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MSc - Medical Imaging (Ultrasound)

Applications for the January 2025 intake for this programme are now closed. We will begin accepting applications from February 2025 for the January 2026 intake’

With a UK-wide shortage of sonographers, there has never been a better time to study a Master's in Medical Imaging: Ultrasound.

Our intensive two-year MSc Ultrasound programme – accredited by the Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE) – is the perfect accelerated pathway of study to launch your career as a sonographer.

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Accredited by:

Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE)

Medical Imaging (Ultrasound) cover image

Course Overview

On this two-year programme, you will learn all of the academic knowledge required to work in the field of sonography. Throughout, you will receive comprehensive hands-on training in our skills hub, which is equipped with the latest imaging workstations and houses one of the largest MedaPhor ultrasound simulation labs in the world.

This programme gives you exposure to the full range of sonography in clinical areas such as obstetrics, gynaecology, general medical (abdominal and small parts), vascular, breast and musculoskeletal ultrasound training. Approximately 75% of your studies will be practical, so you will develop the work-based skills required to step into employment after graduation. The module delivery will be an online ‘blended’ learning approach and most modules will have an element of live virtual tutorial sessions.

On this course you will...

Learn the academic knowledge and the clinical skills required to work in the field of medical ultrasound. This will ensure you become a confident and competent ultrasound practitioner.
Working with a placement hospital, you will gain exposure to the full range of sonography specialisms, such as obstetrics, gynaecology, general medical (abdominal and small parts) and vascular.
Be welcomed from a range of healthcare and non-healthcare backgrounds. A healthcare background or degree is not required to gain a place on this programme.
Engage in practical training to gain work-based skills. You will have access to our cutting-edge ultrasound training hub, equipped with the latest ultrasound machines and an extensive ultrasound simulation facility.

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Key Details

Recruiting toUK / RoI / Settled in UK
Course LocationLancaster
Institute Institute of Health
Delivery StyleBlended Learning
Course DurationFull-time: 2 Years
Course Start PointJanuary
AwardMSc
More informationProgramme Specification
Prospectus
Open DaysLancaster
All

Minimum entry requirements

2:1 (2:2 Considered)

Honours degree

Tuition fees

£15,900

UK | Per Programme

50% payable in Year 1, 50% payable in Year 2

Tuition Fees Policy

Course Structure

What you will learn

At the beginning of the course, you will be introduced to the expectations of the whole pathway, including the two core modules and one clinical option, usually HMSU7066 (General Medical Ultrasound). Further in the course, two more clinical option modules are usually introduced: HMSU7064 (Obstetric Ultrasound) and HMSU7065 (Gynaecological Ultrasound). The Research Methods and Dissertation modules are usually completed in the second calendar year (of the 2-year full-time degree).

Each module is credit rated. You may be assessed in various ways including coursework, presentations, reflective writing, verbal assessments, exams and reports. Assessment of clinical placements is a requirement of the qualification and students will be assessed to ensure they are clinically competent before they can receive the award.

Placements are provided with partner NHS Trusts in our region (whilst we will always consider your placement preference, please note that a specific placement location cannot be guaranteed). The clinical placement sites have been working with the university for many years, supporting students through the traditional part-time route for sonographers, and have friendly, supportive and experienced staff to help them develop their clinical skills whilst maintaining strong links with the university.

In certain circumstances, depending on placement capacity and your prior academic achievements/experiences, the clinical options may be subject to change and a further clinical option may be taken alongside a smaller dissertation.

Note: 'Sonographer' is not currently a protected title in the UK and at this present time graduates will NOT be eligible to be registered with the HCPC, although it is hoped that this will become a possibility in the future. For this reason, employment may not be possible in certain NHS trusts and some private sector organisations, although many organisations already employ sonographers from non-traditional backgrounds. Graduates from this programme/course will be eligible to join the Register of Clinical Technologists (RCT) accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).

Compulsory modules

Physical Principles & Technology in Ultrasound
Develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of the complex scientific and safety principles required for safe clinical practice in medical ultrasound.
Professional, Legal & Ethical Issues in Ultrasound
Develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of the complexities of the professional, legal, ethical and communication issues required for safe clinical practice in medical ultrasound.

Optional modules

The optional modules on this pathway are chosen by the university and allocated placement provider and not the student. This may vary from placement to placement and year to year depending on the needs of the local service and availability of suitable patient caseload and mentor.

Breast Ultrasound
Develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of the complex anatomy and physiology relating to breast ultrasound and the theoretical principles and applications of the more complex imaging techniques and associated pathology applied to this area.
Breast Ultrasound (Clinical Practice)
Demonstrate and apply the relevant knowledge, skills and professional abilities to effectively perform and interpret musculoskeletal ultrasound examinations, relating to the students agreed scope of practice.
General Medical Ultrasound (Theory)
Develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of the complex anatomy and physiology relating to general medical ultrasound and the theoretical principles and applications of the more complex imaging techniques and associated pathology applied to this area.
General Medical Ultrasound (Clinical Practice)
Demonstrate and apply the relevant knowledge, skills and professional abilities to effectively perform and interpret general medical ultrasound examinations, relating to the students agreed scope of practice.
Gynaecological Ultrasound (Theory)
Develop an understanding of the fundamental anatomy and physiology of the pregnant and non-pregnant female reproductive system and the theoretical principles and applications of the routine imaging techniques applied to this area.
Gynaecological Ultrasound (Clinical Practice)
Develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of the fundamental anatomy and physiology of the pregnant female pelvis and the theoretical principles and applications of the routine imaging techniques applied to this area.
Negotiated Ultrasound Practice 1
Develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of the complex anatomy and physiology relating to a negotiated area of ultrasound and the theoretical principles and applications of the more complex imaging techniques and associated pathology applied to this area.
Negotiated Ultrasound Practice 1 (Clinical Practice)
Demonstrate and apply the relevant knowledge, skills and professional abilities to effectively perform and interpret a negotiated area of ultrasound practice, relating to the students agreed scope of practice outlined in an approved learning agreement.
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (Theory)
Develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of the fundamental anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system and the theoretical principles and applications of the routine imaging techniques applied to this area.
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (Clinical Practice)
Demonstrate and apply the relevant knowledge, skills and professional abilities to effectively perform and interpret musculoskeletal ultrasound examinations, relating to the students agreed scope of practice.

Independent Study in Ultrasound (non-Clinical Practice)
Focus on an aspect of your contribution to the development of the service in their particular area of practice and as such the indicative content will be negotiated on an individual basis through the use of a learning contract.
Negotiated Ultrasound Practice 2
Develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of the complex anatomy and physiology relating to a negotiated area of ultrasound and the theoretical principles and applications of the more complex imaging techniques and associated pathology applied to this area.
Negotiated Ultrasound Practice 2 (Clinical Practice)
Demonstrate and apply the relevant knowledge, skills and professional abilities to effectively perform and interpret a negotiated area of ultrasound practice, relating to the students agreed scope of practice outlined in an approved learning agreement.
Negotiated Ultrasound Practice 3
Develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of the complex anatomy and physiology relating to a negotiated area of ultrasound and the theoretical principles and applications of the more complex imaging techniques and associated pathology applied to this area.
Negotiated Ultrasound Practice 3 (Clinical Practice)
Demonstrate and apply the relevant knowledge, skills and professional abilities to effectively perform and interpret a negotiated area of ultrasound practice, relating to the students agreed scope of practice outlined in an approved learning agreement.
Obstetric Ultrasound (Theory)
Develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of the fundamental theoretical principles related to obstetric ultrasound applications.
Obstetric Ultrasound (Clinical Practice)
Develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of the fundamental anatomy and physiology of the pregnant female pelvis and the theoretical principles and applications of the routine imaging techniques applied to this area.
Vascular Ultrasound (Theory)
Develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of the complex anatomy and physiology relating to vascular ultrasound and the theoretical principles and applications of the more complex imaging techniques and associated pathology applied to this area.
Vascular Ultrasound (Clinical Practice)
To enable students demonstrate and apply the relevant knowledge, skills and professional abilities to effectively perform and interpret vascular ultrasound examinations, relating to the students agreed scope of practice.
Research methods
Select, devise, analyse and synthesise research and evidence-based practice findings.

Dissertation (40 credit)
Carry out either a critical review of the current literature, or a piece of empirical research, on an issue related to medical imaging/practice.
Dissertation (60 credit)
Carry out either a critical review of the current literature or a piece of empirical research, on an issue related to medical imaging/practice.

Teaching & Assessment

How you will learn

Please note: Learning and teaching on this course is ‘blended’ and most modules will have an element of online pre-recorded and live virtual tutorial type sessions using Blackboard collaborate or Microsoft teams, where you will be expected to engage with a range of learning opportunities and activities. You will need a suitable laptop or pc with speakers and a webcam and adequate internet access/broadband speed to work remotely on-line. Most taught modules also have a campus-based element of delivery including group work, clinical skills, and reversed classroom approach, to the teaching and delivery. You will be advised via your module Blackboard site, regarding the specific delivery schedule of your individual modules.

The programme and modules are structured to meet the needs of students and employers. Taught components of the academic modules on the programme are delivered in attendance blocks at the university followed by clinical learning blocks in the designated clinical placement. Students are supported on placement by experienced mentors who have been trained by the university. Students are also able to access UoC digital resources, library facilities, Pebblepad and Blackboard (VLE), whilst on placement. Students will also be supported by their personal tutor, who is a member of the academic team at the university. The clinical aspects of the programme are documented in the students’ clinical e-portfolio and it is a requirement of the programme that students take ownership of this portfolio throughout the programme in line with professional requirements to maintain lifelong learning and to monitor and ensure clinical progress and competence.

Learning is based within academic study and professional practice, and the programme team collaborates with experienced clinical ultrasound practitioners. These practitioners perform key roles in helping to maintain the currency and relevance of the programme through their involvement in curriculum planning and delivery as well as providing mentorship support for students during placement blocks.

How you will be assessed

Learning and assessment are considered as interrelated, as the assessments enable students to demonstrate the extent to which they have achieved the learning outcome of modules and the programme of study overall. Students are supported throughout the assessment process, and formative and summative assessment will be undertaken, and will be an integral part of the academic and clinical modules for ultrasound.

There are extensive opportunities within the clinical sphere, evidenced within the clinical portfolio in the form of reflective practice, for students to engage with interprofessional learning. Examples of how this might be achieved are: by following the patient pathway in an obstetric/gynaecology clinic, or through other imaging modalities/radiology reporting sessions within an imaging department or reflective practice based on working with the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) on clinical placement.

A wide range of assessment methods are used which are clinically relevant and aligned to programme and module level learning outcomes.

Intellectual, professional and key transferable skills are central to learning opportunities and assessment. Successfully undertaking modules on this programme will enhance opportunities for students in their professional careers.

Overview

1st or upper 2nd class honours degree, however those with a 2:2 will also be considered on a case-by-case basis. Minimum of 5 GCSE passes, grade ‘C’ or above to include Maths, English and Science (grade B or above for Science). Preference will be given to those with at least one science subject at A-level (or equivalent) at grade C or above.

Students with other qualifications may be admitted to the course, please contact the Enquiry Centre for further details.

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) may be considered for relevant prior learning at the same academic level.

Selection criteria

Applicants must demonstrate a thorough understanding of the subject area and clinical specialism
All applicants, who meet the entry requirements, will be asked to submit a 1500-word assignment. Only those who achieve a grade equivalent to 2:2 or above 50% (marked to level 6 undergraduate) will be invited to the next stage of the selection process.
Non-standard entrants will be considered on a case by case basis.
A particularly high standard of spoken and written English is necessary to cope with the clinical work on the MSc Medical Imaging (Ultrasound) course.
Applicants who have not received their secondary school education in English will require an overall IELTS score of 7 with a mean score of 7 in all elements.
Places are subject to a satisfactory Occupational Heath Check and Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.
Applicants should be aware that qualifications, personal statement, and references all form part of the selection criteria for this course.

International Applicants

International Applicants for this programme must be domiciled within the UK and have settled status.

Application process

There will be a two stage application process.

Stage 1 will involve an assessment/selection day at university. This will involve an assessment of your values and if these align with the core values of the NHS constitution. We are looking for candidates who are committed to:

Working together for patients
Ensuring respect and dignity is maintained in their care
Ensuring the delivery of high quality care
Making sure patients are treated with compassion
Improving lives of service users
Maximising NHS resources for the whole community

We will also be assessing applicants’ physical psycho-motor skills such as hand-eye co-ordination which is vital for the role of a sonographer.

Stage 2 (for those who successfully complete stage one): applicants will be required to visit an Ultrasound Department, at one of our agreed placement sites, and obtain a report from the visit showing their suitability for clinical training.

Please Note

'Sonographer' is not currently a protected title in the UK and at this present time graduates will NOT be eligible to be registered with the HCPC, although it is hoped that this will become a possibility in the future.

For this reason, employment may not be possible in certain NHS trusts and some private sector organisations, although many organisations already employ sonographers from non-traditional backgrounds.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

2024 - 2025

£15,900 - UK

The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs.

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.

More Information

We have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries, grants and funds available to support you throughout your studies with us. This includes the Cumbria Bursary - a non-repayable bursary designed to support first year students with a household income of less than £25,000..

Student Finance

Additional Costs

There will be some additional costs associated with the course including stationery, textbooks, field trips and membership fees although some of these features are optional.

Books are reviewed annually and are therefore subject to change, course welcome information will provide you with an indicative list for the year.There will be some additional costs. For example all students will need to purchase stationery and may wish to purchase some text books. Extra costs may also be applicable to cover field trips, membership fees etc. although such features are usually options within the course.

Books are reviewed annually and are therefore subject to change, course welcome information will provide you with an indicative list for the year.

Books and Journals

Reading lists are reviewed annually and are therefore subject to change, course welcome information will provide you with an indicative reading list for the year via the student hub (OneList). The university holds copies of core texts (including some as ebooks, which are accessible online). Some students may wish to spend approximately £100-£200 on purchasing their own copies of certain text books and scripts although this cost can be reduced considerably by sourcing second hand copies of these resources. Below are some of the ‘set texts’ which you may wish to purchase for core modules: Hoskins, P., Martin, K. and Thrush, A. (2010) Diagnostic Ultrasound: Physics and Equipment. (2nd edn.) Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Gibbs, V., Cole, D. and Sassano, A. (2009) Ultrasound Physics and Technology: How, Why and When. (2nd edn.) London: Churchill Livingstone. Herring J. (2014) Medical Law and Ethics. Oxford University Press

Stationery

Students should budget for stationery and consumables for your own personal use. This should include notebooks, pens and pencils for taking notes in class and/or in the field. Students should also budget for the purchase of USB pen drives, as well as occasional printing and photocopying costs incurred in the preparation or submission of coursework. Whilst you will choose how much you need, expect to pay around £30 - £40 per year for these items.

Clothing and Equipment

Full time students are required to wear a uniform whilst on clinical placement which is fully provided by the university. This includes tunics and plain black trousers. Any additional or replacement items are funded by the student dependant on the reasons for replacement. (see PU Uniform Policy). Footwear is not included and must be purchased by the student. Sensible, plain black, comfortable and supportive flat footwear is suggested but you will be further advised on this subject by uniform policy from the Trust you are allocated to. Students should budget approximately £40 or more for footwear but be realistic about replacing this over the 3 years. You may also wish to purchase different footwear to use in the hospital theatre environment (if required).

Other

Full-time students will be expected to incur all travel and any potential accommodation costs which are required to attend allocated placement sites and university academic blocks, as well as any required university campus attendance such as examinations and assessments. Any costs associated with elective placement activity is incurred by the student.

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MSc - Medical Imaging (Ultrasound)