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 Methodology (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.

Optional modules

The optional modules listed are those that are most likely to be available, but they may be subject to change. The number of optional modules you study will depend upon the credit requirement of your route through the course.

• 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 and 6 (15 credits each) - provide an opportunity for students to plan and develop an in-depth analysis and critical awareness of a chosen sub-speciality within the field of medical ultrasound. The content of the module will be defined following discussions between the module leader, the student and the work-based manager. Potential specialisms could include areas such as:
  • Early Pregnancy (EPAC), First-trimester (dating), Anomaly scanning (second trimester), Growth scans (third trimester), Fetal echocardiography, Doppler in Obstetrics (Fetal Doppler), Paediatric, Baby Hips
  • Small Parts: Thyroid and Testes
  • MSK:  Upper Limb, Lower Limb, Lumps and Bumps
  • Vascular: Carotid, Lower limb DVT, Aorta, Lower Limb Arterial/Venous,  Haemodialysis Access
  • Paracentesis.
• Gynaecological Ultrasound (15 credits) - The aim of this module is to develop a safe and competent practitioner equipped with knowledge, critical understanding and professional skills for participation in an effective gynaecological ultrasound imaging service. This is a practice-based module, where you will have the chance to put the theory you learn into practice, as you study.

• 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'll inform you.

Learning and Teaching

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.

For more details see our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.

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)

Study time

The modules will be delivered on a part-time block-release basis.

Assessment

Assessment will involve a variety of methods including coursework, presentations, seminars, written and practical examinations.

For more detail see our full glossary of assessment terms.