The Medical Ultrasound pathway of the Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences course is for professionals who wish to develop competency in the field of ultrasound. Clinical modules are offered in the areas of obstetrics, gynaecology, abdominal and vascular ultrasound. The course is designed to enhance your current knowledge and understanding and give you opportunities to challenge and critically evaluate your professional practice.

The MSc Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences course is accredited by the College of Radiographers.  The Medical Ultrasound pathway is accredited by the Consortium for Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE).

Key strengths of our course are:

• the opportunity to share ideas with other health professions in order to develop intellectual abilities and assist in the advancement of health care;

• flexible study options based on a modular structure;

• interprofessional learning;

• teaching by experienced staff and visiting external specialists.

This course is for radiographers, midwives, nurses and other health care professionals who are involved in the performance and reporting of ultrasound examinations.

The course is flexible and modular allowing you to create a programme of study to meet your personal development and career aspirations. To attain a Master’s award you need to complete 180 credits. There are also interim awards available:

• Postgraduate certificate (PgC) (60 credits)

• Postgraduate diploma (PgD) (120 credits)

The rate and pace of study are up to you. You have up to 6 years to complete your master’s course.

The Master’s degree consists of three elements: core (to include 2 compulsory modules); research and optional modules (optional modules may comprise additional core modules or interprofessional modules).  Please contact the Course Leader to discuss in more depth.

To obtain an award of Medical Ultrasound there is a minimum of 60 credits required to include

• Two Compulsory modules of 

o Ultrasound image production and optimisation

o Principles of Ultrasound reporting 

• 30 credits from a clinical module(s) 

Optional modules:

• The Independent study modules allow you to gain an in depth understanding of a particular subject area in which you have a specific interest.

• It is advisable to consider your choice of optional modules carefully to reflect your personal strengths and potential career aspirations 

Research modules:

The Research modules are compulsory for completion of the MSc

N.B Research Methods and Preparation for the Research Project must be successfully completed before the Research Project is undertaken.

•The compulsory modules must be studied first and the other modules can be studied in any order and Research investigation is normally the last module you study.

There are two modes of application:

• Independent – you apply for a single module and are registered as an Independent student on the master’s programme. This is a useful approach if you are unsure about applying for a master’s course. It will give you an idea of the level of input required and the amount of time involved. You can undertake up to 45 credits as an independent student. If you decide to undertake more credits then you are transferred to the part-time route.

• Postgraduate Diploma/ Masters – you apply for the master’s course and are registered as a part-time student. You will need to complete an application form and provide one reference.  

On your application form you will need to indicate which module/s you intend to study in your first year.  Then each academic year you will need to select subsequent modules that you plan to study  by visiting this portal. 

Fees 

• The masters course is modular and the fees are payable per module. Some modules are subject to non-standard fees (e.g. ultrasound clinical modules).

• You retain the fee package which you commenced on when you joined the part-time master’s course (as long as you do not have a break in study). If you first studied a module as an“independent” student (see section on application) this may mean your fees will increase from your first module.

For NHS employees, the University works with NHS trusts, Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) and Community Education Provider Networks (CEPNs) across the East of England under the recently configured Sustainability and Transformation Plans and their Local Workforce Advisory Boards’ transformational frameworks. It is therefore worth checking with the CPD lead for your Trust as part or all of your fees may be covered.

• If you completed your undergraduate degree at UH, you are entitled to a fee deduction of 20% on all modules.

• A postgraduate loan is available for this course. If you receive a loan the course needs to be completed within three years.

You will need to be registered with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) or NMC (or equivalent professional registration).

The normal entry requirements for the programme are:

• Normally candidates will have a UK honours degree in health care and be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council or equivalent in their respective health profession.

• Employment in, or access to an appropriate clinical site whilst enrolled on the programme.  Students are responsible for securing an appropriate placement.

• Candidates normally will have some relevant clinical practice experience subsequent to qualification.