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Faculties and Short Courses 
Faculties Health and Wellness Sciences Departments and contacts
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 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 over a period of four (4) years. The aim of these 4-year professional degrees is 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.
To build a nation-leading medical imaging department committed to the vision of the university by adopting smart innovative techniques and technologies in the fields of teaching and learning, research, engagement, administration, partnerships, and collaborations.
To develop professional diagnostic radiographers, ultrasonographers, nuclear medicine technologists and radiation therapists by applying smart innovative techniques in teaching and learning and research with the aim of meeting the needs of industry and contributing to the improvement of the well-being and health of individuals in local, national, and international communities.
The values of the Department of Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences are aligned with that of CPUT. The Department agrees to oneness and smartness by:
The department of MITS strives to enhance productivity and efficiency by embracing all the possibilities offered by rapidly developing technologies.
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).
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. It 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 the musculoskeletal system. The ultrasonographer works in close collaboration within a multidisciplinary team.
Nuclear Medicine involves the use of radioactive pharmaceuticals in the diagnosis and to an extent, treatment of disease. Nuclear medicine involves dispensing and administering radioactive pharmaceuticals to a patient. The distribution of the radioactivity within the patient’s body is imaged using specialized 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.
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, the radiation therapists are trained to manage the psychological and emotional aspects that the patient may experience during treatment being administered. Treatment simulation, treatment planning, dosimetry, quality assurance, counselling and treatment delivery are some of the aspects applicable to this profession.
Minimum Entrance Requirements
APS score
English (HL or FAL)
Maths
Life Science
Physical Science
BSc Diagnostic radiography
(preference will be given to candidates with a higher APS)
BSc Radiation Therapy
(preference will be given to candidates with a higher APS)
BSc Diagnostic Ultrasound
(preference will be given to candidates with a higher APS)
BSc Nuclear Medicine Technology (Both Sciences compulsory)
(Preference will be given to candidates with a higher APS)
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 Leaning (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 placement 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.
The Western Cape Department of Health also offer bursaries. For more information, please visit the following link: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/service/bursaries-health
What is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?
RPL provides an opportunity for you to identify your learning, have it assessed and formally acknowledged. The process involves the identification, mediation, assessment and acknowledgement of knowledge and skills obtained through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. RPL processes will apply to applicants who:
Career prospects
Graduates find employment in academic hospitals, community health centres, private and public practice both nationally and internationally, research institutes, and related healthcare industries.
Upon acceptance the following documents and medical tests are required to enter the clinical facilities. Kindly note that these expenses are for the student’s own account payable upon entry into the BSc programme.
DOCUMENTS
NUMBER OF COPIES
Hard Copy of proof of registration (x1)
Certified Copies of ID documents (x3) - Certified within the last 3 months prior to MITS student orientation
NB: ORIGINAL CERTIFIED HARD COPIES
Certified Copy of Matric Results (x1) - Certified within the last 3 months prior to MITS student orientation
NB: ORIGINAL CERTIFIED HARD COPIES
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
ADDITIONAL EXPENSES
APPROXIMATE COST
Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)*
First Aid Course
Anatomical markers (Diagnostic Radiography students only)
Hepatitis B Injections*
Medical examination including full blood count and urine test (To be done by Medical doctor) *
TOTAL
R3 500
*Expenses to be paid within the first week of orientation.
Kindly note 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 Health and Wellness Sciences
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Tel: +27 21 959-6538
Email: fortuins@cput.ac.za
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 see 2.5 and 2.6 in the following link https://www.cput.ac.za/study/rpl
This qualification is intended to further develop 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 (speelmana@cput.ac.za) and Dr M Marais (maraism@cput.ac.za) :
These documents will be reviewed by the departmental postgraduate research committee for feasibility (taking into consideration capacity and/or space on the programme) of the proposed study. 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:
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 (speelmana@cput.ac.za) and Dr M Marais (maraism@cput.ac.za):
These documents will be reviewed by the departmental postgraduate research committee for 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: 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:
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
Or
Dr Mark Marais
Research Coordinator: Department of MITS
