About this course
- Entry year: 2012/13
- Course code: B80042
- Applications: University
- Level: Postgraduate
- Department: Allied Health Professions
- Campus: Glenside Campus
- Duration: MSc 36 months; Postgraduate Diploma 18 months; Postgraduate Certificate 12 months
- Delivery: Part-time beginning in January
- Study Abroad: No
- Programme leader: Vivien Gibbs
- Key fact: The course is accredited by the Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE).
Introduction
This course provides an opportunity for health care practitioners to achieve a recognised qualification in obstetrics, gynaecological,vascular, general medical ultrasound, breast, musculosketetal and echocardiography, supported by a combination of structured clinical experience and academic study.
The course is designed to produce clinically competent advanced practitioners, who will be able to meet the needs of the service in a changing health care environment.
The course was planned in full consultation with a wide range of relevant professionals from the South West region, who are experts in the field of diagnostic ultrasound or associated clinical specialisms. These experts are instrumental in the delivery of the course, along with experienced educationalists from within the University.
Structure
Content
Postgraduate Certificate (Year 1)
- Ultrasound Technology (compulsory) (20 Level M credits)
- Plus one 40 credit clinical module
Postgraduate Diploma (Year 2)
- Health and Social Care Research: Methods and Methodologies (compulsory) (20 Level M credits)
- Plus a second 40 credit clinical module
MSc Medical Ultrasound (Year 3)
- Dissertation (60 Level M credits)
or
- Dissertation (40 Level M credits) and
- Optional module (from a varied range of Masters modules) (20 Level M credits)
Core modules
Ultrasound Technology
A sound foundation in science and instrumentation technology is of fundamental importance, and underpins this course. This module will provide you with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the physical principles of ultrasound in order to perform examinations in a safe and competent manner. It is designed to actively promote the application of these principles to the available instrumentation. Through demonstrating an applied understanding of the physical principles and instrumentation, you will be able to identify, assess and resolve complex problems relating to the resultant image, and discuss the reliability of the findings. You will be able to critically analyse the 'fitness for purpose' of various equipment designs and specifications. The role of quality control and performance checks will be an important aspect of this module. The rapid technological innovations in recent years will form an integral part of the content of this module.
Health and Social Care Research: Methods and Methodology
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.
Optional modules
General Medical Ultrasound and Obstetric Ultrasound
Professional practice forms an integral part of the course. This is demonstrated by the course design, which enables you to study theory and engage in practice concurrently, thus facilitating the application of theoretical principles to practice. These professional practice modules provide both a comprehensive and in-depth programme pertaining to the current theory and practice of clinical ultrasound. They provide you with an academic foundation in order to undertake the practice of medical ultrasound in a professional manner within an ethical and legal framework. These modules also include interpersonal skills, the principles of verbal and written reporting concurrent with approaches to decision making and accurate record keeping.
Negotiated Specialist Ultrasound Practice
This professional practice module 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.
Dissertation
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, with a further optional 20 credit module in an area that needs developing.
Teaching and learning
The course aims to provide you with:
- the knowledge and skills to practise in a safe and competent manner
- the educational and research base to critically evaluate and inform ultrasound practice
- the opportunity for interprofessional collaboration and shared learning
- an understanding of the contribution of ultrasound to the overall management of the patient
- a recognised qualification in ultrasound
- the skills to engage in research, evaluation and systematic reviews of practice
- an appreciation of the importance of life-long learning activities
Course requirements
- Access to an appropriate clinical area of a minimum of two days a week in order to fulfil the practical requirements of this course
- Commitment from the department manager to support clinical learning
- An appropriately qualified individual who will act as clinical appraiser (supervisor and assessor)
Assessment
Assessment will involve a variety of methods including coursework, presentations, seminars, written and practical examinations.
Special Features
Professional accreditation
The course is accredited by the Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE).
Placements
The modules will be delivered on a part-time block-release basis. The obstetric ultrasound, general medical ultrasound and negotiated specialist modules will require an appropriate work placement, and a designated clinical appraiser. The programme team are developing a work-based learning approach for some modules. A wide range of assessments will be utilised, to include the assessment of clinical competence.
Study facilities
The Department is superbly equipped with an extensive range of teaching and learning resources. The Library on the Glenside Campus is one of the best health care libraries in England with a huge selection of books, journals, and audio-visual materials including access to specialist health and social case software packages.
Information technology provision is in the form of multimedia laboratories, smart boards, innovative projects such as 'multicasting' to deliver teaching material and various health and social care databases enabling students to carry out searches of available literature relating to topics of interest. At the main Frenchay Campus there is 24-hour access to computing facilities.
The Interprofessional Simulation Suite provides excellent opportunities for the demonstration and practice of professional competencies for health and social care practitioners.
Careers/further study
Once you have completed this course you will have the knowledge and skills to practise in a safe and competent manner, a recognised qualification in ultrasound, the educational and research base to critically evaluate and inform ultrasound practice, the opportunity for inter-professional collaboration and shared learning, and an understanding of the contribution of ultrasound to the overall management of the patient.
Entry
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 must be eligible for registration by their respective UK regulatory body e.g. HPC, GMC, UKCC.
Fees
Students will be liable for the payment of tuition fees, which are due in full at registration unless an employer is sponsoring you or you are paying by direct debit.
If you are currently receiving means tested benefits you may be entitled to reduced fees. For further information contact the Student Services team on +44 (0)117 32 82822 or e-mail: hsc.studentadvisers@uwe.ac.uk.
Secondment/Sponsorship - the South West Strategic Health Authority (SHA) (formerly known as WDC) may fund courses for employees of NHS Trusts and some independent organisations.
This usually means that:
- the SHA will pay all or part of the tuition fee (and placement fee if applicable)
- you continue to receive a salary or training/cost of living allowance
- your employer provides placements if required.
You should contact your manager/training manager for further information.
Bursaries/Grants - UWE has a Postgraduate Bursaries scheme, for further information visit the Student Services website.
For information on financial assistance to support your learning, please visit direct.gov website or tel: 0800 100900.
How to apply
Please apply online using the link on the right hand side of this page.
You must also complete Clinical Placement Form (Vascular) and the Clinical Placement Form (General Obstetrics and Gynaecology) and submit these with your application. Please upload both documents to your online application.
If you are an employee of a NHS trust funded by the NHS South West Strategic Health Authority (SHA) you should contact your Trust Coordinator/Manager for an application form.
For further information
Page last updated 14 December 2011