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Informatics & DesignMedical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences
The Department of Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences (previously Radiography) is located within the Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences. CPUT is the only university in the Western Cape that offers the following BSc programmes in Medical Imaging: BSc Diagnostic Radiography, BSc Diagnostic Ultrasound, BSc Nuclear Medicine Technology and BSc Radiation Therapy. Our programmes strive to address the critical shortage of radiographers and ultrasonographers in the Western Cape and South Africa. Our high standard of training is widely acknowledged by industry and our graduates find employment internationally. The respective degrees are offered full-time for four (4) years. These 4-year professional degrees aim to develop professionals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills required in Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences and apply such knowledge and skills in the appropriate workplace context. Our academic programmes strive to instil a culture of independent learning from an early onset.
Vision
To build a nation-leading medical imaging department committed to the university's vision by adopting smart innovative techniques and technologies in teaching and learning, research, engagement, administration, partnerships, and collaborations.
Mission
To develop professional diagnostic radiographers, ultrasonographers, nuclear medicine technologists and radiation therapists by applying smart innovative techniques in teaching and learning and research to meet industry needs and contribute to improving the well-being and health of individuals in local, national, and international communities.
Values
The Department of Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences' values align with that of CPUT. The department agrees to oneness and smartness by:
- Embracing a culture of transparency, engaging in respectful conversation, showing appreciation, and being honest.
- Ubuntu is a way of life that expresses seeking kindness, displaying thankfulness, and showing compassion (human heartedness) for the well-being of all our students, staff, stakeholders, and the CPUT community.
- Being mindful of circumstances and respecting the role of each person in the team; being open to change and witnessing unity while embracing diversity.
- Showing passion and demonstrating enthusiasm, devotion, intensity, tenacity, and total commitment to everything we undertake as a department, delivering uncompromising quality service, and always searching for better ways of doing things.
- Taking accountability and accepting responsibility for all our actions, decisions, behaviour, and actions that we commit to whilst maintaining a professional decorum.
The MITS department strives to enhance productivity and efficiency by embracing all the possibilities that rapidly developing technologies offer.
Undergraduate qualification
Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Radiography
The diagnostic radiographer works in a multidisciplinary team. Diagnostic Radiography entails the production of digital images that may be used to diagnose or confirm medical diagnoses and to aid in therapeutic and interventional procedures. Diagnostic Radiography utilizes ionizing radiation for most of its imaging modalities to produce images of the human body and includes general and specialised radiography i.e., Trauma radiography, Theatre radiography, Angiography, Mammography, Computed tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Ultrasound
Ultrasound is an imaging modality that uses high-frequency sound waves to image internal organs and structures within the human body. These images provide valuable diagnostic information for the treatment of a variety of medical conditions. Ultrasound is used extensively to view the unborn foetus, abdominal organs, male and female pelvic organs, blood vessels, and superficial structures such as the thyroid, breast, and musculoskeletal system. The ultrasonographer works in close collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.
Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Medicine Technology
Nuclear Medicine involves the use of radioactive pharmaceuticals in the diagnosis and, to some extent, treatment of disease. It consists in dispensing and administering radioactive pharmaceuticals to a patient. The distribution of radioactivity within the patient’s body is imaged using specialised nuclear medicine technology imaging equipment to obtain information on the structure and function of organs. The nuclear medicine technologist forms part of a multidisciplinary team.
Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy involves the use of high energy radiation to administer a therapeutic dose to a patient and is, but not exclusively, used to treat cancer. Radiation therapists will form part of a multidisciplinary team in the radiotherapy planning and treatment of patients. While radiation therapy is the focus, radiation therapists are trained to manage the psychological and emotional aspects that the patient may experience during the treatment being administered. Treatment simulation, treatment planning, dosimetry, quality assurance, counselling and treatment delivery are some aspects applicable to this profession.
Career Prospects, Minimum Entrance Requirements, RPL, Supporting Documents & Additional Expenses and Enquiries
Career Prospects
Graduates find employment in academic hospitals, community health centres, private and public practice nationally and internationally, research institutes, and related healthcare industries.
Minimum Entrance Requirements
| APS Score | English (HL OR FAL) | Maths | Life Science | Physical Science | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSc Diagnostic radiography | Min 30+ | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| BSc Radiation Therapy | Min 30+ | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| BSc Diagnostic Ultrasound | Min 30+ | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| BSc Nuclear Medicine Technology | Min 30+ | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
NOTE: International applicants should always have their qualification/s evaluated by SAQA before applying for undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications, along with RPL applications
A minimum APS of 30 is considered; however, preference is given to applicants with a higher APS.
Modes of Learning, Teaching and Assessment
MITS adopts the blended learning and teaching approach where classes and assessments are conducted online (virtually) and face-to-face on campus, as well as clinical training through Work Integrated Learning (WIL) at the clinical centres (hospitals, community health centres and clinics)
Clinical placement
The Department collaborates with various industry partners (private and public sectors) for clinical placements in various regions. Students are required to complete the clinical component of the programme under the supervision of qualified HPCSA-registered healthcare professionals.
Bursary opportunities
The following private radiology practices offer bursaries to BSc Diagnostic Radiography and BSc Diagnostic Ultrasound students.
- Bergman, Ross, and Partners:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Cape Radiology:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Morton and Partners Radiologists: https://morton.co.za/bursary/
- Schnetler, Corbett and Partners Inc.: https://www.scp.co.za/about-us/careers-and-bursaries/#bursaries
- Winelands Radiology:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Western Cape Department of Health also offers bursaries. For more information, please visit the following link: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/jobs-bursaries-and-tenders
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL provides an opportunity for you to identify your learning and have it assessed and formally acknowledged. The process involves identifying, mediating, assessing and recognising knowledge and skills obtained through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.
RPL processes will apply to applicants who:
- require access to the first year as they do not meet the minimum entrance requirements. NOTE: applicants may be asked to complete appropriate workshops to upgrade their knowledge towards developing their RPL portfolio
- require exemption from certain subjects if the applicant has studied radiography or another health science qualification at CPUT or a different institution and would like to further their studies at CPUT.
Supporting documents and additional expenses
The following documents and medical tests are required to enter the clinical facilities upon acceptance. Please note that these expenses are for the student’s account and payable upon entry into the BSc programme.
| Documents | Number of Copies |
|---|---|
| Hard Copy of proof of registration (x1). | 1 |
| Certified Copies of ID documents (x3) - Certified within the last 3 months prior to MITS student orientation. NB: ORIGINAL CERTIFIED HARD COPIES. | 3 |
| Certified Copy of Matric Results (x1) - Certified within the last 3 months prior to MITS student orientation.NB: ORIGINAL CERTIFIED HARD COPIES. | 1 |
| International Students: Certified Copies of Passport (x3) and Valid Study Permit (x3) - Certified within the last 3 months prior to MITS student orientation.NB: ORIGINAL CERTIFIED HARD COPIES. | 3 of each |
| Additional Expenses | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)* | R400 |
| First Aid Course | R600 |
| Anatomical markers (Diagnostic Radiography students only) | R150 |
| Uniforms | R500 |
| Hepatitis B Injections* | R350 |
| Medical examination including full blood count and urine test (To be done by Medical doctor) * | R1500 |
| TOTAL | R3500 |
*Expenses to be paid within the first week of orientation.
Kindly note the prescribed textbook list, Chemistry practical consumables and personal protective equipment (PPE) to be confirmed.
BSc Enquiries
Ms Sonja Fortuin
Departmental Secretary
Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences
Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
+27 21 959 6538
Postgraduate qualification
Students interested in pursuing postgraduate studies can complete a Master of Science Degree (MSc) NQF (Level 9) in Radiography. The MSc can be followed by a Doctor of Radiography Degree (D Rad) (NQF Level 10) in Radiography. After completing a BSc or equivalent NQF Level 8 qualification in radiography, RPL could also be used for advanced standing into postgraduate studies.
Master of Science in Radiography
This qualification is intended to develop further researchers who will contribute through independent research in a radiography-related field. The research problem, its justification, methodology, and outcome are reported in a thesis that complies with the accepted norms for research at this level. This practitioner will also demonstrate a high level of overall knowledge in radiography, ranging from fundamental concepts to advanced theoretical or applied knowledge.
Programme structure
Full research project and thesis
Pre-application guidelines
Prior to applying for the MSc Radiography programme, the following documents need to be submitted to the departmental research coordinators, Dr A Speelman (
- Concept paper/preliminary research proposal:
- 2-4 pages with the following subheadings: topic, background/rationale, aims/objectives, brief literature review and proposed methodology
- Use the Harvard method of bibliographic citation
- Academic transcripts
- SAQA certificates (if applicable)
The departmental postgraduate research committee will review these documents to determine the feasibility of the proposed study (taking into consideration capacity and/or space on the programme). The outcome of the review will be communicated to the prospective candidate, and if feasible, the candidate will be advised to apply online for the programme.
Duration
Full-time 100% Research: A minimum of one (1) calendar year and a maximum of three (3) years
Part-time 100% Research: A minimum of one (1) calendar year and a maximum of four (4) years
Admission Requirements:
- BSc Radiography (or equivalent honours degree) with an average of 60% is required. Applicants with a National Diploma and BTech qualification need to apply via the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. Please refer to CPUT’s policy on RPL page.
- An applicant with <60% will be considered if there is evidence of research experience, publications, conference presentations etc.
Doctor of Radiography
The practitioner with this qualification will be a researcher who will make a significant scientific contribution through independent, original research in a chosen field. The research outcome of the qualification is a doctoral thesis that complies with the accepted norms for research at this level.
Programme structure
Full research project and thesis
Pre-application guidelines
Prior to applying for the Doctor of Radiography programme, the following documents need to be submitted to the departmental research coordinators, Dr A Speelman (
- Concept paper/preliminary research proposal:
- 2-4 pages with the following subheadings: topic, background/rationale, aims/objectives, brief literature review and proposed methodology
- Use the Harvard method of bibliographic citation
- Academic transcripts
- SAQA certificates (if applicable)
The departmental postgraduate research committee will review these documents to determine the feasibility of the proposed study (taking into consideration capacity and/or space on the programme). The outcome of the review will be communicated to the prospective candidate, and if feasible, the candidate will be advised to apply online for the programme. Follow the link for more information.
Duration
Full-time: A minimum of two (2) consecutive calendar years and a maximum of four (4) years
Part-time: A minimum of 4 years and a maximum of six (6) years
Admission Requirements
- MTech/MSc Radiography (or equivalent Master’s degree) with an average of 60% is required.
- An applicant with <60% will be considered if there is evidence of research experience, publications, conference presentations etc.
- An applicant not meeting the minimum admission requirements may be considered for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Please refer to CPUT’s policy on the RPL page.
Thesis Assessment
The final assessment will be based on the thesis or dissertation submitted which will be externally assessed by examiners appointed by the university. The graduate will make a valuable contribution to the existing body of knowledge and initiate change that will help to develop and advance the profession of Radiography.
Postgraduate Enquiries
For further enquiries, please contact:
Dr Aladdin Speelman
Research Coordinator: Department of MITS
Dr Mark Marais
Research Coordinator: Department of MITS