Program Overview
The University of Derby's Medical Ultrasound MSc in Radiography program equips healthcare professionals with the skills necessary to become autonomous ultrasound practitioners. With a flexible learning pathway and a comprehensive curriculum covering both general and specialized ultrasound applications, graduates are prepared for professional registration and employment in the field. The program is accredited by CASE and offers access to state-of-the-art ultrasound simulation and clinical skills facilities.
Program Outline
Medical Ultrasound MSc - Radiography - University of Derby
Degree Overview:
This MSc program offers a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to develop the high-level skills required of an autonomous ultrasound practitioner. It caters to a wide range of healthcare professionals seeking to expand their scope of practice by developing ultrasound skills. The program is designed to meet the growing demand for ultrasound professionals in both imaging departments and point-of-care clinical settings.
Objectives:
- To equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to practice as an autonomous ultrasound practitioner.
- To provide a flexible learning pathway that accommodates the needs of both full-time and part-time students.
- To offer a comprehensive curriculum covering both general and specialized ultrasound applications.
- To prepare students for professional registration and employment in the field of ultrasound.
Outline:
Structure:
- The program is modular, offering both full-time and part-time enrollment options.
- Full-time students complete the program in two years, while part-time students can complete it in 3 to 5 years.
- The program is divided into three stages, each requiring 60 credits.
Course Schedule:
- Stage One:
- Principles of Medical Ultrasound (20 credits)
- Two 20-credit option modules (at least one must be a clinical ultrasound module)
- Stage Two:
- At least 20 credits in a clinical ultrasound module
- 40 credits from clinical ultrasound or generic modules
- Stage Three:
- Independent Scholarship (40/60 credits)
Individual Modules:
Clinical Ultrasound Modules:
- Obstetric Ultrasound (40 credits)
- Ultrasound in Early Pregnancy Assessment (20 credits)
- Gynaecology Ultrasound (20 credits)
- General Medical Ultrasound (40 credits)
- Vascular Ultrasound (40 credits)
- Negotiated Musculoskeletal Ultrasound 1 (20 credits)
- Negotiated Musculoskeletal Ultrasound 2 (20 credits)
- Focused Specialist Ultrasound Practice 1 (20 credits)
- Focused Specialist Ultrasound Practice 2 (20 credits)
- Head and Neck Ultrasound (20 credits)
- Focused Interventional Ultrasound (20 credits)
Generic Modules:
- Advancing Practice (20 credits)
- Advancing Communication Skills (20 credits)
- Advanced Technology (20 credits)
- Research Skills for Evidence Based Practice (20 credits)
- Research Methodologies - Application to Advanced Practice (20 credits)
- Work Based Learning - Negotiated (20 credits)
Assessment:
- A range of assessment methods are used, including:
- Written assignments
- Unseen examinations
- Computer-based assessments
- Formative and summative clinical assessment
- Image viewing examinations
- All assessments are linked to real-world tasks expected of an autonomous ultrasound practitioner.
Teaching:
- Teaching methods include:
- Group activities
- Lectures
- Practical work
- Seminars
- Self-directed study
- Simulation activities
- Students have access to a state-of-the-art ultrasound simulation suite and a fully equipped ultrasound room in the Clinical Skills Suite.
- The program is taught by clinically and research-active staff.
Careers:
- Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to provide evidence of preparation for practice to the standards required for a first post-qualification sonographer post.
- Graduates are well-prepared to work as autonomous ultrasound practitioners within their specialty.
- The program is recognized both nationally and internationally.
- Graduates may be eligible for registration through the Professional Standards Authority with The Register of Clinical Technologists.
Other:
- The program is accredited by the Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE).
- Students must have access to a clinical ultrasound placement for a minimum of two days per week.
- Full-time students are provided with placements at partner NHS Trusts.
- Part-time students must source their own placements.
- The program is subject to minimum numbers in order to run.
UK Full-time £11,340 per year of study or £1,260 per 20 credits UK Full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable UK part-time £1,260 per 20 credits International Full-time £14,900 per year of study International part-time
