Modules

Core

Code Title Credits Phase Status Action
Code S-C1 Title Professional Foundations of Healthcare and Clinical Science Credits 20 Year Status Compulsory Action View
Code S-C2 Title Research Skills in Healthcare Science Credits 10 Year 2 Status Compulsory Action View
Code S-C3 Title STP Project Credits 60 Year 3 Status Compulsory Action View
Code S-C4 Title Individual Professional Development Credits 0 Year Status Compulsory Action View

Rotation

Information:

Each rotation should last 4 to 8 weeks in the workplace

Code Title Credits Phase Status Action
Code S-RP-R1 Title Introduction to Radiotherapy Physics Credits 10 Year 1 Status Compulsory Action View
Code S-DR-R1 Title Introduction to Radiation Safety and Diagnostic Radiology Credits 10 Year 1 Status Compulsory Action View
Code S-NM-R1 Title Introduction to Nuclear Medicine Credits 10 Year 1 Status Compulsory Action View
Code S-IN-R1 Title Introduction to Imaging with Non-Ionising Radiation Credits 10 Year 1 Status Compulsory Action View

Specialist

Code Title Credits Phase Status Action
Code S-RP-S1 Title External Beam Radiotherapy Techniques Credits 20 Year 2 Status Compulsory Action View
Code S-RP-S2 Title Brachytherapy and other Specialised Radiotherapy Techniques Credits 10 Year 3 Status Compulsory Action View
Code S-RP-S3 Title Advanced Radiotherapy Techniques Credits 20 Year 3 Status Compulsory Action View

Programme specification

Details

Programme title
Medical Physics - Radiotherapy Physics
Division
Physical Sciences
Normal length of programme
3 years
Outcome awards and professional eligibility

Successful candidates will be awarded:

  • MSc in Clinical Science (awarded by the relevant Higher Education Institute).
  • Certificate of Completion of the Scientist Training Programme (CCSTP). Awarded by the National School of Healthcare Science

Which provides eligibility to:

  • Apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council as a Clinical Scientist.
Total credits
180
Mode of study
Work-based with integrated part time MSc
Programme accredited by
The Health and Care Professions Council

Programme aim

To provide clinical scientist trainees with strong science-based, patient-centred clinical training in Medical Physics.

Programme level learning outcomes

Radiotherapy Physics

  1. Practice effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide safe, patient centred radiotherapy treatments
  2. Critically appraise radiation treatment techniques to inform clinical decision making
  3. Generate, adapt and evaluate radiotherapy treatment plans in accordance with codes of practice, standards and legislation
  4. Use radiotherapy equipment safely
  5. Justify the application of radiotherapy to ensure the benefits outweigh the risks and the patient has the best possible outcome and experience
  6. Evaluate the application of novel and evolving techniques and treatments in radiotherapy
  7. Assess the quality of practice, engage with quality management schemes and promote continuous improvement for the delivery of radiotherapy services
  8. Practice in accordance with Radiotherapy codes of practice, standards and legislation
  9. Explain complex concepts related to radiotherapy to non-experts, adapting communication to meet the needs of the audience

Learning and teaching methods

  • Work-based learning
  • Academic study

Assessment methods

Workplace-based assessments documented in an e-portfolio including:

  • Training Activities
  • Direct Observation of Practical Skills (DOPS)
  • Observed Communication Events (OCE)
  • Case-Based Discussions (CBD)

Academic Assessment set by the Higher Education Institute delivering the MSc

Final Assessment

Programme structure

Phases indicate the order modules should be completed in.
The next phase can be started in the same year, e.g. phase 2 can be started in year 1.

Phase Modules Credits
Throughout Professional Foundations of Healthcare and Clinical Science

Individual Professional Development

20

 

0

1 Rotation modules 40
2 Research Skills in Healthcare Science

Specialist module(s)

10

20

3 STP Project

Specialist module(s)

60

30

Total Credits 180

Entry routes and requirements

Entry routes In England there are two routes into the programme

  • Direct entry – Trainees are competitively appointed into a training post funded through the local Health Education England training board
  • In-service entry – Trainees enter the programme with the support of their employers.
Entry requirements For both entry routes, STP applicants must participate in the national recruitment process and meet the minimum entry requirements for the programme.
Programme regulations Attendance requirements:

As employees of their host organisation, trainees are required to attend the workplace as required by their employer.

Trainees are required to attend all sessions as specified by the Higher Education Institute.

This specification provides a concise summary of the main feature of the programme and the learning outcomes expected of a threshold Clinical Scientist. More detailed information on module-specific learning outcomes, learning and assessment methods is available in the relevant module pages.  More detailed information on entry routes and requirements can be found on the NSHCS website.

Information on trainee support can be found on the NSHCS website.

Updated December 2023