| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-19 | - |
| 2024-01-01 | 2023-10-15 |
| 2024-05-02 | 2024-01-31 |
Program Overview
Programme delivery update
We have adopted an online ‘blended’ learning approach to teaching on the ultrasound programme and our modules are taught in block release. Our suggestion is therefore that you are given this time by your placement to access the learning materials and tutorials on the scheduled module dates/times in a location that is best suited for you to learn, e.g. in a suitable quiet location at your placement site, or at home.
Most modules will have an element of live virtual tutorial type sessions using Blackboard Collaborate or Microsoft Teams, which you will be expected to engage with. You will need a suitable laptop or PC with speakers and a webcam and adequate internet access/broadband speed to work remotely on-line. Some modules may also have a campus based clinical skills element to the teaching.
The delivery of your modules may vary from tutor to tutor, module to module, so please always follow the guidance of your module leader and module Blackboard site. Please understand this approach to module delivery is new to us as well, so please try to be patient and understanding, we are doing our very best to ensure you remain supported throughout your learning.
For IT issues, further details on our IT services can be found here: https://www.cumbria.ac.uk/student-life/facilities/it-facilities/
There is also some further information related to on-line study here on our website which you may find helpful:
https://my.cumbria.ac.uk/Student-Life/Learning/Resources/Studying-from-home/Online-Learning/
If you are a health care professional or vascular scientist wanting to enhance your professional career, then our course - accredited by the
Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE)
- will enable you to pursue a career in ultrasound.Our Pg Cert will build on your experience in radiography, nursing, midwifery or other related professions or clinical specialisms and teach you the academic knowledge and safe clinical practice to meet national standards to work as a sonographer.
Your learning will be enhanced with plenty of work-based practical learning in our skills lab, which is equipped with the latest imaging workstations and houses one of the largest MedaPhor ultrasound simulation labs in the world.
Why Choose University of Cumbria
We have designed our course to meet the standards of
CASE
, regional and national stakeholders – including local ultrasound managers.We provide a wide range of modules, including: obstetrics, gynaecology, general medical (abdominal and small parts), vascular, breast and musculoskeletal ultrasound training, but also negotiated areas of practice.
You can achieve competency to practice if you successfully complete both academic and clinical components of the programme to PgCert level or above.
You can also progress into the full MSc, to develop your academic qualifications even further.
So, if you have experience in radiography, nursing, midwifery or other related professions or clinical specialisms and have the support for a sponsored placement, then our MSc Medical Imaging (Ultrasound) ensures you have the clinical competencies and safe practice to meet national standards and further your career.
*You must have a suitable clinical placement secured through an employer or sponsor before you apply for the course.
Course study options
This course is also available as a PgD and MSc.
Graduate destinations
On successful completion of the course, you will be able to provide evidence of preparation for practice to the standards required for a first post-qualification sonographer role. We have consulted with local ultrasound service partners who have confirmed that this would allow employment of graduates in most regional NHS contexts. However, applicants from a non-health care background should note that, at present, employment in some NHS Trusts would not be possible due to the requirement for professional registration. These potential restrictions on employment will be discussed with you during the application process and you will be asked to sign a memorandum of agreement confirming your understanding and acceptance.
UK CASE accredited ultrasound awards are recognised both nationally and internationally. Whilst developing the course we have worked closely with regional and national stakeholders to ensure that when you graduate you will be well prepared to work as an autonomous ultrasound practitioner within their your specialty.
Next
Course Details
Program Outline
Course outline
Course summary
Our expert staff will help you develop into an autonomous practitioner, who is able to undertake advanced ultrasound practice safely, by ensuring clinical competencies achieved meet national standards.
We provide a range of modules which will enable you to explore the underpinning knowledge of safe, effective and evidence-based ultrasound practice, in order to help you develop clinical skills in your own department. Teaching is also supported by specialist guest speakers who provide current, relevant course material directly related to clinical practice.
You will have the opportunity for inter-professional learning during the academic blocks (which are shared with our full-time ultrasound students) and during clinical placement. The development of critical, analytical and evaluative skills and incorporating these into the clinical environment, encouraging evidence based practice will be a fundamental part of the course.
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; you will be assessed to ensure you are clinically competent before you can receive the award.
You will need to organise a clinical placement in a recognised department to engage in a wide range of ultrasound examinations for the duration of the course. Unfortunately, the university cannot assist you in finding a placement.
This course is highly flexible and does not follow a standard academic year. You can start in May, October or January each year where you must begin with one of our core modules. Both core modules must be completed in year 1, alongside at least ONE optional module.
Please note optional module choices are made by the placement and not you the student, and these are based fundamentally on patient caseload availability, mentor support and service need.
Modules
Year one
Compulsory modules
Optional modules
(subject to availability and demand)
Please note: The optional modules on this pathway are chosen by the sponsoring placement provider. This may vary from placement to placement and year to year dependent on the needs of the local service and availability of suitable patient caseload and mentor.
Programme Specification
Programme specification (PDF)
Programme Specification
For detailed summary of all course content please read our programme specification for this course.
Assessment, Feedback, and Teaching and Learning methods
Full details are available in the
programme specification
.Timetables
The teaching timetable should be available from the end of August. Access to the timetable is through the Student Hub – you will be able to access the Student Hub after you have completed online registration. The teaching day is 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday; please keep your other commitments open until confirmation of your teaching timetable, and bear in mind that many courses will offer placements or fieldwork which sometimes extends into the evenings and weekends.
