Master's in Magnetic Resonance Imaging

University College Dublin (UCD) is a world-renowned university located in Dublin, Ireland. Founded in 1854, it is one of the oldest and largest universities in the country, with a current student population of over 34,000. UCD offers undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs across a broad range of disciplines, including arts, humanities, business, law, engineering, medicine, and science. The university is particularly well-known for its programs in agriculture, veterinary science, and architecture, and is also a leader in research in areas such as nanotechnology, information technology, and food science. The campus itself is situated on 350 acres in the south suburbs of Dublin, providing a picturesque and spacious setting for students and staff. Facilities on campus include state-of-the-art lecture theaters, research labs, libraries, sports facilities, and accommodation options for students.

Technological advances in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) have led to a greater range of clinical applications, such that MRI is now a core imaging modality in contemporary healthcare. This course, aimed at radiographers working in MRI, integrates the physical principles of MRI with practical clinical applications. This course aims to foster the personal and professional development of the postgraduate radiographer by encouraging students to develop core knowledge, cultivate a critically questioning approach to MR imaging practice, foster constructive change within the workplace, and direct high-quality MR service provision. The MSc MRI programme will develop the expertise of radiographers working in the field of MRI, broadening their knowledge of routine and advanced MR applications, and developing communication skills and critical thinking. Programme content builds on undergraduate study and existing clinical practice skills to enable radiographers to become experts in MR imaging. During the Technology of MRI modules, students will evaluate the physical principles underpinning MR image generation together with the factors influencing equipment and pulse sequence selection and manipulation within the clinical setting. Practice-based modules address the spectrum of routine and advanced applications of MRI in the central nervous, musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems, together with applications in the abdomen and pelvis. This provides the knowledge-base for students to evaluate MR scanning protocols and resultant image appearances for diverse clinical indications, and to justify clinical decision-making. Since this Masters programme confers clinical competence, there is an emphasis on the integration of theory and practice to enable students to develop practical MR scanning skills and manage MR service provision within the clinical department. During the course, students must undertake a minimum of 900 clinical hours to gain the requisite specialist clinical skills in MR scanning. The programme encourages radiographers to apply a critically questioning approach to MR imaging practice and fosters both the development of decision-making and problem-solving skills and the advancement of research within the clinical practice environment.