Masters Degrees (Obstetrics)

Our flexible Medical Ultrasound course is designed for healthcare professionals undertaking obstetrics, gynaecology and / or abdominal ultrasound training.

Who is it for?

This course is suitable for a range of health care professionals who have experience in radiography, nursing, midwifery or other related professions. The course enables students to achieve the academic qualifications and clinical skills needed to pursue a career in ultrasound or to develop current skills further.

Students need a clinical placement in a recognised department, to engage in a wide range of ultrasound examinations for the duration of the course.

Objectives

City’s Medical Ultrasound course offers flexible study options for healthcare professionals undertaking obstetrics, gynaecology and / or abdominal ultrasound training and for those wishing to develop their skills further using work based learning options.

Our expert staff provide a supportive environment, encouraging students to develop their academic abilities and clinical skills in preparation for working as a sonographer. Students learn a range of subjects to enable them to explore the underpinning knowledge of safe, effective and evidence-based ultrasound practice, with which to help them develop clinical skills in their own department. Teaching is also supported by specialist guest speakers who provide current, relevant course material.

Students can achieve competency to practice if they successfully complete both academic and clinical components of the programme to PgC level or above.

Placements

A clinical placement is required in a recognised ultrasound department, to provide a wide range of clinical experience and supervision. Students should have their own clinical placement arranged prior to application, with supervised training arranged for an average of three days per week.

The placement needs to provide support for a wide range of clinical examinations. In addition to hands-on clinical experience you need a named clinical supervisor/assessor to provide support during the course. The supervisor must attend supervisor training and provide regular updates on your clinical progress to the clinical co-ordinator.

Academic facilities

The ultrasound clinical skills suite is equipped with a real-time ultrasound machine and simulators. The facilities are used for tutorials, self-directed study and formative monitoring of clinical skills.

Students have access to the MedaPhor simulator during the working week and remote cloud based access to tutorials and resources.

Using a flipped classroom approach to teaching and learning ensure that a range of online lectures are available for learning and revision.

Teaching and learning

A blended learning approach is used: linking academic theory to clinical practice via work-based learning; formal key note lectures; seminars; film viewing tutorials; demonstrations/workshops; e-learning; shared learning; self-directed study and online case discussions. Participation in the learning is an essential component of the course.

The programme team consists of academic staff, many of whom are still practicing clinically. Guest lecturers are invited to share expert knowledge on a range of topics, such as fetal cardiology, fetal medicine and contrast ultrasound.

The department’s academic staff are highly regarded across the institution, with our current programme director, Gill Harrison, winning the institution's prestigious Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.

Activities include online lectures and quizzes, lectures, tutorials, workshops and skills suite activities, group activities and group work, games and online case discussions.

A variety of assessment methods are used to cater for a range of learning styles and provide a link between theory and practice. Assessment methods include objective structured examinations, online case discussions, oral and/or poster presentations, written assignments, clinical portfolio and clinical competency assessments.

Modules

As a student on the Medical Ultrasound course you will learn the underpinning theory of ultrasound production, safe and effective practice, normal and abnormal ultrasound appearances and associated imaging pathways.

You will be able to select from a number of clinical options including obstetrics, gynaecology and / or abdominal ultrasound. Additional clinical areas can be studied via work-based learning modules, if appropriate clinical support is available within the students' clinical department. The course is also designed to develop transferable skills to support clinical practice development.

Modules will take place over one or two days per week, depending on the selected module options. The time in lectures varies, dependent on the nature of the module.

Core modules - core modules and specific named clinical modules have a blended learning approach, with online lectures, online quizzes and discussions supported by lectures, tutorials and workshops. The average contact time per module is approximately 30 to 35 hours.
-Fundamental Principles of Ultrasound Practice (15 credits)
-Developing Advanced Practice (15 credits)

Students progressing to MSc must undertake:
-Foundations in Research Methods and Applied Data Analysis module (15 credits)
-Dissertation module (60 credits)

Elective modules - students can then select a range of clinical modules such as:
-Obstetric Ultrasound (30 credits)
-Gynaecology Ultrasound (15 credits)
-Abdominal Ultrasound (30 credits)
-Work Based Learning in Practice (includes clinical areas such as early pregnancy, small parts, DVT scanning) (15 credits)

You must gain 60 credits for a Postgraduate Certificate and 120 credits for a Postgraduate Diploma. The most common route is for students to take the two core modules and 45 credits of clinical modules in year 1. For example:
-Fundamental Principles of Ultrasound Practice (15 credits)
-Developing Advanced Practice (15 credits)
-Obstetric Ultrasound (30 credits)
-Gynaecology Ultrasound (15 credits)

Modules are spread throughout one to three terms in year 1.

In year two many students undertake the remaining 45 credits in term 1 (September to December), with a view to completing the PgDip in 18 months. Modules are often:
-Abdominal Ultrasound (30 credits)
-Work Based Learning in Practice 2 (includes clinical areas such as early pregnancy, small parts, DVT scanning
OR
-Foundations in Research Methods and Applied Data Analysis module

Students progressing to MSc the begin the dissertation module.

Some students take a short break of 6 months between completing the PgDip and starting the MSc. The maximum registration period is 5 years.

Career prospects

On completion of a postgraduate certificate or diploma you can apply for jobs as an autonomous practitioner, working in the NHS or private practice. Many of our graduates have become advanced practitioners, developing additional skills during their career, whilst others have travelled to overseas to enhance their careers.

MSc graduates have also become managers of ultrasound departments, leading service change and developing services to improve patient care. A number of graduates have developed their role in specialist areas, where they undertake research and training and engage in dissemination of their work at national and international conferences and in peer review publications. Some of our graduates return to provide keynote lectures to future generations of ultrasound students or even take on the role of Programme Director running ultrasound programmes.

You can also become an independent practitioner, setting up your own company, providing services to local populations or travel the world and experience different ways of working. Most sonographers are employed at band seven in the NHS.

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This Masters degree has been designed to assist qualified doctors, working in obstetrics or gynaecology and seeking a career in fertility medicine, to enhance their knowledge and skills in relation to general subfertility problems. The programme provides a strong link between theory and practice and is delivered in partnership with the Hewitt Fertility Centre at Liverpool Women’s Hospital.

A key aim is to enhance your ability to provide interventions suitable to individual patient’s needs. You will develop expertise in synthesising findings from an individual’s history, combined with the results of any patient examinations and investigations undertaken, to autonomously devise an appropriate, tailored and justified treatment plan. The programme will guide you in how to select and order clinical investigations, how to interpret their results, and how to evaluate the local, national and international drivers that impact upon the development of advanced reproductive medicine.

Consideration will also be given to the systems and approaches required to manage risk as well as the professional, legal and ethical demands of working within reproductive medicine. You will develop expertise in clinical reflection and be able to recognise potential professional limitations and challenges in practice, gain a systematic and critical understanding of research governance within reproductive medicine and demonstrate a critical understanding of pharmo-therapeutics related to fertility management.

What will I study?

You will gain a comprehensive working knowledge of best practice in reproductive medicine, develop the ability to interpret and synthesise clinical and investigative information, and discover how to formulate a treatment strategy for disorders of the male and female reproductive system.

Gaining clinical competency in the use of ultrasound scanning in the investigation, diagnosis and management of infertility, you will also develop an advanced understanding of clinical andrology and oocyte retrieval.

An introduction to research methods and approaches will engage you with the evidence base that supports practice. This will prepare you for the completion of a dissertation that will enable you to plan, manage and implement a significant piece of investigative enquiry related to your professional practice.

How will I study?

The programme uses a diverse array of teaching methods. Some modules are delivered via blended learning which is underpinned by the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) while other modules require face-to-face sessions.

Across the course as a whole, you will learn through a combination of lectures, workshops, seminars, individual tutorials, group work and critical debates. The aim is to provide a framework to underpin the development of critical thinking and encourage sharing in the learning process.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment methods vary according to the requirements of each module but can be through assignments, Objective Structured Clinical Examinations, portfolios, seminar presentations, work-based learning and a small investigative research.

Who will be teaching me?

The programme team is drawn from a wide range of clinical backgrounds relating to fertility practice. It includes consultant medics, sonographers, senior embryologists, senior fertility nurse specialists and counsellors.

Members of the programme team publish in international journals and present at national and international conferences on a regular basis.

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This innovative distance-learning programme provides a comprehensive theoretical foundation in the areas of human reproduction and development. The programme is designed to appeal to a wide range of postgraduate students, including scientists, nurses and clinicians. Residential workshops will be held in Bristol, comprising lectures and seminars as well as case-based group work, practical sessions and assessments. Each distance-learning unit comprises online tutorials and lectures, with assessment by essays and online questions.

Programme structure

Core units
-Reproductive Physiology and Endocrinology
-Gametogenesis to Implantation
-Human Development and Pregnancy
-Statistics and Research Methods
-Infertility - Diagnosis and Management
-Assisted Reproductive Technologies
-Research Project

Careers

Students on the programme come from a variety of countries and background; all have an interest in reproduction, infertility and development or wish to pursue careers in these areas. The vast majority of our clinician students on the Master's degree follow the programme for training purposes - for progression and promotion in their chosen discipline, or as a foundation qualification allowing them to specialise in IVF and infertility or obstetrics and gynaecology.

Our clinical graduates use their knowledge and skills to gain research skills to aid publication, develop their medical practices and enhance their expertise in reproductive medicine. Our science graduates have used this Master's degree as a springboard into non-clinical or clinical research, including PhD studentships, or for clinical/diagnostic positions, such as clinical embryology.

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This course provides an opportunity for health care practitioners to achieve a recognised qualification in obstetrics, gynaecological, vascular, general medical ultrasound, breast, musculosketetal and echocardiography, supported by a combination of structured clinical experience and academic study.

Key benefits

The course is accredited by the Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE).

Course detail

The course is designed to produce clinically competent advanced practitioners, who will be able to meet the needs of the service in a changing health care environment.

The course was planned in full consultation with a wide range of relevant professionals from the South West region, who are experts in the field of diagnostic ultrasound or associated clinical specialisms. These experts are instrumental in the delivery of the course, along with experienced educationalists from within the University.

Structure

Postgraduate Certificate (Year 1)
• Ultrasound Technology (compulsory) (30 Level M credits)
• Plus one 30 credit clinical module or two 15 credit modules

Postgraduate Diploma (Year 2)
In addition to the above:
• Two 30 credit clinical modules or one 30 credit plus two 15 credit modules

MSc Medical Ultrasound (Year 3)
In addition to the above:
• Health and Social Care Research: Methods and Methodologies (compulsory) (15 level M credits)
• Dissertation (45 or 60 level M credit modules)

CPD

This course can also be studied on a modular basis as professional development, over whatever time period you choose. You may wish to build credits up to one of the awards above, or complete the module(s) as standalone study.

Format

The course aims to provide you with:
• the knowledge and skills to practise in a safe and competent manner
• the educational and research base to critically evaluate and inform ultrasound practice
• the opportunity for interprofessional collaboration and shared learning
• an understanding of the contribution of ultrasound to the overall management of the patient
• a recognised qualification in ultrasound
• the skills to engage in research, evaluation and systematic reviews of practice
• an appreciation of the importance of life-long learning activities

Placements

The obstetric ultrasound, general medical ultrasound and negotiated specialist modules will require an appropriate work placement, and a designated clinical appraiser. The programme team are developing a work-based learning approach for some modules. A wide range of assessments will be utilised, to include the assessment of clinical competence.

Assessment

Assessment will involve a variety of methods including coursework, presentations, seminars, written and practical examinations.

Careers / Further study

Once you have completed this course you will have the knowledge and skills to practice in a safe and competent manner, a recognised qualification in ultrasound, the educational and research base to critically evaluate and inform ultrasound practice, the opportunity for inter-professional collaboration and shared learning, and an understanding of the contribution of ultrasound to the overall management of the patient.

How to apply

Information on applications can be found at the following link: http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/study/applyingtouwebristol/postgraduateapplications.aspx

Funding

- New Postgraduate Master's loans for 2016/17 academic year –

The government are introducing a master’s loan scheme, whereby master’s students under 60 can access a loan of up to £10,000 as a contribution towards the cost of their study. This is part of the government’s long-term commitment to enhance support for postgraduate study.

Scholarships and other sources of funding are also available.

More information can be found here: http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/feesandfunding/fundingandscholarships/postgraduatefunding.aspx

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This course aims to develop qualified health care professionals to meet the challenge of specialist, advanced and consultant practitioner status in the field of medical imaging within a rapidly evolving health service.

You can further your professional development by taking a PGC in skeletal reporting, CT head reporting, all aspects of Ultrasound, or Mammography. Alternatively you could take a single module in a specific area, including Barium swallow and VF, CTC, cardiac stress testing or HSG - please enquire for other areas. Qualified sonographers can develop niche areas of practice such as vascular and breast imaging. If you want to develop ultrasound competencies in MSK, abdominal, obstetrics and gynaecology scanning then you should follow the MSc in Ultrasound Imaging route.

We have a wide range of options for breast imaging including mammography (equivalent to the College of Radiographers' postgraduate certificate in principles and practice of mammography); mammogram image interpretation; MRI breast reproting; interventional procedures; and breast ultrasound. Pick and choose your preferred options and modules to build a bespoke Masters qualification focused around breast imaging.

Key benefits:

• Our ultrasound modules are fully accredited by the Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE)
• Experienced, enthusiastic and friendly staff committed to supporting you through your study
• Access to our excellent onsite clinical facilities, including ultrasound machines, digital imaging suite and a 16 slice CT scanner.

Visit the website: http://www.salford.ac.uk/pgt-courses/advanced-medical-imaging

Suitable for

This programme will appeal to a variety of health care professionals engaged in current practice including radiographers, radiologists, speech and language therapists. You will need access to a relevant caseload for clinically-related modules.

Programme details

This is a part-time course which enables you to continue working in your clinical placement, so that you gain the necessary practical experience while learning the academic information to develop your skills. It provides a highly flexible approach to developing competence in niche areas of practice.

You have the choice to exit with the following awards:

• Postgraduate Certificate: two (30 credit) modules over one year or 18 months
• Postgraduate Diploma: four (30 credit) modules over two years
• Master of Science: four (30 credit) modules plus the dissertation module (60 credits) over three years

Your module choice will depend on your practice area and the profile of your award which should be discussed with the course team prior to commencement to establish a Negotiated Learning Agreement. This means your course is tailor-made to meet your exact learning requirements.

Students can opt to take a medical imaging specialism pathway in year 1 and 2. Details of these routes can be seen at the bottom of the page.

Format

The course is delivered by:

• Classroom based lectures
• Tutorials
• Seminars and student discussion groups
• Skills lab based practicals
• Self-directed study
• E-based learning
• Work based learning, some modules include visits to Centres of Excellence

Module titles

• Advancing Practice in Medical Imaging
• Screening and Diagnosis
• Publishing and Presenting in Health Care
• Fundamentals of Radiological Reporting
• Radiology Image Interpretation
• Fundamentals of Mammography Practice
• Advanced Technique in Mammography Practice
• Research Methods
• Ultrasound focused areas of practice (vascular and breast)
• Mammography practice
• Reporting (skeletal, breast, CT head)
• GI technique only (barium swallow & VF, CTC)
• GI techniques with reporting, HSG with reporting
• HSG technique only, Breast Intervention, Cardiac stress testing

Assessment

Assessment methods are designed to suit a variety of learning styles and include;

• Assignments
• Viva Voce
• Exams
• Portfolio
• Objective structured assessment
• Poster presentation

The percentage depends on the individual modules.

Career potential

Most students have been seconded from and return to their work in the National Health Service with advanced practitioner status, and a number have gone on to become consultant practitioners. Students will also be supported to apply for Advanced Practitioner Accreditation with the College of Radiographers.

How to apply: http://www.salford.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/applying

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This MSc aims to provide medical and science-based students with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the field of reproductive science and women's health. There is a strong focus on development of key skills and careers advice in the programme.

Degree information

Students will develop knowledge and understanding of the theoretical (including clinical) and laboratory aspects of reproductive science and women's health, specifically in the areas of basic genetics, gametogenesis and IVF, female reproductive anatomy, physiology and pathology, pregnancy and childbirth, breast and reproductive cancers, prenatal diagnosis and screening, reproductive health, and preimplantation genetic diagnosis and developing technology. They gain transferable skills including information technology, analysis of scientific papers, essay writing, seminar presentation, research techniques, peer review and laboratory skills.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of eight core modules (120 credits) and a research project (60 credits).

A Postgraduate Diploma comprising eight core modules (120 credits, full-time nine months or flexible study two to five years) is offered. There are no optional modules for this programme.

Mandatory modules
-Basic Genetics and Technology
-Gametogenesis, Preimplantation Development and IVF
-Female Reproductive Physiology and Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology
-Pregnancy and Childbirth
-Breast and Reproductive Cancers
-Prenatal Diagnosis and Screening
-Reproductive Health
-Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Developing Technology

Dissertation/research project
All MSc Students undertake a clinical, laboratory, audit or library-based research project, which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000 words.

Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical demonstrations in laboratories, observation days in fetal medicine, reproductive medicine and IVF units, and student presentations. There are a number of peer-led learning activities. Assessment is through essays, patient case reports, critical reviews of papers, online problem booklet, examinations and the dissertation.

Careers

On completion of the programme, all students will have gained knowledge of both the clinical and laboratory aspects of reproductive science and women's health. This will enable the science-orientated students to go on to pursue research degrees, careers in embryology, or other careers in the field or in general science. Medically-orientated students will be able to develop their careers in the field of reproductive science and women's health.

Top career destinations for this degree:
-Research Fellow, NHS Harris Birthright Research Center for Fetal Medicine
-Trainee Embryologist, Assisted Reproduction and Gynaecological Centre
-University Teaching Assistant, King Saud University
-Medical Laboratory Assistant, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
-Senior House Officer (Obstetrics and Gynaecology), NHS Health Education South London / St Thomas' Hospital (NHS

Employability
Throughout the MSc programme students learn key skills through peer-led activities, such as evaluating and presenting orally on patient cases and media coverage of scientific papers. Basic laboratory techniques are taught as are essay writing, critical evaluation of papers, debates and ethical discussions. We also offer a comprehensive careers programme involving our alumni, covering job applications, CV writing, general careers in science and specific advice on careers in embryology, clinical genetics, medicine and research degrees.

Why study this degree at UCL?

The Institute for Women's Health delivers excellence in research, clinical practice, education and training in order to make a real and sustainable difference to women's and babies' health worldwide.

The institute houses the UK's largest group of academics working in women's health and the UCL/UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust collaboration at its core provides an academic environment in which students can pursue graduate studies taught by world-class researchers and clincians.

Our diversity of expertise in maternal and fetal medicine, neonatology, reproductive health and women's cancer ensures a vibrant environment in which students develop subject-specific and generic transferable skills, supporting a broad range of future employment opportunities.

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If you're involved with ultrasound scanning and want to improve your skills through a formal qualification, then our Masters programme will help ensure your abilities are of the highest calibre. We can help in all areas of ultrasound imaging, from general medicine and Obstetrics to Vascular, Musculoskeletal and Gynaecological uses. You will evaluate, research, analyse and synthesise data using advanced medical training equipment, as well as improve your competency through research in your specialist area.

Applications are welcomed from students who hold the Diploma in Medical Ultrasound awarded by the College of Radiographers. This course is fully accredited by the Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE), and our medical imaging training has gained an international reputation for excellence. Make sure you have what it takes to be a top class professional in your field through completing our fully engaging course.

Course outline

This MSc is designed to prepare health practitioners for the next stage in their career, developing their understanding and clinical expertise in the theory and application of ultrasonography in medical imaging. The research project allows you to complete an in-depth study into your own area of specialisation, whilst the dissertation element lets you build on your knowledge of ultrasound to become actively involved in ultrasound research.

To complete the course, students must successfully achieve 120 credits at Masters level by completing six 20 credit modules, or equivalent, and write a 15,000 word research dissertation worth 60 M level credits.

Other admission requirements

You will need to have at least 12 months equivalent full-time post registration clinical experience, and you will need support from a clinical ultrasound department and access to a clinical placement in such a department for the duration of the course. It is the student's responsibility to ensure a suitable clinical placement is in place, for the duration of their chosen award, and the university regretfully cannot assist students in finding or securing a clinical placement for this award at any time during their time on the course. Applicants should be eligible for registration by their respective UK regulatory body e.g. HCPC, GMC, UKCC, SVT. You will also need to provide one reference in support of your application.

You will be required to pass an element of pre-course assessment. This will be carried out to ensure that you show an aptitude for Ultrasonography. You will need to undertake a preliminary practical assessment to demonstrate the relevant psychomotor skills such as hand-eye co-ordination, pattern recognition and spatial awareness. The assessment will be of an informal nature, carried out by experienced practitioners in your clinical placement, who will then provide a written reference of your suitability.

Before being accepted onto the course, all applicants will be interviewed, usually by telephone. Interviewers from the course team will, amongst other attributes, be looking for a commitment to further study, an understanding of content and standard of the course and interpersonal skills.

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Campus

Cambridge
Chelmsford
You’ll also complete a programme of clinical placement rotations across the East of England.

Overview

A shortfall in doctors has led to exciting opportunities in the new role of physician associate (PA). PAs work under the supervision of doctors to take a medical history, carry out a complete physical examination, diagnose and manage patients.
Following success in the USA, the introduction of a PA programme in the UK has led to growing opportunities for roles in general practice, cardiology, neurosurgery and other specialities. By 2030, it’s estimated that the NHS need one PA for every 10 doctors, equating to around 14,000 PAs.
This intensive course is equally divided between theory and practice, supporting classroom learning, with clinical rotation placements across the East of England including paediatrics, psychiatry, obstetrics and gynaecology, surgery, and community-based and general hospital medicine. Whilst on clinical rotations, you’ll be responsible to and supervised by a medical practitioner, with an emphasis on becoming proficient in a wide range of medical procedures, and supported by the extended multidisciplinary health care team. All students will be allocated a personal tutor for the duration of the course. For more details about your placement please visit http://www.anglia.ac.uk/medical-science/placements.

Year one, core modules

Principles of Basic and Clinical Medicine
Family Welfare and Child Healthcare
Clinical Pharmacology for Practice
Research Studies

Year two, core modules

Applied Practice and Professional Development for the Physician Associate
Major Project

Please note that you will need to complete all of the above core modules. This course does not have any optional modules. Modules are subject to change and availability.

Start dates

September 2017

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Are you a life sciences graduate wanting the opportunity to train for a new healthcare role? As a physician associate you’ll work in the NHS under the supervision of doctors and alongside other healthcare professionals, delivering care to patients. Our programme will equip you to pursue a career in the NHS that’ll be both rewarding and challenging.

Key features

-Sharpen your skills on this intensive programme which takes an inquiry-based learning approach
-Benefit from early patient contact from the first weeks, continuing and increasing throughout the programme, ensuring that your personal, practical and professional development is patient-centred
-Access highly-developed teaching resources
-Advance your understanding with fully integrated clinical skill development and clinical placements throughout the programme
-Spend some time learning with medical students and other healthcare professions.

Course details

Year 1
The first six months will typically be spent in the University, establishing the foundations of clinical medicine and developing your clinical, diagnostic and communication skills while spending one day per week in community placements seeing patients. Following this initial phase, while continuing your placement in General Practice and the community, you’ll commence clinical placements one day per week in the hospital.

Core modules
-PAS714 Evidence-Based Practice and Research Methods
-PAS711 Foundations in Clinical Medicine 1
-PAS712 Clinical, Diagnostic and Communication Skills 1
-PAS713 Personal and Professional Development 1

Final year
In your second year, you’ll be based predominantly in the clinical setting with specialty blocks in mental health, general surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, emergency medicine and general adult medicine (both hospital and community based).

Core modules
-PAS721 Foundations in Clinical Medicine 2
-PAS722 Clinical, Diagnostic and Communication Skills 2
-PAS723 Personal and Professional Development 2

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

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About the course

The MSc Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences course and its four specialised pathways is designed to enable you to enhance your current knowledge and understanding in the field of diagnostic and therapeutic radiography and give you opportunities to challenge and critically evaluate your professional practice. The aim is to advance your skills as a professional and develop your career so that you can practice safely, effectively and legally.

The Diagnostic Ultrasound pathway pathway is for professionals who wish to develop competency in the field of ultrasound.
Clinical modules are offered in the areas of obstetrics, gynaecology, abdominal and vascular ultrasound.

The course is suitable for professionals who want to specialise in this area and are interested in advancing their existing skills or acquiring new ones. It is designed to meet your needs whether you are in full or part-time employment.

See the website http://www.herts.ac.uk/courses/msc-medical-imaging-and-radiation-sciences-ultrasound

Course structure

The MSc Medical imaging and radiation sciences: Diagnostic Ultrasound course is modular in structure. If you wish to collect credits towards and award or a qualification see below the award and credit requirements:
- Postgraduate certificate - 60 credits
- Postgraduate diploma - 120 credits
- Masters degree - 180 credits

To complete a Masters degree award for this course you need to collect the following credits:
- Research modules - 60 credits
- Diagnostic ultrasound modules - minimum 30 credits
- Optional interprofessional modules - maximum 90 credits

Teaching methods

Modules are facilitated by a variety of experienced lecturers from the University as well as external lecturers.

Delivery of modules incorporates blended learning which aims to combine e-learning activities with campus based learning. You need to have access to a suitable personal computer and a good reliable Internet connection (broadband recommended). Most modern PCs or Macs (less than 3 years old) should be suitable. If you have any queries or need any additional support with IT skills, the School employs an e-learning technologist who will be pleased to help and advise you. Please contact the module lead for details.

Modules are assessed by a variety of methods for example essays, presentations, reports, posters and practical examinations.
Assessment methods include objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), clinical portfolios, case study presentations and summative clinical assessment.

Work Placement

A recognized clinical placement which provides access to diagnostic ultrasound scanning is a requirement for the clinical applications modules within the ultrasound pathway. The University cannot offer to provide clinical placements for students.

Professional Accreditations

Accredited by the College of Radiographers

Find out how to apply here http://www.herts.ac.uk/courses/msc-medical-imaging-and-radiation-sciences-ultrasound#how-to-apply

Find information on Scholarships here http://www.herts.ac.uk/apply/fees-and-funding/scholarships/postgraduate

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Our course will prepare you for the National Physician Associate entrance exam. Successful completion of the exam allows you to work as a physician associate within the NHS. You will gain skills in history taking, physical examination and diagnosis. You will also study clinical theory and undertake clinical placements.

This course will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to qualify as a physician associate. Physician associates provide patient care within the National Health Service (NHS). They work under the supervision of doctors and health care professionals. The course will suit graduates of a bioscience discipline.

You will learn how to work to the medical model, with the attitudes, skills and knowledge base needed to deliver holistic care and treatment. You will develop your understanding of clinical practice through a combination of:
-Case based self-directed learning
-Clinical skills laboratory teaching
-Hands on experience in clinical settings

Additionally, you will develop core knowledge in preparation for the clinical workplace. This will include appropriate knowledge of:
-Anatomy
-Biochemistry
-Physiology
-Pharmacology
-Immunology
-Microbiology
-Neurology

On completion of the course you will be able to take the national physician associate qualifying exam. Satisfactory performance allows you to begin work as a physician associate within the NHS. The exam is overseen by the Faculty of Physician Associates within the Royal College of Physicians.

The course draws on Newcastle University’s considerable excellence in medical training. It was developed in association with Health Education North East.

Delivery

Year one runs over 46 weeks and includes:
-Six week training in clinical, communication and diagnostic skills using mannequin-based and role play simulations
-A 27 week team-based learning course introducing core clinical knowledge through clinical case studies
-One day a week in a primary care setting developing history taking skills
-A six week apprenticeship in a hospital based setting to introduce the role of the physician associate

Year two comprises rotations in the following areas followed by a two week assessment period:
-Eight weeks of emergency medicine
-Three weeks of mental health
-Six weeks of community medicine/primary care
-Three weeks of obstetrics and gynaecology
-Three weeks of paediatrics
-Eight weeks of general medicine
-Three weeks of general surgery

You will then undertake a ten week senior apprenticeship. Trainees will work as physician associates under clinical supervision.

Placements

Alongside learning basic clinical theory you will undertake clinical placements. You will spend at least 1600 hours in clinical placements within NHS trusts and primary care providers in the North East.

Facilities

Students benefit from a:
-Clinical skills laboratory for acquisition of clinical/procedural skills in a safe, monitored environment
-Simulation laboratory to practice emergency care scenarios on our simulation mannequins
-Unique virtual learning environment for access to high-quality online learning resources and pre-recorded lecture material

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This unique Masters programme is delivered in partnership between the University of Exeter Medical School and World Extreme Medicine, the world’s leading provider of specialist training courses for medics taking their skills into challenging environments.

The programme’s hallmarks are the practical skills, knowledge and understanding needed to perform at the highest possible level in the field of extreme medicine. Key features are the residential locations of the courses across the UK, and environment specific modules located in mountain, jungle, desert and polar regions. This is medicine at its best, crossing geographical and professional boundaries.

You will be likely to work with the wider healthcare community - paramedics, nurses, doctors, and military medics. You will be working or looking to work in situations of rapid change and uncertainty and you will be looking to demonstrate capabilities that extend beyond clinical competence into areas such as leadership, communications, teamwork, resilience, humanitarian relief, planning and logistics The programme’s foundations are rooted in the core values of collaboration, challenge, community, impact and rigour, embedded firmly within the University’s mission to make the exceptional happen, by challenging traditional thinking and defying conventional boundaries.

The programme is delivered part time over three years leading from the Post Graduate Certificate in Extreme Medicine in year one to the full Post Graduate Masters qualification in year three.

Programme structure

You will critically examine the challenges of providing safe and effective healthcare in a range of challenging environments. You will focus on both the evaluation of health issues to be expected in the field and the planning and preparation phase for any remote or wilderness activity. Key to the programme is that you learn to recognise and evaluate the unique ethical, professional and legal challenges of delivering medical care in challenging environments. The programme will develop in you, the skills necessary to evaluate research literature, and manage the challenge of implementing health interventions where evidence may be weak or conflicting.

A key part of the programme are the short residential courses designed to provide the challenge of learning in an unfamiliar environment and relying on the collaboration and support of the other participants.

Expert tutors will facilitate group discussions and project work and provide support for independent learning. Assessments are designed to provide opportunities for personal reflection, critical appraisal, evaluation and analysis to demonstrate the knowledge and skills gained throughout the programme.

Modules and delivery

The programme has a modular structure and consists of three modules for the PG Cert, with a further 60 credits of modules for the PG Dip, and the addition of the 60 credit MSc research project for the full MSc.
Below are some examples of the modules you might expect on this course include the following;

PgCert

For the PgCert, the following are residential modules; Core Concepts in Extreme Medicine; Pre-hospital Trauma, Assessment and Treatment and Human Factors – Situational Awareness

PgDip and MSc

Some examples of the modules under development for the PgDip and MSc are as follows;
• Pre Hospital Trauma Care
• Maternal and Children’s Health
• Mountain Medicine
• Polar Medicine
• Jungle Medicine
• Applied Research methods
• Disaster and Humanitarian Medicine Theory and Practical Pre hospital emergency care
• Obstetrics and Gynaecology and maternal and child health, in remote areas and
• Research/Dissertation

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this programme based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Please see website for up to date information at http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/medicine/extrememedicinemsc/#Programme-structure

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Genomics Medicine and Healthcare Courses

The Genomic Medicine and Healthcare course has been developed for healthcare professionals including Specialist Medical Practitioners, General Medical Practitioners, Allied Health Professionals, Nurses and Midwives, Genetic Counsellors and those with related undergraduate degrees or equivalent professional qualifications and background experience. It will be of interest to health professionals in the UK and internationally and will provide a solid foundation in the core concepts of genetics and genomics applied to modern medicine and healthcare. Although there are other courses covering the subject area, none are completely online so they are difficult and costly for global healthcare professionals to get involved. This course will reach an international audience in a cost effective, flexible and inclusive way, helping to develop a worldwide network of genomic medical and healthcare leaders.

Our course is well timed given increasing public and professional interests in genetic and genome-level diagnostic and predictive testing for clinical management, disease risk evaluation, prevention of major complications and offering the prospect of improved prognosis. Personalised benefits include the option for reproductive choices and reducing lifetime medical or health risks by judicious use of new emerging preventive medicines and devices combined with lifestyle/behaviour modifications.

Diploma in Genomics Medicine and Healthcare Courses

Our online 1 year Postgraduate Diploma in Genomic Medicine & Healthcare is designed to be practical and clinically focused. The course will provide an integrated approach to Genomic Medicine and Healthcare and focus on applying scientific principles to direct patient care. The Genomics Diploma course is worth 120 credits and comprises 6 modules of 20 credits each.

The Diploma course aims to equip graduates with critical knowledge and understanding of genomics medicine. Graduates will be able to apply knowledge for direct clinical benefit and future study. Our Genomics Medicine Diploma course caters to the educational needs of a primary and secondary care audience and is the only one of its kind that is completely accessible online.

Our Genomic Medicine Diploma has been designed for General Medical Practitioners, Specialist Medical Practitioners (for example Paediatrics, General Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Medical Oncology), Allied Health Professionals (Clinical Psychologists, Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists), Nurses (Cancer, Cardiac, Paediatric, Neurology etc.) and Midwives. In addition, the course would be of interest to those with related undergraduate degrees (e.g. Dietetics, Biomedical Science, Pharmacy) or equivalent professional qualifications and background experience

On completion you will demonstrate:

- a systematic understanding of genetics and genomic factors in human diseases
- a critical awareness of current issues affecting the management of inherited human diseases
- an advanced knowledge of clinical genomics that will facilitate decision-making in unpredictable and/or complex situations
- an ability to critically evaluate current research in applied and translational genetics and genomics
- an ability to deliver management strategies for the investigation and treatment of patients with inherited human diseases
- a basic understanding of the scope and effect of genomics on treatments including horizon scanning of potential new targeted treatments for wider population

Course Structure

The online course lasts one calendar year and is a part time distance learning course. It consists of 6 modules per year, each of 6 weeks duration.

Module 1 - Principles of Medical Genetics and Genomics
Module 2 - Genetic Counselling
Module 3 - Genomics and Society
Module 4 - Practice of Clinical Genomics
Module 5 - Reproductive Genomics
Module 6 - Genomic Healthcare

Assessment

Online Diploma in Genomic Medicine and Healthcare

The course puts assessment at the heart of learning by using clinical scenarios to facilitate problem-solving, critical analysis and evidence-based care. The scenarios act as both the focus for learning and assessment thus embedding assessment within the learning process.

Each of the 6 modules have the same assessment format. Due to the online nature of the course, students are expected to login and participate in the course regularly throughout the module (ideally on a daily basis).

Students are split into groups of 10-15 students and are assigned a dedicated expert tutor who:

Facilitates clinical case discussions with the group.
Monitors, assesses and marks each student throughout the module.
Students use the skills gained during the lectures to engage with the different activities (see below).
Clinical case scenarios with case based discussion - 40%
Individual learning portfolio - 10%
Group/individual activity - 20%
Case based examination - 30%

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Closing date for January 2017 start is 31st August 2016

Take part in an exciting new course designed specifically for those wishing to be ultrasound practitioners. You'll learn all the professional knowledge and skills to work as a Sonographer* in the healthcare sector. A first in the UK, this programme is open to graduates from all backgrounds with clinical placements provided by NHS partners across the region, providing practical applications of the knowledge you learn from studying.

We have modules covering a range of ultrasound specialisms, from general medical purposes to obstetrics, gynaecology and basic vascular assessment. Our accelerated programme is perfect for highly motivated individuals willing to self-direct their studies, taking on the responsibility to continue learning outside timetabled hours. With a current skills shortage in medical ultrasound, it's highly important to create trained professionals to meet the demand, so get started on a rewarding career through our direct entry course!

Enrolling students will be expected to complete the full award, it is not suitable for those wishing to only undertake a focused area of ultrasound. Unfortunately it is unavailbale for international students.

*'Sonographer' is not currently a protected title in the UK and at this present time graduates will NOT be eligible to be registered with the HCPC, although it is hoped that this will become a possibility in the future. For this reason, employment may not be possible in certain NHS trusts and some private sector organisations, although many organisations already employ sonographers from non-traditional backgrounds.

Course outline

This is an intensive, accelerated programme of study which requires highly motivated and committed people. There will be a mixture of practical sessions and traditional classroom learning, including lectures, group work and eLearning activities. Much of your studies will be self-directed and outside timetabled hours, allowing you to take responsibility for your own learning needs in meeting the demands of the accelerated programme.

Each module is credit rated. You may be assessed in various ways including coursework, presentations, reflective writing, verbal assessments, exams and reports. Assessment of clinical placements do not form part of the masters level assessed credits but is a requirement of the qualification and students will be assessed to ensure they are clinically competent in all areas before they can receive the award.

This course is accredited by the Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE). Students are required to be student members of the Society & College of Radiographers (SCoR) whilst in training, and on completion, registration with the SCoR's voluntary register of Sonographers will be expected by employers.

Graduate destinations

Sonographers may work in the NHS, in the private and voluntary sectors, and overseas. This is an exciting time for the ultrasound specialism, with expansion of its role leading to increased job opportunities in new developments.

Other admission requirements

Please note we require a 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 to include Maths, English and Science (grade B or above for Science). At least one science subject at A-level (or equivalent) at grade C or above. Applicants must demonstrate a thorough understanding of the subject area and clinical specialism. All applicants, who meet the entry requirements, will be asked to submit a 1500 word assignment. Only those who achieve a grade equivalent to 2:2 or above 50% (marked to level 6 undergraduate) will be invited to interview.

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Are you involved with diagnostic ultrasound imaging? Want to make sure you have the right skills and knowledge to succeed in your career? Then improve your standing by taking on a Masters level course! We are ideal for helping practicing ultrasound radiographers, teaching you to evaluate, research, analyse and synthesise data effectively. You'll also research into your specialist subject, such as Vascular, General Medicine, Musculoskeletal, Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Applications are welcomed from students who hold the Diploma in Medical Ultrasound awarded by the College of Radiographers. This course is fully accredited by the Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE), and our medical imaging training has gained an international reputation for excellence. We'll ensure you have the knowledge and skills to carry on a long and rewarding role in ultrasound scanning.

Course outline

We aim to develop health professionals with roles in ultrasound as a specialist imaging modality. You are required to complete two compulsory 20 credit modules and one specialist 20 credit module from a list of six optional modules. There is no fixed entry date and students can start with any module from their chosen award (subject to approval by the Course Team).

Other admission requirements

You will need to have at least 12 months equivalent full-time post registration clinical experience, and you will need support from a clinical ultrasound department and access to a clinical placement in such a department for the duration of the course. It is the student's responsibility to ensure a suitable clinical placement is in place, for the duration of their chosen award, and the university regretfully cannot assist students in finding or securing a clinical placement for this award at any time during their time on the course. Applicants should be eligible for registration by their respective UK regulatory body e.g. HCPC, GMC, UKCC, SVT. You will also need to provide one reference in support of your application.

You will be required to pass an element of pre-course assessment. This will be carried out to ensure that you show an aptitude for Ultrasonography. You will need to undertake a preliminary practical assessment to demonstrate the relevant psychomotor skills such as hand-eye co-ordination, pattern recognition and spatial awareness. The assessment will be of an informal nature, carried out by experienced practitioners in your clinical placement, who will then provide a written reference of your suitability.

Students must undertake a minimum of 15 hours per week in an appropriate clinical placement.

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