For radiographers, doctors, midwives, scientists and others wishing to practice clinical ultrasound within their professional roles. Lectures are in block release, in conjunction with compulsory clinical placements. Underlying theory is integrated with practice ensuring performance of diagnostic ultrasound examinations (O&G; General Medical; Vascular; a student Negotiated topic) in accordance with accepted good practice.
KEY BENEFITS
- Expert outside speakers contribute extensively to the programme.
- Located in the heart of London in the School of Medicine, though the student groups are multi-disciplinary.
- Student-tutor contact time is substantial and is supplemented by e-learning.
- The programme has two ultrasound machines that are frequently used in teaching sessions.
- Service focused: Students are required to develop and apply ultrasound imaging skills in their clinical training placement. A member of the Programme Team will visit the student in their workplace to support them and observe their work, and at the end of each stage competence must be demonstrated by clinical assessment.
- Integration of academic and practical skills: Students are expected to apply theory to practice in their clinical placements and to communicate their findings effectively.
KEY FACTS
Student destinations
The majority of graduates take up posts in the NHS and move on to become advanced and consultant practitioners. Others use ultrasound scanning proficiency as part of their clinical examination of patients.
Programme leader/s
Ms Rosie Simpson, Programme Director, 020 7188 3637
Accreditation
Accredited by the Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE).
Awarding Institution
King's College London
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent)
UK 180/ECTS 90
Duration
PG Cert: nine months PT, January to September. PG Dip: 18 months PT, January to following June. MSc: 27 months PT, January to March.
Location
St Thomas' Campus.
Year of entry 2013
Offered by
School of Medicine
Closing date
16 November 2012 for January 2013 entry
Intake
Approximately 20 PT.
Fees
PT Home: £2170 per stage (stage = 2x30 or 1x60 credit modules) (2013)
PT Overseas: £6335 per stage (2013) (where eligible )
CONTACTS
Contact information
Ms Jill Walker, Programme Administrator, tel 020 7188 8458
Email
PURPOSE
This Ultrasound programme is for radiographers, doctors, midwives, clinical scientists and other professionals wishing to practice clinical ultrasound. The programme provides knowledge to enable integration of theoretical concepts with ultrasound proficiency. Students may exit with the 60 credit PG Cert, the 120 credit PG Dip or progress to the MSc.
DESCRIPTION
The CASE accredited programme facilitates the acquisition of the skills necessary for the use of ultrasound imaging in clinical practice. The development of clinical proficiency is therefore an integral part of the course.
Health professionals are taught the principles and practice of ultrasound science, the practical applications of ultrasound and an appreciation of the principles of scientific investigation. Throughout the course clinical practice is assessed; this does not simply cover technique, but also knowledge, comprehension, communication, analysis and management - in terms of the patient, the technology and the personal qualities of the practitioner. Medico-legal, ethical and professional issues are also discussed.
Through an introduction to the physics, equipment, safety and relevant professional issues alongside clinical modules, students have the opportunity to understand current techniques and acquire proficiency in medical ultrasound. The clinical modules chosen may be obstetric and gynaecology ultrasound, general medical ultrasound or vascular ultrasound. An individually negotiated work-based module can be taken to meet a student’s individual needs within the PG Cert in Specialist Ultrasound Practice. This option allows students to put together a personalised, proficiency based learning programme. This may be suitable for an experienced sonographer extending proficiency in a specialist area (eg. Musculo-skeletal ultrasound, breast ultrasound, paediatric ultrasound, emergency ultrasound). Alternatively this may be suitable for a clinician who wishes to utilise ultrasound imaging in their clinical practice.
In addition, to progress to the PG Dip or MSc, study of research methodologies is required.
STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
Core programme content
Core modules:
- Fundamentals of Ultrasound Practice Research Methodology (Core for PG Diploma & MSc)
- Research Project or Systematic Review (Core for MSc).
Please see the modules list for further information.
Indicative non-core content
Optional modules (all modules are 30 credits):
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology Ultrasound (Clinically assessed option)
- General Medical Ultrasound (Clinically assessed option)
- Vascular Ultrasound (Clinically assessed option – this may also be taken as part of the MSc Vascular Ultrasound)
- Negotiated Learning (Non-clinically assessed option)
- Negotiated Learning with Clinical Proficiency (Clinically assessed option).
Please see the modules list for further information.
FORMAT AND ASSESSMENT
The programme is offered on a part-time basis in conjunction with compulsory clinical placements. Lectures are delivered in a block format of 3-4 days per month. Coursework, practical assessment and written examinations assess the modules. Clinical competence is assessed by ongoing formative and summative assessments and an observational visit by a member of the programme team.
MODULES
More information on typical programme modules.
NB it cannot be guaranteed that all modules are offered in any particular academic year.
Module code: 7MWOUL01
Credit level: 7
This module aims to equip students with the scientific and technical knowledge required for ultrasound scanning and to increase their awareness of professional issues related to ultrasound scanning.
Module code: 7MWOUL03
Credit level: 7
This modules aims:
- to faciltate understanding of normal ultrasound anatomy and physiology, and common pathologies of the abdominal and pelvic organs, other viscera, small parts and the vascular system
- to provide the skills to recognise, interpret and report on normal and abnormal ultrasound tissue patterns
- to ensure the student works safely with due regard to the patient's psychological and physiological needs.
Module code: 7MWOUL15
Credit level: 7
This module aims to encourage an independent approach to ultrasound learning; examine health issues in an innovative way and foster a reflective approach to ultrasound learning. Specific learning outcomes will be negotiated with the tutor and will be recorded in a learning contract. On successful completion of this module the student will be able to critically evaluate research and professional literature relevant to the selected topic area; critically reflect on their learning needs; present evidence to support the ultrasound learning undertaken through the module; present evidence to support the personal and professional development achieved; extract, evaluate, synthesise and present information gained from primary and secondary sources (critical thinking) and exercise autonomy in the management of their learning and Continuing Professional Development. Assessment is by coursework and case presentation.
Module code: 7MWOUL16
Credit level: 7
This module involves the negotiation of specific learning outcomes in ultrasound that are competency based and will be embedded in a personal development plan negotiated between the student, the university tutor and the student’s workplace mentor. Students may be:
- clinicians who wish to use a focused area of ultrasound in their practice. They could undertake this either as a stand-alone module or, ultimately, work towards the PGCert, PGDip or MSc
- obstetricians and midwives who wish to study ultrasound beyond the PG Cert by extending their scanning skills within O&G ultrasound
- experienced, qualified sonographers extending their proficiency in a specialist area (e.g. Musculo-skeletal ultrasound, breast ultrasound, paediatric ultrasound, emergency ultrasound). This will give them the opportunity to study and gain academic credit for their area of extended clinical competence.
Module code: 7MWOUL02
Credit level: 7
This module aims:
- To provide the student with an understanding of the pathologies and abnormalities relating to obstetric and gynaecological practice
- To produce, recognise, interpret and report on normal and abnormal ultrasound image patterns
- To discuss and evaluate the choice of ultrasound techniques, equipment and methods of recording the image
- To provide the student with the necessary information to produce high quality diagnostic images of a wide range of obstetric and gynaecological conditions;
- To enable the student to work safely and responsibly with due regard to the patient's psychological and physiological needs.
Module code: 7MWOULO4
Credit level: 7
This module will enhance students’ understanding of research and equip them with the skills to evaluate the research of others. Students will be taught how to use and interpret descriptive statistics and how to use statistical tests in relation to a given hypothesis. Students will acquire skills to construct a research proposal, and to carry out independent research or audit confidently
Module code: 7MWOUL05
Credit level: 7
This is a double module. This allows the student to investigate and develop an area of particular interest and, using initiative and resources available to formulate hypotheses, analyse and manage the data obtained, and draw conclusions.
Module code: 7MWOUL12
Credit level: 7
Module code: 7MWOUL07
Credit level: 7
The aims of this module are:
- To provide the student with an understanding of the use of ultrasound in vascular diagnosis.
- To provide the student with an understanding of blood flow and pathology in vascular disorders.
- To provide the student with an understanding of other non-invasive and invasive techniques for vascular diagnosis and an understanding of the relative merits and limitations of these techniques.
- To produce, recognize, interpret and report on normal and abnormal ultrasound and Doppler ultrasound images for vascular diagnosis.
ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
General entry advice
Minimum 2:2 UK honours degree or a professional qualification in radiography, nursing, midwifery or medicine. Applicants must have a suitable clinical training placement for the duration of the programme. Entry is subject to satisfactory references and interview.
This programme is only available to overseas applicants who already have a UK clinical placement and are holding a valid work visa that covers them for the entire duration of the programme. Overseas applicants who do not meet the above criteria are not eligible for this programme due to UKBA restrictions on overseas applicants studying part-time course in the UK.
APPLYING TO KING'S
To apply for graduate study at King's you will need to complete our graduate online application form. Applying online makes applying easier and quicker for you, and means we can receive your application faster and more securely.
King's does not normally accept paper copies of the graduate application form as applications must be made online. However, if you are unable to access the online graduate application form, please contact the relevant admissions/School Office at King's for advice.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Your application will be assessed by two academics. All applicants who fulfil the entry requirements are interviewed. We aim to process all applications within six weeks. However, during the months prior to the closing date, and over holiday periods, applications may take longer to process due to the volume received at this time.
PERSONAL STATEMENT & SUPPORTING INFORMATION
Please include details of the modules you wish to take, your clinical training placement and supervision. If you intend to take the negotiated module please indicate your area of interest.
FUNDING
Students are supported by their health service employers or are self-funded.
Student profiles
Medical Ultrasound MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert
Studying ultrasound at King's has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. We have had some of the best lecturers in their fields, and have been well supported throughout the course. Studying
Medical Ultrasound MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert
Ultrasound scanning has become an integral part of Obstetric and Gynaecology training. This PG Cert programme enabled me to focus and improve my scanning skills. This has helped me progress in my career and scan with confidence. I was able to understand the physics behind operating an ultrasound machine due to the fantastic lectures. We had eminent lecturers like Trish Chudleigh and Jackie Ross talking to us about the different areas of ultrasound scanning.
The Programme Director was extremely supportive and motivated us throughout the period of the course. I would encourage any healthcare professional to enrol on this course as this is one of the best learning experiences I have had!
Staff profiles
Medical Ultrasound MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert
I am currently a Consultant Clinical Scientist in the Vascular Laboratory in the Department of Medical Engineering & Physics. My teaching and research is founded on clinical work where we use ultrasound techniques for non-invasive diagnostic ultrasound of the circulation.
I am currently President Elect of the British Medical Ultrasound Society. This multi-disciplinary society is committed to promoting the science of medical ultrasound and its safe and effective implementation. Central to this is teaching and training of the many staff who now use ultrasound in the routine clinical practice. The increased availability of low-cost highly capable ultrasound scanners offers opportunities and challenges to ensure that ultrasound is used competently in many healthcare settings.
King’s College ultrasound courses offer the opportunity to work with students to develop their knowledge and skills and to advance the science and good practice of medical ultrasound. A central part of this is to make the science of ultrasound understandable to those without a strong technical background by showing how the science affects image quality and diagnostic accuracy.
Medical Ultrasound MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert
Reproductive Science and Endocrinology offer some of the most important challenges for biomedical research in the 21st century. We now know that through recognition of interactions between the genome and environment from the earliest stages of life, we shall be able to improve our understanding of some of the most common adult diseases including diabetes, obesity and hypertension.
Our research into diabetes interrogates the influence of the in utero environment on later development of diabetes, particularly the adverse effects of maternal obesity as well as cutting edge basic science into novel treatment strategies. These include the use of stem cells to make insulin secreting cells. We aim to improve the health of the next generation by understanding better the causes of low birth weight arising from poor foetal nutrition or from pre-term birth, and we know that low birth weight increase the risk of diabetes in later life.
Our MSc students learn the latest ways we can use ultrasound to image the developing foetus and detect early problems, including poor foetal growth. We are always pleased to speak to students who have a keen interest in reproduction and endocrinology.
Medical Ultrasound MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert
The CASE accredited King’s MSc programmes in Medical Ultrasound and Vascular Ultrasound have been described as being at the forefront of professional practice. The programmes are modular and flexible and, while many students continue to completion of the MSc, there are exit awards at PG Certificate and PG Diploma levels. The course is delivered with extensive student support and contact time and a range of clinical options are available. The opportunity for students to negotiate their own work-based ultrasound module to accommodate their individual professional needs is also now offered. Students are from medicine, clinical science, radiography and midwifery. Most lectures are held in central London, at St Thomas’ Hospital, and the strong NHS links support the contribution of expert speakers from the fields of obstetrics and gynaecology, general medical ultrasound, emergency medicine and vascular ultrasound. Renowned clinical scientists from King’s College Hospital are key members of the course team. The course has two dedicated ultrasound machines and teaching is supplemented, though never replaced by e-learning, including regular case discussion within the student group. Lectures are delivered in a block format enabling students from longer distances to attend. Close collaboration with clinical colleagues ensures that students concurrently learn hands-on scanning skills in their hospital placements which are ultimately demonstrated in rigorous clinical assessment.
I have been Programme Director for the Medical Ultrasound MSc programme since April 2008 and have been a lecturer and clinical instructor since 1991. I continue to undertake regular ultrasound scanning sessions to maintain my clinical skills. I am also an accredited counsellor, working one evening a week in primary care and supervising the clinical work of a team of trainee Doctorate Counselling Psychologists.