Module manager: Anthony Rawson
Email: A.J.Rawson@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
Standard entry criteria and 240 level 1 and 2 credits for BSc (Hons) Medical Ultrasound (Sonography) programme
N/A
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module is a clinical practice module where students are able to integrate their theoretical knowledge to practice, whilst gaining a range of sonographic skills, relevant to year 3. It will help support the student in the transition to practice and develop employability skills. Competence to practice will also be assessed.
The aim of this module is to integrate ultrasound technique theory, local imaging protocols and their patients’ condition, to produce ultrasound images/examinations of a diagnostic standard, safely and effectively, on challenging patients in any environment. Students will reflect upon the outcomes of an ultrasound imaging examination and form an action plan to improve their practice, as well as recognising their own limitation is a variety of specialist areas.
Students will be able to demonstrate an ability to undertake and report on ultrasound examinations of a diagnostic standard on all patients with appropriate supervision and within their scope of practice, within any environment in the healthcare setting competently. They will begin to perform at the level of a newly qualified sonographer by meeting the Standards of Proficiency of RCT.
At the end of this module the student should be able to:
Demonstrate capability in undertaking complex procedures in unpredictable environments, to include: - obstetric, gynaecological and general medical ultrasound.
Demonstrate an ability to adapt any technique in light of the physical and psychological challenges presented by patients or ultrasound appearances within any clinical environment
Demonstrate effective management of their own well-being, workload and immediate clinical environment and reflect upon any issues encountered
Critically evaluate interpersonal behaviour and its importance in diverse patient management and inter professional working and relationships
Analyse the appropriateness of departmental protocols, and clinical details given patient condition and resources available, and be able to critically evaluate and problem solve.
Evaluate common normal and common abnormal ultrasound appearances and produce a non-actionable report in line with own scope of practice
Apply professional and behavioural standards in preparation for transition from student to graduate practitioner
Identify appropriate ultrasound imaging techniques and adaption required to image their patients appropriately
Assessment and evaluation of images
Application of ultrasound safety within all imaging areas
Apply the theory of quality assurance
Safe use of any imaging equipment available on their clinical placement
Application and management of health and safety
Application and management of local infection control measures
Employability
The module will enable students to undertake ultrasound examinations appropriate for use in diagnosis of a wide variety of conditions in obstetric, gynaecological and general medical ultrasound under appropriate supervision. Please note that , that graduates will not be able to perform FASP examinations independently upon qualification, according to the Career and Progression Framework and the Fetal Anomaly Screening Programme (FASP) service specification.
In accordance with local protocols and own scope of practice, they will be able to, safely and effectively, practice in a manner that promotes health and safety recognising areas which need to be addressed and forming an action plan.
Students will develop their interpersonal skills, being able to communicate with any staff and patients in an appropriate and effective manner in a range of situations.
Students will develop the skills to care for their patients both physically and psychologically, and ensure they manage their immediate environment, ensuring the safety of all those with whom they interact.
Students will develop the skills required to effectively communicate with other healthcare professionals and patients, appropriate to each patients’ condition and cultural diversity
Students will develop and practice the skills required of a qualified sonographer to maintain patient safety, including, health and safety, fire, basic life support, manual handling and infection control.
Develop time and resource management skills and understand the need to reflect upon practice, evaluate and make decisions regarding patient care and imaging techniques.
Recognise and evaluate their own well-being development and reflect upon the importance of this in becoming a professional registered with RCT.
Interview skills and technique, applying for jobs
Continuous professional development.
Transition to practice and preceptorship.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Practice | 18 | 34 | 612 |
| Lecture | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| Practical | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Private study hours | 54 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 621 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 675 | ||
Private study is given during clinical placement only for the purpose of portfolio completion. This is allocated at a ½ day per week of the student placement.
During clinical placement students will be involved in tutorials with practice educators or clinical tutors, and individual clinical interviews to identify learning needs, discuss areas of good practice and identify areas for development.
Students will use independent online learning to develop a job application for a fictitious job.
Students can gain formative feedback through weekly assessment forms whilst on placement. These will allow students to understand the level at which they are working clinically and the standard. This is both in written form and verbally from the supervising radiographer.
A plan of the essay can be submitted for written feedback prior to the summative assessment.
For the portfolio regularly scheduled clinical interviews with practice educators and clinical tutors on placement will allow progress feedback on the portfolio competencies.
Pebble pad will allow the module leader to monitor progress in the portfolio.
Students will have the opportunity to follow a mock job application process and will be supported by the module team and personal tutor to write a personal statement and undertake a mock interview.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Essay - 1500 | 100 |
| Coursework | Portfolio | 0 |
| Coursework | Ongoing clinical assessment | 0 |
| Coursework | Assessment of competence to practice | 0 |
| Coursework | Formative essay plan - 500 | 0 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
No compensation between elements of assessment. All elements of assessment must be passed to pass the module. Must achieve competency to pass portfolio and on-going clinical assessment In the event of failure of any element the maximum mark that can be awarded on resit for the module will be capped at 40.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
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