Therapeutic Radiography and Oncology PGDip

This module is designed to encompass the whole radiotherapy patient journey, including clinically relevant anatomy and physiology, for the non-melanoma skin cancer. Careful structuring of e-lectures,online small group tutorials, online case tutorials, self-directed learning and simulated learning encompasses the programme design core value of an engaging, authentic curricula. is is the first of four Radiotherapy Theory and Clinical Practice modules in the Post Graduate Diploma in the Therapeutic Radiography and Oncology programme. This module will introduce the learner to the key concepts of cancer behaviour and management, with specific reference to non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). The study of carcinogenesis; and the anatomy and physiology of the cell, the skeletal system, integumentary system, circulatory system and lymphatic system will provide students with foundational knowledge which will be applied to understand cancer development, presentation and routes of spread. Learners will gain knowledge of benign and malignant conditions; systems used to describe the size and spread of cancer; how these cancers can present a range of signs and symptoms; and health promotion strategies employed to improve early diagnosis.

The module will use a case based approach to introduce learners to the roles of the Therapeutic Radiographer and the multi-disciplinary team in clinical decision making in the management of NMSC.
Learners will develop knowledge of radiotherapy and other management pathways for NMSC and pharmacology concepts relevant to the clinical patient cases.
Learners will also apply treatment planning principles to the technique and prescription of radiotherapy for NMSC, linking with the physics concepts taught and assessed in the concurrent module RADT627.

The module will develop the learners radiotherapy clinical skills and knowledge, including technical skills, communication skills, professionalism, resilience and compassion through clinical placement and simulation; as well as develop a foundation level understanding of the roles of the professional body (Society and College of Radiographers(SCoR)) and regulator (Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)).

A blended teaching approach will be used which includes: guided independent study, case study based tutorials, e-lectures, online practical sessions in the Human Anatomy Resource Centre (HARC) and clinical placement.
E-lectures and electronic resources will be used to provide learners with an underpinning knowledge of oncology and the profession and core skills required for clinical practice. E-Tutorials will enable learners to practise clinical skills including basic life support (BLS) and infection control as well as communication through roleplay and interactions with service users. Treatment simulation using the Virtual Environment for Radiotherapy (VERT) and the Radiotherapy clinical skill suite will be used to link clinical and academic knowledge and skills.

Alternating academic and clinical blocks will allow learners to develop and consolidate academic underpinning knowledge through observation and practice.

Scheduled academic advisor meetings will help learners develop action plans for their personal, academic and clinical development.

The module assessment comprises three components:
Online Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE); A written reflective assignment; and continuous clinical assessment.

This is a Level 6, 10 credit module which is part of the pre-registration Post Graduate Diploma Therapeutic Radiography & Oncology programme. he successful student will develop their knowledge and skills in the fundamental sciences needed for safe and effective radiotherapy practice.
Content will focus on foundational concepts of: radiation interactions and production, radiotherapy equipment, radiation protection computerised treatment planning, fundamental radiobiological principles and the basis of radiation dose measurement.

By exploring the physical science principles behind pre-treatment and on-treatment processes and technologies, students will develop understanding of the treatment pathway and technologies involved. Students will develop their critical and analytical skills to identify, explain and appraise the significance of these aspects of practice.
Learners will gain the necessary understanding of mathematical and physical concepts to enable them to understand the physical theories. Learners will also learn how to generate and use radiation safely through understanding of the properties and dangers of radiation as well as understanding of the technology and equipment used in radiotherapy.

The module is delivered using lectures, e-lectures, practical sessions and group seminars. Tutorial support will be offered to learners to discuss physical concepts in a safe environment and discuss answers to online formative assessments. More able learners will be encouraged to offer peer support in these sessions with tutor support. Maths tutorials will also be provided if required.

There is one element of assessment, consisting of a 2 hour unseen written examination.

This is a Level 7, 10 credit module which is part of the pre-registration Post Graduate Therapeutic Radiography & Oncology programme.
This module will use and develop further the knowledge, understanding and skills established in the first semester’s studies to establish everyday theoretical clinical practice for on-treatment delivery and verification. Running in parallel with the radiotherapy theory and clinical practice module in the semester (RADT 716), this module will take forward the fundamental scientific knowledge acquired academically and clinically, to establish the use of these technologies as used in the clinical departments; using authentic case studies of machine breakdown, dose calculation, challenging on-treatment decision making such as: verification issues (both geometric and dosimetric) and radiobiological modelling, particularly for fractionation schedule changes and unintended interruptions. Both photon and charged particle therapies will be considered

The module is delivered using lectures, e-lectures, practical sessions and group seminars. Tutorial support will be offered to learners to discuss physical concepts in a safe environment and discuss answers to online formative assessments. More able learners will be encouraged to offer peer support in these sessions with tutor support. Maths tutorials will also be provided if required.

There are two elements of assessment, consisting of two written assignments, which enable learners to demonstrate critical appraisal and academic writing skills at level 7

This module is designed to encompass the whole radiotherapy patient journey, including clinically relevant anatomy and physiology, for the oncology sites of the breast, abdomen and pelvis. Oncology and radiotherapy treatment planning and delivery are intrinsically linked, therefore students will learn anatomy contouring for treatment planning alongside 3D anatomy as part of the integrated patient pathway. Careful structuring of e-lectures, small group tutorials, case tutorials, self-directed learning, simulated learning and clinical placement encompasses the programme design core value of an engaging, authentic curricula. The module will introduce the learner to the oncology management of common cancers found in the breast, abdomen and pelvis. Learners will be supported to develop their academic reasoning skills through critical evaluation of the evidence base, and develop their radiotherapy clinical skills and application of academic learning in clinical placement.

Skills include: technical skills, communication skills, professionalism, and compassion, with a clear focus on patients with cancers of the breast, abdomen and pelvis.

A blended teaching approach will be used which includes: guided independent study, case study based tutorials, lectures, e-lectures, and practical sessions in the Human Anatomy Resource Centre (HARC). Planning and treatment simulation using the Virtual Environment for Radiotherapy (VERT) and Radiotherapy Treatment Planning System (TPS) will be used to link clinical and academic knowledge and skills. Engagement with expert speakers and service users will enable learners to develop a complex understanding of diversity, inter-professional working, psycho-social and communication issues which may impact upon patient management in breast, abdominal and pelvic cancers.

Alternating academic and clinical blocks will allow learners to develop and consolidate academic underpinning knowledge through observation and practice. Scheduled academic advisor meetings will be used to help learners develop action plans for their personal, academic and clinical development.

The module assessment comprises three components:
Observed Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE); Oral Case-based presentation with a focus on critical apprasial of the multi-modal management of a patient case (breast, abdominal or pelvis) and continuous clinical assessment.

This is a level 7, 10 credit module which is part of the pre-registration Post Graduate Diploma Radiotherapy & Oncology
This module will use and develop further the knowledge, understanding and skills established in the first semester’s studies to establish authentic clinical practical and analytical skills in the key processes of treatment planning and on-treatment verification imaging used for radiotherapy. Running in parallel with the oncology modules within the course (RADT716 ) the module will develop and apply the practical skills needed for preparing and verifying geometrically radiotherapy for the cases used for cancers of the breast and pelvis (Semester 1, RADT716). Utilising a blended approach of e lectures, tutorials, seminars, virtual reality technology and clinical simulation to complement the oncology case based approach
There are two elements of assessment, consisting of a 1.5 hour OSCE, assessing practical planning and imaging skills and a 2000 word written assignment, which will enable learners to demonstrate critical appraisal and academic writing skills at level 7

This module is designed to encompass the whole radiotherapy patient journey, including clinically relevant anatomy and physiology, for the oncology sites of the head, neck and thorax. Oncology and radiotherapy treatment planning and delivery are intrinsically linked, therefore learners will learn anatomy contouring for treatment planning alongside 3D anatomy as part of the integrated patient pathway. Careful structuring of e-lectures, small group tutorials, case tutorials, self-directed learning, simulated learning and clinical placement encompasses the programme design core value of an engaging, authentic curricula. The module will introduce the learner to the oncology management of common cancers found in the Head, Neck and Thorax. Learners will be supported to develop their academic reasoning skills through critical evaluation of the evidence base, and develop their radiotherapy clinical skills and application of academic learning in clinical placement.The module assessment comprises three components:
Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE); A written case-based assignment with a focus on critical appraisal of the multi-modality management of a patient case (head, neck or thorax); and continuous clinical assessment.

Clinical skills will be assessed continually by clinical mentors through placement weeks across the academic semester. Assessment marks and formative feedback will be recorded by clinical mentors and learners using the Continuous Clinical Performance and Assessment Record (CPAR) in the LiftUpp app. Students will be encouraged to develop their life long learning skills by completing short formative clinical reflections and clinical technique logs; collected by the learner in a practice e-portfolio started in RADT626. This e-portfolio will be continually built on and developed during the programme providing a foundation for continual professional development (CPD) post-qualification, an essential requirement for HCPC registration.

This is a level 7, 10 credit module which is part of the pre-registration Post Graduate Diploma Therapeutic Radiography & Oncology. is module will use and develop further the knowledge, understanding and skills established in the first three semesters studies to guide the student into the appreciation and appraisal of advanced topics, technologies and techniques used in radiotherapy; whilst interpreting and evaluating the data and information transfer processes and the clinical consequences of errors within the radiotherapy information pathway within a clinical department. The latest radiotherapy technologies and techniques will be studied, leaning heavily on the roles of on-treatment verification and the typical treatment planning/delivery roles of the therapeutic radiographer in clinical practice.

The module is delivered using lectures, e-lectures, practical sessions and group seminars. Tutorial support will be given to learners to discuss concepts and characteristics of the latest technologies and techniques in radiotherapy all in a safe environment and discuss answers to online formative assessments. More able learners will be encouraged to offer peer support in these sessions with tutor support. Maths tutorials will also be provided if required.

There are two elements of assessment, consisting of written assignments, which enable learners to demonstrate critical appraisal and academic writing skills at level 7

This is a level 7, 20 credit module which is part of the pre-registration Post Graduate Diploma Therapeutic Radiography & Oncology. This module will introduce the student to the role of the Therapeutic Radiographer in the management of rare cancers to include glioblastoma, pituitary adenoma, myeloprolifferative malignancy and palliation of for example bone metastases and spinal cord compression.
A blended teaching approach will be used which includes: independent study, case study based tutorials, lectures, modified problem based learning (PBL), practicals at the Human Anatomy Resource Centre (HARC), as well as planning and treatment simulation using the Virtual Environment for Radiotherapy (VERT), Eclipse and Aria Radiotherapy Treatment Planning System. Workshops with service users (radiotherapy patients and carers), Clinical Educators, Specialist Radiotherapy Practitioners and Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) will highlight diversity, inter-professional working, psychosocial and communication issues in patient management.

Alternating academic and clinical blocks will allow learners to develop and consolidate academic underpinning knowledge through observation and practice. Scheduled academic advisor meetings will be used to help learners develop action plans for their personal, academic and clinical development.

The module assessment comprises three components:
Observed Clinical Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE); pass = 50%, continuous clinical assessment (LIFTUPP; pass = compeptence) and written Case Study assignment; pass = 50% with a focus on critical appraisal of the complex issues relating to the management of rare cancers and palliation drawing on clinical trials and the current literature.