Graduate Diploma Computed Tomography

This course is designed for diagnostic radiographers who want to develop the specialist CT skills necessary to provide high-quality patient care in a dynamic working environment. Applicants must have at least one year’s post-qualification experience in diagnostic radiography. Applicants must have at least three months experience in CT before commencing the course and must be working in a CT department for the duration of the course.

Overview

The Graduate Diploma in CT leads to a UCD Level 4 award (equivalent to NQAI Level 9) and takes eight months to complete. It is delivered in four modules: two technology modules and two professional practice modules.

The Technology of CT modules encompass the physical theories and technological principles underlying CT, image processing, quality control, equipment management and radiation protection thus encouraging a safer and broader spectrum of clinical operation.

The Professional Practice of CT modules encompass clinical practice, clinical placement hours, scanning protocols, optimisation of practice and facility management. This module aims to facilitate the integration of theoretical concepts and professional clinical practice in order to consolidate the learning process.

Since this Graduate Diploma confers clinical competence - and in order to gain the requisite specialist clinical skills - students must undertake a clinical placement in CT, under the guidance of a named clinical supervisor, and provide evidence of an agreement to spend a minimum of 620 hours in CT while undertaking the course.

• This course is delivered using a blended learning approach that integrates class discussions, tutorials, lectures, e-learning and practical tutorials. Lectures are delivered either face to face at the UCD campus or else via a virtual classroom. Emphasis is placed on reflection and self-directed learning. Clinical skills development is supported by undertaking a clinical placement in the students own CT department under the direct supervision of a clinical supervisor.

These teaching and learning strategies are designed to encourage autonomous personal and professional development within a supportive framework.

Key Dates for 2024/25 - Graduate Diploma in Computed Tomography

Criteria for standard entry applicants

• This programme is open to any radiographer with at least one year post qualification experience and Department of Health approval to practise radiography in Ireland, or Health Professions Council approval to practise radiography in the UK and Northern Ireland.
• All candidates are required to undertake a minimum of three months of clinical experience in CT scanning prior to commencing the course and provide documented evidence of the same. All candidates must arrange their own clinical placement and provide evidence of an agreement to spend a minimum of 620 hours gaining practical experience in CT over the duration of the programme.
• Candidates are required to arrange for a suitably qualified clinical supervisor to oversee their clinical experience. Details must be provided to the Academic Programme Co-ordinator during the first week of course.
• A clinical hours declaration form must be signed by your Radiographic Services Manager, indicating an agreement to provide the requisite number of clinical hours during the course and confirming the requisite pre-clinical hours declaration form (available below). This must be submitted together with other necessary documentation specified in the online application process.

Downloads

Clinical Hours Declaration Form CT 2024

Essential Requirements

International applicants must:

• Hold a BSc (Honours) or equivalent in Diagnostic Radiography.

• Have attained a minimum score of 7.0 in IELTS (a minimum of 6 in each band). All test results must be less than 2 years old. This is necessary to ensure that prospective students can manage the programme’s academic workload and communicate effectively within the clinical placement environment. 
• Have attained at least 9 months of clinical work experience in CT prior to commencing the course, and provide documented evidence supporting this on the pre-clinical hour declaration form.
• Provide an academic and clinical reference support your commitment to and ability to undertake this course.

Additional information

Please note that even if the above criteria are met, the offer of a place to international students is also dependent upon the University’s ability to negotiate clinical placement in a CT department of an Irish hospital over the duration of the course. It may not always be possible to confirm the outcome of these negotiations until the weeks prior to the start of the course.

This practical scanning experience during the course is critical to enable students to undertake the various course assessments and to become proficient in CT scanning.

International applicants wishing to undertake this course are advised to contact the Academic Programme Director for information regarding availability of places and eligibility.

For more information on international students please click here.  

Downloads

Clinical Hours Declaration Form CT 2024

• Please ensure that you have read attached course information, the requirements and guidelines prior to commencing the online application process.  
• Please quote your application number in all correspondence in connection with your application and ensure that it is on any documentation submitted. 
• See below, the two additional documents that you need to download to complete and forward with your application. Further information on required documentation is available in the relevant section of the online application webpage. Your application will not be considered until all the requested documentation has been received.

Clinical Hours Declaration Form

• Clinical Hours Declaration Form CT 2024

Further Information

• Both clinical hour declaration forms are to be submitted by all applicants who have organised clinical placement in a CT department for the duration of the programme.
• The University will organise completion of this form for the international applicants. 

To Apply Online

• Click here and follow the steps outlined.
• Scroll to the bottom of the course page and click the (yellow) APPLY button.
• Follow the on screen instructions.
• You will be directed to a login page.
• If you have never applied to study at UCD before, click on Create Account and follow the instructions shown to you on the screen and by email. Once your account has been created, you will receive an email from UCD IT Services with your login credentials. To continue with your application, you should click on the ‘Continue’ hyperlink embedded in the email. Once you have logged into your account, you will see the application form for the programme you had selected.
• Please complete all the ‘Required Application Tasks’ to submit your application.
• To help you complete your application, we have created a comprehensive video guide about how to fill out the application. 

For information on course fees please visit:

EU applicants fees

Non EU applicants fees

(please enter programme title or programme major code – in the search bar)

Applicants (regardless of their sponsorship status) are required to pay a non-refundable deposit in order to accept programme offers.