Course overview

Radiography (Diagnostic Imaging) at Keele is designed to reflect the current nature of radiography practice and to meet the future demands of the profession. The programme is structured around core themes including radiographic practice and science, the human body, interpreting images,
inter-professional learning, and research. You will apply your learning through a range of clinical placements to enable you to develop your practical skillset.

Diagnostic imaging

Medical imaging is used as a major diagnostic tool within a range of clinical scenarios including trauma such as a broken bone, or to inform care for pregnant women. You will develop clinical experience and technical knowledge by utilising all modes of medical imaging to take accurate images, including MRI, CT, ultrasound, ionised radiation-based imaging, nuclear medicine procedures, health screening and capabilities to undertake procedures carried out under imaging control.

By year three you will have increased your knowledge about anatomy, physiology, and pathology to an advanced level. You will study the foundations of radiographic science and how to use the different types of imaging equipment. You will also learn about the factors that can affect diagnostic images and acquire the skills you need to clinically evaluate the resulting pictures. As you progress through your studies you will deepen your knowledge and expertise by looking at more complex imaging methods including computerised tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound (US) and nuclear medicine (NM).

Effective communication

Most patients require some form of diagnostic imaging as part of their care, so developing effective communication skills is essential in managing these interactions. You will develop your communication skills from the beginning of the course to enable you to provide excellent patient care in a dignified way that meets the needs of a diverse range of service users.

You will benefit from inter-professional education which reflects the teamwork environment in the healthcare sector. This involves working with a variety of students from physiotherapy, rehabilitation and exercise science, medicine, nursing, midwifery, and pharmacy.

Clinical facilities

Gain hands on radiography experience in our excellent facilities that will further aid your learning. These include a state-of-the-art x-ray suite, a digital hub with high-resolution screens for image interpretation, an image intensifier for use in theatre work and a simulated patient to hone your practical skills.

Acquiring this essential radiography know-how will increase your confidence and build your key skills before you start your radiography practice in an authentic clinical setting.

Clinical placements

Whilst on placement, you will learn in a variety of clinical settings with rotational elements across the West Midlands, Shropshire, Cheshire and wider afield to broaden your clinical experience, knowledge and skills. To achieve this, commuting and seeking accommodation where necessary is essential for elements of your clinical placement.

A large part of the programme involves you gaining clinical experience on placements using the various diagnostic imaging modes. We have a dedicated clinical education team who have extensive knowledge and skills to help source your placements, assist with preparing for them, and to provide ongoing support. Placements take place in a variety of healthcare settings which may include:

• University Hospitals of the West Midlands
• Mid Cheshire University Hospitals
• Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust
• Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital
• Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust.

You may also undertake an elective placement of your choice during years two and three. These give you the opportunity to select a specific area of interest like paediatrics or veterinary medicine.

Research skills

Radiography is an evidence-based profession, and we embed the development of your research skills from your first year, culminating in your final year with a research dissertation. You will be able to critically analyse, reflect on and evaluate research findings, using these to underpin your radiography practice.

Our expertise

Teaching on the course is undertaken by recognised healthcare professionals such as radiographers who are experts in CT, MRI, mammography, paediatrics, nuclear medicine, and forensics. They have experience of working within the NHS and teaching on undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

Staff are involved in clinical teaching and research with many being members of the Society of Radiographers and who are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council.

Student support

You will be supported through every stage of your studies on the radiograhy course. You will be allocated an academic mentor who will be your first point of contact for advice and guidance and as a first year student, you are also offered a student mentor.

You will have access to a dedicated Student Experience and Support Officer who supports students from the School of Allied Health Professions. As part of Keele’s student services, they work collaboratively with other teams across the university to enable you to easily access the support you need.

There is peer support, and additional help available from the School's Disability Liaison Officer who provides an additional layer of support for all students, particularly for those who have special learning needs.

You will have access to a mixture of advice and support services at Keele which include;

• Learning Support and Academic Guidance
• Disability Services
• English Language Unit
• Student Advice at Keele (ASK)
• Student Support Services
• Occupational Health Department