University of Cumbria
Medical Imaging (Ultrasound) MSc
University of Cumbria

Key Course Facts

Course Description

With a UK-wide shortage of sonographers, there has never been a better time to study a masters in Medical Imaging: Ultrasound.

Our intensive two-year MSc programme - accredited by the Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE) - is the perfect accelerated pathway of study to launch your career as a sonographer.

The ultrasound awards are currently undergoing periodic review (re-approval), and CASE re-accreditation, and some minor changes are proposed to some of the modules, starting September 2023. As this is a professional programme, all proposed changes are intended to ensure the programme remains in line with current UK standards.

  • COURSE OVERVIEW

On this 2-year programme, you will learn all of the academic knowledge required to work in this field and, importantly, have plenty of hands-on training in our skills hub. The skills hub is equipped with the latest imaging workstations and houses one of the largest MedaPhor ultrasound simulation labs in the world.

This programme gives you exposure to the full range of sonography in clinical areas, such as obstetrics, gynaecology, general medical (abdominal and small parts), vascular, breast and musculoskeletal ultrasound training. Approximately 75% of your studies will be practical, so you will develop the work-based skills required to step into a job after graduation. The module delivery will be an online ‘blended’ learning approach and most modules will have an element of live virtual tutorial type sessions.

  • ON THIS COURSE YOU WILL...
  • Learn the academic knowledge and the clinical skills required to work in the field of medical ultrasound. This will ensure you become a confident and competent ultrasound practitioner.
  • Working with a placement hospital, you will gain exposure to the full range of sonography specialisms, such as obstetrics, gynaecology, general medical (abdominal and small parts) and vascular.
  • Be welcomed from a range of healthcare and non-healthcare backgrounds. A healthcare background or degree is not required.
  • Engage in practical training to gain work-based skills. You will have access to our state of the art ultrasound training hub, equipped with the latest ultrasound machines and an extensive ultrasound simulation facility.
  • WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

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).

Compulsory modules

  • Physical Principles & Technology in Ultrasound
  • Professional, Legal & Ethical Issues in Ultrasound

Optional Modules

  • Breast Ultrasound
  • Breast Ultrasound (Clinical Practice)
  • General Medical Ultrasound (Theory)
  • General Medical Ultrasound (Clinical Practice)
  • Gynaecological Ultrasound (Theory)
  • Gynaecological Ultrasound (Clinical Practice)
  • Negotiated Ultrasound Practice 1
  • Negotiated Ultrasound Practice 1 (Clinical Practice)
  • Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (Theory)
  • Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (Clinical Practice)
  • Independent Study in Ultrasound (non-Clinical Practice)
  • Negotiated Ultrasound Practice 2
  • Negotiated Ultrasound Practice 2 (Clinical Practice)
  • Negotiated Ultrasound Practice 3
  • Negotiated Ultrasound Practice 3 (Clinical Practice)
  • Obstetric Ultrasound (Theory)
  • Obstetric Ultrasound (Clinical Practice)
  • Vascular Ultrasound (Theory)
  • Vascular Ultrasound (Clinical Practice)
  • Research methods
  • Dissertation (40 credit)
  • Dissertation (60 credit)

Learning and assessment are considered as interrelated, as the assessments enable students to demonstrate the extent to which they have achieved the learning outcome of modules and the programme of study overall. Students are supported throughout the assessment process, and formative and summative assessment will be undertaken, and will be an integral part of the academic and clinical modules for ultrasound. There are extensive opportunities within the clinical sphere, evidenced within the clinical portfolio in the form of reflective practice, for students to engage with interprofessional learning. Examples of how this might be achieved are: by following the patient pathway in an obstetric/gynaecology clinic, or through other imaging modalities/radiology reporting sessions within an imaging department or reflective practice based on working with the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) on clinical placement. A wide range of assessment methods are used which are clinically relevant and aligned to programme and module level learning outcomes. Intellectual, professional and key transferable skills are central to learning opportunities and assessment. Successfully undertaking modules on this programme will enhance opportunities for students in their professional careers.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • All Degrees
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Medical Imaging (Ultrasound), MSc, if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

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 ‘C’ or above to include Maths, English and Science (grade B or above for Science). Preference will be given to those with at least one science subject at A-level (or equivalent) at grade C or above.

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

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

Costs

Tuition Fees Medical Imaging (Ultrasound) MSc

England UK £10200 year 1
Northern Ireland £10200 year 1
Scotland £10200 year 1
Wales £10200 year 1

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

University Rankings

Positions of University of Cumbria in top UK and global rankings.

See all 6 university rankings of University of Cumbria

About University of Cumbria

The University of Cumbria is an institution whose stated aims are to develop the region’s talent and capabilities, and also to attract new talent into the region. The university operates out of 7 distinct campuses, two of which are situated within World Heritage sites and is the only university in the UK to be set in a national park. Each distinct campus has something unique to offer prospective students.

List of 117 Bachelor and Master Courses from University of Cumbria - Course Catalogue

Student composition of University of Cumbria

undergraduates:
5445
postgraduates:
1135
Total:
6580
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Where is this programme taught

Lancaster
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