Image Reporting

• This course will enhance and develop your image interpretation skills and support you into an independent reporting role
• This innovative programme incorporates the four pillars of advanced practise, ensuring that as well as Expert Clinical Practice you will have a solid foundation in Education, Research and Leadership and Management
• Enhance your critical thinking, enquiry and research skills using our state of the art facilities in our Clinical Skills Suite which includes a diagnostic imaging suite with PACS facilities
• Address a local and national need to improve reporting turn-around times thus improving the patient experience and patient outcomes
• Engage with an enthusiastic, experienced teaching team, who remain clinically active and are experts in their fields

This innovative programme of study incorporates keynote lectures, peer-led seminars and assessments with real-world application.

This programme provides the educational structure to gain the knowledge and skills required to undertake an independent reporting role. It works together with the workplace to develop your independent reporting skills.

This programme is unique in that it incorporates all four pillars of advanced practice (Expert Clinical Practice, Education, Research and Leadership and management) into the module and assessment content. Therefore providing a solid foundation for students to build upon in order to fulfil the requirements of an advanced practice role.

You may choose between Appendicular, Axial or Chest reporting.

You will study one core common module titled 'Fundamental Principles of Image Reporting', topics include:

• The fundamental principles of producing clinical image reports - terminology, phraseology and structure
• Ethical and legal implications of advanced practice with particular focus on the reporting on clinical images
• The core functions required to achieve and maintain advanced practitioner status
• Tools, methods and considerations for quality improvement in healthcare
• Theory of teaching and mentoring, relevant to clinical practice
• The importance of robust audit and/or peer review systems
• The principles of leadership theories and application to practice
• Review of anatomy, physiology and pathological processes associated with reporting of the appendicular/axial skeleton or chest
• The reporting environment and quality assurance
• Application of radiation safety principles to image reporting
• Advanced communication skills, for example undertaking difficult conversations with patients, inter-professional discourse, principles of transactional analysis and coaching

You will also study a 40 credit module specific to your area of reporting, these modules have several common features (the assessment methods are the same) however your lecturer and module focus will be specific to your area of reporting, ie appendicular skeleton.

Topics include:

• Anatomy of the appendicular skeleton or axial skeleton or chest including normal radiological appearances
• Clinical indications for radiological investigations of the appendicular or axial skeleton or chest including a range of imaging modalities
• Fractures and pathology of the appendicular or axial skeleton or chest, including pathophysiological processes
• Writing reports for radiographic images of the appendicular skeleton
• Develop and understanding of various patient pathways and the impact of a radiological report on these pathways
• Practice teaching skills and receive expert feedback
• Respond to knowledge gaps identified by yourself and your peers
• Undertake audit of your own work and peer review others

This module will conclude with submission of your portfolio and an OSE exam in July.

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.

You will attend the university on a 'Block release' basis for three days at a time. Activities to enhance your learning will be posted onto the virtual learning environment (Blackboard). Teaching sessions will include keynote lectures, image viewing and report writing session and peer-led seminars. The opportunity to practice and receive feedback on your teaching and leadership skills will also be integrated into the timetable.

How you're assessed

You will be assessed using a range of methods that are appropriate to meet the learning outcomes of this programme, your professional and advanced practice requirements and appropriate for level 7 education.

Methods include, but are not limited to:

• A poster- we aim to provide feedback in time for you to submit your poster abstract to UKRC
• A presentation on developing into the role of an Advanced Practitioner
• A comprehensive portfolio to include a record of your reporting activity, case reviews and reflective entries
• An Objective Structured Exam (OSE) in which film viewing, report writing and professional discussion about your portfolio will be incorporated

Normally, applicants must:

• Hold a science or health related degree at 2:1 or above or equivalent
• Have English language skills equivalent to IELTS level 7
• Have 2 years post-registration experience
• Hold current registration with the HCPC or NMC

Consideration will also be given to candidates who present with appropriate professional level diploma qualifications and relevant post-registration experience

You must also:

• Assure the university that you have sufficient scope and capacity for you to undertake this course of study
• Be supported by a suitably experienced and qualified clinical mentor who is able to contribute to assessment of your clinical competence

2024/25 (August 2024 - July 2025)

Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.

About postgraduate awards

Please note at postgraduate level, you’ll need to gain the following number of credits in total to obtain the respective awards. If you have any questions please contact us.

This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MA or MSc. If you are studying part time you will normally complete your studies over two or three years, depending on the course structure.

Funding your studies

Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.

Find out about funding your studiesFind out about funding your studies

Alumni discount for Derby graduates

We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all Derby alumni.

Find out about the Alumni discountFind out about the Alumni discount

This programme supports the development of the expert clinical practice required to undertake the role of an independent reporter.

The programme also provides a foundation for you to go on to fulfil an Advanced Practice or even a Consultant Practice role.

Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.

Additional information about your studies

Download programme specification

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Minimum numbers

Please note that this course is subject to minimum numbers in order to run.