Computed Tomography

The MSc Computed Tomography (CT) course is aimed at radiographers working in clinical CT. It has been developed to encompass contemporary technological advances in CT and to provide a platform for discussion of clinical and evidence-based CT practice.

The course aims to foster the individual, personal and professional development of the postgraduate radiographer, in order to achieve a high level of competence in CT scanning. It endeavours to cultivate a critically questioning approach to CT practice and fosters the necessary skills to apply knowledge in relation to complex decision-making. It also encourages radiographers to advance research in the field of CT

Course Features

Accredited by the Irish Institute of Radiographers and Radiation Therapists.

Confers clinical competence in CT scanning on successful graduates.

Develops specialist teamwork, leadership, research and critical thinking skills.

Accommodates professionals in full time employment through flexible programme delivery

Provides a platform for discussion of state-of-the-art technological advances and clinical applications.

Applicants must have at least one year’s post-qualification experience in diagnostic radiography and must have at least three months experience in CT before commencing the course. Successful applicants must be working in a CT department for the duration of the course. The MSc CT builds on the skills gained during the Graduate Diploma in CT, focusing on advanced CT applications, research and state-of the-art technological developments.

The MSc CT leads to a UCD Level 4 award (equivalent to NQAI Level 9) and takes sixteen months to complete. It is delivered in five modules: two technology modules, two professional practice modules and one advanced CT Imaging module. The technology and professional practice modules are shared with the Graduate Diploma in CT.

Developments in CT scanning have opened up new clinical applications and have led to improvements in the diagnosis of disease. The MSc CT builds on appropriate existing clinical practice skills to enable radiographers to become specialists in CT imaging. This course confers clinical competence and thus there is an emphasis on the development of clinical skills and integration of theory and practice. During the course, students must undertake a minimum of 925 clinical hours under the guidance of a named clinical supervisor to gain the necessary specialist clinical skills in CT scanning.

Modules
The Technology of CT modules encompass the physical theories and technological principles underlying CT, image processing, quality control, equipment management and radiation protection thus encouraging a safer and broader spectrum of clinical operation.

The Professional Practice of CT modules encompass clinical practice, clinical placement hours, scanning protocols, optimisation of practice and facility management. This module aims to facilitate the integration of theoretical concepts and professional clinical practice in order to consolidate the learning process.

The Advanced CT Imaging module enables refinement of professional competencies in CT through the integration of advanced theoretical knowledge, evidence based practice and high level clinical practice skills. This module facilitates the integration of theory and practice in relation to advanced clinical applications and aims to facilitate the development of generic skills such as advanced leadership and teamwork skills; self- directed learning and applied research in the student.

This programme is open to any radiographer with at least one year post qualification experience.

Candidates must have Department of Health approval to practise radiography in Ireland or Health Professions Council approval to practise radiography in the UK & Northern Ireland.

Candidates are required to undertake a minimum of three months of clinical experience in CT scanning prior to commencing the course and provide documented evidence of this.

Candidates must arrange their own clinical placement and provide evidence of an agreement to spend a minimum of 925 hours gaining practical experience in CT over the duration of the course.

Candidates are required to arrange for a suitably qualified clinical supervisor to oversee their clinical experience. Details must be provided to the Academic Programme Co-ordinator during first week of course.

A clinical hours declaration form (available below) must be signed by your Radiographic Services Manager, indicating agreement to provide the requisite number of clinical hours during the course and confirming the requisite pre-course clinical experience in CT pre-clinical hours declaration form (available below). This must be submitted together with other necessary documentation specified in the on line application process.

Eligibility criteria for applicants with an existing postgraduate qualification in CT

Candidates holding an existing Graduate Diploma or equivalent in CT who wish to pursue the award of MSc in CT may, subject to approval by the Academic Programme Director and Graduate Taught Programmes Committee, apply for accreditation of prior learning for part of the 90 credits required for the award of MSc. Applications will be considered on an individual basis once they have satisfied the entry requirements and the Universities accreditation of prior learning policy. Applicants may sometimes be required to do additional modules to RDGY40840 in order to gain the full award of MSc CT.

Applicants must have maintained a work practice record in CT since obtaining their Graduate Diploma qualification and they must provide evidence of the same. Transcript of results and Course Syllabus / Curriculum documents must be provided by applicants who obtained their CT qualification from a University other than UCD.

Applicants must arrange their own clinical placement and provide evidence of an agreement to spend a minimum of 305 hours of their clinical time in CT during the course of this module. This must be signed by the Radiographic Services Manager, indicating agreement to provide the requisite number of clinical hours during the module.

Applicants who have undertaken their Graduate Diploma at UCD must rescind their UCD-awarded Graduate Diploma before the award of MSc CT is awarded.

Please contact the programme director for further information

Please ensure that you have read attached course information, the requirements and guidelines prior to commencing the online application process.

Please quote your application number in all correspondence in connection with your application and ensure that it is on any documentation submitted.

See below, the two additional documents that you need to download to complete and forward with your application. Further information on required documentation is available in the relevant section of the online application webpage.

Your application will not be considered until all the requested documentation has been received.

16 months full-time.

Next Intake: September Annually.