Diagnostic Imaging (Medical Ultrasound) PGDip
Year of entry 2023
- Start date
- September 2023
- Delivery type
- On campus
- Duration
- 12 months full time
- Entry requirements
- A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in a related subject and professional registration and experience.
Full entry requirements - English language requirements
- IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in any component
- UK fees
- £8,500 (total)
- International fees
- £18,667 (total)
- Contact
- pgmed-admissions@leeds.ac.uk
Course overview

Our PGDip in Diagnostic Imaging (Medical Ultrasound) is the qualification required to be employed as a general sonographer in clinical practice. At Leeds, we deliver a high quality, research-led educational experience to develop graduates into highly competent practitioners who will contribute positively to the healthcare service provision.
With us, you will develop a sophisticated understanding of the underpinning scientific, technical and professional principles/concepts of Medical Ultrasound informed by knowledge at the forefront of advanced clinical practice.
Make an Impact
Learn from leading experts in Medical Ultrasound
Develop your understanding of foundational scientific and professional principles and concepts
Build your academic and clinical skills, in-depth knowledge and understanding, research and professional practice in Medical Ultrasound.
Master complex psycho-motor skills, critical judgement and decision making behaviours related to the acquisition, interpretation and reporting of Medical Ultrasound examinations
Tailor your learning to your personal and professional interests with a choice of optional modules including obstetric and gynaecological ultrasound

The PGDip Diagnostic Imaging offered by the University of Leeds was approved and accredited by the Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE) for a period of five years, from June 2021 to June 2026 inclusive.
Course details
Clinical modules require you to obtain a clinical placement and to undertake 300 hours of clinical practice for a 30 credit module in addition to the taught content. Each 30 credit module requires 8-10 days attendance at the University (3-5 days for 15 credits). This in addition to independent learning.
All students need employment with or secondment to, a clinical medical ultrasound department or with access to clinical medical ultrasound facilities.
All students undertaking programmes on the medical ultrasound pathway or one of the medical ultrasound clinical modules without a previous ultrasound qualification will study a combination of the two compulsory modules (Science and Technology of Ultrasound and Professional Issues in Diagnostic Imaging) plus at least one optional module from the list below.
Please be aware for the PGDip full-time variant, students must complete all modules listed below. If students wish to study alternative optional modules, this can be done by studying any alternative part-time Diagnostic Imaging course route. If in any doubt, please speak to our helpful admissions team.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Year 1 compulsory modules
Module Name | Credits |
---|---|
Science and Technology of Ultrasound | 15 |
Professional Issues in Diagnostic Imaging | 15 |
Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
Module Name | Credits |
---|---|
Gynaecological Ultrasound | 30 |
General Medical Ultrasound | 30 |
Obstetric Ultrasound | 30 |
Learning and teaching
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
The assessment methods have been carefully chosen to develop the skills that you will utilise in specialist Medical Ultrasound clinical practice.
These will consist of unseen written examinations, case reports and assessment of competence to practice. In addition, you will undertake formative presentations and examinations. The assessment of competence to practice will take place through a summative clinical assessment.
Applying
Entry requirements
Normally a BSc (at least 2:1) Honours degree from a recognised higher education institution in an appropriate health related subject. Applicants with a 2.2 and 1 year of appropriate clinical experience would also be considered.
Applicants must have secured a suitable clinical placement and: employment with, or secondment to, a diagnostic imaging department or with access to medical ultrasound facilities, approved by the University of Leeds plus identification of two suitably qualified clinical mentors within this department.
Employer’s agreement to undertake the course and provide adequate time and facilities to meet the learning outcomes of the programme must be secured. Satisfactory references and attendance at an admissions event
Advanced standing
Opportunities for accreditation of prior certificated learning (APCL) and or accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL) are available.
International students
International students will be able to access the course if they have an approved clinical placement in their home country with two suitably trained mentors. All students must attend all the mandatory face-to-face taught content on campus. In addition, they must able to access any synchronous taught elements of the course online (if available).
This programme is not suitable for international applicants who require a student visa. International applicants who do not require a student visa may be able to access this programme by special arrangement. Please contact admissions for further information.
English language requirements
IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in any component.
Due to competition for places we will give preference to applicants who exceed our minimum entry requirements.
How to apply
Applications are considered on the basis of the applicant’s qualifications and experience. Applications may close before the deadline date if numbers accepted reach capacity.
Please ensure that a copy of your NHS ID badge by scan or photograph is sent with your application.
Please ensure that a CV is also sent with your application which includes your full employment history (in addition to these roles being entered into the CRM history table)
This programme is not suitable for international applicants who require a student visa. International applicants who do not require a student visa may be able to access this programme by special arrangement. Please contact admissions for further info.
The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.
If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Places are limited and courses may become full and close before the application deadline.
References
A reference indicating managerial consent in support of your application including indication that you have secured a clinical placement and that you have the relevant academic requirements for the programme. OR the placement document can be completed instead of this.
Additionally, you will be required to complete a placement document to be submitted with your application through the CRM.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
This course is taught by
Contact us
School of Medicine Postgraduate Admissions
Email: pgmed-admissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:
Fees
UK: £8,500 (total)
International: £18,667 (total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.
Additional cost information
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs.
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more at Masters funding overview.
Career opportunities
Our course will provide you with both practical, field-specific and broader transferable skills which will strengthen your career outlook. Our experienced staff and wider support team within the University will be on hand to guide you through any career development considerations you have and you’ll gain a recognised qualification to showcase the standard and rigour of your work.
Careers support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. Thats one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.