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Duration

Three years part-time

Application Deadline

03 July 2023

Location

St George's, University of London

Start dates

September 2023

Applications for this course for September 2023 entry will be opening soon. 

The contemporary and evidence-based nature of the programme structure reflects current workforce development needs and training requirements within Mammography and Advanced Breast Practice.

Training to become a Mammographer and work within the National Health Service Breast Screening Programme?

Apply for our PGCert Professional Practice in Mammography!

Our dedicated and highly experienced teaching team at St George's National Breast Education Centre have been supporting students achieve this goal for many years and are dedicated to the continuing development of the profession and the skills you require to work and succeed for your patients and clients within the service.

Training to become a Consultant Mammographer or access advanced practice training to meet your own professional aims or the needs of your department?

Apply for our MSc Advanced Breast Practice or our stand alone modules!

Take advantage of the expertise and training resources available through our teaching partners at the Jarvis Breast Screening Centre and work towards a full MSc or select individual modules to support your current needs.

Our modules combine the necessary clinical and academic skills required to support your development and help you build the knowledge and competencies required to not only succeed on the programme but also continue your development in the future. The skills you will gain will support your ongoing clinical development and will provide excellent grounding for your future and current research interests, your clinical skills and for wider roles in the profession, inclusive of practice education and mentorship.

St George's, University of London is dedicated to medical and sciences education, training and research. We share our site with a major London teaching hospital which is both on the clinical frontline for a diverse local community and a centre of excellence for specialist conditions. Study with like-minded individuals in an interprofessional setting, reflective of the modern breast care professional setting.

For specific enquiries please contact Matthew Foster mfoster@sgul.ac.uk.

Course highlights

  • Flexible structure allows you to tailor your studies to your workforce and professional requirements.

  • Opportunity to train at our highly renowned clinical partner training centres, including St George’s National Breast Education Centre (The Rose Centre) and the Jarvis Breast Screening Centre -  InHealth.

  • Access to specialist expertise in advanced breast practice, breast imaging and practice education.

  • Teaching input from qualified NHS clinical staff.

  • Our programme and modules have been developed in conjunction with our links to the healthcare sector and with significant reflection of the requirements of the NHS Breast Screening Programme and symptomatic breast care services, ensuring that current and future workforce demands are met by your studies. The flexible mode of delivery facilitates a balance of practice and study.

  • A Blended teaching style allows for the utilisation of distance learning alongside any mandatory clinical skills, thus better supporting your work needs and time restrictions.

  • St George’s, University of London is the only UK university focussed on healthcare, science and medicine education and research.

Want to know more?

Find out more about postgraduate study at St George’s, University of London by clicking the button below to receive our free intro email series.

To be considered for this course, you will need to:

  • Meet the entry criteria
  • Write a personal statement
  • Provide 2 suitable references

Students undertaking modules that incorporate a clinical component conducted within a UK NHS trust also need:

  • to be registered with the UK Health and Care Professions Council or relevant healthcare registrant body.
  • have appropriate mentoring support and clinical access at your workplace.
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Undergraduate degree or equivalent

MSc Advanced Breast Practice or stand-alone modules

You should have or be expected to achieve, a minimum of a second class degree (2:2) in a relevant healthcare field.

PgCert Professional Practice in Mammography

You should have or be expected to achieve, a minimum of a second class degree (2:2) in Diagnostic Radiography, Therapeutic Radiography, or equivalent degree title.

International qualifications

We accept equivalent qualifications gained in other countries.

Please see our Postgraduate International Equivalencies. For countries not on this list, we use UK ENIC to assess. Please see our International Student Support pages for more information.

If you have any questions, you can contact us at study@sgul.ac.uk

Please note this programme is currently only available to Home fee paying students, or international fee paying students with access to practice within the NHS breast screening programme.

English language

For details on English Language requirements, please see here.

This is a Group 1 course.

Personal statement and references

You will be asked to outline your reasons for applying for the course in a brief personal statement on the application form.

You will also need to provide two satisfactory references. One of these should be a recent academic reference and the other should be either a second academic reference or a professional/employer reference. For those unable to provide an academic referee a second professional/employer reference will be permitted.

Go to the ‘Apply’ tab for more information.

The MSc comprises 180 credits and can be studied over three years as a part time student, full time study is not available. Core modules are supported by a menu of optional modules, enabling the tailoring of your programme to your bespoke professional and clinical skills requirements. You will undertake a research project linked to the theme of your degree and be supported with a preparatory research methods module.

To achieve a PgCert (60 credits) Professional Practice in Mammography you will undertake 2 compulsory modules which support the acquisition and development of your academic and clinical skills, conferring the qualification necessary to work as a Mammographer within the National Health Service Breast Screening Programme.

As well as full programme’s of study we offer the opportunity to undertake individual 30 credit modules, suiting your continuing professional development and advanced practice.

Core modules

PgCert Professional Practice in Mammography

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Professional Practice in Mammography 1 & 2

These two core modules run concurrently and comprise the full PgCert.

The modules introduce and develop the knowledge and skills to enable clinical competency, mammographic assessment technique and knowledge of associated breast pathologies. You will also develop critical evaluation of technique and the clinical environment and build your strengths as mentor, able to offer educational support to junior colleagues.

MSc Advanced Breast Practice

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Research and evidence based practice in healthcare (30 credits)

The module is designed to foster an understanding of the research process, hone skills of critical appraisal and develop research skills as applied to both quantitative and qualitative research.

The delivery follows a logical progression which starts with the scientific process and hypothesis formulation and ends 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. The module has preparatory work, a taught component and self-directed learning/assignment time.

 

Dissertation (60 credits)

This module builds upon the principles outlined and knowledge acquired during the Research and Evidence Based Practice in Healthcare module.

It provides the component beyond postgraduate diploma to enable the completion of a Masters degree. Professionals are consistently expected to be able to provide an evidence base to prove the effectiveness of their professional interventions. This module provides students with the experience of utilising all principles of research design. Following submission and approval of a dissertation proposal the student is provided with a project supervisor to facilitate support for both the project and dissemination material. The students will be required to undertake an independent piece of research study into a topic relevant to their own field. The aim of the module is to develop in-depth theoretical, analytical and research skills.

Optional modules

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Advanced Principles and Practice of Breast Interventional Techniques (30 credits)

This module provides the foundation for both the academic and clinical components of a variety of breast interventions, either using x-ray or ultrasound guidance. It is then followed by 12 months of leaning in a professional environment within healthcare. This is a very student centred module in that each student designs their own learning outcomes, in addition to those given in the module descriptor. The enables them to personalise the outcome to their scope of practice of interventional methods, within the breast screening unit or imaging department.

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. It will facilitate the participants’ decision making skills based on a broad appreciation of the tools and techniques that underpin the diagnosis of breast abnormalities and incorporates both academic and clinical components. The module will also facilitate and enhance the necessary development and application of the participant’s communication, counselling and interpersonal skills, and will include interactive participatory learning.

Interpretation and Reporting in Mammography (30 credits)

This module provides the understanding of all key process’ involved in ‘reading’ breast images, including 9 months of learning in a professional environment within healthcare. This module is designed for health care professionals, such as breast clinicians or Radiographers who wish to perform as advanced practitioners. 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. The module assessment components consist of evaluating clinical skills, self-analysis and academic skills of essay writing on an associated topic.

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 students to fulfil their role in reviewing current application and uses of ultrasound to detect and evaluate breast abnormalities and then to interpret and report on findings. It will facilitate the participants’ decision making skills based on a broad appreciation of the equipment available and scanning techniques that underpin the diagnosis of breast abnormalities. The module also focuses on the necessary physical processes underlying safe ultrasound practice.

Practice Education and Mentorship (30 credits)

This module is of value to the 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. The module places emphasis on the development of self, through personal development planning. Throughout the module participants engage with a wide range of learning activities which augment learning and act as a foundation for reflection.

Satisfactory completion of this module confers eligibility for accreditation under the College of Radiographers Practice Educators Accreditation Scheme (PEAS).

This course is delivered by the section of Diagnostic Radiography in collaboration with the following centres across London and the UK:

  • the Jarvis Breast Screening Centre, InHealth, Guildford
  • the Rose Breast Screening Centre at St George's Hospital, Tooting

This means you benefit from the experience and facilities of multiple complementary institutions.

St George's University of London combines teaching and research excellence in areas directly applicable to healthcare sciences and has a long established reputation for high-quality, vocationally relevant education. 

Our expertise

The combination of academics and expert practitioners gives the programme a uniquely dynamic environment in which to further your studies and your career. We also have strong links with the NHS, education and other healthcare providers and services.

We offer classic postgraduate programmes alongside research and continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities.

Assessment methods

A wide range of supportive assessment methods are utilised to help you demonstrate your newly developed knowledge and skills. For those undertaking the MSc, assessments are designed to help you with preparation for your dissertation, supporting your skills in critiquing published work, experimental design, data collection and analysis.

All advanced practice and PgCert modules are assessed through a combination of written assignments, procedure logbooks and clinical examinations.

Successful completion of the PgCert Professional Practice in Mammography confers the holder the ability to work as a ‘Mammographer’ within the National Health Service Breast Screening Programme.

For professionals already within the service, our MSc and individual breast screening modules will support a wider variety of professional development, from those wishing to undertake single advanced practice modules to Mammographers training for Consultant roles.

With St George’s, University of London you have access to excellent resources from a dedicated health care education institution. This is in conjunction with our multiple collaborative partner training sites at the Rose Breast Education Centre and the Jarvis Breast Screening Centre.

Our modern health sciences library offers a wide range of books, e-books, academic journals and other resources to support you. You will also have access to online resources, such as the CANVAS virtual learning environment and our Hunter discovery service to help you find the information you need. The library is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and comprises silent, quiet and group learning areas.

St George's, University of London has five computer suites, housing 260 workstations. Three of these suites are accessible 24 hours a day. Free Wi-Fi covers the whole campus. You can use these resources to access you course materials, alongside your access from home.

Applications for this course for September 2023 entry will be opening soon.

How to apply

Before beginning your application please check the entry criteria of the course you wish to study to ensure you meet the required standards.

Applications must be submitted through our online application system, which you can access below.

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Complete a module choice form

  1. Download and complete Module Choice Form (Word).
  2. Move on to Step 2, and upload the completed Module Choice Form as part of your application.

Access our online application system

  1. Click the relevant application link from the following options and create an account:
    Entry from September 2023 (applications links coming soon)
    Advanced Breast Practice MSc part-time
    Advanced Breast Practice PgCert part-time
    Professional Practice in Mammography PGCert part-time
    Postgraduate Mammography short courses and modules.

  2. Once you've created an account, you will then be able to complete the application form and upload any relevant documents. You can save a partly completed form and return to it later. Please make sure you complete all sections. Please make sure that the information you provide is accurate, including the options you select in menus.
  3. Add pgadmissions@sgul.ac.uk to your address book to ensure you do not miss any important emails from us.
  4. When you have checked that your application is complete and accurate, click ‘submit’.

You can track your application through your online account.

Guidance for completing your references

When completing your application, you will be asked to provide contact details of two referees. Please ensure these details are accurate. As soon as you have submitted your application, your referees will be contacted by the university asking them to upload a reference to your online application.

One must be a recent academic reference. The other should be either a second academic reference or a professional/employer reference. They should cover your suitability for the course and your academic ability.

Your referees should know you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. We do not accept references from family, friends, partners, ex-partners or yourself.

We will send reminder emails to your referees but it is your responsibility to ensure that contact details are correct and referees are available to submit a reference. References should be uploaded within two weeks of making your application.

For specific enquires please contact Matthew Foster mfoster@sgul.ac.uk.

In this tab you will find the financial information for this programme of study, including details of financial support.

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Tuition fees

Tuition fees are set by St George’s, University of London. Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course (unless stated). Fees for second and subsequent years are likely to increase annually in line with UK inflation as measured by the Retail Price Index (RPI-X). They will not normally increase by more than 5 per cent each year, except when the rate of inflation is significantly more than that projected in the preceding year.

2023 UK

  • Part-time MSc (180 credits): £11,250
  • Part-time PGCert (60 credits): £3,750
  • Part-time PGCert (60 credits) Principles and Practice Mammography*: £4,750
  • Standalone modules (30 credits): £1,850

*higher fee for PGCert as it has one extra week in clinical teaching.

Please note: Applicants holding a Tier 2 visa, and with evidencable appropriate access to practice with patients of the NHS Breast Screening Programme, will be assessed as ‘Home’ students for the purposes of fee assessment.

Funding your study

We have a range of funding opportunities available for students. You may be eligible for the following:

Find our more about fees and funding.

Additional costs

The following table gives you an indication of additional costs associated with your course. These costs are not included in your tuition fees.

Item

Description

Technology requirements

Find out more about technology requirements associated with online learning.

Advanced Breast Practice (MSc) scholarships

Number of scholarships

Each scholarship amount

Scholarship payment

Who is eligible?

2

£3,000

Paid as a tuition-fee discount

All applicants (see eligibility criteria below)

How to apply for this scholarship

There is no separate application process to postgraduate scholarships. In order to be considered for a postgraduate scholarship, you must submit an application for an eligible programme. Your submission will then be reviewed against the scholarship eligibility criteria.

The deadline for scholarship applications is Monday 1 May 2023.

You must ensure that your application is complete and submitted by this date in order to be considered for funding. To be deemed complete, it must contain all the relevant supporting documentation required by the programme applied to, such as references, transcripts and English language scores.

The following sections set out the eligibility for our scholarships, as well as how applicants will be assessed.

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Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for a scholarship you must:

  • have completed an application for the course, either full-time or part-time study
  • not already be qualified at Masters level or above (e.g. PhD)
  • must be self-funding (courses fully funded by the NHS or students receiving employer or sponsor funding are not eligible)
  • have or be predicted to obtain at least a 2:1.

All eligible candidates will be shortlisted on 1 May 2023 (please note scholarships cannot be deferred to 2024 or later entry).

Applicants with the highest scores across all courses will be considered for the scholarship and may be invited for interview.

Assessment criteria

If you are a Home (UK) or International (EU or non-EU) applicant applying for a taught postgraduate programme which has a scholarship, you will be automatically considered for the scholarship, providing you apply by the deadline (1 May 2023).

You do not need to submit an additional application form. However, you may be asked to attend a physical or virtual interview.

Successful candidates will be those whom the Scholarship Committee consider will make a positive contribution to the academic environment at St George's and achieve the highest scores.

Your application will be scored based on:

  • your degree classification
  • your personal statement
  • your interview
  • your references.

Apply now

Duration

Three years part-time

Application Deadline

03 July 2023

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