Medical Ultrasound

Course highlights

• This is a challenging and rewarding programme designed to develop the high-level skills required of an autonomous ultrasound practitioner (sonographer)
• Our flexible part-time pathway supports a wide range of healthcare professionals looking to extend their scope of practice through ultrasound
• You’ll be taught by experienced, research-active staff who bring current clinical expertise into your learning
• You’ll engage in practice-based learning within a clinical environment, supported by expert mentors

Ultrasound is an essential tool in medical diagnosis, with demand continuing to grow across imaging departments and point-of-care clinical settings.

To meet this demand, our MSc Medical Ultrasound enables you to train in general or specialist ultrasound applications. You’ll learn in our modern Clinical Skills Suite, using state-of-the-art simulation systems and taught by experienced practitioners.

This modular course is delivered part-time, offering flexibility to fit your professional development around work and personal commitments. You can tailor your studies through a range of optional modules to support your individual career goals.

We welcome applicants from a diverse range of graduate and healthcare backgrounds who are looking to develop their expertise in this high-demand area.

You must have access to a clinical ultrasound placement for a minimum of two days per week.

As a part-time student, you will need to secure an appropriate placement that supports your clinical learning and development.

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

You will learn through a combination of lectures, seminars, group activities, practical sessions, simulation and self-directed study.

Hands-on skills development is supported by access to our state-of-the-art ultrasound simulation suite and fully equipped Clinical Skills facilities.

Have a look at the specialist facilities you’ll use throughout the course.

Work placement

You must have access to a clinical ultrasound placement for a minimum of two days per week.

You will be responsible for arranging and maintaining your placement, ensuring it meets the requirements of the course.

Placement hours are subject to change.

How you'll be assessed

A range of assessment methods are used to ensure that all intended learning outcomes are met. These include written assignments, unseen examinations, computer-based assessments, formative and summative clinical assessment and image viewing examinations. All assessments are linked explicitly with real-world tasks that would be expected of an autonomous ultrasound practitioner.

On successful completion of all core and mandatory elements, you will be able to demonstrate preparation for practice in line with the standards required for a first post-qualification sonographer role.

We have worked with key service partners to ensure the course supports progression into sonography roles across most regional NHS settings. However, applicants from a non-healthcare background should be aware that employment in some NHS Trusts may not be possible due to requirements for professional registration. These considerations will be discussed during the application process, and you will be asked to confirm your understanding.

Sonography is not currently a registerable healthcare profession. Graduates who do not already hold a registerable qualification will not be eligible for HCPC registration on completion of the MSc Medical Ultrasound. However, the course has been developed in collaboration with CASE and the Society and College of Radiographers and is aligned to HCPC standards of proficiency for diagnostic imaging.

On completion of the MSc, you may be eligible to apply for registration with the Professional Standards Authority via the Register of Clinical Technologists. Full details are available on their website.

UK CASE-accredited ultrasound awards are recognised nationally and internationally. Throughout the course, we work closely with regional and national stakeholders to ensure you are well prepared to practise as an autonomous ultrasound practitioner within your chosen speciality.

Normally, you must:

• hold a science OR health related degree at 2:1 or above
• have English language skills equivalent to IELTS level 6.5 (with at least 6.0 in each skill area)

However, if you don’t hold a 2:1 degree, but you do possess relevant experience, are highly motivated and possess the attributes and values we look for in a health care professional such as care, compassion, competence, communication, courage, commitment, respect, empathy, honesty, self-awareness, integrity and cultural awareness, please get in touch.

Please also complete the Clinical practice agreement form and submit a copy with your application.

Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.

Additional costs and optional extras

About postgraduate awards

Please note at postgraduate level, you'll need to gain the following number of credits in total to obtain the respective awards. If you have any questions please contact us.

This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MA or MSc.

Funding your studies

Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.

Find out about funding your studiesFind out about funding your studies

Alumni discount for Derby graduates

We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all Derby alumni.

Find out about the Alumni discountFind out about the Alumni discount

Additional information about your studies

September (MSc Ultrasound)

April and January for some CPD modules. Individuals must hold a recognised Ultrasound qualification.

Download programme specification

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Minimum numbers

Please note that this course is subject to minimum numbers in order to run.