Diagnostic Radiography (Graduate Entry)  (MDSS)

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 an understanding of their role in the wider healthcare context and their contribution as part of multi-disciplinary healthcare teams.  Graduates of the programme will demonstrate well-developed autonomous learning skills with the capacity for continues advancement of their professional knowledge and practice, in an evidence-based, research oriented and international context. Students will develop the competence 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. The programme learning environments ensure appropriate access to cutting-edge imaging technology both on campus and across the national clinical sites, with diverse and innovative approaches to both teaching and assessment employed to ensure an optimum learning experience for all students. Teaching methods include didactic, simulation-based and experiential learning through clinical placement, with a focus on active learning through practical hands-on skills labs. Associated assessment strategies include practical, oral and written assessments including individual and group work to foster teamwork 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 - Demonstrate their acquisition of the relevant knowledge underpinning scientific principles, radiography/ diagnostic imaging practice, technology and clinical practice.
4 - 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 - Understand their role 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 radiography/ diagnostic imaging practice.
9 - Apply the relevant skills to facilitate engagement with research and clinical audit.
10 - 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 continuous learning and knowledge sharing.
13 - Competently undertake and appraise specific diagnostic imaging examinations
14 - Adhere to best practice safety and quality guidelines relevant to clinical practice
15 - Acquired the relevant knowledge of underpinning scientific principles, diagnostic imaging practice, technology & clinical practice
16 - An ability to communicate effectively within the multidisciplinary healthcare environment
17 - Integrate professional values and standards in their daily practice and promote these in a wider societal context
18 - Demonstrate an understanding of the roles and responsibilities as an autonomous professional throughout their clinical practice
19 - Act as reflective practitioners and demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning
20 - Demonstrate and apply an evidence-based approach to all aspects of diagnostic imaging practice
21 - Acquired the relevant skills to engage with research and clinical audit.
22 - Demonstrate an ability to work effectively, both independently and as part of a team
23 - Apply problem-solving skills across a wide range of clinical scenarios
24 - Engage with the professional education of students, colleagues and other health professionals to foster an ethos of continuing learning and knowledge sharing

There will be the possibility for students to undertake international elective opportunities at various stages during the programme.

UCD is Ireland’s Global University and its largest university with a track record in empowering students to enter a diverse range of careers that reflects the most diverse curriculum on the Island of Ireland. Consistently, over 90% of graduates are employed or in further study or training 9 months following course completion. The QS World Ranking on Graduate Employability has placed UCD at number 1 in Ireland for Graduate Employability since 2018. On the global stage UCD leads the Irish higher education sector and is the only Irish university to be ranked inside the world’s top 80 for Graduate Employability.

At University College Dublin we are aware that for many students, programme outcomes in terms of graduate jobs and career options is important. The purpose of this statement is to help you understand and appreciate the range of skills you may develop during your time at UCD and how you may develop your employability. Visit the UCD Careers Networks website and MyCareer, the UCD Career management Platform, to access career information, internships and graduate roles as well as information about the range of initiatives, supports and events available to you.

Diagnostic imaging is a growth area in Ireland and internationally. Over the past five years, all graduates of this programme have obtained employment as radiographers. As well as the traditional hospital-based career, some radiographers are employed as imaging equipment 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 in their chosen area(s) of imaging.

Professional Work Experience

Radiography practice will first be demonstrated in UCD’s own imaging facilities, before you progress to performing examinations on patients. Teaching hospitals also actively contribute to your training and professional development and you will work alongside radiography colleagues to learn and refine your professional skills and clinical decision-making. Early clinical exposure during the second trimester will help ensure that you are professionally- and patient-focused early in your studies. You will undertake 1,200 hours of hospital-based training over the course of the programme, some of which takes place during the summer periods.

Radiography and Diagnostic Imaging
UCD School of Medicine,
Room A222, 2nd Floor,
Health Sciences Building,
Belfield, Dublin 4.

Tel: +353 1 716 6546

Email: diagnostic.imaging@ucd.ie

Stage 1

During year one, students are introduced to the fundamental concepts of human anatomy and physiology, radiation science and technology, together with equipment for X-ray production, image formation and display. Students begin to study radiographic practice and experience their first patient contact over an 11-week clinical placement. Learning Outcomes: •Understand the principles of ionising radiation, associated radiation risks and protection measures. •Understand the structure and function of a medical imaging department and their role within it. •Understand the operating principles of medical imaging equipment, radiology informatics, digital imaging systems and PACS. •Gain exposure to the clinical environment, professional behaviour, patient interaction and communication. •Understand specified radiographic examinations, related anatomy and physiology, radiographic image critique and diagnostic decision-making. •Develop capacity for critical thinking, self-directed and group learning and 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 year two, students deepen their knowledge of radiographic technique, addressing modifications required for diverse patient presentations. Principles and applications of specialist imaging modalities are studied, together with human pathology. Students explore the importance of research and evidence-based practice in radiography. Clinical placements (12 weeks) throughout the year afford students opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge. Learning Outcomes: •Knowledge of radiographic examinations across multiple patient presentations. •Enhanced understanding of radiographic image appearances with critical image appraisal skills to facilitate diagnostic decision-making. •Understanding of the fundamentals of mammography, paediatric imaging and specialist imaging techniques: fluoroscopy, US, MRI, RNI, CT, DEXA, interventional radiology. •Knowledge and practical exposure to intravenous cannulation and contrast agent administration. •Knowledge and understanding of the mechanisms of disease processes. •Development of research skills with the formulation of a novel research proposal. •Gain further exposure to the clinical environment, professional behaviour and patient interaction.

Stage 3

During year 3, which is a single trimester in duration, students undertake a capstone professional completion module as they work towards achieving the knowledge base and competence of an emerging graduate. Study of pathology continues, which underpins a critical approach to imaging utilisation. Professional development is further informed by engagement with a legal medicine and professionalism module together with additional clinical placement (10 weeks). Students are thus facilitated in integrating knowledge, clinical skills and decision-making in preparation for becoming a diagnostic radiographer. Learning Outcomes: •Reinforcement of critical evaluation and image appraisal skills to inform diagnostic decision-making. •Knowledge and understanding of clinical pathology, including associated image appearances. •Knowledge and competence in the undertaking of QA, QC and clinical audit to inform safe practice. •Reinforcement of medico-legal principles underpinning professional practice. •Demonstrate critical thinking and metacognition, enabling the graduating student to act as an independent reflective practitioner. •Mastery of clinical skills appropriate to a new graduate.

See the UCD Assessment website for further details, including worked examples of how degree award GPAs are calculated

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