Nuclear Medicine Imaging
As a healthcare professional, this course offers you a valuable multidisciplinary...
Postgraduate
MSc
Ultrasound Imaging
School of Health and Society
Attendance
Part-time
Course
Three year
Next enrolment
January 2025
In a nutshell
Ultrasound Imaging has made a dramatic impact on patient diagnosis and management and the demand for ultrasound as a medical imaging tool has increased rapidly. An increasing range of professional groups are now using ultrasound; not only imaging departments.
As such the Ultrasound programme at the University of Salford is committed to supporting this increased demand by offering comprehensive training in clinical ultrasound.
The programme is regularly reviewed to guarantee it meets students’ requirements and offers a flexible part-time pathway to aid a wide range of healthcare professionals develop their professional ultrasound practice.
The MSc Ultrasound Imaging course is part-time and modular. It includes core mandatory modules, named clinical modules and negotiated modules which allow individual learning needs to be met.
The programme runs January – January.
The programme is accredited by CASE (Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education) which ensures the highest standards are met and students will be competent and able to practice professionally within their chosen field.
You must already hold an undergraduate qualification in a healthcare related field.
We do not provide clinical placements so you MUST have independently agreed to a guaranteed clinical placement for a minimum of two days a week with access to an established clinical workload in the area of practice you intend to study. You MUST also have the support of an appropriate mentor at your place of employment.
You must complete a verification of clinical placement form and submit it, signed, with your online application. We cannot make you a successful offer without this: Verification of Clinical Placement Form January 2025 (Word Document)
Information for managers
If you are applying for funding please contact the programme lead as soon as possible to discuss your student profile and training requirements. We will help you to identify the specific modules and full fee. We cannot hold places on our course and must process individual student applications so it is essential that we discuss eligibility. Please do not wait until funding is in place as this may delay registration or mean that we must defer the applicant to the next academic year.
For the academic year January 2025 – December 2025, the deadline for applicants is 25 November 2024 by 11.59pm to allow students to be registered for the January start.
Late applicants may be considered for the next intake.
For all enquiries, please contact the programme leader, Angela Booth a.booth@salford.ac.uk
Applicant profile
Entrants must be appropriately qualified practitioners - Graduate healthcare professionals with a first- or second-class honours degree in a relevant healthcare or science-related subject.
Applicants holding a nonstandard qualification will be required to provide evidence of suitability for postgraduate study by submitting what is required from an academic piece of work set by the University, a satisfactory personal statement and references.
Students whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in English - IELTS - a minimum overall score of 7.0 (with no element below 6.5).
If you do not meet our standard requirements, please contact the programme lead to discuss accreditation for prior learning and your module options.
Please note, this course is not suitable for international applicants.
What will you study?
Our modules are listed further down this page. Module choice will depend on your clinical placement and your intended scope of practice upon completion. Our programme is flexible. If you have no previous formal ultrasound qualifications, you will have to complete the two mandatory core modules and then your choice of clinical modules to study for an award. If you already hold a recognised ultrasound qualification it may be that you can study single modules to develop your practice. Please contact the programme leader to discuss the most appropriate modules to support your development.
You will:
- Benefit from our close links with NHS Clinical Providers.
- Have the opportunity to gain hands on experience support by virtual simulators.
- Be taught by lecturers of national and international standing.
Course accreditations
This is for you if...
1.
You have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
2.
You have the ability to work under pressure.
3.
You are hardworking and dedicated to developing your knowledge.
All about the course
The two core modules, Scientific Principles of Diagnostic Ultrasound and Professional Ultrasound Practice, and the named clinical modules General, Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (theory and clinical practice) all start in January.
The named clinical areas are covered by two 15 credit modules e.g., General Ultrasound Theory and General Ultrasound clinical practice and the delivery is in the same block.
We currently do not accept students to study the theory only modules and so a student will study the theory and clinical practice modules together to gain 30 credits in the named clinical area.
This is under review and may change in the future.
The programme starts in January and a student can gain a Post graduate certificate in 12 months by studying the two core modules
- Scientific Principles of Diagnostic Ultrasound 15 credits
- Professional Ultrasound practice 15 credits
and 30 credits chosen from the named clinical modules.
A student can gain a Post Graduate Diploma in 20 months by completing the first year as above and then completing another 60 credits chosen from two named clinical modules in the second year.
A student can gain a MSc in Ultrasound Imaging by completing as above and then in the third year 60 credits from the dissertation module.
The negotiated ultrasound practice modules start in January and can be part of an award or single modules. These modules allow a wider range of healthcare professionals to gain ultrasound qualifications for example, nurses working in gynae/early pregnancy units, focussed clinical areas for physiotherapists, podiatrists, midwives etc., please discuss with the programme leader before applying for a negotiated module.
Third trimester Ultrasound
If you are a qualified healthcare professional (e.g., midwives) with an appropriate clinical placement and mentor wanting to develop professionally and study Third Trimester Ultrasound, we offer two start dates (numbers permitting) of January and June, and you will gain 30 credits. Please discuss with the programme leader before applying.
Modules in the programme
|
Module |
Core/Choice |
Credits |
|
Scientific principles of Diagnostic Ultrasound (SPDU) |
Core |
15 |
|
Professional Ultrasound Practice (PUP) |
Core |
15 |
|
General Ultrasound Imaging Theory (GENT) |
Choice |
15 |
|
General Ultrasound Imaging Clinical practice (GENCP) |
Choice |
15 |
|
Gynaecology Ultrasound Imaging Theory (GYNT) |
Choice |
15 |
|
Gynaecology Ultrasound Imaging Clinical practice (GYNCP) |
Choice |
15 |
|
Obstetric Ultrasound Imaging Theory (OBST) |
Choice |
15 |
|
Obstetric Ultrasound Imaging Clinical practice (OBSCP) |
Choice |
15 |
|
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Imaging Theory (MSKT) |
Choice |
15 |
|
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Imaging Clinical practice (MSKCP) |
Choice |
15 |
|
Negotiated Ultrasound practice 1 (NUP1) |
Choice |
15 |
|
Negotiated Ultrasound practice 2 (NUP2) |
Choice |
15 |
|
Third Trimester Ultrasound |
Choice |
15 |
|
Non-clinical modules within the programme |
|
|
|
Masters Dissertation |
60 |
|
|
Research Methods Applied to Public Health |
30 |
|
|
Principles of Advanced Practice (PACP) |
15 |
|
|
Leading Education in Practice |
30 |
The main modules within the programme start in January as below
|
Module |
Length |
|
Scientific principles of Diagnostic Ultrasound (SPDU) |
Jan - June June – Dec (third trimester students) |
|
Professional Ultrasound Practice (PUP) |
Jan – Dec |
|
General Ultrasound Imaging Theory (GENT) |
Jan - August |
|
General Ultrasound Imaging Clinical practice (GENCP) |
Jan - August |
|
Gynaecology Ultrasound Imaging Theory (GYNT) |
Jan - August |
|
Gynaecology Ultrasound Imaging Clinical practice (GYNCP) |
Jan - August |
|
Obstetric Ultrasound Imaging Theory (OBST) |
Jan - August |
|
Obstetric Ultrasound Imaging Clinical practice (OBSCP) |
Jan - August |
|
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Imaging Theory (MSKT) |
Jan - August |
|
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Imaging Clinical practice (MSKCP) |
Jan - August |
|
Negotiated Ultrasound practice 1 (NUP1) |
Jan - August |
|
Negotiated Ultrasound practice 2 (NUP2) |
Jan - August |
|
Third Trimester Ultrasound |
Jan – August June – Dec |
|
Non-clinical modules within the programme |
|
|
Masters Dissertation |
January or September start for 12 months |
|
Research Methods Applied to Public Health |
Sept – Jan |
|
Principles of Advanced Practice (PACP) |
Sept – Jan |
|
Leading Education in Practice |
Jan |
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of chosen options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. All our workstreams are dependent on student numbers so please apply as soon as possible to secure your place for this year.
Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
Attendance is mostly on campus with some online activity. The attendance is in blocks throughout the duration of the module and once you know which modules you will be studying you can access the dates.
All activity on campus is conducted in accordance with government guidelines and university risk assessments at the time.
Assessment
A range of assessment methods are used to ensure that all intended learning outcomes are met.
Students on clinically related modules are expected to complete the required clinical experience to meet the learning outcomes and prepare them for assessment of competence. The nature of this experience has been determined wherever possible through an evidence base, and by the guidance of professional and accrediting bodies, and external benchmarks.
Academic assessment methods include:
- Written assignments
- Examinations and computer-based assessments
- Case study presentations and oral questions
- Recorded PowerPoint presentations
Clinical assessment methods include:
- Formative clinical assessments
- Summative clinical assessments
- Reflective log of cases
All assessments are set at the level of a newly qualified autonomous ultrasound practitioner.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
Facilities
The Advanced Medical Imaging programme has access to the Directorate’s imaging suites.
https://vimeo.com/811243660/c8291eb78f
This includes an Ultrasound skills lab with 5 state of the art diagnostic ultrasound machines and modern phantoms and simulators. There is also access to two clinical ultrasound rooms within the new imaging suite.
We also have purchased clinical-quality high-resolution digital viewing systems.
Wider imaging facilities include a CT scanner, Mammography machine, 2 x ray systems and a mobile machine and dental equipment.
Our extensive imaging facilities are used in skills labs and self-directed study by both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Use of equipment and volunteers is compliant with the appropriate UK legislation and guidance.
Staff Profile
Programme leader – Angela Booth
“This programme with the facilities available offers a massive potential to train and increase the numbers of competent ultrasound practitioners. The involvement of a multidisciplinary team of educators and clinical specialists who are at the cutting edge of their field gives an opportunity to learn from the best. Students are offered a flexible pathway tailored to their individual training requirements and they develop professional, evidence-based and patient centred skills.”
Specialist lecturers and support
Teaching is delivered by clinical and academic experts, many of whom are Advanced and Consultation practitioners themselves, and are considered national experts in their field. All students have access to clinical specialists, module leaders and the programme leader who will help them with their learning to ensure they are evidence based and appropriate for developing clinical competence.
The School of Health and Society
The School of Health and Society is a forward-thinking, dynamic school with a commitment to lifelong learning and real world impact.
We live in a rapidly changing world, and we’re keen to leave a productive legacy of helping people at all stages of their lives, improving their physical, psychological and social wellbeing.
The school is home to a dedicated suite of imaging facilities.
What about after uni?
On successful completion of an award or single module you will have evidence of clinical competency. This should allow successful employment however applicants from a non-health care background should note that, at present, employment in some NHS Trusts and some private organisations may not be possible due to the requirement for professional registration although many organisations already employ sonographers from non-traditional backgrounds.
At present, sonography is not a registerable health care profession and sonographer not a protected title.
Currently on successful completion of an award in Medical Ultrasound, students (who do not hold an existing registerable qualification) will not be eligible for HCPC registration. However, this course has been mapped closely against existing HCPC standards of proficiency for diagnostic imaging and CASE standards and the Society and College of Radiographers.
On completion of an award you are eligible and can apply for registration through the Professional Standards Authority with The Register of Clinical Technologists. Details of the application process can be found on their website.
UK CASE accredited ultrasound awards are recognised both nationally and internationally.
What you need to know
Applicants must:
- Have a previous degree in a relevant health care subject.
- Provide two satisfactory references (they can be uploaded with your application).
- Have an appropriate clinical placement with signed agreement for sufficient scanning experience from a clinical manager and a mentor for clinical modules. Please complete this verification form electronically and ensure you upload this with your application form. Applications will not be accepted without a completed verification form: Verification of Clinical Placement Form January 2025 (Word Document)
English language requirements
Please note, we can only accept international applicants who hold a tier 2 visa and UK/EU health professionals. This course is not suitable for applicants who require a tier 4 visa.
International applicants will be required to show proficiency in English. An IELTS score of 7.0 (with no element below this) is proof of this.
Standard entry requirements
Undergraduate degree
You will hold a degree in BSc (Hons) in Diagnostic Radiography or other health care professional qualification, 2:1 or above. For the clinically related modules, you will also have access to a relevant imaging caseload and support of a clinical mentor. Regrettably, the University of Salford cannot undertake to find a clinical placement for you.
If you do not have a 2:1 degree and wish to apply, the programme lead will make a decision about whether a APEL is required. This may delay your offer so please apply as soon as possible.
Alternative entry requirements
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.
Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
How much?
Standard programme fees:
Your annual fee will be calculated pro rata to the full-time fee according to the number of credits you are studying.
15 credits, £735
30 credits, £1470
45 credits, £2205
60 credits, £2940
You should consider further costs which may include books, stationery, travel and accommodation, visits to associated clinical sites during your course.
Prospective students with Tier 2 visa that covers the duration of your study are eligible to apply, fees are calculated at £735 per 15 credits for International Students.
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits to other associated hospitals during your course.
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Part-time | 2025/26 | £1,470 per 30 credit module |
Additional costs
You should consider additional costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
All set? Let's apply
Complete the online application using the big red button at the top of this page. Ensure the following are included with your application:
- Verification of Clinical Placement Form January 2025 (Word Document)
- Evidence of all previous qualifications
For the academic year January 2025 – December 2024 the deadline for applicants is 25 November 2024 by 11.59pm to allow students to be registered for the January start.
English language requirements
Students whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in English - IELTS - a minimum overall score of 7.0 (with no element below 6.5) is proof of this.