Master of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences

Purpose

The purpose of the Master in Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences is to enable qualified learners to contribute to a chosen field of radiography through independent research, using advanced problem-solving skills and critical, reflective thinking. The learner will report the findings in a manner that meets the accepted criteria and ethical principles of the profession. The learner will make a contribution to the existing body of knowledge for radiography ranging from fundamental concepts to advanced theoretical or applied knowledge that will develop and advance the radiography profession.

Rationale

The South African government has expressed a need for radiographers who can make a significant and original contribution, through independent research in one of the four specialised areas of medical imaging and radiation sciences, i.e. diagnostics, ultrasound, radiation therapy and nuclear medicine. This qualification provides for advanced research within the Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences (MIRS) through the inclusion of a research dissertation that complies with the accepted norms, criteria and ethical principles for research at a Master's level.

This qualification promotes the principles of lifelong learning in the field of MIRS. Qualifying learners will display insight, as well as an ability to conceptualise research initiatives and create new knowledge or practice in their specialist field. The institution structured this qualification to meet that need and provide for advanced research MIRS through the inclusion of a research dissertation that complies with the accepted norms, criteria and ethical principles for research at a Master's level.

It is essential within the South African environment to provide healthcare, which is accessible to the community and is of a high professional standard. This qualification will enable learners to apply their knowledge to solving healthcare problems, as well as engage in community upliftment.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The Faculty of Health Science accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of education and academic practice. It acknowledges that all learning has value, and the Faculty of Health Science will endeavour to assess prior learning and award credit where relevant.

The Faculty of Health Science manages RPL according to the institution's RPL policy applied as follows

i) Through RPL, a learner may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status, on condition that he/she continues his/her studies at the qualification.

ii) Recognition takes place in terms of requirements and procedures applied by the Faculty of Health Science.

iii) RPL in the case of a learner not complying with the formal entry requirements

• Is conducted after payment of the prescribed fees following the policy and guidelines of the institution;
• Is based on other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience;
• Is considered only where prior learning corresponds to the required National Qualification Framework-level;
• Takes place where prior learning in terms of applied competencies is relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification;
• Is considered in terms of an assessment procedure that includes a motivated recommendation by an assessment panel to the Dean's Committee of the Faculty of Sciences and is finally decided upon by the Faculty of Health Science Dean's Committee.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Radiography Honours in Radiation Therapy, NQF Level 8.
• Bachelor of Radiography Honours in Nuclear Medicine, NQF Level 8.
• Bachelor of Radiography Honours in Diagnostics, NQF Level 8.
• Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory dissertation module at National Qualification Framework Level 9 Totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Module, 180 Credits

• Dissertation, 180 Credits.

1. Demonstrate advanced application of concepts, methods, ethics, theories and analytical processes about a chosen focus area of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences (radiography) and associated fields.
2. Access, analyse and critically evaluate existing knowledge in Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences (radiography).
3. Access, process, produce and communicate information to colleagues and other groups.
4. Engage in independent research, selecting appropriate research designs, methods, techniques and technologies in the chosen focus area and produce findings in the form of a research report.
5. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of own position about significant debates within the chosen field of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences (radiography).
6. Demonstrate specialist forefront knowledge and expertise in the chosen field of radiography and the competency to apply these creatively within the chosen field.
7. Analyse and evaluate the outcomes of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences (radiography) interventions, techniques, strategies, or processes in the chosen field.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Presentations reflect the appropriate application of the relevant concepts, methods, ethics, theories and analytical processes in the chosen field.
• Written work on the chosen field displays critical analyses and intellectual independence.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Current literature and research are accessed, analysed and evaluated systematically in the chosen focus area.
• Evaluations demonstrate clear evidence of effective application of the principles of MIRS (radiography) research practice.
• Justify conclusions and recommendations by the use of appropriate evidence and arguments.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Discussions reflect the ability to obtain, process and communicate information effectively to colleagues and other groups.
• Presentations display analytical skills and a degree of intellectual independence.
• Written and oral communication conveys and appropriately highlights the information to specific target groups.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Discussions reflect the ability to obtain, process and communicate information effectively to colleagues and other groups.
• Presentations display analytical skills and a degree of intellectual independence.
• Written and oral communication conveys and appropriately highlights the information to specific target groups.
• Selected research methods, techniques and technologies are based on a clear understanding of radiography research theory and practice.
• Research reports critically and coherently describe theoretical arguments, the research process, methodology, results, conclusions and recommendations.
• Research reports display skill in extrapolating key findings, justifiable conclusions, and making feasible recommendations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Motivate his/her position to specific debates based on a sound integration of relevant theory, practice, research and a degree of independent, creative thinking.
• Discussions demonstrate an understanding of one's position and its significant feasibility debates.
• Written and oral formats clearly and cogently communicate explanations of their position.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

Ensure that

• Analyses of problems and issues reflect a purposeful and critical application of advanced theory, current knowledge and expertise in the focus area.
• Interventions and recommendations reflect purposeful and creative plans to seek solutions based on theory and proven methods in the chosen field.
• Discussions and interventions reflect the advanced application of appropriate skills, strategies and techniques following corresponding theoretical assumptions in the chosen field.
• Research and interventions appropriate and creative use of radiography tools and data relevant to the chosen field.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Comprehensively describes the outcomes of interventions, techniques, strategies or processes about the stated goals following corresponding theoretical assumptions.
• Critically analyse outcomes following the identified needs and issues within the chosen focus area.
• Are purposefully used as the basis for planning, implementation and recommendations.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessment: Seminar presentations and learner/supervisor consultations.

Summative assessment

• Research Dissertation.