Austria.

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.

UCD Health Sciences Programme Office
Health Sciences Centre (First Floor: C134)
Belfield,
Dublin 4

Tel: +353 1 716 6654
Email: healthscience@ucd.ie
Web: www.ucd.ie/healthsciences.


Stage 1

In the first year of the programme, the fundamental concepts of radiation science and technology are introduced. Students begin to study human anatomy, the practice of radiographic technique and experience their first patient contact in teaching hospitals. Students must complete the core modules, and can choose any other two five credit modules. BSc Radiography Stage 1 Outcomes • Understand the theoretical principles underlying ionising radiation, associated radiation risks and protection measure • Understand the structure and function of a medical imaging department and their role within it; • Gain exposure to the clinical environment, professional behaviour, patient interaction and communication within the clinical environment; • Have a knowledge and understanding of specified radiographic examinations, related anatomy, radiographic image critique and exposure to diagnostic decision making; • Develop students learning approaches and skills to include capacity for critical thinking, self-directed learning, group-learning & teamwork, awareness of the role of reflection in professional practice; • Understand their roles and responsibilities as students within the University and clinical settings.

Stage 2

In the second year, students begin to apply and analyse radiographic techniques regularly, and to develop and deepen their scientific knowledge. Students undertake a third anatomy module and focus upon physiology in preparation for further content taught in Stages 3 & 4 of the programme. Clinical placements during autumn trimester and following the summer exam period, afford students the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge. Students must take all core modules, and choose any other two five credit elective modules. Bsc Radiography Stage 2 Outcomes. • Understand the theoretical principles underlying medical imaging equipment; • Have knowledge and understanding of human physiology to provide a basis for subsequent medical imaging modules; • Gain further exposure to the clinical environment, professional behaviour, patient interaction and communication in the clinical department; • A furthering of knowledge of radiology informatics, digital imaging systems and PACS; • Ongoing and increasingly advanced knowledge and understanding of specified radiographic examinations related anatomy and radiographic image critique; • Further development of diagnostic image decision making. • Knowledge and understanding of fluoroscopic examinations and introductory exposure to these modalities clinically; • Understanding of radiographic image appearances and further development of diagnostic image decision making.

Stage 3

In the third year, students undertake a 20 credit clinical block in the Autumn trimester. Modules on Paediatric Radiography and Cross sectional Anatomy are undertaken in Autumn followed in Spring by modules in Computed Tomography, Ultrasound and Interventional Radiography. Students additionally complete their introduction to research module and the study of specific pathologies commences. Students must take all core modules and select one further 5 credit elective module. BSc Radiography Stage 3 Outcomes • Attain clinical competence for general and mobile radiographic examinations; • Have knowledge and understanding of the theoretical principles and applications for CT & US, and introductory exposure to these modalities clinically, to include competence in conducting a non-contrast CT brain examination unaided; • Reinforcement and development of the knowledge and understanding of advanced radiographic techniques; • Reinforcement of critical evaluation and image appraisal skills, to form a basis for professional diagnostic decision making; • Introduction and development of research skills resulting in the formulation of a novel research proposal; • Knowledge and understanding of the mechanisms of disease processes relevant to the human body; • Kowledge and understanding of Paediatric medical imaging.

Stage 4

**In addition to taking their core modules, students must choose one of the Pathway options and one 15 credit Trimester module**

In the final year, the aim is to develop the competence and confidence of the emerging graduate. Study of Pathology continues to underpin a critical approach to imaging techniques and image evaluation, and students are encouraged to engage with current issues in radiography. The research process commenced in 3rd year is completed, as part of one of the optional pathways, with the submission of the thesis. The second pathway will allow students to engage in modules related to current issues in healthcare, breast imaging, and radiography in Ireland. Students undertake a large clinical placement block to optimise their technical skills prior to graduation. Students may also have the opportunity to spend 3 months studying and undertaking clinical placements in another European country or focus on cardiac interventional imaging while in UCD. BSc Radiography Stage 4 Outcomes. • Advancement of research skills leading to the completion of a research proposal developed in Stage 3 or developing their knowledge and understanding of current issues of relevance to their future professional roles; • Knowledge and understanding of clinical pathology with a systematic approach blended with advanced diagnostic imaging pathyology; • Demonstrate critical thinking in relation to competence of professional practice to facilitate the graduating student as an independent reflective practitioner; • Knowledge and understanding of the theoretical principles clinical application and imaging pthways in oncological and clinical applications for MRI & Nuclear Medicine, and introductory exposure to these modalities clinically. • Knowledge, understanding and competence in the undertaking of quality assurance, quality control and clinical audit to facilitate safe practice; • Knowledge, understanding and practical exposure of IV cannulation and administration; • Reinforcement of medico-legal principles underpinning professional practice; • Mastery of clinical skills appropriate to a new graduate; • Active participation in an Erasmus Programme focusing upon areas of advanced radiographic practice in a European prospective.

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
RDGY10170 Clinical Practice Rad 1 2 Trimester duration (Spr-Sum)  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
ANAT10110 Clinical Human Anatomy I Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
RDGY10090 Healthcare Imaging and Information Systems Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
RDGY10110 Practice of Radiography 1 Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
RDGY10120 Technology 1 Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
RDGY10180 Radiography Professionalism 1 Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
ANAT10120 Clinical Human Anatomy II Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
RDGY10070 Practice of Radiography 2 Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
RDGY10130 Technology 2 Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
Students may take the elective below or any other elective of choice.
PHTY20280 Born to Run: The Science of Human Endurance Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
RDGY20070 Practice of Radiography 3 Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
RDGY20180 Clinical Practice of Radiography 2 Autumn  10
Stage 2 Core Modules
RDGY20230 Radiation Protection Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
RDGY20260 Radiology Informatics Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
RDGY20270 Radiography Professionalism 2 Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
ANAT20010 Clinical Human Anatomy III Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
PHYS20090 Principles of Physiology Spring  10
Stage 2 Core Modules
RDGY30370 Radiographic Image Interpretation Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
RDGY30830 Practice of Radiography 4 Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
Students may take one of the electives below or any other elective of choice. Electives are available in Spring trimester only.
FDSC10010 Food Diet and Health Autumn and Spring (separate)  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
Students may take one of the electives below or any other elective of choice. Electives are available in Spring trimester only.
NMHS32480 Introduct to Health Systems Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
RDGY30300 Clinical Practice of Radiography 3-1 Autumn  10
Stage 3 Core Modules
RDGY30310 Clinical Practice of Radiography 3-2 Autumn  10
Stage 3 Core Modules
RDGY30640 Interventional Radiology Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
RDGY30900 Paediatric Radiography UER Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
PATH30070 Mechanisms of Disease Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
RDGY30580 Ultrasound Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
RDGY30590 Computed Tomography Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
RDGY30870 Introduction to Research and Evidence-based Practice in Radiography Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
RDGY30880 DXA & Breast Imaging Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
RDGY41220 Cross Sectional Anatomy Spring  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
RDGY30090 Radiography Research Project 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr)  10
Stage 4 Core Modules
FLME30030 Legal Med & Professionalism Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
PATH30010 Systematic Pathology Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
RDGY30100 Magnetic Resonance Imaging Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
RDGY30120 Professional Completion Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
RDGY30620 Nuclear Medicine Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
RDGY30280 Clinical Practice of Radiography 4 Spring  10
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 0 of:
Incoming Erasmus ONLY - SPRING
RDGY30570 Radiography & Culture Across Europe Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 0 of:
Incoming Erasmus ONLY - SPRING
RDGY30800 Cardiac interventional imaging Spring  7.5
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 0 of:
Incoming Erasmus ONLY - SPRING
RDGY30810 Erasmus clinical practice Spring  7.5
Stage 4 Options - E) Min 1 of:
Spring Trimester: Students must choose either -OPTION 1: Select RDGY30400 Erasmus Radiography Abroad Module or OPTION 2: Select two modules RDGY30800 Cardiac interventional imaging and RDGY30810 Erasmus clinical practice.
RDGY30400 Erasmus Radiography (abroad) Spring  15
Stage 4 Options - E) Min 1 of:
Spring Trimester: Students must choose either -OPTION 1: Select RDGY30400 Erasmus Radiography Abroad Module or OPTION 2: Select two modules RDGY30800 Cardiac interventional imaging and RDGY30810 Erasmus clinical practice.
RDGY30800 Cardiac interventional imaging Spring  7.5
Stage 4 Options - E) Min 1 of:
Spring Trimester: Students must choose either -OPTION 1: Select RDGY30400 Erasmus Radiography Abroad Module or OPTION 2: Select two modules RDGY30800 Cardiac interventional imaging and RDGY30810 Erasmus clinical practice.
RDGY30810 Erasmus clinical practice Spring  7.5

See the UCD Assessment website for further details

Module Weighting Info
 
  Award GPA
Programme Module Weightings Rule Description Description >= <=
BHRAD001 Stage 4 - 50.00%
Stage 3 - 50.00%
Standard Honours Award First Class Honours

3.68

4.20

Second Class Honours, Grade 1

3.08

3.67

Second Class Honours, Grade 2

2.48

3.07

Pass

2.00

2.47