Ultrasound

The aim of the MSc (Ultrasound) is to develop ultrasonographers who can respond to the dynamic needs of the profession, the health service and its users. To this end the programme will develop professional competencies by integrating the following domains: high level clinical skills; specialist theoretical knowledge; and advanced key skills. These embedded advanced key skills include simulator and practical training, teamwork, problem solving, leadership, communication, self- directed learning, information literacy, self-evaluation and applied research.



Healthcare professionals who provide ultrasound imaging services need to be highly educated in a wide variety of skills in order to practice, manage and direct this rapidly evolving field. This modularised course at level 4 (NQAI 9) employs a blended learning approach in all semesters.



The blended learning approach utilises a broad ranging of teaching and learning methods. Students receive didactic lectures coupled with image based tutor sessions with experts in the field. The students also participate in practical scanning labs, both on a Medaphor Simulator and human subjects. Some topics are taught through Problem Based Learning (PBL) which consists of carefully selected and designed ultrasound problems that demand from the learner acquisition of critical knowledge, clinical reasoning, and problem solving proficiency, self-directed learning strategies and teamwork skills.



There is decreased attendance at UCD in the final semester, with a focus on synthesising knowledge and developing clinical expertise. This provides students with an opportunity to use their self-directed learning skills while continuing to be supported by online lectures; clinical supervision; contact with module coordinators; and monthly face to face sessions at UCD.



What Will I Learn?

• .Adhere to best practice in ultrasound through an increased awareness of professional guidelines and departmental protocols.

• Demonstrate an ability to interact effectively as a participant and a leader in problem solving groups and inter professional teams.

• Demonstrate high level clinical skills in the practice of ultrasound.

• Effectively self-evaluate their performance in relation to their professional development.

• Exhibit an ability to source and analyse appropriate literature and apply current theories of ultrasound, basic sciences and communication to their clinical reasoning.

• Justify the contribution of ultrasound to the overall management of the patient.

• Reflect on current practices and apply an evidence-based approach to all aspects of ultrasound practice and have the skills to continue their education and development throughout their professional careers

• Reflect on the social and ethical implications of professional issues using a patient centred approach.



NFQ Level: 9 (100 credits)

Level: Graduate Taught

Award: Master of Science

Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:

1a) General Stream - VascularStudents must complete vascular modules in Year 1 and Year 2

RDGY41340: Abdominal Ultrasound 2

RDGY41360: Gynaecological Ultrasound 1

RDGY41470: Vascular Ultrasound 2

RDGY40010: Technology of Ultrasound 1

RDGY41330: Abdominal Ultrasound 1

RDGY41640: Vascular Ultrasound I

RDGY40020: Technology of Ultrasound 2



Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:

General Stream - Vascular

RDGY41650: Gynaecological Ultrasound II Autumn 10

RDGY41660: Management Principles Autumn 5

RDGY41680: Vascular Ultrasound III Autumn 5

RDGY41700: Abdominal Ultrasound III



Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of:

1b) General Stream - Superficial Structures students must complete superficial structures modules in Year 1 and Year 2

RDGY41340: Abdominal Ultrasound 2

RDGY41360: Gynaecological Ultrasound 1

RDGY41500: US of Superficial Structures 2

RDGY40010: Technology of Ultrasound 1

RDGY41330: Abdominal Ultrasound 1

RDGY41630: Ultrasound of Superficial Structures I

RDGY40020: Technology of Ultrasound 2



Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:

General Stream - Superficial Structures

RDGY41650: Gynaecological Ultrasound II

RDGY41660: Management Principles

RDGY41670: Superficial Structures III

RDGY41700: Abdominal Ultrasound III



Stage 1 Options - E) Min 0 of:

2) Obstetric Stream

RDGY41360: Gynaecological Ultrasound 1

RDGY41810: Ultrasound in Obstetrics 2

RDGY40010: Technology of Ultrasound 1

RDGY41800: Ultrasound in Obstetrics 1

RDGY40020: Technology of Ultrasound 2



Stage 1 Options - F) Min 0 of:

Obstetric Stream

RDGY41430: Obstetrics Ultrasound 6

RDGY41650: Gynaecological Ultrasound II

RDGY41660: Management Principles

RDGY41690: Obstetric Ultrasound Five

Entry Requirements

This course is mainly suited to radiographers and midwives. In order to apply applicants must be employed by or attached to a clinical ultrasound department in Ireland.



A clinical ultrasound supervisor with postgraduate ultrasound qualifications must provide written agreement to supervise the applicant. Applicants must provide evidence from their employer that they are in a position to gain a minimum of 1000 hours clinical ultrasound experience, divided proportionately between the specialisms they have selected to study.



All applications are reviewed on a case by case basis by the programme coordinator and should further information be required the applicant will be informed.



NB: In addition applicants must submit a logbook (link below), which should demonstrate a minimum of three months pre-course ultrasound experience.



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme.



Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page (https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax) for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

16 months full-time

Delivery: On Campus

X545: Master in Ultrasound Full-time

Master of Science



Full-Time: Commencing September 2025

Graduate Taught