Course overview
“Enhance your understanding of breast imaging with our highly bespoke master’s programme.”
Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among females in the UK, with one in two expected to be affected by cancer in their lifetime.
With radiologist shortages and an increase in health promotion and breast awareness, there is a huge need for Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACP’s) in the workforce.
This course is aimed at professional practitioners such as Radiographers, Sonographers, GPs, breast clinicians as well as other health care professionals who work and have an interest in expanding their skills in breast imaging and breast health.
- Enhance your existing skills in identification and assessment of breast health issues.
- Attain application-specific skills in different aspects of breast imaging.
- Ensure safe and competent practice for entry to the profession as a reflective and critical practitioner.
Our bespoke programme allows you to tailor a course to you and your needs and caters for those on the pathway to move into advanced and consultant practice.
Why study breast imaging at AECC University College?
- Limited UK universities are able to offer such a specialised skill and knowledge set that we offer.
- Develop as a practitioner who can meet the evolving requirements of radiographer led breast diagnostic services.
- This course accommodates progression into an advanced clinical practitioner (ACP) or breast consultant roles.
- Enjoy the flexibility to choose units that apply to your specific needs. Focus on select areas that you wish to build upon, enhance your clinical skill mix and take your career further.
Key Information
- Course title:
- MSc Breast Imaging
- Qualification:
- PG Cert, PG Dip, or MSc
- Duration:
- Normally 3 - 4 years
- Study mode:
- Part-time (September start)
- Accreditations:
- Society and College of Radiographers (SCoR) & Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE)
Course leader
Megan Hawthorn
BSc, MSc - Lecturer in Ultrasound/Radiography and Unit Lead.
Megan is course leader for the MSc Breast Imaging course, and the lead for the Breast Imaging unit on the MSc Medical Ultrasound course, teaching and developing imaging-guided breast services to include interventional techniques. Megan is also involved in teaching and development of Medical Ultrasound units with a specific interest in obstetrics and gynaecology, including the delivery of multiple short courses.
Course details
Course location
School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Parkwood Campus.
Highly bespoke programme
Choose the modules that apply to the needs of your personal practise. For example, if you are working as a radiographer or sonographer you may want to focus on breast ultrasound, breast interventional techniques & mammography image reading.
If you are working as a breast nurse you may want to enhance your knowledge of clinical examination and communication.
If you are on the pathway to become an advanced clinical practitioner (ACP) or consultant radiographer you may wish to include modules such as, professional development, leadership and interprofessional working & evidence-based practice.
You are required to undertake at Least 1 of the clinical specialist units for PGCert, and 2 for PGDip. To complete the masters programme individuals will then be looking to complete the Research or Audit methods with clinical audit or Dissertation.
Clinical Placement
You will need to have a clinical placement secured before entry to the course.
Following the theory aspect of the course, you will work with your practice educator in your placement, applying the theory and honing your practical skills.
You will be supported during this time by your practice educator as well as the academic team here at the University, who will have regular interaction to help you along the way.
These may include webinars, meetings, placement visits, and other modes of communication.
Unit breakdown
Breast Ultrasound
(40 credits)
This unit has been carefully developed to deliver specialist knowledge and understanding of the anatomy, physiology and associated pathologies of the breast, and how this can be applied in the acquisition of ultrasound images for diagnostic purposes.
Students who undertake this unit must also complete the Science and Instrumentation of Ultrasound Unit to meet the needs of learning ultrasound physics, or evidence prior learning of this (sonographers who have previously completed an ultrasound physics module).
Science and Instrumentation of Ultrasound
(20 credits)
(co-requisite with Breast Ultrasound and Ultrasound Guided Breast Intervention)
This unit develops your understanding of the theoretical concepts and the practical skills of ultrasound examination aligned to safe professional practice. You will be expected to demonstrate a critical awareness of the safe use of ultrasound equipment, and practical skills in producing optimum images for diagnostic purposes.
BIM7002 - Imaging guided breast intervention
(20 Credits)
This unit builds on your safe and competent practice focusing on breast intervention techniques in relevant clinical situations to perform ultrasound and/or x-ray guided core biopsies, fine needle aspirations (FNA), tissue markings and localisations. The unit combines the approach of ultrasound and x-ray guided interventional techniques, including angle of approach, sterile technique, site confirmation and contraindications.
Students who undertake this unit will be asked to select the modality they would like to be assessed against, either x-ray guided or ultrasound guided. Theory of both modalities will be taught to the whole cohort, but assessments will be focused on the selected modality chosen by the student. Students who select ultrasound guided intervention must have Science and Instrumentation of ultrasound and Breast ultrasound units as a co or pre- requrisite, or apply for recognition of rior learning to transfer credits already achieved in these specialities.
Want to study this as a single unit?
To register your interest, please enter the form below.
BIM7003 - Mammography Image reading and Reporting
(40 Credits)
This unit focuses on developing a competency in interpretation of mammographic images. You will gain knowledge in and be able to recognise and interpret normal mammographic appearances including normal and pathological variations.
You will develop the ability to evaluate images and whether to recall the woman for further clinical assessment within the NHSBSP as well as write a comprehensive report on mammograms for those working in symptomatic practice. Progression to make appropriate decisions for further action and critically reflect on your own professional practice in breast film reading.
Want to study this as a single unit?
To register your interest, please enter the form below.
BIM7004 - Clinical Breast Assessment and Communication
(20 credits)
This unit focuses on the clinical breast examination skills and communication techniques required for practitioners who wish to develop specific knowledge base and skills in clinical breast examination and respond to the communication needs of the patient.
You will gain knowledge and understanding in performing clinical examinations to contribute to the diagnosis of breast disease. You will develop safe and competent practical and reasoning skills as well as decision making skills to add to the multidisciplinary team, and critically reflect on your own professional practice.
Want to study this as a single unit?
To register your interest, please enter the form below.
PGT7015 - Professional development
(20 Credits)
This unit aims to support you to identify your own learning needs and support development of knowledge, skills, and expertise within a specialised field or area of practice. You will explore professional development in practice, including professional identity, communication, and decision-making, and critically reflect on these areas in relation to your development and role as a practitioner.
You will demonstrate an understanding of reflective practice and develop personal responsibility in evaluating and improving professional practice.
Want to study this as a single unit?
To register your interest, please enter the form below.
Leadership and interprofessional Development
(20 credits)
This unit aims to introduce and evaluate theoretical frameworks and approaches of leadership within healthcare. Explore principles of interdisciplinary working, including knowledge of other healthcare roles, collaboration with other professions, and communication within teams.
Encourage reflective thinking and develop self-awareness regarding communication and decision-making to develop effective interdisciplinary working and leadership skills to improve patient-centred care.
Want to study this as a single unit?
To register your interest, please enter the form below.
Evidence Based Practice
(20 credits)
This unit aims to provide a basis to understand the concepts and principles of evidence-based practice and have a critical awareness of the problems of their application in professional practice. Ensure professional practice is underpinned by evidence, including robust research findings, patients’ views, and your own clinical expertise. Develop the ability to identify clinical questions relevant to practice, review and critique evidence in the area, and evaluate any change to enhance your professional practice.
Research Methods or Audit Methods
(20 Credits)
&
Dissertation or Clinical Audit
(40 Credits)
Entry Requirements
Essential requirements
- You’ll need a recognised professional qualification or a first degree in a relevant healthcare subject (minimum 2:2). Examples of these are; General Medicine, Physiotherapy, Radiography, Osteopathy, Chiropractic, Sports and Exercise Medicine, Nursing. Together with registration from a professional body e.g. HCPC, GMN, NMC, SOR etc.
Evidence of prior learning
- If you have prior academically accredited units that are relevant to the course learning outcomes, you can apply for the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). The RPL process allows for completion of credits in a staged process by acknowledging previously completed units. Units being considered for RPL will be reviewed to ensure they meet the learning needs of the course and specific unit.
Is there anything else that’s required?
- When you apply you should also include a Clinical Workplace Agreement (completed by the work-place supervisor/mentor, if they require this as a word.doc please ask them to email admissions@aecc.ac.uk), just to make sure you can meet all the clinical requirements of the course.
- To be able to undertake Imaging Guided Breast Intervention the applicant must demonstrate that they have suitable qualification/experience/insurance/PGD to be able to perform injections.
International Students
- Please note to be accepted onto this course; you will also need to demonstrate that you meet the minimum standards of English. For this course, applicants are required to achieve the equivalent of an IELTS (academic) score of 7.0 or above with no less than 6.0 in each section.
- As this is a part time course we are unable to sponsor international students who require a student visa.
Study a Single Unit
Studying individual units of this course is a great way to avoid the commitment of a full postgraduate certificate, or to dip your toes in the water before deciding if you want to take on the whole course. It is also a great way to add to your continuing professional development (CPD) requirements, as you can choose units that are relevant to your specific needs.
All applications need to be completed 2 weeks prior to the unit start dates.
Course Fees
UK/ROI/ Channel Islands
Yearly fees are based on the number of credits that you wish to undertake per academic year. 60 credit points (3 x 20 credit units) the fee would be £3,910 per annum.
International
Yearly fees are based on the number of credits that you wish to undertake per academic year. 60 credit points (3 x 20 credit units) the fee would be £6,516 per annum.
Please note that these fees are for the 2023-24 academic year only and may be subject to increase in subsequent years of study. Any increase will be in line with our Tuition Fees Policy but will not be more than 5%.
Additional Course Costs
- Students will be expected to purchase copies of required text books. They may wish to purchase their own copies of recommended text books. Books are estimated to cost between £50 and £200. Students may also wish to purchase AECC University College-branded items of clothing. This clothing will cost approximately £50 to £75. Printing and binding the final dissertation will cost approximately £35 - £75. Printing a research poster will cost approximately £35 - £50. Travel to and from the AECC & clinical placements as well as any accommodation costs incurred is to be funded by the student and will not be reimbursed.
Should you have any questions on course fees please see our Fees and Payment Information page or contact our admissions team on the form below.
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