About this course
- Entry year: 2012/13
- Course code: B82A1
- Applications: University
- Level: Postgraduate
- Department: Allied Health Professions
- Campus: Glenside Campus
- Duration: Three years
- Delivery: Full-time
- Programme leader: Spencer Goodman
- Key fact: This is a full-time pre-registration course, suitable for people with a good degree in a health or science field, including psychology and sociology.
Introduction
This is a three-year MSc suitable for people with a degree in a health or science related field, including psychology. Please contact Spencer Goodman to discuss the course, or if you have a degree you think might be suitable. Successful completion of this course makes you eligible to register on to the Health Professions Council (HPC) register with the protected title of 'TherapeuticRadiographer'.
The University of the West of England is recognised both nationally and internationally as one of the leading centres in education and training for Radiotherapy and Oncology. We are proud to have produced the Society and College of Radiographers national student of the year for two out of the last three years. Teaching staff involved have also been recognised for exceptional student support and this is demonstrated by the excellent national student survey rank. Credited for an excellent student experience and subsequent employability, we strive to continually maintain these high standards.
With a research based approach to teaching delivery the team have also hosted the inaugural VERT International Users Conference.
Structure
Content
Course Structure
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|
Within your first year you will study a range of modules that will allow you to build upon your current graduate skills. This will enable you to learn about the fundamentals of Radiotherapy and Oncology practice, applied anatomy and physiology and the underpinning radiation science vital for clinical practice. | In year two you will begin to advance your knowledge and skills from year one, exploring more complex aspects of Radiotherapy and Oncology practice. This will be set into an appropriate research methodology framework required for master's level study. | Year three gives you the opportunity to research a chosen area of Radiotherapy and Oncology practice at master's level whilst exploring contemporary and innovative ways of working within the clinical practice environment. |
Fundamentals of Radiotherapy and Oncology
20 credit Level 3 | Radiotherapy Technology and Oncology Practice
40 credit M-level Practice placement year 2 | Contemporary Radiotherapy and Oncology Studies
40 credit M-level Practice placement year 3 |
Fundamentals of Anatomy, Physiology and Radiographic Science
20 credit M-level | Research Methodology for Clinical Practice (PSRB pre-registration)
20 credit M-level | Dissertation Module |
Fundamentals of Radiotherapy and Oncology Practice
20 credit M-level Practice Placement Year 1 | Communication Skills in Cancer and Palliative Care
20 credit M-level | |
This programme is designed to run over three years. All modules in the programme are compulsory and there are no optional module choices.
Target/Highest Award
MSc Radiotherapy and Oncology
Credit requirements: 220 credits at level 3 or above of which not less than 120 are at level M.
In order to be eligible to apply for HPC registration all modules must be passed.
Default Award
MSc Health and Social Studies
Credit requirements: 180 credits at level 3 or above of which not less than 120 are at level M and must include the dissertation module.
Interim Awards
Postgraduate Certificate Health and Social Studies
Credit requirements: 60 credits at level 3 or above of which not less than 40 are at level M.
Postgraduate Diploma Health and Social Studies
Credit requirements: 120 credits at level 3 or above of which not less than 80 credits are at level M.
Assessment
A range of assessment methods are used throughout the programme. Consideration within each module and the nature of the learning outcomes and syllabus determines the method of assessment. This includes written assignments, examinations, presentations, posters, online/interactive, objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) and continuous practice assessment within the clinical environment.
Your attention is drawn to the following University policy:
Approved to University Academic Regulations and Procedures
MSc Radiotherapy and Oncology will be assessed according to the University Academic Regulations and Procedures with the award specific requirements, detailed as follows:
A student must achieve a pass in the Research Methodology for Clinical Practice (PSRB Pre-registration) module in order to be allowed to commence the dissertation module.
Full attendance at professional practice and taught sessions is normally expected. Attendance is monitored and recorded by module leaders and overseen by the programme leader.
Professional practice placements must be taken in order; students are required to pass each placement before being allowed to commence their next placement.
Students will be required to complete the MSc (Hons) Radiotherapy and Oncology programme within 5 years of date of commencement.
No aegrotat award with registration is available.
The programme will have at least one external examiner appointed who is appropriately experienced and qualified and is from the relevant part of the HPC register.
Special Features
Placements
The programme incorporates one 14 week clinical practice placement (full-time) in each of the three years of the programme. Working alongside highly skilled Therapeutic Radiographers and the wider inter-professional team you will have the opportunity to develop and deliver various aspects of Radiotherapy treatment and patient care utilising the latest research and technology.
Employability is a key aspect of the MSc and you will have the opportunity at the end of your third year to undertake a pre-qualifying placement that will allow you to consolidate your knowledge and skills prior to qualification. Opportunities exist for local, national and international placements.
Practice Placement support
The Practice Learning Unit exists in order to provide you with information and support for all aspects of clinical practice. Their philosophy is to:
"provide a co-ordinated service that accesses a range of placements within the University catchment area, that supports the practice requirements of pre-qualifying Award Routes in order to produce, at the point of registration, practitioners fit for purpose and practice"
Placement travel and accommodation
Students who have applied for a NHS bursary may be eligible to claim reimbursement for travel costs to and from placement. Details can be found on the practice learning unit web pages.
Accommodation can be provided for all placement areas. For students who are placed outside of the Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire areas may be eligible to claim reimbursement for accommodation costs. Individual advice is available on request from the programme leader.
Entry
Entry requirements
Entry requirements:
- Graduate (2:2 or above) in a scientific/health related subject
- GCSE (or equivalent) Maths, Science, English Language at grade C or above
Consideration will also be given to individual's background/life experiences, for example from the previous first degree or relevant work experience opportunities in relation to their knowledge and understanding of the profession of radiotherapy.
Because of funding arrangements we are unfortunately unable to accept applications from international students (overseas fee status) for this course.
Applicants whose first language is not English must have a minimum IELTS score of 7 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in any section, (or equivalent).
Accreditation of prior (experiential) learning will be evaluated on an individual basis in accordance with university regulations. Where a student has studied and gained credit in a similar subject then Accreditation of Learning (AL) may be applied for, Accreditation of Experiential Learning relates to learning achieved through experience gained outside formalised learning arrangements and may also be applied for. Please see further information including the administrator contact details.
An example where AL may be appropriate could be a graduate in Diagnostic Imaging who has undertaken postgraduate study.
Additional selection criteria
As well as meeting the academic entry requirements, applicants should meet the following selection criteria:
All applicants are strongly recommended to visit a radiotherapy department prior to enrolling on the programme and should reflect on this experience within their application.
Health Assessment/Declaration - applicants must be in good health. Those offered a place are required to complete a questionnaire and be prepared to undergo a medical examination if necessary. UWE will initiate this process by contacting prospective students directly.
Disclosure of Criminal Background - the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 does not apply and all convictions, including those which are spent, must be disclosed. Applicants who are offered a place must undergo a Criminal Record Bureau check and will be required to complete a Disclosure Application Form. All information will be treated in confidence and only taken into account when absolutely necessary. UWE will initiate this process by contacting prospective students directly.
Interview - shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview with a member of staff from the academic team and a member of staff from clinical service.
Interview questions will explore key areas required to study radiotherapy and oncology such as evidence of team working, communication skills, knowledge and understanding of the profession. Commitment to the course will also be explored.
Fees
Bursary
Applicants accepted for a full-time NHS funded place are eligible to apply for an NHS income-assessed bursary. The University will initiate this process on your behalf. The NHS bursary is split into different sections: tuition fees, maintenance (cost of living) allowance, additional allowances. The NHS will pay your tuition fees, your income and that of your parents or your spouse will be taken into account when calculating your maintenance (cost of living) allowance and there are additional allowances that can be applied for: extra weeks attendance; initial expenses; dependences; disabled students; hardship support; parents learning; practice placement; two homes; students entering from care.
NB: Even if you do not think you will be eligible for an income-assessed NHS bursary we recommend that you still apply for one. This will entitle you to apply for placement travel expenses at a later date. You cannot apply retrospectively for an income-assessed NHS bursary.
EU nationals may be eligible for part of an income-assessed NHS bursary. Students may have their tuition fees paid but will not qualify for a maintenance (cost of living) allowance or the additional allowances.
If you do not fall into either of the above categories you may be liable for the full cost of the tuition and placement fees in addition to your cost of living expenses.
If you have any questions please take a look at our NHS-funded pages.
Alternatively for more information contact: Student Grants Unit, Telephone: +44 (0)845 358 6655 or E-mail: eligibility@nhspa.gov.uk
Student Loan - In addition, applicants who have been accepted should apply to Student Finance - England in advance of starting their programme in order to be eligible for a Student Loan if required.
EU/Overseas Applicants - Please contact the UWE Admissions Office for further information: Tel: +44 (0)117 32 83333, Fax: +44 (0)117 32 82810 or email: admissions@uwe.ac.uk
For further information
Page last updated 14 December 2011