PGCert Interventional Radiology*
- Study Mode: Full Time
- Location: High Wycombe
- Duration: One Year
- Start Date: October 2025
Interventional Radiology (IR) specialises in performing minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures using advanced imaging technologies. These procedures employ fluoroscopy, ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and radionuclide imaging (RNI) to manage a range of diseases and conditions.
* Please note this course is Subject to Validation.
Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?
Teachers at BNU consist of expert staff with a combination of academic knowledge and industry experience. You’ll be able to acquire specialist knowledge in Interventional Radiology, with the opportunity to go on a work placement.
Benefit from access to expert faculty, industry insights, and hands-on learning opportunities in a state-of-the-art educational environment. We have established strong connections with leading healthcare providers and industry specialists.
We offer access to specialised facilities, including advanced imaging equipment and simulation labs. Our learning programmes are flexible and practice-based, designed specifically for working professionals.
What facilities can I use?
Gain access to advanced imaging equipment in interventional radiology, including cardiac catherisation, fluoroscopy, ultrasound, CT, MRI and RNI, as well as simulation labs for practical, hands-on learning. You will also utilise Electronic Patient Records (EPR) and other related radiology software systems.
Separate modules may appeal to other specialisms and disciplines, i.e. endoscopy, emergency nurse practitioners, dental nursing, stroke ACPs, operating department practitioners and physiotherapists.
Access to online learning platforms and support services such as "Ask a Librarian" and laptop loan schemes.
What will I study?
You will be able to discuss and negotiate with the course team any subjects you feel unsure about and delve deeper into these topics, below you will find an overview of the topics taught on this course.
- Effective Mentoring & Coaching: Supporting and promoting a healthy educational culture in the Interventional Radiology (IR) environment, important for working alongside more junior roles.
- Resilience & Self-Care: Building resilience, soft skills, and strategies for welfare management of both self and others.
- Leadership: Developing leadership skills for individuals, teams, and systems, including boosting your impact on the service user experience and interprofessional teamwork.
- Conflict Resolution: Methods for resolving conflicts and minimising mistakes, with a focus on reflection, debriefing including WHO processes and NHS Patient Safety Incident Response Framework.
- Clinical Governance & Patient Safety: Duty of care, candour, and procedures in interventional radiology, covering both major (angioplasty, embolisation) and minor procedures (biopsies, drains, central line insertion).
- Anatomy & Pathology: Understanding vascular and non-vascular anatomy and pathology, as well as image interpretation across various imaging modalities (CT, MRI, Ultrasound, and more).
- Radiation Protection & Legal Considerations: Application of IRMER and IRR17 regulations, with emphasis on radiation safety in clinical procedures.
- Patient Care & Safety: Comprehensive care considerations from pre-procedural to post-procedural stages, including recovery and handling medical emergencies.
- Equipment & Room Preparation: Familiarisation with interventional radiology equipment, CRIS, PACS, EPR systems, and the preparation for procedures.
- Infection Control & Surgical Procedures: Infection control practices, sterile techniques, and management of surgical equipment.
- Sedation & Incident Management: Understanding sedation protocols, managing reportable incidents, and using frameworks like PSIRF and After-Action Reviews (AAR).
How will I be taught and assessed?
A blend of online and in-person teaching methods, including lectures, practical workshops, and case-based learning. You benefit from flexible learning designed for working professionals. Workshops include contributions from clinical experts and multidisciplinary team interactions.
A range of assessments will also be used to test your understanding of the subject matter:
- Portfolio of evidence on practical experience gained in interventional radiology, procedures, patient care, and emergency management.
- Case studies on healthcare policies, ionising radiation safety, legislation and clinical applications, and use of contrast agents.
What are the course entry requirements?
- Applicants will need to have acquired a BSc (Hons) degree qualification in a relevant discipline.
- Applicants will be post-registration practitioners who are already employed in radiology, cardiology, and or theatre settings for a minimum of 3 months. The areas of experience can be negotiated with line management; however, it is expected that placement within interventional radiology must be approximately 6-12 months in duration.
- In the case of part-time learners, they must work 3 or more days a week to gain sufficient practice. Learners must have registration with their regulatory body.
- Applicants will have a named clinical supervisor assigned who is relevant to their practice.
- Written support from the department manager is essential.
- Must have the flexibility to visit other departments for experience.
Modules
This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.
What are the tuition fees
Home
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Home Foundation Year, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £2,970 *
Following the Government’s announcement of 4 November 2024, we will be increasing our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for UK students to £9,535 per year from the start of the 2025/26 academic year. Our part-time fees for UK undergraduate students will increase to £7,145 per annum. Please visit , on the Government’s website, for more information about the changes.
Tuition fees for Home undergraduate students (including with foundation year) may increase in subsequent years for both new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by the Government.  
Tuition fees for both new and continuing international students may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year.  
Tuition fees for postgraduate courses and CPD may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year. This increase will apply to both new and continuing students.  
We understand, and really appreciate, the significant financial commitment our students make when they choose to study at BNU. We take our responsibilities to our students very seriously, and are ambitious for each to reach their full potential and succeed in their chosen career. Our fees help us to continue providing our students with a high-quality education, and to invest in the services and facilities which create an excellent student experience at BNU.
The following factors will be considered by the University when we set the annual fees: measures of inflation such as the retail price indices; projected increases in University costs; and any changes in the level of funding for teaching received from the Government.
What are my career prospects?
This course bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical practice, addressing an essential need in modern healthcare. It has been developed in collaboration with practice partners in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and North West London to meet the growing demand for skilled IR nurses. Its flexible delivery model makes it an excellent choice for working professionals seeking to advance their careers.
- Acquire advanced skills and knowledge to excel in specialised interventional radiology (IR) roles.
- Improve your career prospects in both local and international healthcare settings.
- Position yourself for leadership opportunities within your professional discipline.
You will gain specialised competencies that meet the increasing demand for skilled IR practitioners in the healthcare field.
Course leader
- Associate Professor
- Discipline Lead and Programme Lead
