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STUDY

Postgraduate

Postgraduate Certificate in Paediatric Imaging

For use in the masthead
Institution code: S82
UCAS code: N/A
Start date: November 2026
Duration: One year, part-time
Location: Online
Typical Offer: Please see entry requirements
Institution code: S82
UCAS code: N/A
Start date: November 2026
Duration: One year, part-time
Location: Online
Typical Offer: Please see entry requirements
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Apply Directly Chat with us Ask us a question get a prospectus
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Overview

This postgraduate certificate in Paediatric Imaging has been designed to support and advance the specialist practice of radiographers working with children and young people.
Paediatric imaging presents unique challenges that differ considerably from adults. Children can vary widely in their developmental, anatomical, and physiological characteristics. This requires tailored imaging approaches across all modalities. Paediatric-specific pathologies including congenital abnormalities, trauma and oncology will be covered in the first module of this course. Furthermore, we will explore effective communication, safeguarding and the ability to adapt approaches to the child's age, needs and emotional state.
 
The curriculum also recognises that advancing practice extends beyond technical skill. Students will explore leadership principles, research skills, and change initiatives to support the enhancement of paediatric imaging services within their departments.  
 
The impetus for developing this programme has come directly from our practice partners who have expressed a clear need for postgraduate education in paediatric imaging. With limited paediatric-specific postgraduate provision currently available in the UK, this course addresses an important gap in both higher education and professional practice.  
 
This course is delivered primarily online, with a small number of compulsory on-campus sessions. These include the induction day, one assessment and a workshop. Dates for on-campus attendance will be confirmed in advance by the course lead to allow sufficient time for planning. All other teaching will take place virtually.

Further information about the University's relationship with the Society and College of Radiographers (SCoR) is available in the PSRB register.

Please note: Full completion of the course and subsequent academic award does not lead to automatic enhanced or advanced practitioner status 

The University of Suffolk has an international profile while being committed to our region. Modern, inclusive, and ready to help you thrive. With world-class facilities and personalised support, you’ll have everything you need to achieve your goals and shape your future.

1st

for University of the Year

(Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025)
2nd

for Postgraduate

(Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025)
2nd

for Teaching Satisfaction

(Guardian University Guide 2026)

Course Modules

There are two 30-credit modules, all of which are mandatory.

Full downloadable information regarding all University of Suffolk courses, including Key Facts, Course Aims, Course Structure and Assessment, is available in the Definitive Course Record.

The imaging of paediatric patients presents radiographers with a range of complex clinical, emotional, and practical challenges. Currently, children in the United Kingdom are frequently imaged by radiographers with limited training in this specialist area of radiography, despite the high volume of examinations undertaken. Projection radiography remains the most frequently used modality for paediatrics, with 1,929,300 examinations in 2023/2024—a 44.4% rise since 2020/2021. However, the most notable growth has been in cross-sectional imaging: CT usage increased to 67,305 examinations (a 38.2% rise) and MRI to 164,250 examinations (a 32.6% rise) (NHS England, 2024; NHS England, 2021). These figures underscore the critical need for radiographers to be well-prepared across all modalities to support positive experiences for both paediatric patients and their families or carers.
The module will also explore the specific care needs of children—and their families or carers—within the context of relevant protocols, legislation, and professional standards. You will enhance your understanding of child development and behaviour and consider the factors that influence how a child experiences an imaging department. Learning will be underpinned by holistic theories of child development, fostering a whole-child approach that guides professional practice and equips you to deliver safe, compassionate, and high-quality care across all imaging modalities.

The number of children in the United Kingdom experiencing serious abuse and neglect continues to rise each year. According to the NSPCC’s Physical Abuse: Statistics Briefing, concerns about physical abuse were identified in one in ten children, and more than 200,000 offences relating to child physical abuse were recorded by police in 2022/2023 (excluding Scotland) (NSPCC, 2024). A series of high-profile serious case reviews has exposed repeated patterns of missed opportunities, where children were seen by multiple agencies and underwent diagnostic imaging, yet ongoing abuse remained undetected. These cases highlight a critical need for professionals to enhance their understanding, decision-making, and vigilance to better safeguard vulnerable children.
 
This module is designed to equip you with the specialist knowledge, technical skills, and professional confidence required to manage suspected physical abuse (SPA) cases effectively. Radiographers involved in such cases face complex clinical, emotional, legal, and ethical challenges, all of which will be explored in depth. Teaching will be aligned with current legislation, guidelines, and the ethical and legal standards that underpin professional practice.
 
A key component of the module is its holistic emphasis. You will be encouraged to adopt a reflexive approach to your practice, considering not only the technical requirements of imaging but also the wider needs and experiences of the child and their family or carers. Understanding children’s rights and child development will be integral in helping you differentiate between normal developmental variations and abnormalities that may indicate neglect or abuse. By embedding these holistic perspectives, the module supports you to provide sensitive, informed, and effective care while contributing to the safeguarding of vulnerable children.
 
In addition, the module will enable you to critically appraise the environments, procedures, and protocols that shape paediatric forensic imaging, ensuring that imaging services provide the highest standard of care for children and their families or carers. You will examine emerging research, policy developments, and professional guidelines in paediatric forensic imaging, evaluating how evolving evidence can inform evidence-based leadership, continuous service improvement, and enhanced protection of vulnerable children.  
 
The module also develops effective leadership and interprofessional collaboration skills, preparing you to coordinate and communicate confidently within multidisciplinary teams. This focus on collaborative, child-centred, and ethically robust practice ensures that you are equipped to contribute to a high-quality, forensically sound imaging service in suspected physical abuse cases. 

Course Modules

There are two 30-credit modules, all of which are mandatory.

Full downloadable information regarding all University of Suffolk courses, including Key Facts, Course Aims, Course Structure and Assessment, is available in the Definitive Course Record.

The imaging of paediatric patients presents radiographers with a range of complex clinical, emotional, and practical challenges. Currently, children in the United Kingdom are frequently imaged by radiographers with limited training in this specialist area of radiography, despite the high volume of examinations undertaken. Projection radiography remains the most frequently used modality for paediatrics, with 1,929,300 examinations in 2023/2024—a 44.4% rise since 2020/2021. However, the most notable growth has been in cross-sectional imaging: CT usage increased to 67,305 examinations (a 38.2% rise) and MRI to 164,250 examinations (a 32.6% rise) (NHS England, 2024; NHS England, 2021). These figures underscore the critical need for radiographers to be well-prepared across all modalities to support positive experiences for both paediatric patients and their families or carers.
The module will also explore the specific care needs of children—and their families or carers—within the context of relevant protocols, legislation, and professional standards. You will enhance your understanding of child development and behaviour and consider the factors that influence how a child experiences an imaging department. Learning will be underpinned by holistic theories of child development, fostering a whole-child approach that guides professional practice and equips you to deliver safe, compassionate, and high-quality care across all imaging modalities.

The number of children in the United Kingdom experiencing serious abuse and neglect continues to rise each year. According to the NSPCC’s Physical Abuse: Statistics Briefing, concerns about physical abuse were identified in one in ten children, and more than 200,000 offences relating to child physical abuse were recorded by police in 2022/2023 (excluding Scotland) (NSPCC, 2024). A series of high-profile serious case reviews has exposed repeated patterns of missed opportunities, where children were seen by multiple agencies and underwent diagnostic imaging, yet ongoing abuse remained undetected. These cases highlight a critical need for professionals to enhance their understanding, decision-making, and vigilance to better safeguard vulnerable children.
 
This module is designed to equip you with the specialist knowledge, technical skills, and professional confidence required to manage suspected physical abuse (SPA) cases effectively. Radiographers involved in such cases face complex clinical, emotional, legal, and ethical challenges, all of which will be explored in depth. Teaching will be aligned with current legislation, guidelines, and the ethical and legal standards that underpin professional practice.
 
A key component of the module is its holistic emphasis. You will be encouraged to adopt a reflexive approach to your practice, considering not only the technical requirements of imaging but also the wider needs and experiences of the child and their family or carers. Understanding children’s rights and child development will be integral in helping you differentiate between normal developmental variations and abnormalities that may indicate neglect or abuse. By embedding these holistic perspectives, the module supports you to provide sensitive, informed, and effective care while contributing to the safeguarding of vulnerable children.
 
In addition, the module will enable you to critically appraise the environments, procedures, and protocols that shape paediatric forensic imaging, ensuring that imaging services provide the highest standard of care for children and their families or carers. You will examine emerging research, policy developments, and professional guidelines in paediatric forensic imaging, evaluating how evolving evidence can inform evidence-based leadership, continuous service improvement, and enhanced protection of vulnerable children.  
 
The module also develops effective leadership and interprofessional collaboration skills, preparing you to coordinate and communicate confidently within multidisciplinary teams. This focus on collaborative, child-centred, and ethically robust practice ensures that you are equipped to contribute to a high-quality, forensically sound imaging service in suspected physical abuse cases. 

WHY SUFFOLK

1st University of the Year

WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2025

2nd Teaching Satisfaction

Guardian University Guide 2026

2nd Student Experience

Good University Guide

Entry Requirements

  • BSc (hons) Degree in Diagnostic  or Radiography/ Diploma of the College of Radiographers (Diagnostic Radiography) 
  • Current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

 

Apply now

Tier 4 international students are not able to register on this course however we welcome interest from international students not wishing to apply for Tier 4.

Please select your country of permanent residence from the list below, specific requirements for your country will then be shown.

Apply now English Language Requirements
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If you have previously studied at higher education level before you may be able to transfer credits to a related course at the University of Suffolk and reduce the period of study time necessary to achieve your degree.

FURTHER INFORMATION ON RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Career Opportunities

All students will already hold posts across the healthcare sector, nonetheless completion of this programme will enable students to progress into advanced practitioner/lead roles in paediatric imaging. 

Our Careers, Employability and Enterprise Team are here to support you, not only whilst you complete your studies, but after you graduate and beyond.

To find out more about our range of services and support, please visit our Careers, Employability and Enterprise page.

Fees and Funding

UK Part-Time Tuition Fee

£1,665

per 30 credit module*

*Please contact the Student Centre for further details

Further Information

Postgraduate Loans are available for this course, we also offer University of Suffolk Alumni a 25% reduction on fees, find out more below.

Postgraduate Funding Alumni Loyalty Scheme International Students

Your Course Team

Gemma Spelman

Gemma is a Diagnostic Radiographer by background and before joining the university was a Senior Radiographer at her local hospital.

Joseph Purdey

Joseph joined the University of Suffolk in 2023 as a Diagnostic Radiography Lecturer.

Gemma Vass

Gemma is Lecturer in Diagnostic Radiography and has expertise in Musculoskeletal Appendicular and Axial reporting.

Jerome Atutornu

Jerome is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Health, Sciences and Society. He graduated from University of Suffolk in 2012.

Nicole Sloman

Nicole is Lecturer in Children's Nursing and her career has been based around the speciality of Neonatal Nursing.

Facilities and Resources

Whatever you choose to study, you will learn in state-of-the-art surroundings. We have invested across the University to create an environment showcasing the latest teaching facilities enabling you to achieve great things. 

Every teaching room has state-of-the-art AV equipment enhancing students learning experience and spread across the open study areas there are approximately 50 iMacs. The dual function technology allows students to choose between Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac software, allowing students to utilise the technology that best supports their chosen field of study. 

The Waterfront Building supports flexible learning with open study on all floors, where students can access networked computers. 

The Waterfront Building
Students working on our iMacs
Lecture Theatre in the Waterfront building
Close-up of coffee and pastries
Paddy and Scotts café on campus

How to apply

Applying for a postgraduate programme is simple, you can apply using the link below. You can also find out more about what to include on your application and how to contact us for support during the process on the Postgraduate Study link.

Apply Now Postgraduate Study

Steph Dodgers – BSc (Hons) Psychology and MSc Applications of Psychology Graduat

"I chose to study at the University of Suffolk because of its passion for student excellence, the academic support it offers and the focus on disability support.'

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