STUDY

This module is the first module studied. You will be introduced to cancer biology, anatomy and physiology of the more common cancers treated with radiotherapy as well as their oncology and management. Including but not limited to lymphatics, lung, male and female reproductive and haemopoietic cancers. Furthermore you will be introduced to the common radiotherapy and treatment techniques employed in the management of these cancers.

Building upon Foundations of Cancer, in this module you will be introduced to radiobiology, x-ray production, radiation protection, quality assurance, localisation equipment, treatment equipment and additional imaging among others. Within this module you will develop an understanding of the theory underpinning radiotherapy, radiation safety as well as image acquisition and verification, preparing you for your first practice placement.

This module will comprise of two placements blocks, the first of which provides an introductory experience for you and an opportunity to apply foundational theoretical knowledge gained on campus to practice. The primary focus of this module is on the core elements of the radiotherapy pathway: localisation in CT, megavoltage and superficial treatment with a placement in an allied area e.g. clinic.

This module will then enable you to build upon these foundational skills within their second block of practice placement, continuing to apply theoretical knowledge to practice and continue evidencing competence in the core areas of practice. You will be required to demonstrate competence related to the core areas of practice, commensurate with level 4 and mapped to the HCPC standards of proficiency.

This module is designed to provide you with an introduction to mental wellbeing in cancer care, build on communication skills and understand common mental health conditions. This module will also enable you to study inclusivity in cancer care, common co-morbidities that may impact patients’ treatment as well as other considerations such as complementary therapies and consideration of later stage diagnosis and its impacts on those affected.

This module will build on the anatomical and oncological knowledge introduced during Foundations of Cancer and provide you with the opportunity to expand your knowledge of radiotherapy techniques and clinical decision making. This module will conclude the oncology, anatomy and radiotherapy technique content for the programme, by enabling you to develop a detailed understanding of the remaining body systems and associated oncology.

Health inequalities are unfair and avoidable differences in health between different groups within society, with far reaching impacts upon life expectancy, quality of life and access to health and social care services (NHS England, 2024). The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (2024) recognises the role of Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) in addressing such health inequalities through research, and thus, this module is designed to empower you to contribute to the public health agenda. The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Standards of Proficiency (HCPC, 2023) require radiographers to engage in evidence-based practice and to evaluate the quality of their practice. This module is designed to build upon the principles of evidence-based practice and prepare you to make informed choices regarding research and quality improvement project design. The module will support you to read and make sense of evidence to inform practice and enable you for develop and conduct your level six project. In the longer term, it will prepare you to embed and enable research in your career, and to use these skills to enhance patient care and service delivery in line with the College of Radiographers’ Research Strategy 2021-26 (CoR, 2020).

The purpose of this module is to facilitate the development of a detailed understanding of the principles of radiotherapy localisation, planning and verification in addition to supporting the development of skills of plan production and evaluation. This module will also expand your knowledge of more complex and advanced treatments and technologies available for cancer treatment using radiotherapy. This will build upon the foundational knowledge of physics and technology in cancer care gained at level 4 and will provide essential preparation for practice placements.

This clinical practice module will provide an opportunity for you to build upon your experiences from Radiotherapy Practice 1 and to draw on theoretical knowledge and sources of evidence to develop a growing level of independence in practice. The primary focus will be on the core elements of the radiotherapy pathway including pre-treatment (CT and dosimetry), whilst maintaining progress in megavoltage treatment. Placement in an allied area of practice e.g. clinic, will complement the practice experience. With further short placements in the allied areas of diagnostic imaging and radionuclide imaging.

This module will provide you with a meaningful experience of conducting collaborative research, whilst enabling individuals to develop the skills and confidence to become research-active practitioners following graduation. This approach has been guided by the Society and College of Radiographers’ research strategy 2021-26. Small groups of students will be supported as partners in learning alongside an academic and a practice partner to design and conduct a small-scale study.

This module will introduce you to your final year of study on the program. This module will be inclusive of palliative care, pharmacology, late effects of cancer treatment, management and impacts upon quality of life. Including living well with cancer, social impacts of cancer as well as other supportive patient services. This module will explore in greater depth the physical, psychological and social factors that impact on living well with and beyond cancer for the individual, their friends and relatives.  It will allow you to critically reflect on the impact of treatment on the health and wellbeing of those affected by cancer and evaluate the need for support for people affected by cancer. 

This module has been designed to equip you with the essential coaching and leadership skills required to effectively support the development of others. An understanding of inequalities and the evolving responsibilities of radiographers will be deepened through exploration of enhancing inclusivity in practice. The module integrates key aspects of professional development to enhance your capacity to lead, support, and foster an inclusive healthcare environment. Given the expanding role of radiographers in multidisciplinary teams, leadership and coaching skills are becoming critical for promoting team efficiency, fostering professional growth, and ensuring patient-centered care. Not only will this module provide you with the opportunity to build skills in coaching, leadership, and supporting others, but it will also challenge you to confront the inequalities present in healthcare. As the role of radiographers continues to evolve, you must be prepared to lead teams, mentor colleagues, and advocate for inclusive practices. This comprehensive module fosters personal and professional development, preparing you to meet the demands of modern healthcare settings while promoting equality and enhancing patient outcomes.

This clinical practice module will provide an opportunity for you to build upon you earlier experiences in practice and to draw on theoretical knowledge and sources of evidence to develop problem-solving abilities in practice. Practice placements will be scheduled to allow you to gain a full range of competence in CT, megavoltage and superficial treatments, plus short placements in brachytherapy and palliative care. This final clinical practice module will provide an opportunity for you to continue to develop problem-solving abilities in practice and to develop the confidence to take up their first posts after completion. You will be required to demonstrate competence commensurate with level 6 and mapped to the HCPC standards of proficiency. Attendance in practice will be monitored to ensure that students attain 90% at the point of completion of the programme.