Diagnostic Radiography BSc (Hons)

Teaching

Teaching and learning are student-centred, reflecting the philosophy of constructivism whereby students are active participants in their learning experience, and learn with and from each other. Methods of assessment include assessment of knowledge, skill, application and evaluation in preparation for employment.  Examples of learning and teaching methods used include:

• Lead lectures
• Practical classes
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Problem-solving
• Oral presentations
• Tutorial/seminar discussions
• Use of e-learning (pre-reading, pre-recorded lectures, self-assessment quiz and online discussions)
• Student-led Problem-Based Learning
• Case Study based Scenarios

The spiral approach to learning is introduced in level four with the learning and teaching of fundamental imaging techniques, science and patient-centred care. These are then further enhanced and developed in levels five and six introducing more complex imaging and adaptation of technique.  Research and critique of published evidence is introduced at level 4 and developed at levels 5 and 6, culminating in students conducting a research project.

 Learning in the university setting is complimented by practical sessions and placement learning.  Placements will be based in integrated care systems across the West Midlands. Students are supported to achieve the required level of competency, moving from basic skills acquisition to advanced skills requiring complex reasoning. Assessment of practice skills is done by imaging staff during the students’ practice placement. With opportunities for interprofessional learning both within the university and the clinical practice setting, including during simulated practice where students have the opportunity to work with a range of health professionals.  

Student meetings with personal academic tutors (PAT) are scheduled on at least four occasions in the first year and three times in each of the other years of a course. 

Contact time

In a typical week at levels 4 and 5 students will have 10-15 contact hours of teaching per week. Placement hours will make up between 15 and 24 hours per week.  Remaining hours will be used for independent study to add up to 38 hours per week.  At level 6 students will normally have slightly less contact time (10 hours) to facilitate independent study.  

Students will undertake placement hours at levels 4, 5 and 6. A two day a week placement, throughout the academic year, will be facilitated in a local integrated care system, with some time spent with a private provider.  Students are expected to work out of hours, including weekend shifts.  All these learning hours will be formally recorded and signed by the supervising radiographer. 

Independent self study

In addition to the contact time, students are expected to undertake around 20 hours of personal self-study per week.  Typically, this will involve using resources to revise taught content and read more widely around the subject.  

Independent learning is supported by a range of excellent learning facilities, including the Hive and library resources, the virtual learning environment, and extensive electronic learning resources.   

Duration

3 years Full time

Timetables

Timetables are normally available one month before registration. Please note that whilst we try to be as student friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week; and some classes can be scheduled in the evenings.  

Teaching staff

You will be taught by a teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. The team includes senior academics and professional practitioners. Service users and practicing professionals, who may deliver sessions related to their clinical speciality or health condition and experiences, as well as supporting your teaching. 

Teaching is based on research and consultancy; all permanent members of the Diagnostic Radiography staff have a higher education teaching qualification or are Fellows of the Higher Education Academy. You can learn more about the staff by visiting our staff profiles.

Assessment

The approach to assessment is based on achieving the learning outcomes that relate to the knowledge, skills, values and behaviours of a practicing diagnostic radiographer at the end of the degree course. The course provides opportunities to test understanding and learning informally through the completion of practice or 'formative' assignments. Each module has one or more formal or 'summative' assessments which is graded and count towards the overall module grade.  

Assessments used are inclusive and will include:

• Oral examination
• OSCE (Observed Structured Clinical Examination)
• Written essays and reflective essays
• Research Proposal
• Dissertation
• Individual and group presentations
• Case Studies
• Portfolios
• Practice Assessment Documents  

Through inclusive assessment, students will develop the skills required of a practising lifelong learner, including developing a personal portfolio.  The course will also develop academic skills such as scientific writing, researching and critical thinking, utilising the current evidence base in readiness for employment.  

A typical summative assessment pattern is:  

Level 4

• Portfolio, 2 essays, a practical exam, a written exam, an OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) and a practice assessment document.  

Level 5

• Portfolio, research proposal, essay, individual presentation, OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination), a group presentation, case study, reflective essay and a practice assessment document  

Level 6

• Portfolio, dissertation, case study, individual presentation, essay and a practice assessment document 

Programme specification

For comprehensive details on the aims and intended learning outcomes of the course, and the means by which these are achieved through learning, teaching and assessment, please download the latest programme specification document.