Taught course
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
Entry requirements
Applicants should normally have at least a 2:2 honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject.
Appropriate professional registration should also be held with the GMC, Health and Care Professions Council, Chartered Society of Physiotherapy or British Association of Sport Rehabilitators and Trainers. Applicants without professional registration with governing bodies are required to have at least one year of relevant post-graduation clinical experience.
Please be aware that students on this programme should be actively practising, or at the very least shadowing clinical practice, as each semester includes assessments that rely heavily on clinical engagement, particularly the write-up of multiple case studies based on real patient interactions. Students are expected to embed themselves in clinical environments independently, and responsibility for arranging practical experience lies with you as the student.
Months of entry
September
Course content
The Postgraduate Certificate in musculoskeletal ultrasound is a clinically focused course designed for healthcare professionals seeking to develop advanced diagnostic imaging skills. Delivered through a flexible blended learning model, the course combines online theoretical instruction with hands-on practical sessions in Leeds’ state-of-the-art anatomy labs.
Throughout the course, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to perform and interpret MSK ultrasound scans, enhancing your clinical decision making and patient care. The course is ideal for physiotherapists, radiographers, sonographers, doctors, and other registered professionals working in musculoskeletal or sport and exercise medicine settings.
Teaching is led by an experienced MSK radiologist working in MSK and elite sport as well as two sport, exercise and musculoskeletal medicine consultants giving you real-world applied cases and expertise in both diagnostic and point-of-care ultrasound.
This includes Consultant MSK Radiologist Dr James Hamilton and Professor and Consultant Physician in Sport and Exercise Medicine Professor Dane Vishnubala, and draws on Leeds’ strengths in anatomy, radiology, and sport and exercise medicine. You’ll benefit from small-group practical sessions, expert supervision, and access to high-quality ultrasound equipment.
The course is designed to meet the requirements of the Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE). It also supports professional development and workforce transformation in response to growing demand for MSK ultrasound skills across the NHS and private sectors.
Whether you’re looking to upskill, diversify your clinical practice, or progress your career, this course offers a unique opportunity to gain specialist expertise in a high-demand area, all while studying part-time alongside your professional commitments.
Course highlights
- Medical doctor-led course, delivered by expert clinicians including an anatomist and a consultant MSK radiologist and a consultant physician in sport and exercise medicine (SEM).
- Access specialist facilities including Leeds’ large anatomy teaching lab with state-of-the-art ultrasound machines for hands-on ultrasound practice. The course also uses digital platforms for online learning and clinical case discussions, supported by experienced academic and clinical staff.
- Receive personalised academic and career support from our tutor team.
- Strong links with NHS trusts and SEM bodies.
- Applied and real-world case discussions around ultrasound from experienced practicing clinicians with emphasis on writing formal reports and clinically applied interpretation of images.
- Supportive series of MSK anatomy, pathologies and management video lectures and workbooks available to all students.
- Support to facilitate mentorship opportunities through clinical partners.
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- PGCert
- part time12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Admissions Team
- fbspgt@leeds.ac.uk