Program Overview

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MSc Medical Ultrasound

Overview

This is a challenging, yet rewarding programme of study offering you the opportunity to develop the high level skills required of an autonomous ultrasound practitioner. We offer a highly flexible part-time pathway that will appeal to a wide range of health care professionals who wish to develop ultrasound skills as an extension of their scope of practice. You can choose to study our innovative full-time, fast-track pathway designed for science and health related graduates wishing to explore a career in this exciting and rapidly expanding area of diagnostic imaging. Our fast track students will gain an MSc in just two years.

Study Options

• Full-time: 2 years
• Part-time: 3 to 5 years

Fees

• UK fee: £11,340 per year of study or £1,260 per 20 credits* (2024/25)
• International fee: £14,900 per year of study (2024/25)

Start Date

• September †

Location

• Kedleston Road, Derby Campus

Course Description

Ultrasound is an essential tool in medical diagnosis. In recent years demand has grown beyond all expectations. This has resulted in expansion of the modality both in imaging departments and point of care clinical settings.

To meet this demand we have created our MSc Ultrasound to offer you the opportunity to train in general or very focused ultrasound applications. You’ll be taught in our modern Clinical Skills Suite by some of the area’s leading experts in this field and using state of the art simulation systems.

The course is modular, offering both full-time and part-time enrolment options to help you fit your professional development into your lifestyle. Our part-time pathway is flexible in its design, delivery and assessment to help you meet the demands of work and family commitments. A broad range of negotiated modules allow you to put together a programme of study that meets your individual learning needs, supporting your individual career aspirations.

We welcome applicants from a diverse range of graduate backgrounds. It’s the perfect opportunity for graduates with an interest in ultrasound to train in a field which is in high demand.

Professionally Accredited

Accredited by the Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE), this programme delivers high-quality sonographic education at an appropriate level to ensure trainees are competent and able to practice professionally within the sonographic field. Students undertaking a CASE accredited Medical Ultrasound programme will know that high quality education and training is being delivered against set standards.

What You Will Study

Stage One

• Principles of Medical Ultrasound (20 credits)
• Two 20 credit option modules (at least one clinical ultrasound module)

Stage Two

• 60 credits (at least 20 clinical ultrasound module and 40 credits from clinical ultrasound or generic modules)

Stage Three

• Independent Scholarship (40/60 credits)

Optional Modules

• Clinical Ultrasound Modules:
  • Obstetric Ultrasound (40 credits)
  • Ultrasound in Early Pregnancy Assessment (20 credits)
  • Gynaecology Ultrasound (20 credits)
  • General Medical Ultrasound (40 credits)
  • Vascular Ultrasound (40 credits)
  • Negotiated Musculoskeletal Ultrasound 1 (20 credits)
  • Negotiated Musculoskeletal Ultrasound 2 (20 credits)
  • Focused Specialist Ultrasound Practice 1 (20 credits)
  • Focused Specialist Ultrasound Practice 2 (20 credits)
  • Head and Neck Ultrasound (20 credits)
  • Focused Interventional Ultrasound (20 credits)
• Generic Modules:
  • Advancing Practice (20 credits)
  • Advancing Communication Skills (20 credits)
  • Advanced Technology (20 credits)
  • Research Skills for Evidence Based Practice (20 credits)
  • Research Methodologies - Application to Advanced Practice (20 credits)
  • Work Based Learning - Negotiated (20 credits)

How You Will Learn

• Group activities
• Lectures
• Practical work
• Seminars
• Self-directed study
• Simulation activities

Work Placement

• Part-time students: minimum of two days per week in a clinical ultrasound placement (sourced independently)
• Full-time students: placements provided with partner NHS Trusts (placement location not guaranteed)

How You'll Be Assessed

• Written assignments
• Unseen examinations
• Computer-based assessments
• Formative and summative clinical assessment
• Image viewing examinations

Careers

On successful completion of all core and mandatory elements, you will be able to provide evidence of preparation for practice to the standards required for a first post-qualification sonographer post.

Entry Requirements

• Normally, you must hold a science OR health related degree at 2:1 or above
• English language skills equivalent to IELTS level 6.5 (with at least 6.0 in each skill area)

Fees and Funding

• UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable
• Additional costs and optional extras:
  • Uniforms
  • Name badges and ID holders
  • Ultrasound Techniques digital resources
  • DBS Check
  • Health Screening and vaccinations
  • Suitable footwear for skills sessions and placements (approx. £40)
  • Theatre Shoes (approx. £20)
  • Text books to supplement anything available through the library (various prices depending on content)
  • Printing costs of course materials if hard copy is desired (approx. 5p per sheet)
  • Attendance at conferences such as the British Medical Ultrasound Society

International Student Scholarships

We have a range of scholarships and discounts available to international students which can be used together to offer a reduction in your tuition fees.

How to Apply

• Apply directly to the University
• Please look at our application deadlines before you apply
• Our aim is to support all students to have the best possible opportunities to succeed and so our application and enrolment deadlines are in place to ensure you stand the best chance of doing so.