Medical Ultrasound (Sonography) BSc

Course overview

Since 1995 the University of Leeds has delivered a well-established postgraduate Diagnostic Imaging (Medical Ultrasound) course with an excellent national reputation. The teaching expertise applied to the delivery of this programme is harnessed when you study our BSc (Hons) Medical Ultrasound (Sonography).

At the heart of modern healthcare, sonography is an essential diagnostic tool. Our research-led Medical Ultrasound (Sonography) course will give you the essential skills required to work as a sonography practitioner (sonographer) in clinical practice. Sonographers are highly skilled professionals whose work spans many medical disciplines, not just obstetrics. Due to a growing demand for ultrasound examinations, existing education models have had to adapt to cover the undergraduate training of sonographers to successfully grow the workforce.

Our BSc (Hons) Medical Ultrasound is the only CASE-accredited, (Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education) direct entry, undergraduate programme in the UK, from which if successful, you are eligible to voluntarily register as a sonographer with the Register of Clinical Technologists.

The programme duration is three years where you will be allocated to one clinical placement. You’ll receive comprehensive training in both technical knowledge and professional skills, and gain an understanding of medical ultrasound’s scientific, technical and professional concepts. Our course has a strong focus on practical abilities, improving your motor skills and decision-making through simulation activities and clinical placement.

It is an exciting time to join the sonography workforce with excellent employment prospects and a bright future ahead.

Entry requirements

A-level: BBB including at least one science (Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics). Other science-based subjects will be considered.

GCSE: A minimum of 5 GCSEs grade C or above (or 4 or above) required in Maths, English Language, and Science. The School of Medicine recognises that some applicants may have studied a more flexible curriculum, where they have been able to progress through their educational development at an appropriate rate according to their ability. Where a Level 2 (for example, GCSE) or Level 3 (for example, A Level) qualification has been taken ‘early’ the academic reference should include the reasons for this so that it can be taken into consideration by the admissions team. Please note that we normally expect double-science GCSE. Candidates with only one science GCSE will only be shortlisted if admissions tutors are satisfied the academic profile meets the minimum entry criteria.

Other course specific tests:

Applicants must be 18 years of age or over by the first day of the programme.

You must show evidence of study in the last 5 years.

DBS Checks

As part of the student offer for our clinical programmes, an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certificate is required for students to undertake clinical placements as part of their studies within the Faculty of Medicine and Health. The certification process is undertaken on entry to the programme and repeated once every three years whilst they are still undertaking the same programme of study.

The Enhanced DBS certificate can only include background checks for time in the UK. Students who have been resident outside the UK will require a criminal record check from each relevant country

The University of Leeds is obliged to refuse admission to applicants for certain courses, which are regulated by national or statutory bodies, where an Enhanced DBS certificate or International Criminality check reveals prior criminal behaviour giving rise to concern for the protection of the public. Clinical placements cannot be attended by those who fail to comply with the clearance processes.

Occupational Health Clearance

All students will complete a pre-registration screening questionnaire which allows our occupational health team at the University support you to meet your true potential on the programme despite any pre-existing health concerns you may have. It is important that you notify us even if your symptoms are currently under control as we can ensure that you continue to be supported even if you are moving from different areas of the country.

The process also allows our occupational health team to check your immunity requirements so we can ensure that both patients and you are protected and kept safe. This will involve understanding your immunisation record to date.

Further details can be found on https://medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/medicine-undergraduate/doc/occupational-health-requirements-students-applicants-faculty-medicine-health

HEOPS offers guidance on occupational health resources and health surveillance.

International Baccalaureate

Career opportunities

Medical ultrasound/sonography is a fast-moving, evolving profession with excellent long-term career opportunities. You can apply for sonographer posts in the NHS or private practice. There may also be job opportunities in research, management and teaching.

If you wish to continue your studies, you may undertake postgraduate study. This will help you to specialise in more advanced techniques and become an advanced practitioner or a consultant sonographer in the future.

Sonography is currently a postgraduate profession, which means that many sonographers are registered as radiographers with the Health and Care Professions Council (HPCP) (given their original training is in radiography).

Graduates from our undergraduate Medical Ultrasound (Sonography) programme will not be eligible for HCPC registration but will be able to register as a sonographer with the Register of Clinical Technologists (RCT). Please note that some employers may not be willing to employ graduates without HCPC registration.