Post Graduate Modules

Our post graduate modules are delivered in collaboration with Birmingham City University and are linked within  the MSc in Radiography career framework.

Breast Imaging Practice (BIP)

This is a collaborative partnership between Nottingham International Breast Education Centre (NIBEC) and Birmingham City University (BCU).

THIS MODULE IS NOT SUITABLE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Applicants will be qualified radiographers who hold either DCR or BSc qualification in Diagnostic Radiography or Radiotherapy.   UK applicants should be registered with the Health & Care Professions Council as a diagnostic or therapeutic radiographer. Overseas will need to provide evidence of qualification in radiography.

This 40 credit module is for radiographers who are choosing to work within breast care services and specialise in breast imaging.  The module's underpinning intention is to enable you to develop the skills required to work in the complex area of breast care services.  Being successful in this module enables you to gain the College of Radiographers named award for mammography.

The Breast Imaging Practice (BIP) module has clinical and academic components and aims for you to develop a thorough knowledge of the breast imaging service, breast anatomy and pathology.  The module will support you to master the competence and skill of positioning for mammography with the knowledge of adapting techniques in more complex and challenging patients. 

You will attend a 3 day theory week followed by a further 2 days approximately 4 months later.  This will take place at NIBEC. The course will deliver lectures and workshops.

As part of the module you will attend a practical training week, the date of which will be arranged when your application has been accepted.  You will receive one to one training from an assigned trainer.  This is an intensive clinical training course where practical skills and practice learning which will be supported through observation and hands on experience.  This will take place at the Nottingham Breast Institute.

For this module your ability and knowledge will be evaluated by:-

  • A 2500 word written assignment
  • A defended clinical portfolio which includes:-
    • A requirement to complete a minimum of 250 mammograms before you can take a final appraisal of your last 50 images. This is so that you will have had enough exposure to mammograms to learn the different techniques required to meet the challenges of the different body shapes and sizes of women attending for mammography
    • Series of clinical activities
    • 15 minute presentation

For further information and application pack please email nibecadministrationoffice@nuh.nhs.uk

Breast Image Interpretation & Reporting (BIIR)

This is a collaborative partnership between Nottingham International Breast Education Centre (NIBEC) and Birmingham City University (BCU).

This standalone module provides the opportunity for those mammographers, breast clinicians and appropriate others who seek to extend their role to undertake breast image interpretation and reporting.  

This 40 credit level 7 module works towards a PGDip Radiography (Breast Image Reporting) 120 credits.

The module will provide the knowledge and skills necessary to analyse and interpret mammographic images in screening, new referral and post-operative follow-up situations in-line with national guidelines, protocols and scope of practice.

You will attend a 2 day theory course in person at NIBEC. This will be followed by a bring-back day (date tbc but normally September) which will be held face to face.  A practice IMPROVES test will be scheduled for you to undertake in your own unit.

Students will have a departmental mentor throughout their training with whom they should work with to develop their breast image interpretation and reporting technique. Extra mentor support will be available if needed.  A module lead based at NIBEC will support you through this module and provide additional academic support if required.  

Assessment for the BIIR module is an important part of the process and your ability and knowledge will be evaluated by:

  • Clinical Portfolio
  • An IMPROVES test with OSCE
  • Presentation of three cases

The IMPROVES and OSCE assessments will take place at NIBEC. The 3 case presentations via Microsoft Teams.

This module will enable individuals to develop their academic confidence to further their career as autonomous, independent practitioners and to contribute to the changing role of the radiographer in imaging today and in the future aiding the development of clinical competence in advanced practices. The student will gain the knowledge and skills to enable them to make effective decisions and apply them to being part of a multidisciplinary team member.

For further information and application pack please email nibecenquiries@nuh.nhs.uk

X Ray Guided Breast Interventional Biopsy (XBIB)

This is a collaborative partnership between Nottingham International Breast Education Centre (NIBEC) and Birmingham City University (BCU).

THIS MODULE IS NOT SUITABLE FOR OVERSEAS STUDENTS

This stand alone module provides the opportunity for those mammographers, breast clinicians and appropriate others who seek to extend their role to undertake Breast Interventional procedures under x-ray guidance.

Applicants should have completed modules Breast Imaging Practice (40 credits) prior to applying to undertake this module.

XBIB provides 20 credits at Level 7 and works towards PGDip Radiography (Breast Interventional Technique 120 credits at level 7)

You will attend a 2 day theory course in person at NIBEC.  There will also be a bring back day (normally in September) again delivered face to face. Students will have a mentor throughout their clinical training with whom they should work to develop their practice in mammography and patient care. A module lead based at NIBEC will provide support to both the student and mentor throughout the module. Academic support is available through tutorials either in person, online or via the phone, this is done by appointment.

Assessment for the XBIB module is an important part of the process and your ability and knowledge will be evaluated by:

  • A clinical portfolio and a defended poster presentation

This module will enable individuals to develop their academic confidence to further their career as autonomous, independent practitioners and to contribute to the changing role of the radiographer in imaging today and in the future aiding the development of clinical competence in advanced practices. The student will gain the knowledge and skills to enable them to make effective decisions and apply them to being part of a multidisciplinary team member.

For further information and application pack please email nibecenquiries@nuh.nhs.uk

 

Clinical Breast Examination (CBE)

This 20-credit module is a standalone module that will sit within the Flexible and Work Based Learning (FWBL) Framework. The framework supports your personal and professional development by providing you with a diverse range of learning opportunities.

This module provides the skills required to perform clinical breast examination within a clinical setting. As well as developing your clinical skills, you will be able to understand the importance of taking a comprehensive clinical history and understand the communication needs of your patients.

This module facilitates an important role development in this area of clinical practice. To give time to develop the skills required in the clinical environment the duration of the course is one academic year. Students undertaking this module will require access to patients and a suitable workplace mentor. It will be delivered through a blended learning approach with face-to-face lectures, simulation, on-line learning resources and guided workplace experience.

Indicative content

  • Anatomy, physiology and pathology of the breast
  • Clinical examination of both the male and female breast
  • Communication skills to meet the requirements of the patient
  • Critical reflection
  • Clinical reasoning and effective decision-making
  • How to synthesise information to produce a comprehensive report
  • Self-evaluation and audit of practice
  • The triple assessment approach to breast diagnosis
  • National and local guidelines
  • Multidisciplinary team working

For further information and fees please email  nibecadministrationoffice@nuh.nhs.uk

Breast Ultrasound (BU)

This 40-credit module is a standalone module that will sit within the Flexible and Work Based Learning (FWBL) Framework. The framework supports your personal and professional development by providing you with a diverse range of learning opportunities.

This module provides the skills required to perform breast ultrasound examinations within a clinical breast environment.  As well as developing your clinical skills, you will be able to understand the importance of taking a comprehensive clinical history and understand the communication needs of your patients. This module facilitates an important role development in this area of clinical practice.

In order to give time to develop the skills required in the clinical environment the duration of the course is one academic year.  Students undertaking this module will require access to patients and a suitable workplace mentor.

The module will be delivered through a blended learning approach with face-to-face lectures, simulation, on-line learning resources and guided workplace experience.

Indicative content

  • Ultrasound appearance of normal anatomy, physiological change, and artefacts of the breast
  • Practical elements of breast ultrasound examination
  • Underpinning technical knowledge on ultrasound physics and technology
  • Communication skills to meet the requirements of the patient
  • Critical reflection
  • Clinical reasoning and effective decision-making
  • How to synthesise information to produce a comprehensive report
  • Self-evaluation and audit of practice
  • The triple assessment approach to breast diagnosis
  • National and local guidelines
  • Multidisciplinary team working

For further information and fees please email  nibecadministrationoffice@nuh.nhs.uk