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.
We are delighted you wish to study with us. Some lecture days are scheduled on campus and some are remote learning. The lecture days are outlined under the How/Where will I learn tab below. Students will need to be released from clinical on lecture days to participate in online discussions and tutorials. Please carefully read the application requirements. Applications stay open until Wednesday, 31st July 2024.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
Pre-course Record of Ultrasound Clinical Experience 2024-2025
All relevant dates (including student induction and clinical supervisor study day) can be found here:
Please note that the above dates are indicative and may be subject to change due to the current Covid-19 public health restrictions.
Please download and complete the pre-course clinical logbook below.
Record of Ultrasound Clinical Experience (Pre-course Record of Ultrasound Clinical Experience 2024-2025)
N.B.: Please quote your application number in all correspondence in connection with your application and ensure that it is on any documentation submitted.
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. As we receive documents, the date of receipt will appear here.
The closing date for the Pre-course Record of Ultrasound Clinical Experience Logbook is Wednesday, 31st July 2024, it should be uploaded under Additional Documentation.
For information on course fees please visit:
(please enter programme title or programme major code – in the search bar)
For information on course fees please visit the Fees & Grants Office website.
Applicants (regardless of their sponsorship status) are required to pay a non-refundable deposit in order to accept programme offers.
UCD Diagnostic Imaging Programme Office,
Health Sciences Centre,UCD Belfield, Dublin 4.Tel : + 353 1 716 6545Fax: + 353 1 716 6547e-mail: graduate.imaging@ucd.ie