Vascular Ultrasound is for clinical scientists, technologists, sonographers, clinicians and other health professionals wishing to work in this area. Lectures are delivered in block release in conjunction with compulsory clinical placements. Core modules integrate the underlying theoretical concepts with professional practice to ensure performance of vascular examinations in accordance with accepted good practice.
KEY BENEFITS
- Clinical expertise of lecturers: the programme is taught by leaders in the field of vascular ultrasound, and external expert lecturers contribute sessions on specialist topics.
- Student-tutor contact time is substantial and is supplemented by e-learning.
- Located in the heart of London in the School of Medicine though the student group is multi-disciplinary.
- Service focused: the programme provides a thorough grounding in the clinical skills needed to work in vascular ultrasound.
- Classroom teaching is supplemented by teaching sessions at the King's Vascular Laboratory and the Clinical Research Facility at St. Thomas'.
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 their vascular ultrasound proficiency within their patient examination.
Programme leader/s
Ms Rosie Simpson; Dr Colin Dean; Dr David Goss; Ben Freedman.
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 start.
Intake
Approximately 10 students PT.
Fees
PT Home: £MSc/PG Dip £2,170 yr 1, £1,995 yr 2 (2013)
PT Overseas: £MSc/PG Dip £6,350 yr 1, £6,195 yr 2 (2013) (where eligible )
CONTACTS
Contact information
Jill Walker, Programme Administrator, tel 020 7188 8458
Email
Website
PURPOSE
This course is for clinical scientists, radiographers, doctors and other health professionals wishing to practice vascular ultrasound within their professional role. The programme integrates the underlying theoretical concepts with professional practice to perform vascular examinations in accordance with accepted good practice.
DESCRIPTION
The programme provides health professionals with an understanding of the principles and practices of vascular ultrasound. It addresses the practical applications of ultrasound through an understanding of the principles of scientific clinical investigation and facilitates the acquisition of the skills necessary for clinical practice. The development of clinical competency is therefore an integral part of the course.
The significance of new knowledge acquired by ultrasound practice in the diagnosis and monitoring of medical conditions, its effect on patient care and professional development are explored along with the ethical and medico-legal implications.
Students may exit with the PG Cert in Vascular Ultrasound. To progress to the PG Dip or MSc students must study research methodologies.
Throughout the course clinical practice is assessed; this does not simply cover technique, but also knowledge, comprehension, analysis, communication and management - in terms of the patient, the technology and the personal qualities of the practitioner.
STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
Core programme content
Core modules (students with an appropriate degree and full SVT accreditation may be allowed exemption from the first two modules):
- Fundamentals of Ultrasound Practice (Core)
- Vascular Ultrasound (Core)
- Research Methodology (Core for PG Diploma & MSc)
- Advanced Vascular Ultrasound (Core for PG Diploma & MSc)
- Research Project (Core for MSc).
Indicative non-core content
There are no optional modules in this Vascular Ultrasound MSc. Students may exit with the 60 credit PG Cert, the 120 credit PG Dip or progress to the MSc. Students may study a specialist topic as an individually negotiated work-based module as part of the PG Cert Ultrasound in Specialist Practice. Qualified sonographers may study the Vascular Ultrasound module as a stand-alone module.
FORMAT AND ASSESSMENT
The programme is offered on a block release basis in conjunction with compulsory clinical placements. 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: 7MWOUL14
Credit level: 7
The aim of this module is to explore specialist areas of vascular ultrasound practice and critically examine health issues in relation to vascular ultrasound in an innovative way. This will facilitate development of a critical reflective approach to vascular ultrasound practice and promote an independent approach to learning in order to develop the student personally and professionally and to actively challenge, and critically evaluate current practice and evidence of best practice. Assessment is by coursework, assessed presentation and clinical assessment.
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: 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: 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 equivalent in a life science, radiography, nursing or medicine. Those with professional qualifications should usually have a minimum of two years' relevant post qualification experience. All applicants must have written confirmation of a suitable clinical training placement. Those with full SVT accreditation may be exempt from the first year. Qualified sonographers may take the Vascular Ultrasound module as a stand-alone module. 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. Telephone interviews are possible for international students by prior arrangement. 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 your clinical training placement and supervision arrangements. If you wish to study a specialist vascular topic in the PG Cert Ultrasound in Specialist Practice pathway please indicate your area of interest.
FUNDING
Students are self-funded or supported by their health service employers.
Student profiles
Vascular Ultrasound MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert
I enjoyed my time at Kings College, its reputation as one of the country's leading education institutions is clearly well founded. The lecturers are leaders in their fields yet accessible and easy to approach, this makes for a positive learning experience. Studying vascular ultrasound was challenging and interesting. The course balanced the vocational aspects of ultrasound with the latest research and developments in the field. I would fully recommend the university and this particular course to anybody.
Staff profiles
Vascular 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.
Vascular Ultrasound MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert
My background is in physiological measurement and vascular diseases. I now work in the King’s College Hospital Vascular Laboratory, Department of Medical Engineering and Physics where I am responsible for the provision of a clinical service. I have an interest in graduate teaching and training which is manifest in the MSc programme vascular modules.
I aim to combine the academic aspects of vascular diagnosis with a practical approach to duplex ultrasound; the goal being to provide students with a desire to use ultrasound to its limits in providing useful clinical diagnosis. My current clinical and research areas of interest are in the diagnosis and management of deep vein thrombosis and venous incompetence.
Vascular 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. Most lectures are held in central London, at St Thomas’ Hospital, and the strong NHS links support the contribution of expert speakers from the field of 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 at King's College 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.