Medical Imaging - MSc, PgCert, PgDip
Advance your radiography career with Keele’s MSc Medical Imaging, a cutting-edge programme designed to keep your expertise current and prepare you for the future. Offering pathways in General Medical Imaging and specialist ultrasound routes in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound, and Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma, (FAST) this flexible programmes supports your progression toward enhanced, advanced, and consultant-level roles. You’ll gain the specialist knowledge, critical insight, and practical skills needed to excel in the dynamic field of medical imaging.
Month of entry
- January
Mode of study
- Part time
Fees for 2026/27 academic year
- Part time £5,700 per year.
Duration of study
- Part time 3 years / Modular - up to 5 years
This course is no longer accepting applications from international students for the 2025/26 academic year.
Why study Medical Imaging at Keele University?
Course summary
Are you a radiographer, radiologist, healthcare professional, or professional affiliated to medical imaging, e.g. physiotherapist, emergency physician or advanced clinical practitioner looking to enhance your expertise? Our MSc Medical Imaging will equip you with knowledge of advanced imaging techniques, research methods, and evidence-based clinical practice to support your progress toward consultant practitioner roles. We offer two different routes - General Medical Imaging and specialist ultrasound pathways in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound and Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma. All routes follow the same overarching structure. CASE accreditation is currently being sought for the specialist ultrasound pathways in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound and Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma.
Aligned with the Society and College of Radiographers (SCoR) education and career framework, our curriculum’s core modules focus on transitioning into advanced practice, developing your clinical and development portfolio, and enhancing your research skills. The programme covers anatomy, pathology, physiology, and the physical principles of medical imaging, enabling you to adapt to a wide range of imaging procedures.
You will deepen your understanding of the key scientific principles and concepts that underpin specific areas of medical imaging, advance your imaging procedures and techniques, and apply these within a clinical setting. In addition, you will enhance your ability to critically appraise research evidence, improve patient care and service delivery, and contribute to the development of service improvements.
A range of optional modules cover a range of related themes to broaden your knowledge, including digital technologies and innovation within public health, leading and complexity, how policy is shaped within healthcare practice, children and medicine, and clinical effectiveness.
With a flexible delivery mode, we blend online learning with real-world clinical application, and you’ll develop critical thinking and clinical reasoning together with leadership capabilities, skills which are essential for your career progression.
Course structure
The programme is structured into 15 and 30 credit modules, with 1 credit equating to 10 hours of student learning. Students may exit with a PgCert, PgDip, or MSc award depending on the number of credits achieved.
Module structure by award
PgCert (60 credits):
General imaging pathway compulsory modules
- Transition into Advanced Practice (RDI-40023, 15 credits)
- Transition into applications for Advanced Practice (RDI-40025, 15 credits)
- Clinical and Developmental Portfolio (Medical Imaging) (RDI-40027, 30 credits)
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound pathway compulsory modules
- Physics and Technology of Medical Ultrasound (RDI-40021, 15 credits)
- Application of diagnostic ultrasound: musculoskeletal examination, evaluation and reporting (RDI-40017, 15 credits)
- Clinical Application of Diagnostic Ultrasound to Practice (RDI-40015, 30 credits)
Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma pathway compulsory modules
- Physics and Technology of Medical Ultrasound (RDI-40021, 15 credits)
- Application of diagnostic ultrasound: FAST scan examination, evaluation and reporting (RDI-40019, 15 credits)
- Clinical Application of Diagnostic Ultrasound to Practice (RDI-40015, 30 credits)
PgDip (120 credits)
PgCert modules plus:
- Research Methods in Health (HLT-40001, 15 credits)
- Optional modules in the four pillars of practice (Education, Research, Clinical, Management).
MSc (180 credits)
PgDip modules plus:
- Master's Dissertation in Faculty of Health (PTY-40044, 60 credits)
Modules
The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.
Modules for the MSc
Compulsory modules
Transition into Advanced Practice
As healthcare professionals, this module will help you transition into advanced practice by exploring the four pillars of advanced clinical practice—clinical expertise, leadership, education, and research. You will critically reflect on their current scope of practice, identify development needs, and begin to construct a personal framework for advancing autonomy, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making within their professional context.
Transition into applications for Advanced Practice
This module builds on the foundations of advanced practice by focusing on its practical application within healthcare settings. You will explore strategies for clinical leadership, service improvement, and interprofessional collaboration, aligning their developing expertise with national advanced practice frameworks. Through reflective and experiential learning, you will enhance your capability to apply advanced skills to complex clinical decision-making.
Clinical and Developmental Portfolio (Medical Imaging)
You will compile a structured portfolio evidencing clinical competence, reflective practice, and continuing professional development within medical imaging. The module integrates supervised practice with critical reflection, enabling you to demonstrate achievement of defined learning outcomes, adherence to professional standards, and progression towards advanced-level clinical autonomy.
Research Methods in Health
This module provides a comprehensive introduction to research design and methodology in health and social care. You will develop skills in critical appraisal, quantitative and qualitative data collection, and ethical research practice. Emphasis is placed on linking research evidence to professional decision-making, enabling you to design robust, ethically sound studies and interpret findings for application within clinical and academic settings.
Master's Dissertation in Faculty of Health
This module enables you to design, conduct, and present an independent research project relevant to their area of practice. Emphasis is placed on critical appraisal, methodological rigour, ethical conduct, and dissemination of findings to inform evidence-based healthcare practice.
Optional modules
Quality Improvement in Healthcare Settings
You will explore the theory and application of quality improvement methodologies within healthcare. The module develops practical skills in service evaluation, audit, and change management, enabling students to identify, implement, and evaluate initiatives that enhance patient outcomes and service efficiency.
Resource Management in Healthcare
This module examines the effective management of financial, human, and physical resources in healthcare organisations. You will analyse leadership strategies, workforce planning, and budgeting principles to optimise service delivery and sustainability within policy and governance frameworks.
The Role of Digital Technologies and Innovation within Public Health
This module investigates how digital technologies, data analytics, and innovation transform public health practice. You will assess emerging tools for surveillance, communication, and intervention, critically evaluating ethical, social, and practical implications for global and local health systems.
Introduction to Global Public Health & Healthcare
You will gain an overview of global health determinants, systems, and policies. The module explores health inequalities, international health governance, and sustainable development goals, encouraging critical reflection on strategies to improve health outcomes worldwide.
Legal and ethical issues in healthcare
This module explores the complex interplay between law, ethics, and healthcare practice. You will examine topics such as consent, capacity, confidentiality, professional accountability, and clinical negligence, fostering ethically informed and legally sound decision-making.
Life, Death and the Human Body
This module critically examines ethical and philosophical issues surrounding the human body, life, and mortality. You will explore concepts such as personhood, dignity, autonomy, and end-of-life decision-making within diverse cultural and professional contexts.
Principles of Medical Law
You are introduced to the legal framework underpinning healthcare delivery. The module examines core principles such as duty of care, consent, negligence, and human rights, preparing learners to navigate the legal responsibilities of clinical practice.
Healthcare, Justice and Society
This module explores the relationship between healthcare, social justice, and policy. You will analyse how inequality, resource allocation, and ethics influence access to healthcare, considering frameworks that promote fairness and equity in health systems.
Moral Theory and Medical Ethics
You will engage with key moral theories—deontology, utilitarianism, virtue ethics—and their application to contemporary healthcare dilemmas. The module fosters critical reasoning and ethical reflection in clinical decision-making
Entry requirements
The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don't see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications.
Typical offer
Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.
Please select your country from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information
UK
2:2 degree in an engineering, science, medicine, or health subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Bangladesh
60% in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in an engineering, science, medicine, or health subject from a public university
or
CGPA 2.8 in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in an engineering, science, medicine, or health subject from a private university
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
We don’t accept degrees from certain universities, please see our Bangladesh Country Page for more information
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Canada
70% or C or a GPA of 2.5 in a degree (Ordinary or Honours) in an engineering, science, medicine or health subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
China
70% in a degree in an engineering, science, medicine, or health subject
or
65% in a degree in an engineering, science, medicine, or health subject from a '211' university
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Ghana
Second class degree in an engineering, science, medicine, or health subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
India
55% or CGPA 6/10 in a degree of at least 3 years in an engineering, science, medicine, or health subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Kenya
Second class degree in an engineering, science, medicine, or health subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nepal
60% / 2.4 in a 4-year Bachelor's degree in an engineering, science, medicine, or health subject
or
65% / CGPA 2.8 in a 3-year Bachelor's degree in an engineering, science, medicine, or health subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nigeria
Second class degree in an engineering, science, medicine, or health subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Pakistan
We accept a range of qualifications from Pakistan. Please visit our Pakistan Country Page for more information
or we will consider demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need an English language qualification (see below)
South Africa
Second class division 2 / 60% in a Bachelor's degree with Honours in an engineering, science, medicine, or health subject
or
Second class division 1 / 70% in an Ordinary Bachelor's degree in an engineering, science, medicine, or health subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Sri Lanka
55% in a Special Bachelor's degree in an engineering, science, medicine, or health subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Uganda
Second class degree in an engineering, science, medicine, or health subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Zimbabwe
Second class degree in an engineering, science, medicine, or health subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Applicants must normally:
- Hold a professional qualification in a relevant healthcare discipline (e.g. Radiography, Sonography, Medicine, Nursing, Physiotherapy or related field).
- Be currently employed in a clinical setting where medical imaging is undertaken.
- Hold current professional registration with an appropriate governing body (e.g. HCPC, GMC, NMC, CSP, or equivalent).
- Have secured a suitably qualified clinical mentor prior to application. The mentor must be able to support the applicant’s clinical learning and competency development throughout the programme.
- Be able to evidence that the pathway or route applied for (e.g. MSK Ultrasound, FAST/POCUS) is relevant to their professional scope of practice and supported by their employer or line manager.
- Possess an honours degree (minimum 2:2) in a science, medicine or health subject or demonstrate evidence of equivalent academic and professional experience that supports study at Master’s level.
- Demonstrate English language proficiency at IELTS 6.5 (with no subtest below 6.0) or equivalent, where applicable.
English language requirements
All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group C.
References
Normally, you will need to provide at least one academic reference to support your application unless you have been out of study longer than two years. If it has been more than two years since you last studied on a degree-level programme, you will normally need to provide an employment reference instead. For more information about Academic References, please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages.
Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose
Please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages for guidance on what to include in your personal statement.
Recognition of Prior Learning
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which enables applicants to receive recognition and formal credit for learning acquired in the past through formal study or work and life experiences.
RPL can also be requested for admission onto the start of a programme in lieu of the admission requirements. For more information, see our Recognition of Prior Learning web pages.
General information
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application. For international students, find out how we work with approved agents as part of our admissions process.
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Postgraduate funding and scholarships
Funding
Whether you're continuing from undergraduate study or returning to education, our dedicated financial support team is here to help.
Please note, if your course offers a January start date, the January 2026 start date falls in the 2025/26 academic year. Please see the tuition fees archive for the 2025/26 fees.
Planning your funding
It's important to plan carefully for your funding before you start your course. Please be aware that not all postgraduate courses and not all students are eligible for the UK government postgraduate loans and, in some cases, you would be expected to source alternative funding yourself. If you need support researching your funding options, please contact our financial support team.
For continuing students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
Additional costs
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching
The Medical Imaging programme is delivered through a dynamic blend of teaching methods designed to cater to diverse learning styles and to foster both theoretical knowledge and practical competence. You will engage with a variety of learning activities including lectures, seminars, workshops, and hands-on clinical placements. You must have a clinical mentor or practice educator guiding your clinical learning. Emphasis is placed on integrating academic learning with real-world practice, ensuring that you can apply theoretical concepts within clinical environments. Collaborative learning is encouraged through group discussions and problem-solving exercises, while technology-enhanced learning platforms support flexible, self-directed study. This multi-faceted approach equips you with a comprehensive understanding of medical imaging but also develops your critical thinking and decision-making skills essential for professional practice.
Assessment
Assessment throughout the programme is designed to comprehensively evaluate both academic understanding and clinical proficiency. A variety of assessment methods are employed, including practical examinations, coursework assignments, presentations, and reflective practice portfolios. Practical skills are rigorously assessed during clinical placements, where you will be required to demonstrate competence in real-world imaging scenarios. Formative assessments provide ongoing feedback, allow you to track your progress and identify areas for improvement. The assessment strategy ensures alignment with professional standards, preparing you to meet the expectations of regulatory bodies and employers alike.
