Postgraduate Diploma in Breast Imaging

Entry Requirements

BHSc / BSc (Hons.) in Radiography or Diagnostic Radiography (normally a 2:1)ORDiploma of the College of Radiographers (DCR(R)) AND 2 years clinical experience in diagnostic imaging AND - employment with, or secondment to, a diagnostic imaging department approved by the University of Leeds - identification of a suitable clinical mentor within this department- employer's agreement to undertake the course- satisfactory interview.Applicants who possess the College of Radiographers' Certificate of Competence in Mammography AND a minimum of 1 year clinical experience may be granted exemption from attendance for some aspects of the following modules: Science & Technology Mammography, Mammography Technique (Theory), Mammography Technique (Clinical), but will be required to undertake the appropriate range of course assessments to provide evidence of continuing competence to practice and of academic performance at Masters level.Applications for the accreditation of prior learning for entry with advanced standing will be considered by the Individualised Programmes Panel (IPP) and must relate to specific credit. Applications from healthcare professionals without a radiography background, and from radiographers who wish to access the programme as a non-standard applicant will also be considered by the IPP.

How to apply

For an application pack or for general enquiries and information relating to courses and admission to the University of Leeds, applicants should contact the School of Healthcare Admissions Unit. Telephone: 44 (0) 113 343 1347
Email: admissions@healthcare.leeds.ac.uk

Fees

Normal University of Leeds postgraduate fees apply. However, the programme is free to all NHS employees working in the area covered by the Yorkshire and Humber Strategic Health Authority as the fees are paid by the strategic Health Authority. You should always discuss any proposed study with your manager as they maintain interest in your educational and professional development.

Modes of study and duration of the course

2 Years Part-time and 3 Years Part-time

Why study?

This programme is an appropriate continuing professional development opportunity for those who have successfully completed the Postgraduate Certificate Mammography or Postgraduate Certificate in Breast Ultrasound programmes and is also a suitable stand-alone programme for experienced mammographers/sonographers wishing to undertake advanced practice roles in breast imaging. Successful students from this programme will be encouraged to undertake a research dissertation and progress to a Master?s award.

What you study

Programme changes have been considered within the context of professional and government plans for modernising the way in which health services are delivered. Although the current programmes have been successful and have many notable strengths, we have recognised that they are somewhat prescriptive and over-complex. In devising the new programme we have matched its depth, breadth and outcomes to the job roles and the personal and professional development needs of the modern breast imaging practitioner and to the changing needs of patients and other service users in our modernised healthcare system. The new programme will continue to:- integrate theoretical and practical learning in traditional and workplace environments to facilitate the application of underpinning scientific principles and research evidence to clinical practice; - provide quality assured academic and workplace learning environments with effective scholarly and clinical mentorship;- robustly assess competence over a wide range of academic and clinical skills and produce practitioners able to fulfil roles that span traditional medical, allied health & nursing disciplines; - promote personal and professional growth through lifelong learning and continuing professional development.In addition the new programme will:- offer a broad-based training opportunity for new and experienced imaging practitioners encompassing a wide knowledge & skills base to facilitate competent and flexible working across a range of roles within breast imaging services & within recognised career development frameworks;- introduce more flexibility and choice of modules and ensure that existing practitioners do not have to repeat education and training for which they already have the knowledge, skills and experience;- provide scope and content which reflects scientific, technological and professional advances contextualised within established and emerging new clinical roles.