Course summary
Applications for the January 2024 start are now closed. We will be welcoming applications for the January 2025 cohort from January 2024. IT IS ADVISED THAT YOU APPLY EARLY DUE TO LIMITED PLACES 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. 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.
- Physical Principles & Technology in Ultrasound
- Professional, Legal & Ethical Issues in Ultrasound
- 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)
Assessment method
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.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education
Entry 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.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £15900 | Whole course |
| Northern Ireland | £15900 | Whole course |
| Scotland | £15900 | Whole course |
| Wales | £15900 | Whole course |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Visit www.cumbria.ac.uk/studentfinance for more information about student fees and finance, and for details about our alumni discount.
Provider information
University of Cumbria
Registered Office
Fusehill Street
Carlisle
CA1 2HH