Advanced Medical Imaging
Part-time
Three year
September 2025
In a nutshell
Please note, this course is not suitable for international applicants.
This programme is designed to enable qualified medical imaging practitioners to meet the challenge of specialist, advanced and consultant practitioner status in a rapidly evolving health service.
You must already hold an undergraduate qualification in a related field and for most modules you must have an established clinical workload in the area of practice you intend to study and the support of a mentor at your place of employment. We do not provide placements.
You must download and complete our Verification of Clinical Requirements Form [DOC] with your online application. We cannot make you an offer without this.
Information for managers
If you are applying for funding please contact the programme lead as soon as possible to discuss your student profile and training requirements. We will help you to identify the specific modules and full fee. We cannot hold places on our course and must process individual student applications so it is essential that we discuss eligibility. Please do not wait until funding is in place as this may delay registration or mean that we must defer the applicant to the next academic year.
For all enquiries, please contact Joanne Ashworth, programme leader: j.ashworth@salford.ac.uk
Applicant profile
Our standard entry requirement is a bachelor's degree or equivalent in Diagnostic Radiography and this should be a 2:1 or equivalent. For some workstreams we welcome applicants from other allied health and medical professional backgrounds. If you do not meet our standard requirements, please contact the programme lead to discuss accreditation for prior learning and your module options.
Course accreditations
All about the course
What will you study?
Module choice will depend on your clinical background, prior education/experience and your intended scope of practice upon completion. Our programme is flexible, you may study a single module or work toward an award. Please contact the programme lead to discuss the most appropriate modules to support your development.
Workstreams available:
- Breast Intervention
- Breast MR Reporting (subject to numbers)
- Breast Ultrasound
- Cardiac Stress Leader
- Chest Reporting
- Defecating Proctogram (subject to numbers)
- Hysterosalpingogram Practice and Reporting (subject to numbers)
- Mammography Reporting
- MSK Reporting and extended MSK Reporting
- Upper GI/VF Practice and Reporting
All of our workstreams are dependent on student numbers so please apply as soon as possible to secure your place for this year.
Some of our clinical workstreams can be adapted for specialist paediatric radiographers, please contact the programme lead for more information.
You can also study the following 30 credit modules as part of your MSc master's journey:
- Leading Change for Patient and Service Improvement
- Leading Education in Practice
- Research Methods Applied to Public Health
Once you have 120 postgraduate credits on the Advanced Medical Imaging programme you may complete the dissertation module.
Attendance
We have a blended approach to attendance with on campus activity at key points and regular online attendance between these dates. You are required on campus for mock and summative assessments. Please download and review our draft timetable for 2024/25 so that you can book your study leave:
Modules
Modules are intended to equip you with problem-solving skills and enable you to be critically aware of yourself and your practice.
- You will be supported to evaluate and implement evidence-based practice and develop comprehensive knowledge in the context of your specialist field.
- For your first reporting qualification, you must complete a postgraduate certificate as a minimum.
- You will be encouraged to develop yourself in the 4 pillars of advanced practice to assist you with an application for advanced practitioner accreditation. More information on SoR accreditation.
- Some modules require you to establish a Negotiated Learning Agreement, this means your course is tailor-made to meet your exact learning requirements.
More information about our modules:
- Postgraduate certificate: 60 graduate credits in your chosen pathway of study
- Postgraduate diploma: 120 graduate credits in your chosen pathway of study
- MSc: 180 graduate credits in your chosen pathway of study to include the Dissertation module
Dynamic Studies
The Dynamic Studies module offers students a structured pathway to develop as an enhanced practitioner within the field of fluoroscopy. Examples include but are not limited to:
- Upper GI, barium swallow and meal.
- Video-fluoroscopy.
- Hysterosalpingograms.
- Defaecating Proctograms.
Single Module Dynamic Studies - 30 Credits | University of Salford
Principles of Advanced Practice
This is a core theoretical module if you are new to post-graduate level study and/or intend to go on to develop your scope of clinical practice. It will help maximise your potential for success in your post-graduate AMI study pathway and support you in developing your scope of practice by introducing you to the skills of critical reflection, evidence-based practice and clinical leadership. The module does not include a clinical component, therefore, is suitable for students without a placement.
Method of Assessment:
- Assignment
Click here to view the full module page.
Core Skills for Radiological Reporting CSRR
This module will introduce you to the concepts that influence image appraisal, decision making and communication and will support you to develop your practice by applying your knowledge of these concepts within your chosen field of reporting.
This module is to be undertaken with the following modules: Radiology Image Interpretation, Adult Chest Reporting, and Dynamic Studies.
Method of Assessment:
- Assignment
View the full Core Skills for Radiological Reporting module page.
Radiology Image Interpretation RII
Completed alongside the Core Skills for Radiological Reporting module, RII allows you to develop your skills to become competent in pattern recognition and image interpretation specific to your own area of practice. The module is competency based and will enable you to effectively formulate diagnoses and communicate your reports both verbally and in writing.
You will have the support of a personal tutor who holds a post graduate qualification in reporting. Current specialisms offered are MSK and Mammography.
https://www.salford.ac.uk/courses/single-module/radiology-image-interpretation-level-7-30-credits
Method of Assessment:
- OSCE
- Viva with case log presentation
Click here to view the full module page.
Advanced Procedures AP
Advanced Procedures is a broad, flexible module which allows students to study a specialist area of practice related to medical imaging. Examples include:
- Breast stereo intervention
- Cardiac stress leader
- Minor fluoroscopy procedures such as line placement/exchange.
The module offers students a structured pathway to enhance their scope of practice, developing skills of critical reflection for personal and professional development.
https://www.salford.ac.uk/courses/single-module/advanced-procedures-level-7-15-credits
Method of Assessment:
- Reflective portfolio (to include a log of cases)
Extending Advanced Practice EAP
For students who already hold a post-graduate qualification and/or have enhanced their scope of practice. The Extending Advanced Practice module will enable you to acquire another clinical competency and develop your skills set across all 4 pillars of advanced practice.
https://www.salford.ac.uk/courses/single-module/extending-advanced-practice-level-7-30-credits
Method of Assessment:
- Viva Portfolio
Adult Chest Reporting (ACR)
Adult Chest Reporting (ACR) is a 30 credit module which when completed alongside our Core Skills for Radiological Reporting module, will develop your skills to become competent in pattern recognition and image interpretation of the adult chest. The module is competency based and will enable you to effectively formulate diagnoses and communicate your reports both verbally and in writing. You will have the support of a personal tutor who holds a post graduate qualification in chest reporting.
https://www.salford.ac.uk/courses/single-module/adult-chest-reporting-level-7-30-credits
Scientific Principles of Diagnostic Ultrasound
This module will equip you with the core knowledge and understanding of the underpinning science and technology of diagnostic ultrasound. The module will ensure you have the ability to apply the knowledge, to optimise the image and practice safely within appropriate guidelines.
Scientific Principles of Hybrid Imaging
This module looks closely at SPECT-CT and PET-CT imaging in the diagnosis of pathology. In the same way as the preceding modules, there is an integrated approach that looks at the science, clinical applications and clinical practice. You will also be introduced to the evolving PET-MR modality and its current and potential future roles.
Click here for full module information.
Research Methods Applied to Public Health
In this module you will learn about contemporary issues and debates in research, the nature role and context of research in health and social care and the theoretical issues and approaches to research. You will master developing research questions and hypotheses, searching for evidence and information and form a critical review of existing research. This module prepares you for writing research proposals, and research reports.
Leading Education in Practice
You will take 30 credits from the Leading Education in Practice and this module will allow you to critically examine the theory, research base and impact of the drivers for health and social care reform on leading practice education. You will identify a clear theory and/or research base in the design of practice learning, teaching and assessment. This is an ideal module for those practitioners who are working in an education role within their service.
The 'Me' in Leadership for Health Care Practice (30 credits)
Understand yourself as a leader and improve your personal leadership knowledge, skills and qualities. The module covers areas such as leadership and management approaches, narrative analysis, emotional intelligence and effective leadership.
Dissertation
Following successful completion of 120 post graduate credits you can progress onto the dissertation module to further develop your skills and knowledge. The dissertation is specifically designed to instill an approach to practice that is critically reflective and evidence-based.
You will take an independent and bespoke route to your learning, using systematic processes of enquiry to investigate an aspect of professional, clinical or organisational practice.
There are 3 options for your project:
[A] A systematised literature review of evidence relating to a professional, clinical or organisational subject, including a critical commentary on the implications within your professional discipline, practice, or wider collaborative and professional networks
[B] A project negotiated with the supervision team and commensurate with the research expertise and priorities of the supervisory team
[C] A service evaluation project and/or audit relating to a professional, clinical or organisational subject, including a critical commentary on the implications within their professional discipline, practice, or wider collaborative and professional networks
Students will negotiate their project option with the module leader, taking account of their professional and enhanced practice interests and learning needs, current research interests and the expertise available within the research and scholarly community in the Diagnostic Imaging Research Programme. These choices will be underpinned by a thorough consideration of research, clinical governance and ethical issues within the student practice context and in accordance with University frameworks.
For all enquiries, please contact the programme lead, Joanne Ashworth, j.ashworth@salford.ac.uk
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
The School of Health and Society
The School of Health and Society is a forward-thinking, dynamic school with a commitment to lifelong learning and real world impact.
We live in a rapidly changing world, and we’re keen to leave a productive legacy of helping people at all stages of their lives, improving their physical, psychological and social wellbeing.
Facilities
The Advanced Medical Imaging programme has access to the Directorate’s imaging suites. This includes the Susan Hall Imaging Facility, which comprises a Toshiba Aquilion 16 slice CT scanner with full supporting software, and two ceiling suspended x-ray tubes with digital image capture and display. We also have an Ultrasound skills lab suite of 4 diagnostic ultrasound machines and have purchased clinical-quality high-resolution digital viewing systems. These combined facilities are probably the best in the UK and may be among the best in Europe, in terms of an academic environment.
Our imaging suites are used in skills labs and self-directed study by both undergraduate and postgraduate students, and there are also several research projects underway which use this equipment and feed into the programmes. Some of the postgraduate assessments are linked to projects using the ultrasound equipment. Use of equipment is compliant with the appropriate UK legislation and guidance.
Staff profile
Programme Leader - Joanne Ashworth
“This programme offers innovative teaching within a multidisciplinary team of educators and clinical specialists who are at the cutting edge of their field. Students are offered a unique pathway tailored to their individual training requirements. They develop their professional, evidence-based and patient centred skills enabling them to enhance their career within the dynamic field of Advanced Medical Imaging.”
Specialist lecturers and support
Teaching is delivered by clinical and academic experts, many of whom are Advanced and Consultation practitioners themselves, and are considered national experts in their field. All students have access to a personal tutor who will help them derive their own learning outcomes to ensure they are relevant and appropriate for developing clinical competence.
What about after uni?
Most students have been seconded from and returned to their work in the National Health Service with advanced practitioner status, and a number have gone on to become Consultant Practitioners. Students will also be supported to apply for Advanced Practitioner Accreditation with the College of Radiographers.
Career Links
The radiography directorate has a very successful history of developing advanced practice, and this course has strong links with imaging departments, mostly within the UK National Health Service. It is also supported by the North West Medical Physics Department. This means that all your learning will be relevant to current practice and will ultimately benefit your patients through the development of your clinical skills and enhanced knowledge.
What you need to know
Application checklist
Complete the online application using the big red button at the top of this page. Ensure the following are included with your application:
- Evidence of all previous qualifications
- Verification of Clinical Requirements Form [DOC]
English language requirements
Students whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in English - IELTS - a minimum overall score of 7.0 (with no element below 6.5) is proof of this.
Undergraduate degree
You will hold an undergraduate BSc (Hons) degree in Diagnostic Radiography or other health care professional qualification, 2:1 or above. For the clinically related modules, you will also have access to a relevant imaging caseload and the support of a clinical mentor. Regrettably, the University of Salford cannot undertake to find a clinical placement for you.
If you do not have a 2:1 degree and wish to apply, the programme lead will decide on whether an Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) is required. This may delay your offer so please apply as soon as possible.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.
Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
How much?
Standard programme fees
Your annual fee will be calculated pro rata to the number of credits you study.
For 2024-25, these will be:
- 15 credits, £735
- 30 credits, £1,470
- 45 credits, £2,205
- 60 credits, £2,940
For 2025-26, these will be:
- 15 credits, £765
- 30 credits, £1,530
- 45 credits, £2,295
- 60 credits, £3,060
International students
Prospective students with a Skilled Worker (Tier 2) visa that covers the duration of their study are eligible to apply.
- For 2024-25, fees are calculated at £735 per 15 credits.
- For 2025-26, fees are calculated at £765 per 15 credits.
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Part-time | 2025/26 | £765 per 15 credits |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits to associated clinical sites and other associated hospitals during your course.
All set? Let's apply
Still have some questions? Register for one of our Open Days or contact us: