Studying with us

At the heart of modern healthcare, sonography is an exciting profession that combines science, technology and patient care. Sonographers are highly skilled individuals who use cutting-edge technology to undertake and report on a wide range of complex examinations, supporting patient diagnosis and disease management.

At the University of Leeds, we aim to ensure that our Medical Ultrasound (Sonography) students are equipped to practice above and beyond the standard required. Our valued partnerships with NHS Yorkshire and Humber Trusts, where you’ll spend 40% of your learning time, effectively prepare our students for life working a a sonographer. You’ll benefit from the strong relationships held with our clinical colleagues as well as high level teaching from clinical and academic experts who stand at the forefront of research and education in their fields. 

As a sonography student at Leeds, you’ll experience:

• Teaching led by practising sonographers who work at the forefront of imaging technology. 

• World-leading research within the School of Medicine, underpinning our approach to teaching and learning. 

• Access to cutting-edge imaging technology and world-class simulation and clinical skills teaching facilities. 

• Early clinical exposure to patients within your first semester of study. 

Our innovative teaching

Our teaching and learning are shaped by our latest research, underpinned by one-to-one learning and frequent tutor contact to support your personal development. 

The course is accredited by the Consortium for the Accreditation for Sonographic Education (CASE) for the period from August 2023 to August 2028. Students are to apply for registration as a sonographer with the Register of Clinical Technologists (RCT) following graduation. 

Teaching and assessments at the University are based on best educational practice. So we make it a priority to develop your consultation and practical skills through early exposure to clinical environments and patient contact.  

Learning methods you'll benefit from include: 

• Blended learning: involves a range of self, group and technology-enhanced approaches. 

• International approach: training with international Leeds Medical Ultrasound (Sonography) students and professionals.  

• Interprofessional learning: the development of leadership and teamworking skills with other professional groups. 

• Case-based learning: helps you to apply your knowledge to real-life scenarios. 

• Integrated use of technology-enhanced learning: our dedicated simulation suite with six Bodyworks Eve® ultrasound simulations systems and other simulation equipment including the Sectra Table (for anatomy and physiology learning), age simulation suits (GERT) and simulated patients. 

Dedicated simulation suite  

At Leeds we believe technology can significantly enhance your teaching and learning experience. Our range of ultrasound phantoms will allow you to benefit from the collaboration and group discussions essential for team-based learning. You will also be able to access age simulation suits (GERT) to experience the age-related issues many of your patients routinely face. These include difficulties with mobility, hearing and vision. Substantial investment continues to extend and enhance our facilities in line with technological advances in the area.  

The School of Medicine has its own dedicated Medical Ultrasound simulation suite on campus, equipped with six cutting-edge ultrasound simulation systems (Bodyworks Eve), a Scan Trainer (transabdominal and transvaginal scanning) and a range of ultrasound imaging phantoms. 

We also have a clinical skills room based in Seacroft Hospital with a state-of-the-art Acuson Sequoia ultrasound machine and access to PACS reporting stations. This enables our students to gain access to real patients within a clinical environment under the supervision of a member of the lecturing team. 

Leaders in patient and carer involvement 

The School of Medicine places patients at the centre of teaching for medical and allied health students. The learning environment have been closely considered, positioning the patient as a teacher rather than just a passive 'subject'. The course works with patients in a variety of modules to enhance your understanding from a patient's perspective. We also utilise simulated patient scenarios, which will allow you to objectively work through a situation in a safe environment before being introduced to more challenging cases. Based at the Leeds Institute of Medical Education, the team manages the Patient Carer Community, allowing you to gain first-hand experience of individuals who are caring for someone with a medical condition or disability. Patient contact begins in the first year of our Medical Ultrasound (Sonography) programme and the Patient Carer Community is fully involved from the beginning. 

Our other facilities 

In addition to our specialist facilities, you will have access to the recently refurbished School of Medicine's teaching and clinical practice facilities, including the Medical Teaching Centre (MTC) - a state-of-the-art technology hub for classroom-based teaching and learning within the School. You will also use clinical skills training equipment in a safe environment to practice skills before applying them in a real-world scenario. 

The Health Sciences Library, also situated in the School of Medicine, will also be available to you as well as the University's many other libraries and study spaces. 

Assessment 

Our School of Medicine has a strong international reputation for high quality assessment. 

Our undergraduate assessments in the School of Medicine are based on sound educational principles. Some of these include: 

• Promotion of professional and personal growth. 

• Use of varied assessment methods, providing a multi-dimensional profile of a student’s progress that considers individual strengths. 

• Maintenance of standards in preparation for transition to clinical practice. As a Medical Ultrasound (Sonography) student at Leeds you will be based in our newly renovated School of Medicine and have access to a dedicated simulation suite and clinical room to gain clinical skills prior to your hospital placement. 

• Integration of theory and practice to support understanding of sonography and the wider multidisciplinary healthcare team in the diagnosis and management of patients. 

• Development of the required knowledge, skills and competencies necessary to satisfy regulatory and professional bodies. 

• Professional competency and safe practice. 

Formative and summative* assessment methods will be used throughout your undergraduate programme. 

*Formative assessment is a way of assessing students while learning is happening rather than at the end of a topic or module (summative assessment). 

Formative assessment 

Formative assessment is used to provide feedback on your grasp and understanding of the module assessment and provide an insight into expectations for the summative assessment. Problems identified at formative assessment stage can then be actively addressed through appropriate remedial work and support.  

Our range of formative assessments cover: 

• Mock examinations 

• Quizzes 

• Workbooks 

• Student seminars  

• Workshops (to discuss and prepare essay titles)  

These methods of assessment will help you to identify your individual learning needs and develop your revision and preparation strategy. 

Summative assessment 

Summative assessments contribute to the final mark for a module and indicate your level of knowledge, understanding, ability and skill. This stage of assessment allows you to demonstrate that you have reached a level of achievement and have met the learning outcomes of your modules and programme. The summative assessment also provides evidence that you have met the required standards of proficiency and competency set out by relevant regulatory and professional bodies. 

A variety of academic assessments are used: 

• Unseen written exams 

• Written assignments 

• Poster presentations 

• Oral presentations 

• Online multiple choice question (MCQ) exams 

• Practical workbooks