ObjectivesYou'll gain clinical competence to practise diagnostic medical ultrasound.
Entry requirementsAll applicants should provide evidence that they have an honours degree or equivalent and have post-registration experience in a related clinical practice, ie clinical vascular science, cardiac physiology, medical physics, midwifery, nursing, radiography or physiotherapy.
Academic titlePgCert/PgDip/MSc Medical Ultrasound
Course descriptionPgCert/PgDip/MSc Medical Ultrasound
Designed in conjunction with local NHS trusts, this course provides a CASE-accredited qualification. It's ideal for postgraduate health professionals (such as doctors, cardiac physiologists, medical physicists, midwives, nurse practitioners, radiographers or clinical vascular scientists).
Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) 60 credits
The PgCert is the minimum qualification for a professional to practice ultrasound. You complete two modules:
Principles of Ultrasound Science & Technology
This module addresses the scientific principles and concepts of current ultrasound practice. You will learn jointly through direct contact and across a virtual learning environment. There are two summative assessments, a short written examination and a written project.
Clinical module*
Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) 120 credits
Progressing from the PgCert, you can choose to study for one more year to be awarded a postgraduate diploma. You will need to study two more modules:
Clinical module* or
Collaborative Study in Medical Ultrasound Practice
This student-led module is available for individuals doing Stage 2 of the postgraduate programme in medical ultrasound. It provides an alternative to studying an additional clinical module in ultrasound practice as well as an opportunity to present a piece of work of a publishable standard.
This is an opportunity for you to study independently whilst working collaboratively with the ultrasound team. You select and explore a specific area of medical ultrasound practice for in-depth academic study, critically evaluating relevant theory and research, linking it to inform clinical practice to improve patient care and preparing material for publication. You will be expected to continue in medical ultrasound practice throughout. The assessment strategy is negotiated with the module leader before starting the course.
Evidence-based Practice or
The evidence-based practice module develops skills in studying at master’s level, enabling you to make the transition to postgraduate study. It also introduces you to the key concept of evidence-based practice within a health and social care setting. Throughout the module you will develop practical skills in searching literature, critically evaluating and managing change. You will be able to focus these skills to your own specialist area of practice within the assignment.
Designing Research Projects
This module will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to design and manage relevant quantitative and qualitative research projects.
* Clinical modules can be chosen from:
-Cardiac Ultrasound
-General Medical Ultrasound
-Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
-Obstetric Ultrasound
-Vascular Ultrasound
All of these modules are designed to ensure clinical competency and may be studied at either Stages 1 or 2 of the programme. Although the clinical options are independent, their structure and delivery have similar strands. Learning achieved in each module will enhance the others. Learning is delivered both in the University and on clinical placement, supported by the Blackboard virtual learning environment. The module firmly links theory and practice, introducing you to problem solving scenarios from the start.
To ensure quality clinical learning, you will be assessed in several ways including case studies, written assignments, objective structured clinical examinations and clinical competencies.
MSc Medical Ultrasound 180 credits
By continuing your study into a third year, you can do one of the following modules to be awarded an MSc Medical Ultrasound:
Dissertation
This module enables you to complete an independent research project. You can discuss areas of interest with an allocated supervisor.
Evaluating Practice
Course structure
This flexible course allows you to step off at times throughout your study. The Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) is the minimum qualification to practise ultrasound. You'll study two core modules: Principles of Ultrasound Science and Technology and a clinical module.+ Progressing from the PgCert you can complete another year of study to gain the Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) - you'll study two modules which you choose from a selection of options. If you want to gain the Master of Science (MSc) you'll study for a third year and take either the Dissertation or Evaluating Practice module.
Professional placements
The placement will integrate your clinical, practical and academic skills.
Other programs related to medical physics, radiology