Course Features 

  • Accredited by the Irish Institute of Radiographers and Radiation Therapists.
  • Confers clinical competence in CT scanning on successful graduates.
  • Develops specialist teamwork, leadership, research and critical thinking skills.
  • Accommodates professionals in full time employment through flexible programme delivery
  • Provides a platform for discussion of state-of-the-art technological advances and clinical applications.

Course Overview

The MSc Computed Tomography (CT) course is aimed at radiographers working in clinical CT. It has been developed to encompass contemporary technological advances in CT and to provide a platform for discussion of clinical and evidence-based CT practice.

The course aims to foster the individual, personal and professional development of the postgraduate radiographer, in order to achieve a high level of competence in CT scanning. It endeavours to cultivate a critically questioning approach to CT practice and fosters the necessary skills to apply knowledge in relation to complex decision-making. It also encourages radiographers to advance research in the field of CT

Applicants must have at least one year’s post-qualification experience in diagnostic radiography and must have at least three months experience in CT before commencing the course. Successful applicants must be working in a CT department for the duration of the course. The MSc CT builds on the skills gained during the Graduate Diploma in CT, focusing on advanced CT applications, research and state-of the-art technological developments.

Overview

The MSc CT leads to a UCD Level 4 award (equivalent to NQAI Level 9) and takes sixteen months to complete. It is delivered in five modules: two technology modules, two professional practice modules and one advanced CT Imaging module. The technology and professional practice modules are shared with the Graduate Diploma in CT.

Developments in CT scanning have opened up new clinical applications and have led to improvements in the diagnosis of disease. The MSc CT builds on appropriate existing clinical practice skills to enable radiographers to become specialists in CT imaging. This course confers clinical competence and thus there is an emphasis on the development of clinical skills and integration of theory and practice. During the course, students must undertake a minimum of 925 clinical hours under the guidance of a named clinical supervisor to gain the necessary specialist clinical skills in CT scanning.

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.

The Advanced CT Imaging module enables refinement of professional competencies in CT through the integration of advanced theoretical knowledge, evidence based practice and high level clinical practice skills. This module facilitates the integration of theory and practice in relation to advanced clinical applications and aims to facilitate the development of generic skills such as advanced leadership and teamwork skills; self- directed learning and applied research in the student.  

  • The Masters programme encompasses a flexible modular course structure where emphasis is placed on integration of academic and clinical components. 
  • The course is delivered using a blended learning approach integrating 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.
  • 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 - Masters in Computed Tomography

 

Induction Day: Monday 26th August 2024 [Online]

 
Block week 1: 16/17/18/19 September 2024
Block week 2: 14/15/16/17 October 2024
Block week 3: 18/19/20/21 November 2024
Christmas Examination Dates TBC by UCD
 
Block week 4: 27/28/29/30 January 2025
Block week 5: 3/4/5/6 March 2025
Block week 6: 7/8/9/10 April 2025
May Examination Dates TBC by UCD
 
Block week 7: 1/2/3/4 September 2025
Block week 8: 29/30 September & 1/2 October 2025
Block week 9: 3/4/5/6 November 2025
Christmas Examination Dates TBC by UCD
 

Criteria for standard entry applicants

  • This programme is open to any radiographer with at least one year post qualification experience.
  • Candidates must have Department of Health approval to practise radiography in Ireland or Health Professions Council approval to practise radiography in the UK & Northern Ireland.
  • 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 this.
  • Candidates must arrange their own clinical placement and provide evidence of an agreement to spend a minimum of 925 hours gaining practical experience in CT over the duration of the course.
  • 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 first week of course.
  • A clinical hours declaration form (available below) must be signed by your Radiographic Services Manager, indicating agreement to provide the requisite number of clinical hours during the course and confirming the requisite pre-course clinical experience in CT pre-clinical hours declaration form (available below). This must be submitted together with other necessary documentation specified in the on line application process.

Eligibility criteria for applicants with an existing postgraduate qualification in CT

  • Candidates holding an existing Graduate Diploma or equivalent in CT who wish to pursue the award of MSc in CT may, subject to approval by the Academic Programme Director and Graduate Taught Programmes Committee, apply for accreditation of prior learning for part of the 90 credits required for the award of MSc. Applications will be considered on an individual basis once they have satisfied the entry requirements and the Universities accreditation of prior learning policy. Applicants may sometimes be required to do additional modules to RDGY40840 in order to gain the full award of MSc CT.
  • Applicants must have maintained a work practice record in CT since obtaining their Graduate Diploma qualification and they must provide evidence of the same. Transcript of results and Course Syllabus / Curriculum documents must be provided by applicants who obtained their CT qualification from a University other than UCD.
  • Applicants must arrange their own clinical placement and provide evidence of an agreement to spend a minimum of 305 hours of their clinical time in CT during the course of this module. This must be signed by the Radiographic Services Manager, indicating agreement to provide the requisite number of clinical hours during the module.
  • Applicants who have undertaken their Graduate Diploma at UCD must rescind their UCD-awarded Graduate Diploma before the award of MSc CT is awarded.
  • Please contact the programme director for further information.

Clinical Hours Forms

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 clinical work experience in CT prior to commencing the course, and provide documented evidence supporting this on the pre-clinical hours 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 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 develop high level clinical skills and complete the assessment requirements of the course.
  • 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 studying at UCD for International Students please click here. 

Application Procedure

  • 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

More Information

The 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.

Academic Programme Director

Programme Administrator

Ms. Edel Thomas

School of Medicine
Health Sciences Centre
UCD Belfield
Dublin 4
T: + 353 1 716 6533
Eedel.thomas@ucd.ie

 

Diagnostic Imaging Programme Office 
Health Sciences Centre
UCD Belfield
Dublin 4
T: + 353 1 716 6545 
F:  + 353 1 716 6547 
Egraduate.imaging@ucd.ie

Key Information:

  • Major Code X075
  • Duration 16 Months
  • Schedule Full-Time
  • Next Intake September Annually