MSc Medical Ultrasound
See more with an MSc in Medical Ultrasound. Applications for 2018 are currently open.
Course overview
Apply for MSc Medical Ultrasound by 31st July 2018 for October 2018 start
Are you ready for a new and exciting career path? Perhaps you want to work in a different area of the medical profession? Well, have you considered the rewarding and challenging field of Medical Ultrasound? It’s rapidly become an essential part of investigative healthcare and is used to support a variety of medical professionals including radiographers, physiotherapists, chiropractors, podiatrists, nurses, midwives, and doctors.
Our Masters in Medical Ultrasound, developed by experts from the University College's School of Medical Ultrasound and accredited by CASE, will give you the specialist knowledge, plus all the advanced clinical and practical skills needed for ultrasound practice. In your first and second years of the degree, you’ll get the chance to select the units that are right for you, choosing between a series of clinical application and non-skills based units to build up your range of abilities.
What’s more, as we know not everyone is available to study on a full-time basis, we’ve made the course part-time so you gain your qualification while you work. The degree is made up of three progressive levels - the Postgraduate Certificate, the Postgraduate Diploma and the Masters - meaning that if you want to finish early you can get an exit qualification at the end of each stage, allowing you to tailor a learning experience that’s right for you.
You’ll be taught by actively practising practitioners and highly-qualified academic staff, who will guide you on your educational journey through professional development, experiential learning and reflective practice, tutorials, workshops, practical clinical skills classes, seminars, group work, and lectures. All of this happens at our renowned campus, considered one of the largest, established, and most prolific treatment and teaching facilities in the world. In fact over 50% of our students are drawn here from overseas.
So, if you can see yourself working, learning, and earning a Master’s degree in our Medical Ultrasound course, speak with us to find out how we can keep you going on your journey. Register your interest below and a member of our team will get back to you.
Key Information
- Course title:
- MSc Medical Ultrasound
- UCAS Code:
- A65
- Qualification:
- Masters Degree
- Duration:
- Normally 3 Years
- Study mode:
- Part time
Course leader
Warren Foster
BSc (Hons), PgCert, PgDip - Deputy Director School of Medical Ultrasound
Warren Foster is currently Deputy Director of AECC University College's School of Medical Ultrasound, a member of the Senior Management Group and program Lead for the MSc Ultrasound courses.
Course details
To earn your degree in MSc Medical Ultrasound, you’ll need a total of 180 Master’s level credits. Usually, you’ll aim to gain 60 credits a year - at the end of stage one, you’ll qualify for a PgCert (60 M credits), at stage two you’ll qualify for a PgDip (120 M credits), and finally an MSc at the end of stage three (180 M credits). Don’t be put off if you think this is too much or too little, as you’re encouraged to go at your own pace so you can do more or less than this in one year, depending on what suits you.
We recommend that you don’t take on more than 40 credits a year in one of our clinical application units due to the practical-skills workload involved. We want to make sure that you are comfortable and able to complete the workload that you take on at a reasonable pace.
To get a picture of the curriculum check out a list of units below, or should you need more information about each module’s aims, content and assessment structure, just take a look at our Course Specification.
Please note: the MSc in Medical Ultrasound is currently undergoing periodic (six-yearly) review and there will be an internal review panel and re-accreditation visit from CASE in February 2018. We anticipate that the outcome will be known by May 2018.
Unit breakdown
You have control over what units you want to take. All units have M Level Credits assigned to them. You’ll need to pick units that total 60 M Level Credits for the PgDip. Along with completing the core unit in Science and Instrumentation of Ultrasound (20 credits), you’ll be able to select between a series of clinical application and non-skills based units to make up the remaining 40 credits. One of the units selected must be from the clinical application unit selection.
Units
- Science and Instrumentation of Ultrasound (20 credits) core mandatory unit
- With an emphasis on safety and quality, the unit sheds light on the science and technique behind ultrasound.
- Assessment: Evidence-based critical written account, 4,000 words, worth 100% and an OSE (Objective Structured Examination) (P/F).
- Clinical Application Unit: Gynaecology Ultrasound (20 credits)
- You’ll explore the interventional and non-interventional techniques and procedures of obtaining diagnostic ultrasound images.
- Assessment: Evidence-based critical written account; 2,000 words, worth 60%; case study; 1,500 words, worth 40%; logbook (min 75 cases) (P/F) and a competency assessment of 3 cases (P/F).
- Clinical Application Unit: First Trimester Ultrasound (20 credits)
- Delving into first trimester ultrasound, you’ll explore the interventional and non-interventional techniques and procedures of getting diagnostic ultrasound images.
- Assessment: Evidence-based critical written account 2,000 words, worth 60%; case study 1,500 words, worth 40%; logbook (min 50 cases) (P/F) and a competency assessment of three cases (P/F).
- Clinical Application Unit: Second & Third Trimester Ultrasound (20 credits)
- This unit aims to develop the knowledge and understanding in 2nd and 3rd trimester obstetrics ultrasound anatomy and pathology.
- Assessment: Two evidence-based critical written accounts, 1,000 words, worth 60%; two case studies, 750 words each, worth 40%; logbook (min 75 cases) (P/F), and a competency assessment of three cases (P/F).
- Clinical Application Unit: General Ultrasound (40 credits)
- This wider focus unit looks at using ultrasound and pathology in relation to abdominal and superficial structures, such as scrotum, breast and thyroid.
- Assessment: Two evidence-based critical written account, 2,000 words, worth 60%; two case studies, 1500 words, worth 40%; logbook (min 125 cases) (P/F), and a competency assessment of six cases (P/F).
- Clinical Application Unit: Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (Upper Limb) (20 credits)
- Here you’ll jump into upper limb musculoskeletal ultrasound anatomy and pathology of the upper limbs.
- Assessment: Evidence-based critical written account, 2,000 words, worth 60%; case study, 1500 words, worth 40%; logbook (min 50 cases) (P/F), and a competency assessment of three cases (P/F).
- Clinical Application Unit: Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (Lower Limb) (20 credits)
- You’ll discover the exciting subjects of lower limb musculoskeletal ultrasound anatomy and pathology of the lower limbs.
- Assessment: Evidence-based critical written account, 2,000 words, worth 60%; case study, 1500 words, worth 40%; logbook (min 50 cases) (P/F), and a competency assessment of three cases (P/F).
- Clinical Application Unit: Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (Hip and Groin) (20 credits)
- This compelling unit focuses on hip and groin musculoskeletal ultrasound anatomy and pathology.
- Assessment: Evidence-based critical written account, 2,000 words, worth 60%; case study, 1500 words, worth 40%; logbook (min 50 cases) (P/F), and a competency assessment of three cases (P/F).
- Clinical Application Unit: Negotiated Skills Ultrasound (20 credits)
- You can complete this unit, which features tutorials and practical demonstrations, up to five times! Each time basing it on a different clinical skill, for example: Vascular, Soft Tissue, Breast, Vascular screening (Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) or DVT or Carotids), Nuchal Translucency (NT) Screening, Gynaecology Contrast Ultrasound, and Guided Injection.
- Evidence-based critical written account, 2,000 words, worth 60%; case study, 1500 words, worth 40%; logbook (25 - 50 cases) (P/F), and a competency assessment of three cases (P/F).
- Non-skills Based Unit: Work-based Portfolio (20 credits)
- This is your chance to show off, as you’ll put together a portfolio of your work in clinical practice.
- Assessment: Evidence-based critical written account, 2,000 words, worth 60%; case study, 1500 words, 40%; logbook (25 - 50 cases) (P/F), and a competency assessment of three cases (P/F).
- Non-skills Based Unit: Structured Learning Event (20 credits)
- You’ll get the opportunity to attend a seminar of your choice (which needs to be approved by your Pathway Leader), and write a report reflecting on the things you’ve learnt and experienced whilst in practice.
- Assessment: Evidence-based critical written account, 5,000 words
- Non-skills Based Unit: Current Advances in Practice (20 credits)
- You’ll hunt out relevant and interesting developments in the medical world, and use your findings to support your learning.
- Assessment: Evidence-based critical written account, 5,000 words
- Non-skills Based Unit: Evidence-based Practice (20 credits)
- In today’s healthcare environment, practitioners must not only keep abreast of current research evidence, but also incorporate it where appropriate into clinical practice, which is where this unit comes in.
- Assessment: Evidence-based critical written account, 2,500 words, worth 50%, and a critical appraisal, 2,500, worth 50%
For the PgDip Stage of your degree, you get to choose from any of the units that you did not complete during the previous PgCert Stage (Year 1). All units have M Level Credits assigned to them. You’ll need to pick units that total 60 M Level Credits for the PgDip.
For your final stage in MSc Medical Ultrasound, you can pick between two unit groups.
Group 1
- Research Methods (20 credits)
- This attendance-based unit presents different types of clinical research designs for you to decide which are best at answering particular clinical questions. You’ll not only develop skills in clinical research designs, data collection, and data analysis, but this unit prepares you to identify potential areas for research and plan a research investigation.
- Assessment: Reflective Research Protocol, approximately 5,000 words, worth 100%.
- Dissertation (40 credits)
- You’ll complete a research investigation in an area that applies to your professional practice. You’re likely to carry out the investigation in your workplace, collecting and analysing real-time clinical data, but facilities at the AECC UC may also be available. You’ll be supported by expert research supervision, institutional research facilities, and ethics approval boards.
- Assessment: Research Dissertation, approximately 10,000 words, worth 100%.
Group 2
- Audit Methods (20 credits)
- This attendance-based unit will develop your skills in data collection and data analysis based on audit findings, and ways to improve clinical practice.
- Assessment: Reflective audit protocol, approximately 5,000 words, worth 100%.
- Clinical Audit (40 credits)
- A clinical audit is very relevant to professional practice, as it allows recommendations to be made to improve both your practice and how you approach your work. You’ll complete a Clinical Audit as part of your Masters.
- Assessment: Clinical Audit, approximately 10,000 words, worth 100%.
Entry Requirements
How do I apply?
You can apply through our online application portal here.
What grades do I need?
You’ll need a recognised professional qualification or a first degree in a relevant healthcare subject in line with the admissions regulations.
When you apply you should also include a Clinical Workplace Agreement (completed by the work-place supervisor/mentor), just to make sure you can meet all the clinical requirements of the course. A limited number of placements are available at the School of Medical Ultrasound should you be interested; assigned and reviewed by the Course Leader. Please note that this is charged at an additional cost to the course fee. Speak with our School of Medical Ultrasound team for prices, dates, and further details.
If you’re applying from outside of the UK
To find out if you're eligible to apply, talk to our Admissions team by email or calling us on +44 1202 436200 and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have.
English language requirements
To be accepted onto the MSc Medical Ultrasound course you will need to demonstrate that you meet the minimum standards of English. Please note that you will need to achieve IELTS (academic) overall score of 7.0 or above with no less than 6.0 in each section or acceptable equivalent.
DOWNLOAD A LIST OF ACCEPTED ENGLISH LANGUAGE QUALIFICATIONS
We may be able to consider other English language qualifications, so call or email our Admissions team and they will be happy to help. Try to book your language tests as early in the year as you can, just in case re-sits are needed.
We may be able to consider other English language qualifications, so call or email our Admissions team to find out. Try to book your language tests as early in the year as you can, just in case you need to re-sit.
For more information about our admissions policies and procedures please click here
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS? LET US ANSWER THEM IN OUR APPLICATION FAQS
Course Fees
One of the most important things you’ll need to consider before applying for this course are the tuition fees. Our current course costs for the MSc Medical Ultrasound (2018/2019) entry are shown below.
|
Fee status
|
Full Fees Rate
|
Discounted rate when fees paid before 31 October 2018
|
|
Home/EU |
£3,223
|
£3,062
|
|
*ELQ or EEA
|
£3,917
|
£3,721
|
|
Overseas |
£5,167
|
£4,909
|
*You are classed as an ELQ student if you have previously completed a Masters level (NQF level 7) or higher qualification before enrolment.
Please note that fees after your 1st year should not increase by more than RPI + 1% (UK Retail price index - RPI).
If the course detail isn’t incentive enough, we also offer all new MSc Ultrasound enrolments that are starting in 2018 a 10% discount to AECC UC alumni on the annual tuition fee for the duration of your part-time MSc programme. What’s more, those starting a postgraduate course for the first time, who are under 60 and living in the UK, could qualify for a Postgraduate Loan of up to £10,000 to help with study costs.
This is being offered to people starting a postgraduate course from 1st September 2018. Find out more about postgraduate loans and if you qualify on the gov.uk website.
As we don’t want you to have any nasty surprises during your time with us, please take a few minutes to read through the following information. To stay on the course your fees are due annually, and may be subject to change. Decisions about changes to course fees, arrangements, and dates for teaching sessions are the right of the course organisers - they’ll let you know if anything is due to change. Bear in mind that the fees currently advertised by the AECC University College are for the first year of the programme only. We advise you to budget for an increase of up to 5% for each following year, and all increased fees will be posted to the AECC University College website, so don’t worry if you forget. Three termly instalments can be arranged with the Finance Department, but please note a surcharge of 5% is made for termly instalments.
For more information about any additional associated costs and our Student Agreement, please click here.
"I had a fantastic day and it was probably one of my best educational days since leaving medical school."
Jim Moxon, Liverpool FC Academy Doctor and MSc Medical Ultrasound Class of 2018
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