Module manager: Camilla Nykjaer
Email: c.nykjaer@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
Open to students with degrees in medicine, physiotherapy, sports therapy, sports rehabilitation/training, podiatry, osteopathy, sonographer or other allied healthcare professions. Appropriate professional registration should also be held with the GMC, Health and Care Professions Council (HCPS), Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, or British Association of Sport Rehabilitators and Trainers. Applicants without professional registration with the GMC, Health and Care Professions Council, Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, or British Association of Sport Rehabilitators and Trainers are required to have at least one year of relevant post-graduation clinical experience.
This module is not approved as an Elective
This module focuses on the clinical application of musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound, including pathology recognition, interpretative reporting, and reflective practice. Students will complete a logbook of 250 MSK ultrasound cases, supported by supervised scanning sessions, mentor feedback and case-based discussions. The module also explores professional issues such as leadership, ethics, service delivery, and scope of practice. Assessment includes a group poster presentation, logbook submission with reflection, and a formative workbook.
The aim of this module is to apply the core principals of anatomy and basic ultrasound scanning of MSK structures to patients and clinical scenarios. Key pathology and departures from normal anatomy is taught and the student logbook supplements the teaching of these scenarios and allow students to recognise these in practice. The professional issues raised by the practice of ultrasound will be explored in teaching sessions and so students have an awareness of these issues as they move towards independent practice.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Recognise and evaluate sonographic features of common MSK pathologies, differentiating these from normal anatomy and artefacts.
2. Undertake MSK ultrasound examinations safely and competently within scope, adapting technique to the clinical question and patient presentation.
3. Make informed decisions regarding further imaging, referral or clinical escalation, acknowledging both the limitations of ultrasound and scope of practice.
4. Apply relevant legal, ethical, professional and governance principles to MSK ultrasound practice, including documentation, consent, data protection and quality assurance.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Communicate ultrasound findings clearly and appropriately to patients, carers and multidisciplinary colleagues in both written (reports) and verbal formats (Q&A, case discussions).
2. Integrate clinical information, evidence and sonographic findings to support problem‑solving and clinical decision‑making in MSK ultrasound practice
3. Use reflective practice and feedback to plan, enact and evaluate improvements in scanning, identify areas for development, interpretation and reporting performance.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fieldwork | 15 | 4 | 60 |
| Lecture | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| Practical | 4 | 4 | 16 |
| Seminar | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| Independent online learning hours | 50 | ||
| Private study hours | 158 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 92 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300 | ||
Formative feedback takes place in the teaching sessions for the course which will focus on the common pathologies students will encounter and allow for informal feedback on progress. The ongoing mentorship will provide students with continual feedback mechanisms.
Formative Workbook to be completed: Workbook to guide clinical application and ultrasound learning to support the delivery and attainment of outcomes and support the case logbook assessment.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Reflective report/log | Logbook of 250 cases performed | 80 |
| Poster Presentation | Group poster presenting evidence on a topic related to MSK ultrasound scanning/pathology/or service delivery | 20 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
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