MSc - Medical Imaging (Ultrasound) Full-Time

What you will learn

At the beginning of the course, you will be introduced to the expectations of the whole pathway, including the two core modules and one clinical option, usually HMSU7066 (General Medical Ultrasound). Further in the course, two more clinical option modules are usually introduced: HMSU7064 (Obstetric Ultrasound) and HMSU7065 (Gynaecological Ultrasound). The Research Methods and Dissertation modules are usually completed in the second calendar year (of the 2-year full-time degree).

Each module is credit rated. You may be assessed in various ways including coursework, presentations, reflective writing, verbal assessments, exams and reports. Assessment of clinical placements is a requirement of the qualification and students will be assessed to ensure they are clinically competent before they can receive the award.

As this is a Full-time course, you will be attending either university or placement for approximately 37.5 hours a week. Much of your time on this course will be based in one of our partner NHS Trusts, and your
working hours may include evenings or weekends. There are some holiday weeks placed throughout the programme alongside some weeks designated for self-directed study.

Placements are provided with partner NHS Trusts in our region (whilst we will always consider your placement preference, please note that a specific placement location cannot be guaranteed). The clinical placement sites have been working with the university for many years, supporting students through the traditional part-time route for sonographers, and have friendly, supportive and experienced staff to help them develop their clinical skills whilst maintaining strong links with the university.

In certain circumstances, depending on placement capacity and your prior academic achievements/experiences, the clinical options may be subject to change and a further clinical option may be taken alongside a smaller dissertation.

Note: 'Sonographer' is not currently a protected title in the UK and at this present time graduates will NOT be eligible to be registered with the HCPC, although it is hoped that this will become a possibility in the future. For this reason, employment may not be possible in certain NHS trusts and some private sector organisations, although many organisations already employ sonographers from non-traditional backgrounds. Graduates from this programme/course will be eligible to join the Register of Clinical Technologists (RCT) accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).

1st or upper 2nd class honours degree, however those with a 2:2 will also be considered on a case-by-case basis. Minimum of 5 GCSE passes, grade ‘4/C’ or above to include Maths, English and Science (grade 6/B or above for Science). Applicants who do not possess a health or science-based degree must have achieved a minimum of Grade C in at least one science subject at A-level (or equivalent).

Students with other qualifications may be admitted to the course, please contact the Enquiry Centre for further details. 

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be considered for relevant prior learning at the same academic level.

Selection criteria

• Applicants must demonstrate a thorough understanding of the subject area and clinical specialism
• All applicants, who meet the entry requirements, will be asked to submit a 1500-word assignment. Only those who achieve a grade equivalent to 2:2 or above 50% (marked to level 6 undergraduate) will be invited to the next stage of the selection process.
• Non-standard entrants will be considered on a case by case basis.
• A particularly high standard of spoken and written English is necessary to cope with the clinical work on the MSc Medical Imaging (Ultrasound) course.
• Applicants who have not completed their secondary education in the UK or Ireland must demonstrate proficiency in English. This may include achieving an IELTS Academic score of at least 7.0 overall, with no individual component below 7.
• Places are subject to a satisfactory Occupational Heath Check and Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.
• Applicants should be aware that qualifications, personal statement, and references all form part of the selection criteria for this course.

International Applicants

International Applicants for this programme must be domiciled within the UK and have settled status.

Application process 

There will be a three-stage application process.

Stage 1: On application applicants must provide evidence of a clinical visit/experience in an ultrasound department undertaken within the last 3 year to demonstrate how they have gained a good understanding of the sonographer’s role (assessed via the application process, personal statement and clinical visit form).

Stage 2: Applicants who have passed stage 1 will be asked to submit a 1500 essay, instructions will be sent via email.

Stage 3: Applicants who have passed stage 1 and 2 will be invited to attend an assessment day at the university.

This will include:

• An assessment of values aligned with the NHS Constitution, seeking candidates committed to:
• Working together for patients
• Respect and dignity in care
• Delivering high-quality care
• Compassionate treatment
• Improving lives of service users
• Maximising NHS resources for the community
• An evaluation of physical psychomotor skills, such as hand-eye coordination, which is essential for sonography.
• Evaluation of spatial awareness and reasoning

Please Note

'Sonographer' is not currently a protected title in the UK and at this present time graduates will NOT be eligible to be registered with the HCPC, although it is hoped that this will become a possibility in the future.

For this reason, employment may not be possible in certain NHS trusts and some private sector organisations, although many organisations already employ sonographers from non-traditional backgrounds.

Enhanced DBS with checks against the Children's and Adults' Barred Lists