Cardiac Ultrasound MSc/PGDip/PGCert

Overview

Following the British Society of Echocardiography syllabus, this Cardiac Ultrasound course meets the practical, theoretical and technical demands of a specialised career in healthcare.

Why study the MSc/PGDip/PGCert Cardiac Ultrasound at Middlesex University?

Taught by industry recognised experts, this course provides a solid grounding in research methodologies, experimental design and statistics — delivering all the transferable skills required for a career executing specialist cardiac ultrasound procedures. Following the British Society of Echocardiography (BSE) syllabus, you will be equipped with the advanced theory and practice of cardiac ultrasound and signal processing.

With a significant leaderships and management component, the course teaches the management, legal and ethical concepts required of leadership positions. Our specialist laboratory, run by experienced practitioners, also houses a wide range of diagnostic equipment that you can access not only during classes, but also for independent study and research.

This course is designed for healthcare practitioners, including sonographers and physiologists, already working in the field of cardiac ultrasound. However, it is also suitable for graduates, who are interested in a research or an academic career, and will provide you with the knowledge and skills required for further study at doctoral level.

Course highlights

Opportunity to gain expert understanding of the latest scientific laboratory equipment including use of the clinical skills laboratory and echocardiographic machines
Industry-experienced tutors that are hands-on and supportive — all our teaching staff are involved in research and many are pioneers in their own field
Work-based experience that can contribute towards the award
Suitable preparation for the national examinations in echocardiography
Free electronic textbook for every module.

*Please note this course is subject to review.

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Course content

What will you study on the MSc/PGDip/PGCert Cardiac Ultrasound?

This course covers theory and practice of cardiac ultrasound and advanced signal processing. It also boasts a significant leadership and management component — teaching the legal and ethical issues related to biomedical research and clinical practice.

As part of the course, you will gain a solid grounding in experimental design and statistics and an opportunity to undertake an independent research project under guidance and supervision of an academic.

What will you gain?

You will gain advanced technical knowledge and skills in cardiac ultrasound. The programme will prepare you for a leadership or management role, and provide the solid foundation in research methodologies required for biomedical research.

Following the core BSE syllabus, this course is suitable preparation for the national examinations in echocardiography.

Modules
- Advanced Signal Processing (15 credits) - Compulsory
  
  This module aims to provide students with a specialised body of current knowledge in the field of signal process methods used in clinical physiology, exploring concepts of signal processing for diagnosis and monitoring. Gaining confidence in the interpretation of diagnostic information, students will become familiar with specialised and advanced techniques and technologies. The module leads students towards a greater understanding of new methods for analysis of physiological signals.
- Biomedical Ethics and Law (15 credits) - Compulsory
  
  The purpose of this module is to provide insight into a range of ethical and legal issues that relate to professional practice, research with human and animal subjects and to human reproduction — particularly various forms of reproductive technology. It will equip students with a broad overview of the relevant current UK ethical and legal regulations for research using human tissues. The ethical issues present in the rapidly developing area of genetic technology, including genetic testing and selection, genetic engineering, and the concept of genetic disease, will also be explored. By applying theoretical considerations to practice, the module will then explore ways in which, ethical and legal issues can be critically analysed and addressed.
- Cardiac Ultrasound Practice (15 credits) - Compulsory
  
  This module equips students with the advanced knowledge of echocardiography required for current clinical practice.
- Cardiac Ultrasound Theory (15 credits) - Compulsory
  
  This module introduces students to the underpinning theory of ultrasound and imaging.
- Experimental Design and Statistics (15 credits) - Compulsory
  
  This module aims to provide students with the tools required to design effective and efficient experiments and to test scientific hypotheses. The module will also equip students with the tools necessary for statistical analysis in a hypothesis testing context.
- Leadership and Management (15 credits) - Compulsory
  
  The purpose of this module is to provide students with an understanding of, and the tools to apply current theories and approaches to leadership and management in order to enable them to effect positive change in a team or organisation that they lead or manage.
- Research Project (60 credits) - Compulsory
  
  This module aims to develop skills in the planning and execution of an analytical study and in the critical evaluation of real research results, drawing on knowledge acquired from other modules. In addition, the module will develop student’s communication skills to enable them to communicate their findings both in written and oral form.
- Clinical Practice (30 credits) - Optional
  
  This module is concerned with the development of advanced clinical knowledge and practical skills required for specialist clinical practice. It also aims to further develop the practitioner’s clinical decision-making and critical analytical skills.
- Advanced Clinical Skills (30 credits) - Optional
  
  This module aims to facilitate the development of advanced clinical knowledge and skills required for specialist clinical practice. It also aims to further develop the practitioner’s clinical decision-making and critical analytical skills.

You can find more information about this course in the programme specification. Module and programme information is indicative and may be subject to change.

Teaching

How is the MSc/PGDip/PGCert Cardiac Ultrasound taught?

A wide range of teaching and learning approaches are used to build up your skills and knowledge – mainly through lectures, seminars and laboratory and practical sessions.

You will take part in case study-based discussions, practical sessions, and in-class activities. You will supplement all this with your own guided and independent reading. The mix of delivery modes will be varied and suitable to the content being delivered.

The programme will help suitably qualified healthcare practitioners, such as cardiac physiologists, cardiac sonographers, echocardiographer or medical doctors, to perform and interpret echocardiograms and ultrasound imaging of the heart and blood flow.

Entry requirements

Our entry requirements provide a guide to the qualifications that you’ll need to study our courses. We understand that recent changes to exams and assessments mean you might be worried about your qualifications, so we’re taking a flexible approach to admissions this year. We’ll do our best to consider your application on an individual basis and look at more than your grades when we’re making a decision.
Qualifications
- We welcome applications from graduates with a 2:2 honours degree, or an equivalent qualification, in a health or science-based subject.
- Applicants must arrange a relevant clinical placement for at least six months before starting the course, if they are not already working in a cardiac ultrasound department
- Applicants normally have a background in clinical physiology but those from other healthcare professions (e.g. registered nurse, clinical exercise physiologist, physiotherapist and medical practitioners) are also welcomed to apply.
- We also consider candidates with other relevant qualifications and individuals with a minimum of three years' work experience in clinical physiology
Those without formal qualifications need to demonstrate relevant work experience and the ability to study at postgraduate level.
Only applicants, who are have secured in the UK a relevant placement or employed in a department or service which is prepared and able to provide the relevant clinical training, would be considered for the pathway, which includes a work-based learning module, Clinical Practice. All other applicants would be considered for the other pathway, which includes a theory-based module, Advanced Clinical Skills.
Eligibility
UK/EU and international students are eligible to apply for this course.
Academic credit for previous study or experience
Academic credit may be awarded towards your Middlesex University programme of study if you have relevant qualifications or work experience. For further information please visit our Accreditation of Prior Learning page.
Interviews, entrance tests, portfolios and auditions
Entry onto this course does not require an interview, portfolio or audition.
Our entry requirements provide a guide to the qualifications that you’ll need to study our courses. We understand that recent changes to exams and assessments mean you might be worried about your qualifications, so we’re taking a flexible approach to admissions this year. We’ll do our best to consider your application on an individual basis and look at more than your grades when we’re making a decision. You’ll still need to meet our English language requirements to be considered for your course.
Qualifications
We accept the equivalent of the above qualifications from a recognised overseas qualification:
- We welcome applications from graduates with a 2:2 honours degree, or an equivalent qualification, in a health or science-based subject.
- Applicants must arrange a relevant clinical placement for at least six months before starting the course, if they are not already working in a cardiac ultrasound department
- Applicants normally have a background in clinical physiology but those from other healthcare professions (e.g. registered nurse, clinical exercise physiologist, physiotherapist and medical practitioners) are also welcomed to apply.
- We also consider candidates with other relevant qualifications and individuals with a minimum of three years' work experience in clinical physiology
Only applicants, who are have secured in the UK a relevant placement or employed in a department or service which is prepared and able to provide the relevant clinical training, would be considered for the pathway, which includes a work-based learning module, Clinical Practice. All other applicants would be considered for the other pathway, which includes a theory-based module, Advanced Clinical Skills.
To find out more about the qualifications we accept from your country please visit the relevant Support in your country page. If you are unsure about the suitability of your qualifications or would like help with your application, please contact your nearest Regional office for support.
Visas and immigration
You will not need a visa to study in the UK if you are a citizen of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. If you are a national of any other country you may need a visa to study in the UK. Please see our Visas and immigration page for further information.
International students who require a Tier 4 Student Visa to progress on a course at Middlesex University must apply for study on a full-time basis. However, this course is offered part-time so you are eligible to apply on a part-time basis.
Part-time study
Changes to the Immigration Rules introduced in January 2018 now allows international applicants apply for Tier 4 visas for part-time postgraduate study (courses leading to a qualification at RQF level 7 or SCQF level 11 and above).
Tier 4 students studying part-time are subject to certain restrictions:
- no work (paid or unpaid)
- no work placements as part of the programme
- no dependants
- no extending under Tier 4 in the UK. This includes Tier 4 applications to work as a Students' Union Sabbatical Officer or for the Foundation Programme for postgraduate doctors and dentists
- not eligible for the Tier 4 Doctorate Extension Scheme
*Please note that, if the course of your choice involves work experience, unpaid work, placements or internships, we will be unable to sponsor you to study a part- time course under the Tier 4 Visa.
English language requirements for international students
You must have competence in English language to study with us. The most commonly accepted evidence of English language ability is IELTS 7.0 with minimum of 6.5 in each component or higher required. We also normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. Visit our English language requirements page for a full list of accepted tests and qualifications.
If you don't meet our minimum English language requirements, we offer an intensive Pre-sessional English course.
Interviews, entrance tests, portfolios and auditions
Entry onto this course does not require an interview, portfolio or audition.
Applications for postgraduate study should be made directly to the university.
Please visit our Postgraduate application page for further information and to apply.

Fees and funding

The fees below refer to the 2020/21 academic year unless otherwise stated.
UK/EU students*
Full-time students: £9,200
Part-time students: £61 per credit
Part-time students: £31 per dissertation credit
*Course fees are subject to annual inflation so the total costs for part-time study are shown here as a guide.
For more information and to answer your frequently asked questions, please visit our postgraduate funding page.
The fees below refer to the 2020/21 academic year unless otherwise stated.
International students*
Full-time students: £14,000
Part-time students: £93 per credit
Part-time students: £47 per dissertation credit
*Course fees are subject to annual inflation so the total costs for part-time study are shown here as a guide.
For more information and to answer your frequently asked questions, please visit our postgraduate funding page.
Course costs
The following course-related costs are included in the fees:
- A free electronic textbook for every module
- All printing and copying required for your study
- Self-service laptops available for loan for a maximum of 24 hours
- Audio-visual equipment available for loan, including digital stills cameras, digital video recorders, digital audio recorders
As an undergraduate alumnus continuing postgraduate studies at Middlesex, you are eligible for an alumni bursary worth 20% off your fees.

Careers

How can the MSc/PGDip/PGCert Cardiac Ultrasound support your career?

This course is designed for healthcare practitioners, including physicians, nurses and physiologists, already working in the field of cardiopulmonary ultrasound.

Graduates of this master’s degree will be qualified to work as specialised cardiac physiologists or other healthcare professionals in the NHS or aboard.

The course is also suitable for graduates, who are interested in a research or an academic career — providing the knowledge and skills required for further study at doctoral level.

Graduates can progress into careers in organisations such as:

NHS
General Electric Co
Johnson & Johnson
Siemens
Medtronic

Staff profiles

Professor Richard Bayford

Professor Bayford has many years experience of teaching signal and imaging processing to undergraduate and postgraduate levels. His research interests include development of new multimodality instrumentation for Nanoparticles imaging and therapy, Deep Brain Stimulation, and Tele-medical systems.

Overview

Why study the MSc/PGDip/PGCert Cardiac Ultrasound at Middlesex University?

Course highlights

Find out more

Department

Course content

What will you study on the MSc/PGDip/PGCert Cardiac Ultrasound?

What will you gain?

Modules

Advanced Signal Processing (15 credits) - Compulsory

Biomedical Ethics and Law (15 credits) - Compulsory

Cardiac Ultrasound Practice (15 credits) - Compulsory

Cardiac Ultrasound Theory (15 credits) - Compulsory

Experimental Design and Statistics (15 credits) - Compulsory

Leadership and Management (15 credits) - Compulsory

Research Project (60 credits) - Compulsory

Clinical Practice (30 credits) - Optional

Advanced Clinical Skills (30 credits) - Optional

Teaching

How is the MSc/PGDip/PGCert Cardiac Ultrasound taught?

Life at Middlesex

Entry requirements

Qualifications

Eligibility

Academic credit for previous study or experience

Interviews, entrance tests, portfolios and auditions

Qualifications

Visas and immigration

English language requirements for international students

Interviews, entrance tests, portfolios and auditions

Help with your application

EU / International students

Fees and funding

Scholarships, fees and bursaries

Careers

How can the MSc/PGDip/PGCert Cardiac Ultrasound support your career?

Life at Middlesex

Staff profiles

Professor Richard Bayford

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