We have partnered with University College Cork (UCC) to design and deliver a new postgraduate course in mammography. This flexible part-time course is the only mammography course available in Ireland. It’s one of the clinical pathways in the UCC Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences programme.
The course will strengthen and support mammography services nationally through advanced education and professional development.
Partnership
UCC will deliver the academic modules of the master’s degree and BreastCheck will deliver the practical modules while also contributing to the content of lectures.
This partnership means students will have access to real-world mammography education and high-quality supervised practice.
BreastCheck National Radiography Service Manager Kerry Lombard said: “This is an important collaboration with UCC, ensuring we can provide high-quality, accessible education that meets the needs of our workforce. We train our radiographers to meet the high clinical standards set under international guidelines. Previously, students had to travel to the UK to complete mammography training. The establishment of an Irish master’s-level course makes mammography education more accessible to Irish radiographers, and it a great opportunity for people building a career in mammography.”
Building the future of breast screening
The introduction of the new course is a key part of building BreastCheck for the future.
The course is for qualified radiographers who want to build their knowledge and skills in mammography. Globally, including in Ireland, there are challenges in recruiting staff for breast screening programmes. This course will prepare radiographers for a career in mammography, offering people a route to work in breast screening and opportunities to advance their careers.
We have placed 6 students on the course which started on 29 September 2025. As new BreastCheck staff are hired, they will be placed on the second intake in January 2026.
The course is delivered online, making it accessible to international students and extending its impact beyond Ireland.
About the course
The course brings together theory and practical training so that students gain a clear understanding of mammography technology, how images are taken, and how they are read.
Students learn through a blend of asynchronous learning and hands on practice at clinical placements. The course covers mammography techniques, patient care, safety, and advanced diagnostic skills.
When they graduate, students are well prepared to work confidently in mammography, improve patient care, and contribute to progress in medical imaging.