Overview

The MSc Medical Imaging is designed for radiographers ready to progress into enhanced or advanced roles.

Industry-informed curriculum and research-rich learning will prepare you to integrate imaging technologies, influence policy, and deliver enhanced and advanced practice across Scotland, the UK, and global healthcare systems.

Whether you’re advancing your current role or entering a new career path, this degree opens doors to leadership, innovation and meaningful impact in healthcare.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

This page provides information about the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) pathway, one of four pathways available within our MSc Medical Imaging course.

The Magnetic Resonance Imaging pathway provides a route to develop specialist knowledge and skills in MRI and advance your clinical practice.

You’ll gain a deeper understanding of MRI physics and image formation, with a focus on how these principles underpin safe and effective scanning.

Teaching integrates core theory with practical application, supporting you to:

apply advanced imaging techniques
make informed decisions in complex clinical situations.

Your learning will be further supported through simulation-based activities, giving you the opportunity to develop and apply your skills in a controlled environment. Where available, short supervised placements provide additional practical experience.

As you progress, you’ll strengthen your ability to link day-to-day clinical experience with academic learning, building confidence in your practice.

Whether you’re advancing your current role or entering a new career path, this degree opens doors to leadership, innovation and meaningful impact in healthcare.

Further details about the MSc Medical Imaging and pathway options can be found on the MSc Medical Imaging course page.

Full-time study is available for UK and international applicants with at least two years of post-qualification experience, offering an intensive route to MSc completion in one year. Part-time study provides flexibility for UK-based professionals balancing work and study over three to five years.

Why study Medical Imaging (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) at GCU?

Designed for qualified radiographers and healthcare professionals aiming to progress to advanced or enhanced practice through flexible pathway in MRI.
Supervised clinical exposure supports international students to understand UK MRI practice, while home students can apply their existing experience and link day‑to‑day clinical work with the theory taught on the programme.
State-of-the-art simulation facilities allow you to refine complex skills safely before applying them in clinical environments.
Strong NHS and industry partnerships provide opportunities for service evaluation, leadership development, and research to transform imaging services.

What you will study

Please note that full module information is in the process of being finalised for publication and will be made available here shortly.

In the meantime, you can view and download the Programme Specification at the bottom of this page. This document provides an overview of the course structure, including indicative modules, learning content and further key information. The modules listed on the Programme Specification are for the current academic year and are intended to give you an idea of what you may be able to study on this course.

Careers

With growing global demand for advanced imaging expertise and digital health innovation, graduates of the MSc Medical Imaging are well positioned to progress into enhanced and advanced roles across clinical, academic and commercial settings.

Graduates typically move into advanced or enhanced roles within diagnostic imaging or sonography services, with opportunities in:

leadership
specialist MRI practice or advanced practice
education
research.

UK-based students often achieve career progression within the NHS, while international graduates may progress into advanced roles in their home countries or global healthcare organisations.

Graduates go on to work across a range of settings, including:

NHS Health Boards
Private imaging providers
International hospitals
Education and research

Graduates of the MRI pathway are equipped to progress into specialist and advanced MRI roles, contributing to high-quality patient care as well as service development, research and education.

Some graduates also choose to pursue further academic study, including doctoral-level research.

Strong links with NHS Scotland and industry partners, alongside GCU’s career guidance, provide valuable opportunities for networking and career development.

Course information

Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Part time	3 -5 years	Jan 27	Glasgow	Enquire Apply
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Part time	3 - 5 years	Sep 26	Glasgow	Enquire Apply
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Full time	1 year	Sep 26	Glasgow	Enquire Apply

Please note that admission to GCU is considered on a competitive basis, and the academic entry requirements stated here may be the minimum required to be eligible for an offer.

International students can get information on entry requirements specific to their country in our International Study section.

Minimum academic requirement

UK honours degree 2:2 (or equivalent) in Diagnostic Radiography or closely related discipline and
a minimum of 2 years relevant practical experience with evidence of exposure to clinical practice and foundational knowledge in MRI. This must be demonstrated with a CV and employment reference.
Applicants must also be a radiographer in their home country.

English language requirement

Academic IELTS score of 6.5 (or equivalent), with reading and listening at 6.5 and no element below 6.0.

Additional information for international applicants

Entry requirements by country
Application deadlines
English language tests
Knowledge of English - Applicants from a majority English speaking country may not be required to provide further proof of your English language proficiency. Information about this requirement is available on the Student Visa section of the gov.uk website.

Additional information for all applicants

Relevant experience (Recognition of Prior Learning)

GCU's flexible entry policies exist to allow relevant work experience and prior learning to be considered towards standard entry or advanced entry into a course.

If you do not have the typical academic entry qualifications, but can demonstrate relevant work experience and/or credits from recognised professional bodies, you may be eligible to enter this course via the University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme.

Teaching and assessment

The MSc Medical Imaging provides an engaging and applied learning experience, combining a range of teaching methods such as:

lectures
seminars
practical classes
simulation-based learning.

Assessment methods include:

written coursework
oral presentations
practical evaluations
a research dissertation.

This ensures you’re assessed on a balance of academic research and clinical relevance.

Placements

For the MRI pathway, GCU may organise short, structured placement experiences within NHS settings, where available. These placements are designed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and clinical practice, offering valuable supervised exposure to real-world imaging environments. These opportunities are subject to availability and require completion of occupational health checks and other preparatory steps.

Guest lectures and networking

You’ll hear from guest speakers across the healthcare sector, including:

industry experts
MRI specialist radiographers
researchers
policy leaders.

These sessions offer insights into emerging trends and provide opportunities to build professional connections.

Full time and part time study options

This course offers full-time study, with a part-time option for UK-based professionals.

Full time (1 year): Full-time students complete the MSc in one year. It follows structured progression through core modules and specialist options. This is ideal for UK and international applicants with two years’ post-qualification experience.

Part time (3 – 5 years): The part-time option allows you to study over three to five years, if you are a UK working professional and eligible for part-time study. You’ll be able to build your award gradually, combining modules across trimesters to suit your schedule and career development. You will steadily progress from PgCert to PgDip and finally MSc, alongside your work commitments.

Facilities

You will have access to state-of-the-art simulation software for MRI, enabling safe, immersive practice before applying skills in clinical environments. Digital health and AI integration are also embedded throughout, preparing you for technology-driven healthcare.

Global perspective and Common Good

This course reflects GCU’s Common Good mission, promoting inclusive, digitally enabled education and preparing graduates to address health inequalities and global imaging challenges. You’ll benefit from a research-rich environment and strong NHS and industry links, positioning them for leadership roles worldwide.

Entrepreneurship and leadership

Modules in the course equip you with key skills to drive service transformation and mentor future professionals including:

critical thinking
reflective practice
confident leadership.

Research and impact

Aligned with the College of Radiographers Education and Career Framework, the programme fosters research literacy and service evaluation skills. You’ll undertake a dissertation focused on real-world challenges, contributing to evidence-based practice and innovation in imaging services.

Download the programme specification

In addition to the core modules that all students must undertake, some courses offer students a choice from a selection of optional modules to shape the focus their degree. Optional modules where available, form part of the overall credit structure of the course.

Download the programme specification for a detailed breakdown of the course structure, including modules, what you'll learn and other useful information.

Terms and Conditions

Details of the University’s terms and conditions are available here.