Study at Cardiff | Postgraduate

Obstetric and / or Gynaecological Ultrasound (MSc/PgDip/PgCert)

Course Aims

The primary aim of this programme is to enable practitioners to formalise and develop their understanding of the relevant ultrasound principles in obstetrics and gynaecology and related subjects, develop their evaluative, problem solving and critical thinking skills to enable them to apply this knowledge and deliver a high quality service to their patients. In addition, the course stimulates students to undertake research and evidence-based practice, which enhances clinical effectiveness.

The programme is accredited by the Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE) and is designed to produce clinically competent sonographers in obstetrics and gynaecology with sound knowledge and comprehension of the academic basis of ultrasound - hence to integrate academic and clinical education. The clinical education component consists of the student undertaking ultrasound scans in a recognised clinical department supervised by experienced named trainer(s) who must be approved by the course faculty. Students will be expected to document the skills acquired in their log books to demonstrate attainment of the learning outcomes.

Special Features

• The programme is accredited by the Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE) and is designed to produce clinically competent sonographers in obstetrics and gynaecology with sound knowledge and comprehension of the academic basis of ultrasound
• This course can be tailored to suit your clinical interests, including choice of MSc project.
• Studying while training in an accredited centre under the supervision of an approved trainer. Clinical placement is a compulsory component of the course and students whether home or international will need to secure them beforehand. UK/EU students should discuss the suitability of their proposed training centre, usually a clinical department in their local hospital with course director ahead of application. International students studying in the UK will need to identify a training centre where module-specific ultrasound skills and competencies are attained. The suitability and location of the training centre should be discussed with course director before commencing the course. Clinical placements for international students attract training fees which are separate from the University tuition fees between October and June of the academic year (9 months) and fees are in the order of one thousand pounds per month. Students will also need to fulfil certain requirements in the local hospital before commencing the practical training. The course staff or director can recommend to international students a trainer in a recognised training centre if necessary. Training centres overseas are discussed on a case by case basis.
• Trainees completing the RCOG ultrasound modules would benefit from joining the course and formalising their training with a university degree.
• Attendance at two blocks of 5 days each for lectures, tutorials and practical tuition.
• Additional distance learning support is made available to our students in the form of web-based interactive lectures and formative assessments on Cardiff University “Blackboard” or MedaPhor Ltd. Website. Students will also be able to receive feedback by course tutors on ultrasound images sent from own location digitally on the course’s appropriate forms.

Course Description

The programme accepts health professionals who are either already working, or intend to work, in the fields of obstetric and/or gynaecological ultrasound. The academic component includes the study of core modules; (1) current applications of ultrasound and imaging modalities in obstetrics and gynaecology, (2) the underlying scientific principles, safety, and equipment design, as well as a choice from any of the following; (3) research methodology, statistics and evidence-based medicine, (4) team working and inter professional practice, (5) legal aspects of care, and (6) management issues in ultrasound practice.

There are two phases leading to the full MSc degree, a taught phase (One year full-time, two years part-time - 120 credits) and an MSc project - dissertation phase (Six months full-time and one year part-time - 60 credits). Student must successfully complete the taught phase before progressing to the dissertation phase. Students proceeding to an MSc degree are required to study the research methodology module. The dissertation phase consists of successful completion of a taught diploma and a 20,000 word research project, the subject of which must be relevant to ultrasound in the student’s chosen route.

Course Structure

This is a modular programme. First block of teaching is in October, second block of teaching in February and end of year exams are in July. Block dates for 2013-14:

• 30 September - 4 October 2013
• 10 - 14 February 2014
• 7 - 11 July 2014

Available Modules

MET242 - Foundation Science:
The aim of this module is to give students a background knowledge and understanding of the physics of ultrasound as applied to medicine and the associated machine related skills. (20 M credits)

MET243 - Practice of Obstetric Ultrasound:
The aim of this module is to develop the student’s knowledge of ultrasound examination into both normal and abnormal conditions in obstetrics. Students will be able to recognise normal and abnormal early pregnancy features, normal foetal anatomy, and identify ultrasound features of compromised foetal growth. The skills acquired will be comparable with Level 1 scanning and its successful completion will be a pre-requisite for students who wish to undertake the Advanced Obstetric Ultrasound module. (20 M credits)

MET244 - Practice of Gynaecological Ultrasound:
The aim of this module is to build on the student’s knowledge of human anatomy, physiology and pathology and integrate it with Level 1 gynaecological ultrasound skills. The academic content of this module will assist the student to complete successfully the general gynaecological practical assessments. Students must complete this module successfully to be able to proceed to the Advanced Gynaecological Ultrasound module. (20 M credits)

MET237 - Advanced Gynaecological Ultrasound:
The aim of this module is to build on the core gynaecological ultrasound skills that were achieved in the “Practice of Gynaecological Ultrasound” module and to further develop them to Level 2 scanning. Students will be able to develop advanced skills in a number of areas such as assessment of adnexal masses, Gynaecological applications of Doppler and 3D/4D imaging. (20 M credits)

MET238 - Advanced Obstetric Ultrasound:
The aim of this module is to build on the core obstetric ultrasound skills that were achieved in the “Practice of Obstetric Ultrasound” module and to further develop them to Level 2 scanning. Students will be able to develop advanced skills in a number of areas, notably abnormal foetal development using 2D scanning, Clinical applications of Doppler, and 3D/4D imaging in obstetrics. (20 M Credits)

MET279 - Research, Statistics and Evidence Based Medicine:
This module aims to provide the students with increased knowledge of the research process, evidence based practice and statistics, to enable them to critically evaluate, synthesise and reflect on research evidence, to practice. (20 M Credits)

MET 245 - Team Working and Inter professional Practice:
This module aims to provide the student with the opportunity to investigate and evaluate team work and inter professional practice within a health care environment, in relation to diagnostic ultrasound. (20 M Credits)

MET 246 - Legal Aspects of Care:
This module aims to provide the student with the opportunity to investigate and evaluate Legal aspects of care within a health care environment, in relation to diagnostic ultrasound. (20 M Credits)

MET 247- Management Issues in Ultrasound Practice:
This module aims to provide the student with the opportunity to investigate and evaluate management issues within a health care environment, in relation to diagnostic ultrasound.

Skills Acquired

Students will acquire and develop a range of valuable skills, both those which are discipline specific and more generic ‘employability skills’. Through the programme, the students will knowledge and develop practical skills, image interpretation proficiency and the communication skills transferable to the clinical setting. A thorough grounding in the foundation science and theoretical and safety components of ultrasound technology as well as recognition and understanding of the origins of image artefacts and their implications in medical diagnosis. Students will also be able to evaluate how the professional practice issues affect clinical care with the ability to synthesise theoretical perspectives to inform practice. Additionally, workplace skills will be acquired that relate to delivery of high professional standards and good communication skills with colleagues and other professionals, effective communication skills and empathy with patients and relatives and efficient organisational skills

Career Prospects

Students qualifying with a diploma or MSc will be able to register with the Health Professions Council (HPC) if not already registered. The qualification opens the avenue for employment as a sonographer in their respective field.

Funding Options

There are a limited number of bursaries available for self-funded international and home/EU students. All bursaries are at the discretion of the Programme Director and are subject to available funding.

Student Testimonials

I found the course well structured and the content delivered by highly experienced trainers. There was a great balance between theoretical learning and practical skills training that led to successfully passing my exams. I feel I have acquired valuable knowledge of ultrasound that I am able to apply to my daily practice of obstetrics and gynaecology. I would recommend this course to anyone who wishes to develop the skills required to perform ultrasound to a high standard. A very satisfying and enjoyable course!
Rudaina Hassan
Speciality Registrar in Obstetrics and Gynaecology

As a GP I was uncertain as to whether completing the Cardiff course would ultimately make any difference in my career. However, I bit the bullet and paid the money. The teaching was exacting, and the level of scanning ability required quite demanding, but well within the grasp of a GP scanning two short sessions each week. Since finishing, I realise how respected the course is within gynaecological circles, and I am now find some very exciting doors are beginning to open for me.
Dr Sally Louden

Entry Requirements

Candidates will normally be health professionals who hold a relevant first degree or Diploma and intend to further their career in Obstetric and/or Gynaecological ultrasound. Examples of the health professionals may include radiographers, sonographers, radiologists, nurses, midwives, obstetricians, gynaecologists and speciality trainees with interest in obstetric and/or gynaecological ultrasound.

Applicants would normally be expected to have worked for at least 2 years full-time in their relevant profession or speciality after their pre-registration qualification.

The University requires postgraduate students whose first language is NOT English to have one of the following:

• An overall score of 6.5 in the British Council IETLS test, with a minimum score of 6.5 in the written module;
• Normally a grade of 580 in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a grade of 237 or above in the computer-based test (CBT)
• An overall score of 90 or above in the TOEFL internet-based test (iBT)
• A GCE or GCSE in English Language at Grade C or above

Note: International students pursuing part-time programmes of study are not eligible for Tier 4 (General Student) visas and must have alternative leave to remain in the UK if they intend to study at the University in person.

Next intake: October each year

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