This MSc computed tomography (CT) course is designed for radiographers with at least one year’s post-qualification experience. Applicants must be working in a CT department.

Course Description

The course will develop the expertise of radiographers working in the field of CT and will broaden knowledge of routine and advanced applications, communication skills and analytical thinking.

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 undergraduate level study and existing clinical practice skills to enable radiographers to become experts in CT imaging.

This Masters 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 1,000 clinical hours to gain the necessary specialist clinical skills in CT scanning.

This programme prepares radiographers to apply a critically questioning approach to CT practice and fosters the skills necessary to apply knowledge in relation to complex decision-making. It also encourages radiographers to advance research in the field of CT.

Modules

Technology of Computed Tomography I

This module endeavors to develop in the student an understanding of the physical theories and principles underlying Multidetector CT technology, thus encouraging a broader spectrum of clinical operation. It also aims to develop an understanding of the principles of radiation protection and their application in computed tomography.

This module focuses on CT scanner design, data acquisition & processing, dosimetry and image quality. The module is delivered as a mix of on campus lecture blocks and distance e-learning units and is assessed by coursework and written examination. 

Practice of Computed Tomography I

Students registered for this module are offered the opportunity to expand on their current clinical and theoretical knowledge of routine neurological CT examinations, spine, interventional & ENT CT scanning.

Students are encouraged to analyse issues relating to scanning protocols &normal/abnormal CT image appearances for the above anatomical regions. This module also aims to cultivate higher level professional skills & reflective skills in the student and is assessed by coursework. 

Technology of Computed Tomography II

This module endeavors to develop in students, an understanding of CT scanning parameters, thus encouraging a broader spectrum of clinical operation. It explores advanced image processing techniques and clinical applications.

It also aims to develop an understanding of the importance of quality assurance for CT scanners & its application in conventional and radiotherapy CT. This module also focuses on the management of equipment throughout its lifecycle and is assessed by coursework and written examination. 

Practice of Computed Tomography II 

This module aims to enable students to expand on their current clinical and theoretical knowledge of thoracic & abdomino-pelvic CT scanning. Multidetector CT imaging of the body will be investigated in relation to trauma, oncology and CT Angiography.

Students are encouraged to analyse issues relating to scanning protocols &normal/abnormal CT image appearances.  Students are offered the opportunity to develop their presentation skills and learn to source and analyse current evidenced-based literature. Students are assessed by coursework and group presentation. 

Clinical Practice of Computed Tomography

The clinical practice module aims to facilitate the integration of theoretical concepts & professional clinical practice in order to consolidate the learning process. It also aims to help the students develop professionally in a manner that is largely autonomous.

Specifically, it provides an opportunity for students to become competent and develop high level clinical skills. The focus of this module is largely self-directed within the students own clinical CT department.                                                                                                                                                   

Advanced Computed Tomography Imaging                                                                                                                   

The Advanced CT Imaging module encourages students to refine their 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, data acquisition, and image reconstruction techniques relating to CT e.g. advanced cardiovascular, neurological and body imaging.  

The module will enable students to assess how CT will contribute to disease assessment, management and follow up of patients. Students will also investigate the principles underpinning the development, establishment and performance of clinical audit in CT. The module will also aim to facilitate the development of generic skills such as advanced leadership and teamwork skills; self- directed learning and applied research in the student.  

Professional Clinical Practice

Students will be required to present a record of their professional clinical practice for all of the above modules at certain intervals throughout the programme. These hours may be spread over the calendar year, with more hours undertaken in semesters 1 & 2 and fewer pro rata in semester 3 however students must ensure that they have completed the required number of clinical hours in order to be awarded the MSc. 

The MSc CT programme leads to a UCD Level 4 (Masters) award (equivalent to NQAI Level 9) and takes 16 months to complete. The Masters programme encompasses a flexible modular course structure where emphasis is placed on integration of academic and clinical components. The programme runs once every two years.

Blended learning is delivered through a combination of debates and class discussions, lectures, tutorials, image appraisal, e-Learning and practical tasks. Hands-on workshops enable radiographers to refine their skills relating to the newest CT applications.

These teaching and learning strategies are designed to encourage autonomous personal and professional progress within a supportive framework.

Criteria for standard entry applicants

• 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.
• All candidates are required to undertake a minimum of four months of clinical work experience in CT scanning prior to commencing the course and provide documented evidence of this.
• All candidates must arrange their own clinical placement and provide evidence of an agreement to spend a minimum of 1000 hours (28.5 weeks) gaining practical experience in CT over the duration of the programme.
• Candidates are required to arrange for a suitably qualified clinical supervisor to oversee their clinical experience and must provide these details to the Academic Programme Director.
• A Clinical Declaration Form CT  must be signed by your Radiographic Services Manager, indicating agreement to provide the requisite number of clinical hour during the course and confirming the requisite pre-course clinical experience in CT. This must be submitted together with other necessary documentation specified in the online application process.

Eligibility criteria for applicants with existing postgraduate qualification in CT

• Applications will be considered on an individual basis once they have satisfied the entry requirements and the Universities accreditation of prior learning policy.
• Prospective students must have at least one year post qualification experience and have Department of Health & Children approval to practise radiography in Ireland or Health Professions Council approval to practise radiography in the UK & Northern Ireland
• Candidates must arrange their own clinical placement and provide evidence of an agreement to spend 245 hours (7 weeks) of their clinical time in CT during the course of this module. This must be signed by your Radiographic Services Manager, indicating agreement to provide the requisite number of clinical hour during the module.
• Candidates must complete and submit the following document at the time of applying for the module – Accreditation of Prior Learning Form CT  – Portfolio of Evidence 
• Candidates who have undertaken their Graduate Diploma at UCD must rescind their UCD-awarded Graduate Diploma before the award of MSc CT is awarded.
• Candidates who have undertaken their Graduate Diploma in an institution other than UCD must upload a copy of their Course Transcript and Course Syllabus for their Postgraduate Course for Accreditation of Prior Learning when submitting their on-line application.

Essential requirements

All applicants must:

• Hold a BSc (Honours) or equivalent in Diagnostic Radiography
• Have attained a minimum score of 7.0 in IELTS (a minimum of 6 in each band) or 600 in TOEFL (250+ computer-based; 100+ iTB score; with test of written English at 475+). All test results must be less than 2 years old.
• Have attained at least 8 months clinical work experience in CT prior to commencing the course, and provide documented evidence supporting this.
• Provide academic and clinical references to support your commitment and ability to undertake this course

Additional information

International applicants who to undertake this course are advised to contact the Academic Programme Director for information [edel.thomas@ucd.ie] regarding availability of places and eligibility.

Please note that even if the above criteria are met, the offer of a place to international students is also dependent upon the University’s ability to negotiate clinical placement in a CT department of a Dublin-based hospital over the duration of the course. It will not be possible to confirm the outcome of these negotiations until several weeks prior to the start of the course.

The next intake will take place in 2013.  

Application Procedure

• 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 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
• The Clinical Declaration Form CT  should be submitted by all applicants who have organised clinical placement in a CT department for the duration of the programme.
• The University will organise completion of this form for the international applicants.
• The Accreditation of Prior Learning Form CT  – Portfolio of Evidence should be submitted by applicants who have previously undertaken postgraduate studies in CT either in UCD or another educational institution and who now wish to upgrade their qualification to MSc.

To Apply Online 

• Click on the http://www.ucd.ie/apply/ link and follow the steps outlined.
• The “Application Type” is Graduate Taught Courses, and “Admission Term” is TBC in 2013. Fill in your personal details, and when asked about the “Programme Choice”, select Computed Tomography (Graduate Diploma in Med) X021.
• Please note that selection of this programme code implies that you wish to apply for the taught Graduate Diploma in CT, and the corresponding fee will be applied. Having paid the application fee and received an e-mail receipt, you must continue to complete the application process by pressing “submit”.
• An e-mail confirming successful application will be sent to you within 24 hours. A detailed, step-by step guide to the online application process is available at www.ucd.ie/apply. You can track the status of your documentation online. Log in to your account & click on your submitted application.
• This will bring up an application summary. The application requirements are listed at the bottom of the summary. As we receive documents, the date of receipt will appear here.

Programme Administrator

Academic Programme Director

• For more information on course fees please visit the Fees & Grants Office website.
• Fees are correct at the time of writing and subject to change.