Program Overview

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Ultrasound Imaging

Overview

The MSc Ultrasound Imaging course is part-time and modular, running from January to January. It includes core mandatory modules, named clinical modules, and negotiated modules that allow individual learning needs to be met.

Introduction

Ultrasound imaging has made a dramatic impact on patient diagnosis and management, and the demand for ultrasound as a medical imaging tool has increased rapidly. The Ultrasound programme at the University of Salford is committed to supporting this increased demand by offering comprehensive training in clinical ultrasound.

Course Accreditations

The programme is accredited by the Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE), ensuring the highest standards are met and students will be competent and able to practice professionally within their chosen field.

Information for Managers and Applicants

Information for managers and applicants is available below under our requirements section. Please read our requirements carefully and ensure you complete and submit the Verification of Clinical Requirements Form with your application.

You Will:

• Benefit from our close links with NHS clinical providers.
• Have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience supported by virtual simulators.
• Be taught by lecturers of national and international standing.

Course Details

All About the Course

The two core modules, Scientific Principles of Diagnostic Ultrasound and Professional Ultrasound Practice, and the named clinical modules General, Gynaecology, Obstetrics, and Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (theory and clinical practice) all start in January.

Award Outcomes

• PgCert: Students can gain a postgraduate certificate in 12 months by studying the following modules:
  • Scientific Principles of Diagnostic Ultrasound (15 credits, core module)
  • Professional Ultrasound Practice (15 credits, core module)
  • 30 credits chosen from named clinical modules
• PgDip: A student can gain a postgraduate diploma in 20 months by completing the first year as above and then completing another 60 credits chosen from two named clinical modules in the second year.
• MSc: A student can gain an MSc in Ultrasound Imaging by completing as above and then in the third year, 60 credits from the dissertation module.

Clinical Programme Modules

The main modules within the programme start in January as detailed below.

Module	Core/Choice	Credits	Duration
Scientific principles of Diagnostic Ultrasound (SPDU)	Core	15	Jan - June June – Dec (third trimester students)
Professional Ultrasound Practice (PUP)	Core	15	Jan – Dec
General Ultrasound Imaging Theory (GENT)	Choice	15	Jan - August
General Ultrasound Imaging Clinical practice (GENCP)	Choice	15	Jan - August
Gynaecology Ultrasound Imaging Theory (GYNT)	Choice	15	Jan - August
Gynaecology Ultrasound Imaging Clinical practice (GYNCP)	Choice	15	Jan - August
Obstetric Ultrasound Imaging Theory (OBST)	Choice	15	Jan - August
Obstetric Ultrasound Imaging Clinical practice (OBSCP)	Choice	15	Jan - August
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Imaging Theory (MSKT)	Choice	15	Jan - August
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Imaging Clinical practice (MSKCP)	Choice	15	Jan - August
Negotiated Ultrasound practice 1 (NUP1)	Choice	15	Jan - August
Negotiated Ultrasound practice 2 (NUP2)	Choice	15	Jan - August
Third Trimester Ultrasound	Choice	15	Jan – August June – Dec

Non-Clinical Programme Modules

Module	Core/Choice	Credits	Duration
Masters Dissertation		60	January or September start for 12 months
Research Methods Applied to Public Health		30	Sept – Jan
Principles of Advanced Practice (PACP)		15	Sept – Jan
Leading Education in Practice		30	Jan

What Will I Be Doing?

Attendance is mostly on campus with some online activity. The attendance is in blocks throughout the module, and once you know which modules you will be studying, you can access the dates.

Teaching

Key information will be delivered by a variety of methods. Critical analysis of knowledge and reflection on learning will be encouraged through tutorials, workshops, and discussion groups such as case presentation seminars.

• Lectures and tutorials
• Facilitated image viewing
• Hands-on workshops utilizing our imaging facility
• Clinical tutorials held within our Ultrasound Academy based on the University campus
• Student-led seminars

Assessment

A range of assessment methods are used to ensure that all intended learning outcomes are met.

• Written assignments
• Examinations and computer-based assessments
• Case study presentations and oral questions
• Recorded PowerPoint presentations

The School of Health and Society

The School of Health and Society is a forward-thinking, dynamic school with a commitment to lifelong learning and real-world impact.

Facilities

The Advanced Medical Imaging programme has access to the Directorate’s medical imaging suites.

• An Ultrasound skills lab with 5 state of the art diagnostic ultrasound machines and modern phantoms and simulators.
• Two clinical ultrasound rooms within the new imaging suite.
• Clinical-quality high-resolution digital viewing systems.
• Wider imaging facilities include a CT scanner, Mammography machine, 2 x-ray systems and a mobile machine and dental equipment.

Employment and Stats

On successful completion of an award or single module, you will have evidence of clinical competency. This should allow for successful employment; however, applicants from a non-healthcare background should note that, at present, employment in some NHS Trusts and some private organisations may not be possible due to the requirement for professional registration, although many organisations already employ sonographers from non-traditional backgrounds.

Requirements

Information for Managers

If you are applying for funding, please contact the programme lead as soon as possible to discuss your student profile and training requirements.

Applicant Profile

Entrants must be appropriately qualified practitioners: graduate healthcare professionals with a first- or second-class honours degree in a relevant healthcare or science-related subject.

• Have a previous degree in a relevant healthcare subject.
• Provide two satisfactory references.
• Have an appropriate clinical placement with a signed agreement for sufficient scanning experience from a clinical manager and a mentor for clinical modules.

Standard Entry Requirements

• Undergraduate degree: You will hold a BSc (Hons) in Diagnostic Radiography or another healthcare professional qualification with a 2:1 or above.

Alternative Entry Requirements

• Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES): We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully.

How Much?

Your annual fee will be calculated pro rata to the full-time fee according to the number of credits you are studying.

• Part-time: £1,540 per 30 credit module (2025/26)

Additional Costs

You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits to associated clinical sites/ hospitals during your course.