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This course will give you the skills needed to become a safe and competent breast imaging specialist. It puts great importance on the link between theory and practical skills, with the practice-based learning element structured to promote the development of advanced-level clinical skills and critical and reflective thinking in clinical practice. These skills will strengthen your ability to work as part of the multidisciplinary team.

Cutting-edge issues of theory and research in mammography will be critically examined to enable you to focus, extend, develop and strengthen skills in mammography to a level of advanced professional competence.

There is a work-based learning element, which is structured to promote the development of advanced-level operational skills and critical and reflective thinking in practice. You will require a workplace mentor to complete this element of the practice.

Structure and exit awards

You can opt to study for the full MSc (180 credits), a PgDip (120 credits) or a PgCert (60 credits).

You can also register as an associate student to complete a single module for continuing professional development (CPD). On completion of a single module, you may wish to complete further modules and progress your studies to a named award.

Teaching, learning and assessment

As this course places the student at the heart of the learning process, you will be expected to take overall responsibility for your learning. Depending on which module you are studying, you will either attend classes online or at SABI in Glasgow and then carry out further independent work.

This course is delivered using a blended learning approach. Lectures introduce theoretical concepts: specialist talks give an insight on identified areas of breast imaging, tutorials explore some syllabus areas in more depth, and practical learning takes place in your workplace. Canvas, the virtual learning environment, is used as an interactive learning resource throughout the modules.

A variety of assessment methods are used including essays, exams, portfolios, presentations, practice-based assessments, and case studies.

Placements/work-based learning

There is no formal placement on this course, but there is a work-based learning element that you will carry out with your current employer.

Teaching hours and attendance

For the three modules required for completion of the PgCert Mammography, students will attend online teaching blocks and attend either the West of Scotland Breast Screening Centre in Glasgow or South East of Scotland Breast Screening Centre in Edinburgh for one week of one-to-one clinical training with a SABI Clinical Trainer. For additional specialist clinical skills modules students will attend for four or five days. The Research Methods, Education and Dissertation modules are delivered online and facilitated directly by QMU.

Class sizes

Class sizes are variable and can range from approximately 8-25.

Teaching staff

You can read more about the teaching staff on this course at the bottom of this page. Please note that teaching staff is subject to change.

To obtain a PgCert Mammography, you will complete the following modules:

• Mammography and Person-Centred Care (20 credits): This module aims to provide you with the theoretical and practical base to develop a high level of expertise in mammography and person-centred care.
• Mammography Practice-Based Learning (20 credits): This module aims to encourage you to develop as a competent reflective practitioner within breast imaging integrating theory and practice associated with MLO and CC projections.
• Advanced Mammography Skills (20 credits): This module aims to encourage you to develop as a competent reflective practitioner within breast imaging integrating theory and practice associated with advanced mammographic projections.

To obtain a PgDip (120 credits), you could also complete a combination of the following modules:

• Mammographic Image Interpretation (40 credits): This module aims to provide you with the appropriate knowledge and skills to develop a high level of expertise in mammographic image interpretation, thus enabling you, as an autonomous practitioner, to participate in the diagnosis, reporting and assessment of breast disease. 
• X-Ray Guided Interventional Breast Procedures (20 credits): This module aims to provide you with the appropriate knowledge and skills to develop a high level of expertise in stereo x-ray guided interventional procedures of the breast. 
• Clinical Breast Examination and Communication (20 credits): This module aims to provide you with the appropriate knowledge and skills to develop a high level of expertise in Clinical Breast Examination and demonstrate, with sound theoretical knowledge, effective communication and counselling skills.
• Research Methods (20/30 credits)

To obtain an MSc (180 credits), you must also complete a Dissertation (60 credits).

NB The modules listed are correct at time of posting (October 2024) but are subject to change. In the event that modules change, QMU will seek to use reasonable endeavours to ensure that there is no detrimental impact on students. Please check back here for updates.

This course is part of CPD and is designed to improve the delivery of the breast care service. Gaining this qualification may enhance your career prospects within the profession of radiography.

PgCert Mammography: March, August & November

PgDip/MSc: There are a variety of start dates depending on the module you wish to register on. Contact SABI for Details.

Mammographic Image Interpretation: March

X-Ray Guided Interventional Breast Procedures: October

Clinical Breast Examination and Communication: November

Entry requirements

For the PgCert Mammography:

• A degree or diploma in Diagnostic Radiography or Therapeutic Radiography with HCPC registration, or equivalent.
• Current employment in a clinical environment offering relevant clinical experience associated with the specific module you are registered on.
• Modules require individuals to be working in the specific area of practice and have the support of a line manager and work place mentor.

Other registered healthcare professionals, such as nurses and doctors can register on the Advanced Practice modules. Please contact SABI for further information.

International students: You will be required to provide evidence of English language competence at IELTS 7 (no less than 6.5 in any element) or equivalent. 

Recognition of prior learning: You may be granted exemption from studying a module or modules up to a maximum of 60 credit points, provided you can demonstrate successful achievement of all the learning outcomes.

Applying for this course

If you are applying for Research Methods or any module associated with the Advancing Practice in Health Framework then apply directly via the Queen Margaret University application by clicking ‘Apply for the Course’ at the top right hand side of this page.

If you are applying for Mammography specific modules run by SABI then contact Maureen McAuley. If you are unsure and want to discuss options then please contact Simon Holmes.

Application deadline

None

Terms and Conditions

The delivery of this course is subject to the terms and conditions set out in our 2025/26 Entry - Terms and Conditions (Postgraduate).

Please contact Maureen McAuley for further information.

If you have any queries specifically regards the Research Methods module or the dissertation, please contact Elisabeth Taylor (Collaborative Academic Lead, QMU)

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