Cross-Sectional Imaging
- Study mode
- Part-time
- Duration
- 12 months
- Start date and application deadlines
-
- Start date
- September 2027 January 2027
- Apply by:
- Starts on:
About this course
If you're a qualified registered diagnostic radiographer, this programme will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to work effectively at an enhanced level of practice in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) scanning departments. The programme is flexible to accommodate those working in either or both of the modalities.
Introduction
Please note, if you’re applying for January 2027 entry, teaching starts on the 1 February 2027. This course is currently in development. Course information may be subject to change.
Throughout the course, you’ll gain the skills, core knowledge and understanding which underpins the competence required for safe supervised practice for the range of cross-sectional imaging examinations encountered in MRI and CT. The programme offers a 30-credit module in each speciality, MRI and CT. These can each be completed as a standalone CPD module if desired but completing both would lead to award of the Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert).
This programme offers some flexibility with an optional ‘Negotiated Work-Based Learning’ module. If you practise in only one modality, you can combine either the MRI or CT module with the optional Negotiated Work-Based Learning module to achieve the PGCert.
Developed in partnership with radiology practice partners, the programme has been specifically designed around the needs of practising radiographers. It focuses on developing your expertise in cross-sectional imaging techniques while addressing the realities and demands of contemporary clinical practice.
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered Diagnostic Radiographers who are starting to work clinically in either an MRI or CT department, or both, and have a desire to develop their knowledge and understanding of these modalities to enable them to work at an enhanced level of practice.
What you'll learn
You’ll learn about:
- The physics, and operation of current technology within their modality of study
- Disease processes within their scope of enhanced practice
- Evaluation of images to differentiate between normal and pathological appearances
- The needs of service users in the context of the modality of study
- Pharmacological agents required within their modality of study
- The evidence base underpinning relevant specialist procedures and protocols
- Legal, ethical and professional responsibility for autonomous practice
- Knowledge of service delivery requirements including evaluation of workflows, healthcare policy and guidance
- Relevant quality assurance requirements for their scope of practice
- Developing knowledge of research techniques.
You’ll develop the following skills:
- Applying enhanced clinical reasoning and professional judgement
- Critically applying enhanced knowledge to enable evidence-based practice
- Challenging practice that does not follow current guidelines
- Proactively reviewing practice to prevent discrimination and implement fair practice
- Efficiently organising clinical workloads to maximise levels of performance and teamwork
- Ability to practise critical self-awareness, seek feedback and undertake reflection
- Ability to improve and advance the quality of care through service evaluation and improvement.
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the College of Radiographers, with content designed to align with the ‘Enhanced Practitioner Level’ within Section 3 of the College of Radiographers Education and Career Framework (ECF).
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Semester 1
Semester 1 starts each September.
Clinical Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DRAD555) and Negotiated Work Based Learning (Portfolio route) (HEAL499) run each September. You’ll study one module at a time, completing the second module the following September.
- DRAD55: Covers MRI safety and physics, anatomy and physiology, contrast agents, practical application, patient care and workflow.
- HEAL499: Involves designing, negotiating and completing tailored work-based learning project that addresses a professional challenge, organisational need or opportunity to improve practice.
Due to the flexible nature of the programme, all 3 modules are optional. If you choose HEAL499, you should complete it first.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Semester 2
Semester 2 starts each February.
Clinical Computed Tomography (DRAD556): Covers MRI safety and physics, anatomy and physiology, contrast agents, practical applications, patient care and workflows.
Due to the flexible nature of the programme, all 3 modules are optional. If you choose HEAL499, you should complete it first.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching and assessment
How you'll learn
This programme will be delivered through a blended delivery model, designed to work around the needs of clinically practising radiographers.
The MRI and CT modules involve an initial on-campus taught block of three days, to introduce you to the module, and commence teaching of the underpinning topics such as physics and anatomy.
Teaching then continues online, with timetabled weekly half day sessions for 7 weeks (approximately 30 hours) which will be a mixture of real-time lectures and self-paced resources, combined with live tutorials covering the breadth of the syllabus.
During attendance on these modules, you’ll need to be working clinically in your chosen modality (MRI or CT) for at least 10 weeks (375 hours) of the 15-week semester. This enables progressive development of your knowledge and skills as you work through the syllabus. You must have a clinical mentor at your workplace who’ll be approved by the University. They’ll be responsible for your clinical supervision and guidance, towards achieving a set of clinical competencies that are informed by current practice.
To support your learning, there are additional (optional), online action learning sessions, held fortnightly in the evenings, to meet with peers on the module in a ‘community of practice’ to support each other and discuss a variety of aspects of working in these modality areas.
If you choose to study the Negotiated Work Based Learning module, you’ll use active, enquiry-based learning, negotiating an individual project area to explore, building on the MRI or CT module, and tailored to your individual workplace. You’ll attend online synchronous lectures (approximately 9 hours in total), including the theory of work-based learning and development of a learning contract to enable you to identify a chosen work-based project.
This module also includes online tutorials one a one-to-one basis (approximately 6 hours in total), to help you focus on the planning and execution of your project. These tutorials require individual preparation time in advance.
Throughout the module you’ll have time within clinical practice (285 hours) in your own working environment where you can continue to develop and consolidate your practice skills. This may include shadowing clinical experts or working with specified staff within your organisation.
For all modules, self-directed learning forms a large proportion of the learning methods. You’ll have access to a designated reading list and will be signposted to key library and learning support or study skills resources, via the module virtual learning environment.
How you're assessed
The MRI and CT modules are each assessed using the same format. This includes:
- A clinical mentor pass/fail competency assessment on placement, on a pass/fail basis
- A computer-based examination (60% module weighting). This includes multiple choice and short answer questions using the university virtual learning environment, and incorporating questions on use of imaging technologies, and interpretation of medical images, including both image quality and anatomical / pathological appearances
- A 3,000-word critical appraisal (40% module weighting).
The Negotiated Work-Based learning module is assessed through:
- Construction of a 2,000-word learning contract (20% module weighting)
- A written 3,000-word critical reflection of the learning journey (80% module weighting)
- A portfolio of evidence to demonstrate your practice-based development, on a pass/fail basis.
Liverpool Learning Framework
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
- Digital fluency
- Confidence
- Global citizenship
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
- Research-connected teaching - learning informed by the latest ideas and discoveries
- Active learning - taking part, applying knowledge and learning by doing
- Authentic assessment - assessments designed around real-world tasks and challenges
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Study as a CPD module
You can study some of the modules on this course as standalone CPD (Continuing Professional Development) modules. Contact us using the buttons at the bottom of the course page to find out more.
Your experience
Following the attended module introductions, as working professionals your day-to-day experience on these modules will primarily be within your own work environment, with weekly timetabled attendance for lectures and tutorials that mainly take place online. However, self-directed study in your own time is an important feature of the programme.
Explore where you'll study
Virtual tour
Supporting your learning
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
- Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
- A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
- Confidential counselling and support to help students with personal problems affecting their studies and general wellbeing
- Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
An exciting place to study
- Major centre for education and research in health sciences
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Opportunities for in-depth study and development of advanced clinical skills
- Flexible programmes for postgraduate study
- Active research environment
- Provides specialist training with taught and clinical placement components.
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Careers and employability
As a radiographer with the PGCert you’ll enhance your CV through evidencing your ability to study at postgraduate level.
You’ll also have demonstrated your ability to work at an enhanced level of practice in line with the CoR Education and Career Framework. Increased knowledge and clinical skills in your chosen modality, and in project-based learning, will strengthen career prospects in these fields. You’ll have also developed transferable skills including enhanced communication skills, critical evaluation of the radiography evidence base, and digital skills through online learning, all contributing to your ongoing career development.
The programme supports career progression for diagnostic radiographers. The content is designed to align with the ‘Enhanced Practitioner Level’ within Section 3 of the College of Radiographers Education and Career Framework (ECF).
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
Career planning
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
From education to employment
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
Networking events
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
The standard University of Liverpool fee for each 30-credit CPD module (£2,083) is applicable. See more information about each available CPD module for this course:
Additional costs
You'll need suitable facilities for online learning, such as a laptop and broadband connection, which could be a potential cost if you don't have already access (approximately £500).
You can find information on the general and subject-specific costs you could expect to incur on our study costs webpage.
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
Sport Liverpool Performance Programme
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
Entry requirements
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | You must be a qualified and HCPC registered diagnostic radiographer with access to a CT and/or MRI scanner and be able to work clinically for a minimum of 10 weeks per module. You also need to have a university approved mentor at the clinical site at which you are based. |
| International qualifications |
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course. |
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Accommodation
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Contact us
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Last updated 12 October 2026 / Programme terms and conditions