Master in Magnetic Resonance Imaging

• Analyse and appraise developments in advanced MR imaging techniques, identifying relevant technical, practice-based and professional issues.
• Apply theoretical knowledge to clinical MR imaging practice and demonstrate the practical skills and attributes necessary for high-quality clinical MR service provision.
• Appraise clinical MRI service provision from diverse perspectives and propose strategies for constructive change within the workplace and/or the wider radiography profession.
• Critically analyse literature, research evidence and policy relative to clinical MR imaging practice, and apply findings to support clinical decision-making and problem-solving.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the research process and appraise issues relating to the implementation and performance of clinical audit as part of an evidence-based approach to MR imaging practice within the clinical work environment.
• Evaluate MR scanning protocols relative to their effect on image quality and diagnostic efficacy suggesting, if necessary, appropriate modification strategies.
• Evaluate the potential impact of advanced MR imaging techniques on current MR work practice patterns and the professional role of the radiographer.
• Identify the salient facts, challenges and controversies associated with theory and practice issues in MRI and communicate these effectively to peers.
• Reflect on and critically appraise their individual technical and professional performance according to best practice standards, identifying approaches to advance these in future years as part of life-long learning and continued professional development.

Accredited by the Irish Institute of Radiography and Radiation Therapy (IIRRT).

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships.

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes

Applicants should normally:

• Possess at least one year post-qualification experience as a radiographer


• Be working in an MRI department over the duration of the course.

This MSc programme shares modules with the Graduate Diploma in MRI, building on knowledge and clinical practice skills gained, and developing a greater focus on advanced MR imaging technology and applications within both clinical and research arenas.

Calendar Dates for 2025-26 MSc MRI Programme

• Lectures: 36 days in total. Delivered as 3 x four-day blocks, (i.e., 12 days in each of the Autumn and Spring Trimesters).


• End-of-trimester examinations will be scheduled in December 2025, and April/ May, June and December 2026 - dates will be confirmed at the start of each academic trimester.


• A schedule for the MSc MRI Programme is provided below:

Autumn Trimester:  Sept-Dec 2025: (12 days)

• Lecture Block 1:  1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th Sept;


• Lecture Block 2:  29th,30th Sept, 1st & 2nd Oct;


• Lecture Block 3:  3rd, 4th, 5th & 6th Nov.

Spring Trimester:  Jan - April 2026: (11 days)

• Lecture Block 4:  3rd, 4th & 5th Feb;


• Lecture Block 5:  2nd, 3rd, 4th &  5th March;


• Lecture Block 6:  23rd, 24th, 25th & 26th March.

Summer Trimester:  May - Aug 2026

• Student learning is self-directed in the student’s own clinical MRI department.  Student effort and module assessment are directed towards demonstrating application of the principles of MR physics and practice in the attainment of clinical competence.

Final Autumn Trimester:  Sept-Dec 2026: (12 days)

• Lecture Block 7:  17th, 18th, 19th & 20th Aug;


• Lecture Block 8:  21st, 22nd, 23rd & 24th Sept;


• Lecture Block 9:  12th, 13th, 14th & 15th Oct.

Important Application documents:

1. Clinical Hours Declaration Form: MRI Clinical Hours Declaration Form 1 (criteria for standard entry applicants) and MRI Clinical Hours Declaration Form 2 (criteria for applicants with existing postgraduate qualification in MRI).

To be submitted by all applicants to confirm they have organised clinical placement in an MRI department for the duration of the programme so that the requisite clinical hours can be achieved. The University will organise completion of this form for International applicants.

2. Pre-course Clinical Experience Declaration Form: Pre-course MRI Clinical Experience Form. 

To be submitted by all applicants, in advance of the course start date, to confirm that the minimum pre-course experience in MRI has been gained (4 months re standard entry applicants and 8 months, exclusive of internship placement(s), re international applicants) and outlining the scope of this experience.

3. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Application Form - Portfolio of Evidence: RPL Application Form

To be submitted only by those applicants who have previously undertaken postgraduate studies in Magnetic Resonance Imaging either at UCD or at another educational institution and who now wish to upgrade their qualification to an MSc. Applicants are advised to contact the Academic Programme Director to confirm their eligibility for RPL prior to submitting the application form.

4. Diagnostic Imaging Reference Form to be completed by all applicants 

Essential Requirements for International Applicants:

• Hold a BSc (Honours) or equivalent in Diagnostic Radiography.


• Have attained a minimum score of 7.0 in IELTS (minimum score of 6 in any individual band). All test results must be less than 2 years old relative to the year of entry to the programme. This is necessary to ensure that prospective students can manage the programme’s academic workload and communicate effectively within the clinical placement environment.


• Have completed a minimum of 8 months clinical work experience in Magnetic Resonance Imaging exclusive of any internship placement(s), prior to commencing the course, and provide documented evidence supporting this (Pre-course MRI Clinical Experience Form). Please note, international applicants typically exceed the minimum clinical work experience requirements. This experience should normally be attained as close as possible to the year of planned entry to the programme, and may be undertaken in your own country. The University is not responsible for arranging this. This preliminary placement is necessary to help students to put subject material covered in lectures into context, particularly during the initial weeks of the programme. The Pre-course Clinical Experience Declaration Form must be completed and returned to the Academic Programme Director at the earliest in order that your eligibility for entry to the programme to be determined.


• Provide an academic and clinical reference supporting your commitment to and ability to undertake this course.