Advanced Breast Practice MSc/PGCert

Research and evidence based practice in healthcare (30 credits)

The module fosters an understanding of the research process, hone skills of critical appraisal and develop research skills as applied to both quantitative and qualitative research. Starting with the scientific process and hypothesis formulation and ending with the production of a research protocol; along the way reviewing the literature, selecting an appropriate research method, sampling, data collection analysis and presentation and ethical issues are covered.

Dissertation (60 credits)

The completion of this component takes the postgraduate diploma to a Masters degree. This module builds upon the principles outlined and knowledge acquired during the Research and Evidence Based Practice in Healthcare module. This module provides you with the experience of utilising all principles of research design. Following submission and approval of a dissertation proposal you are provided with a project supervisor to facilitate support for both the project and dissemination material. You are then to undertake an independent piece of research study into a topic relevant to your field.

Advanced principles and practice breast interventional techniques (30 credits)

This module is designed to provide the foundation for understanding and relating all of the key processes involved in breast diagnosis. It includes 6 months of learning in a professional environment within healthcare. This develops and extends your clinical expertise necessary to contribute to the multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis of breast disease.

Clinical breast examination and client communication (30 credits)

This module is designed to provide the foundation for understanding and relating all of the key processes involved in breast diagnosis. It includes 6 months of learning in a professional environment within healthcare. This develops and extends the participants’ clinical expertise necessary to contribute to the multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis of breast disease.

Interpretation and reporting in mammography (30 credits)

Designed for health care professionals, such as breast clinicians or Radiographers who wish to perform as advanced practitioners, this module provides the understanding of all key processes involved in ‘reading’ breast images, including 9 months of learning in a professional environment within healthcare. It is related to the image interpretation of screening mammograms, detecting and identifying and abnormalities, classifying those possible abnormalities, and the making a decision on the likely probabilities whether to recall the woman for further clinical assessment.

Ultrasound of the breast (30 credits)

This module is designed to provide the understanding and knowledge involved in breast diagnosis. This is followed by 6 months of learning in a professional environment within healthcare. This module is designed to provide the academic and clinical components to enable you to fulfil your role in reviewing current application and uses of ultrasound to detect and evaluate breast abnormalities and then to interpret and report on findings.

Practice education and mentorship (30 credits)

Completion of this module confers eligibility for accreditation under the College of Radiographers Practice Educators Accreditation Scheme (PEAS). This module is for practitioners who educate and mentor learners within the clinical setting. The module focuses on developing appropriate knowledge and skills in order to effectively facilitate the development of others. Throughout the module students draw upon their clinical experiences and relate these to the theoretical frameworks.