MSc Medical Ultrasound

Content

Core modules

• Fundamentals of Ultrasound Technology – This module is designed to give a foundation in the science and instrumentation of medical ultrasound, and give students the knowledge and understanding needed to perform examinations safely and competently.  It also addresses issues relating to new technology and quality assurance.
• Professional Issues in Ultrasound – This module will provide you with the background knowledge of personal, professional, ethical and legal theories and principles relating to health care and focusing on issues relating medical imaging. This will provide the healthcare practitioner to undertake ultrasound examinations within a safe environment giving effective care to clients, within legal and ethical frameworks. The module content will be flexible to meet the needs of the rapidly changing health care agenda.
• Contemporary Advances in Ultrasound Technology – This module is designed for the student to apply the fundamental principles of ultrasound technology to clinical practice. The module consists of a mixture of lectures and practical workshops, and explores and addresses issues relating to new technology and quality assurance.  Students are expected to contribute to discussions based on their own knowledge and experiences, recognise gaps in their knowledge and understanding, and investigate these areas by asking questions and reading around the subject, particularly current published studies. 
• Health and Social Care Research: Methods and Methodologies (15 credits) – Whilst all the modules foster a research-based approach to learning, this core module considers the role of research and evaluates the range of method and methodologies and strategies adopted in health and social care. It also aims to encourage you to develop research knowledge and to support you in the preparation of the dissertation work.
• Masters Dissertation (45 credits) or Dissertation (60 credits) – You may have a particular research interest and choose to undertake a 60 credit dissertation to explore your ideas in some depth. Alternatively, you can opt for a 40 credit dissertation module to complete an empirical study to support an aspect of your practice, plus an optional 20 credit module in an area that needs developing.

*This course must be studied in year one.

Optional modules

The optional modules listed are those that are most likely to be available, but they may be subject to change. You’re able to select a personalised route through the MSc from the following optional modules:

• General Medical Ultrasound in Practice (30 credits) – Equips you with skills and knowledge in general abdominal ultrasound and covers the following anatomical areas: urinary tract, liver and spleen, gallbladder, bile ducts and pancreas, retroperitoneum, great vessels and adrenals, and bowel, if relevant to the examination. You study theory and engage in practice at the same time, thus facilitating the application of theoretical principles to practice. This module covers interpersonal skills, verbal and written reporting and decision making and accurate record keeping.
• Obstetric Ultrasound in Practice (30 credits) – Prepares you with the skills and knowledge you need for a successful career in obstetric ultrasound and covers the role of ultrasound in the first, second and third trimester and post-natally. This is a practice-based module, where you will have the chance to put the theory you learn into practice, as you study. It also covers interpersonal skills, verbal and written reporting and decision making and accurate record keeping.
• Negotiated Specialist Ultrasound Practice 1 and 2 (30 credits each) and Negotiated Specialist Ultrasound Practice 3, 4, 5 (15 credits each) – These professional practice modules will give you an in-depth analysis and critical awareness of a chosen sub-speciality within the field of medical ultrasound (eg gynaecology, vascular, breast, paediatric, musculo-skeletal, echocardiography). Action learning sets will be utilised as a forum for problem solving, critical discussion and debate. Individuals will negotiate and develop learning contracts with academic and clinical staff.

CPD

This course can also be studied on a modular basis as professional development, over whatever time period you choose. You may wish to build credits up to one of the awards above, or complete the module(s) as standalone study.

The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved we will inform you.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally have a good honours first degree from a recognised institution of higher education, and a relevant registered health care qualification.

However, the University recognises that students seeking professional development may have alternative qualifications and experience. The acceptance of applicants with non-standard qualifications will be in accordance with the University’s Accreditation of (Experiential) Learning procedure. Applicants should be eligible for registration by their respective UK regulatory body e.g. HPC, GMC, UKCC.