Advancing Practice in Medical Imaging - MSc/PgDip

Structure and exit awards

You can opt to study for the full MSc (180 credits) or a PgDip (120 credits). Please note that all students initially enrol in the full MSc degree. 

You can also register as an associate student to complete a single module for CPD. On completion of a single module, you may wish to complete further modules and progress your studies to a named award. Please contact Masume Pasban for further information on single module study.

Teaching, learning and assessment

All modules are delivered online and can be studied from a distance. Additional support is available for those new to or returning to master ’s-level study.

There are a variety of assessment methods, including critical and reflective coursework, ePortfolios, presentations and practice-based assessments.

Teaching hours and attendance

No on-campus attendance is required at QMU, and course material is delivered entirely online. Each 20-credit module will equate to approximately 200 hours of study, including regular online contact and independent experiential learning.

Class sizes

You will join a multi-professional online community of learners and will have the opportunity to interact and share your experiences.

Teaching staff

You can read more about the teaching staff for this course at the bottom of this page. Please note that teaching staff is subject to change.

You will study the following modules: 

• Advanced Competencies I (40 credits): This module will enable you to attain pre-agreed workplace competencies and to critically evaluate the evidence base underpinning the selected area of work. This module requires you to be working in the specific area and/or have access to an appropriate workplace setting (paid or voluntary).
• Principles of CT or MRI (20 credits): This module enables you to develop a more in-depth understanding of the theoretical applications of CT or MRI.
• Methods or Enquiry (20 credits): This module will provide you with an understanding of research principles, methodologies and analysis.
• Fundamentals of Advancing Practice (20 credits): This module will provide you with critical knowledge and understanding of advanced practice.
• Optional module (20 credits): You will also complete a further optional module from any approved Framework modules.
• Dissertation (60 credits): For the MSc, you will also complete a dissertation or, should you decide to study both the Principles of CT and Principles of MRI modules, there is the option to undertake a 40-credit dissertation.

With the wide variety of advancing practice within radiography, practitioners who are not working in the fields of either CT or MRI have the ability to tailor their learning to their particular role or area of advancing practice. This can be done utilising either the Advancing Competencies modules or the Advancing Practice Portfolio modules. Please contact us to discuss the options available. 

This course will provide you with enhanced career progression opportunities in a variety of roles. Whilst we offer modules in CT and MRI, it is possible to undertake modules that provide academic recognition of a variety of clinical competencies, with support from a clinical supervisor/mentor. This may provide the opportunity for career progression in your specialist field. There are also modules focusing on leadership and education, so this course offers a flexible approach to your learning which meets the needs of you and your employer. 

Entry requirements

• An Honours degree in a relevant radiography discipline (Diagnostic/Therapeutic) or medical imaging equivalent.
• Relevant professional registration. 

International students:

• You will be required to provide evidence of English language competence at no less than IELTS 6.5, with no individual component score less than 6.0.
• Please note that as this course is fully online, the University cannot sponsor International students to study here on a student visa.

Other requirements

Some modules require individuals to be working in the specific area of practice and/or to have access to a suitable workplace setting, along with support from a line manager and workplace mentor.

Disability/health conditions

If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or learning disability, it should not stand in the way of your studying at QMU. However, if you are not sure whether your disability might be a barrier in your studies or in relation to the professional standards, please contact the disability service, which will be able to have a conversation with you about reasonable adjustments and supports available to you.

Applying for this course

For more information on applying, or to apply for this course, please follow the links in the 'Start your application' box at the top right of this page. Please note that you will choose to apply for either the MRI or CT route of the course.

Application deadline

Typically, December for a January start and August for a September start.

Contact Masume Pasban or contact Admissions

More information on our forthcoming open events

• The delivery of this course is subject to the terms and conditions set out in our 2027/28 Entry - Terms and Conditions (Postgraduate).
• The information on this page is correct at the time of posting (October 2026) but is subject to change. In the event that modules change, QMU will seek to use reasonable endeavours to ensure that there is no detrimental impact on students. Please keep an eye on this page for updates.