Ultrasound

Course Features

- Develops professional competencies by integrating clinical skills with specialist theoretical knowledge.



- Incorporates in excess of 1000 clinical hours.



- Immersive, innovative blended learning curriculum, based on continuous assessment.



- The blended learning approach facilitates the development of universal skills including information literacy, self-directed learning, teamwork, problem solving, leadership, communication, self-evaluation and applied research.



- Accredited by the Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE) which works closely with universities and other higher-education institutions to ensure the highest educational standards are met.



Detailed Course Overview

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 (QQI 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

Course Structure

The Course is structured in a modular format. All MSc Ultrasound students must select Technology of Ultrasound 1&2, as well as core additional clinical modules determined by the context selected below. The clinical modules selected must reflect the clinical experience and supervision available to students in their clinical ultrasound department. Schemes of modules, which reflect the contexts within which sonographers normally practice in Ireland are outlined.



Context 1:

A hospital with a clinical ultrasound department, which receives a large number and variety of referrals for abdominal, gynaecological and vascular ultrasound. Recommended scheme of modules: Technology 1&2; Abdominal Ultrasound 1,2&3; Gynaecological Ultrasound 1&2; Vascular Ultrasound 1,2&3 and management principles.



Context 2:

A hospital with a clinical ultrasound department, which receives a large number and variety of referrals for abdominal, gynaecological and superficial structures ultrasound. Recommended scheme of modules: Technology 1&2; Abdominal Ultrasound 1 ,2 & 3; Gynaecological Ultrasound 1&2; Superficial Structures 1, 2 & 3 and management principles.



Context 3:

A hospital with a fetal assessment unit or an obstetric ultrasound department, which receives a large number and variety of referrals for obstetric and gynaecological ultrasound. Recommended scheme of modules: Technology 1&2; Obstetric Ultrasound 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6; Gynaecological Ultrasound 1&2 and management principles.

(NB: This scheme is normally selected by midwives).

Who should take this course?

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 for the duration of the programme.



Am I eligible for this course?

Overview

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 which should demonstrate a minimum of three months pre-course ultrasound experience.



International applications

International applicants must have written agreement with a clinical ultrasound department in Ireland to provide clinically supervised practice for the duration of the programme. UCD cannot arrange the clinical placements required for this programme. Three months pre-course clinical experience must be obtained and this may take place in the student's home country prior to the programme. The 1000 hours clinical ultrasound practice required during the programme must be in an Irish hospital.



Information on studying at UCD as international students is available at https://www.ucd.ie/global/study-at-ucd/

To Apply Online

Click on the www.ucd.ie/apply link and follow the steps outlined. The “Application Type” is Graduate Taught Courses. Fill in your personal details, and when asked about the “Programme Choice”, select Ultrasound (MSc in Med) X545.



Having paid the application fee and received an e-mail receipt, you must continue to complete the application process by pressing “submit”. An e-mail confirming successful application will be sent to you within 24 hours. A detailed, step-by step guide to the online application process is available at www.ucd.ie/apply.



Your application may not be considered until all the requested documentation has been received. - All required documents must be submitted electronically via the application portal. We cannot accept application documents via email. - If your application is incomplete at the time of assessment, it may be invalidated and you may not be considered.



Documentation for the September intake will be accepted from April onwards. You can track the status of your documentation online. Log in to your account & click on your submitted application. This will bring up an application summary. The application requirements are listed at the bottom of the summary.

16 months full-time.

Next Intake: September annually.