The highlights
- Specifically designed to enable Assistant Practitioners in imaging departments to gain the necessary projectional (plain film) radiography competency required to apply for the BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography Apprenticeship (Progression) programme if you have not already studied this as part of your Foundation degree
- This course covers the foundations of radiographic practice for the appendicular skeleton, thorax, and abdomen. This course will also enable you to gain skills in assessing images in terms of skeletal and soft tissue anatomy, together with appropriate quality measures
This Certificate of Credit Radiographic Imaging (Projectional) course will introduce you to the foundation of projectional radiographic practice (plain film imaging) for the appendicular skeleton, thorax, and abdomen.
The course covers the relevant skeletal anatomy (bones and joints of the appendicular skeleton and thorax) to develop skills in the recognition and assessment of normal radiographic appearances.
The integration of radiographic techniques with the evaluation of normal radiographic appearances will enable you to apply your knowledge and understanding within your clinical practice.
In the workplace, you will work in a clinical imaging department undertaking projectional radiography (under supervision), working within your scope of practice. You'll be encouraged to gain experience in a range of appendicular techniques and chest imaging (static and mobile) and to attend and assist with theatre imaging as part of this course.
This course is an optional module within our Assistant Practice Foundation Degree programme and can be completed as a standalone 10-week course. You will gain 20 credits at level 4 with a Certificate of Credit to evidence your learning achievement.
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
Teaching and Learning
This course is made up of ten units to build on your knowledge, skills, and behaviours within projection (sometimes referred to as 'plain film') radiography, both in an academic sense and within the imaging department during your 'on-the-job' learning.
It introduces you to the foundations of radiographic practice (the appendicular skeleton, thorax, and abdomen) and enable you to assess images in terms of skeletal and soft tissue anatomy and appropriate technical factors. Your role as an assistant radiographic practitioner and the development of your projection radiography skills are the sole focus of this course.
You may have already spent time working in other areas of the imaging department and have strong skills in person-centred care and all the other important aspects of the role of an assistant radiographic practitioner, such as data protection, infection control, and multi-disciplinary team working. However, this does not mean you won't continue to develop and hone these aspects of your practice as you progress through the units and module.
You will study the relevant skeletal anatomy (bones and joints of the appendicular skeleton and thorax) in detail to develop skills in recognizing and assessing normal radiographic appearances. It is also important that you develop an understanding of the relevant musculature, ligaments, and tendons as a foundation for understanding typical image appearances that you will begin to study as you progress to level 5 or if you choose to progress to a practitioner role later.
You will complete activities such as reflections in your journal, posts in the discussion space (where you will interact with your peers), knowledge check quizzes, and other interactive activities, as well as conduct self-directed learning and revision to address any knowledge gaps. The integration of radiographic techniques with the evaluation of normal radiographic appearances will enable you to apply your knowledge and understanding to clinical practice.
In your on-the-job learning, you will work in a clinical imaging department undertaking projection radiography (under supervision), within your scope of practice. You'll be encouraged to gain experience in a range of appendicular techniques, chest imaging (static and mobile), and assist with theatre imaging, so you begin to gain an appreciation of the role of a radiographer.
Pace of study
We recommend about 6 hours of off the job study per week to complete this 20-credit course over a 10-week trimester, together with at least 24 hours per week in the workplace ‘on the job’ to consolidate your learning (240 hours in total for clinical practice).
Assessment method
There are two assessment components: You will sit an online exam, and you will also submit a practice document (reflective learning log) where you will record your 240 hours of observed practice, which will be confirmed by a clinical educator (or equivalent).
The reflective learning log will demonstrate that you have completed 240 hours of observed practice in an imaging department, undertaking a range of projectional radiography imaging techniques under supervision.
Student support and guidance
Whilst we encourage our students to become independent, life-long learners, we also recognise that offering the right support and guidance will help you to achieve your goals. There is a wealth of support available to you at the University, from your dedicated Personal Tutor and Online Learner Advisor, through to our:
All these services, and more, are available to you as an online student at the University of Derby.
This short course will assist you in your role as an Assistant Practitioner within the imaging department. It will also enable you to achieve the competence in projectional radiography required to apply to the BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography Apprenticeship (Progression) programme if this is something you have not already completed as part of your foundation degree as an Assistant Practitioner.
Applicants are required to:
- be in current employment as an Assistant Practitioner in a radiography department within the UK
- have the ability to obtain a minimum of 240 hours in projection radiography to complete the course
- have a named workplace mentor to oversee and supervise your practice development and attest to your radiographic competence. As an entry requirement for this course, you are required to identify a suitably qualified* member of staff to act in this capacity
- Manager's approval form completed by your line manager confirming their support and that you will have access to relevant learning opportunities associated with the role of Assistant practitioner in a radiography department and required learning outcomes of the course. The form will also confirm allocation of a suitably qualified workplace mentor
If this course is being completed as part of an intention to make an application to the BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography apprenticeship (progression) programme, applicants must also have achieved a Foundation degree (FdSc)** as an Assistant Practitioner in a radiographic imaging pathway normally completed within the previous 5 years.
A workplace audit form must be completed to demonstrate that the applicant will be able to experience the range of projection radiography examinations required as part of this course.
*Suitably qualified means this person must be a HCPC registered Diagnostic Radiographer with a minimum of two years experience post qualification, ideally PEAS accredited and/or can demonstrate that they have undertaken mentor/supervisor training with a HEI organisation.
**The Healthcare Assistant Practitioner Apprenticeship Standard Reference: ST0215, is satisfactory, if modules in skeletal imaging (that include appendicular imaging), radiographic anatomy and radiation physics have been completed.
English language qualifications
If English is not your first language, you will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with no less than 6 in any category, or an equivalent English qualification.
Find out more about our English language requirements
‡2024/25 for new entrants
Starting between September 2024 and August 2025.
| | Per 20 credits | Modules | Cost |
|---|
| UK |
£875 |
1 x 20 credits |
£875 |
2025/26 for new entrants
Starting between September 2025 and August 2026.
| | Per 20 credits | Modules | Cost |
|---|
| UK |
£925 |
1 x 20 credits |
£925 |
About your fees
Prices are correct for the year of entry shown. These are subject to annual increase in subsequent academic years.
Apply directly to the University.
Apply now
For support with completing your application, view our guide to the application process.
Documents to support your application
In order for your application to be assessed, you will need to provide the following documents when you apply:
- Completed Manager's approval form
- Official photo identification such as a passport or driving licence
- Copies of certificates and transcripts or a letter of testimony for previous qualifications*
*Documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation by a professional translator/translation company. Each translation must contain:
- Confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document
- The date of the translation
- The full name and signature of the translator, or an authorised official of the company
- The translator’s contact details
A list of approved translators can be found on the UK Government website.
Please note: failure to submit any documentation when requested, may result in your application being withdrawn.
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