Melanie Clarkson

Melanie Clarkson is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Health and Social Care, Sheffield Hallam University (SHU), and a leading figure in advancing practice education across Radiography specialties. She holds roles as Programme Director for the accredited MSc Advanced Clinical Practice (Radiotherapy and Oncology) and PgC Enhanced Level Practice programmes. Her academic leadership includes steering transformative initiatives such as the NHS England-funded e-portfolio pathway for advanced practice recognition and the CHEERs project, enhancing Radiography education.

Educationally qualified with a BSc (Hons), PgCE, MSc, and SFHEA status, she actively contributes to the College of Radiographers (CoR), Association of Advanced Practice Educators (AAPE), and Advanced Practice Research Academy UK (APRA-UK). Nationally, she developed the non-surgical oncology advanced practice credential and serves as Deputy Director of APRA-UK, driving innovation in healthcare education.

Her research focuses on advanced practice frameworks, curriculum development, and oncology education, with recent projects including the WE-SEARCH workforce scoping initiative. Melanie’s work emphasizes collaborative leadership, evidenced by her contributions to the NHS Centre for Advancing Practice, the Council of Deans for Health, and international groups like iCoP APRT. She also chairs the Advancing Practice in Radiography Special Interest Group (APRADSIG).

Grants and funding include leadership roles in projects supported by NHSE/SCoR, focusing on workforce needs and curriculum innovation. Her advisory roles span external examining at Teesside University and journal reviewing for Radiography and TIPSRO. Melanie’s presentations and publications widely disseminate her work on advanced practice, oncology education, and healthcare workforce development.