Musculoskeletal Ultrasound PGCert

Course overview

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.

Course details and modules

The PG Certificate in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound is a clinically focused, part-time course designed for registered healthcare professionals seeking to develop advanced diagnostic imaging skills. Delivered over 12 months, the course blends online learning with face-to-face teaching, including hands-on scanning practice and cadaveric anatomy sessions in Leeds’ specialist anatomy labs.

You'll progress through two 30-credit modules, gaining expertise in ultrasound physics, anatomy, pathology, image acquisition, interpretation, and clinical reporting. The course is aligned with CASE Level 7 standards and supports professional development across disciplines including physiotherapy, radiography, sonography, medicine, osteopathy, and podiatry.

Learning outcomes include the ability to perform and interpret MSK ultrasound scans, critically evaluate findings, and apply them to patient care. The course fosters leadership, reflective practice, and interprofessional collaboration, preparing students to contribute to service improvement and patient-centred care.

This course is structured around two integrated modules that build progressively from foundational ultrasound principles to advanced clinical application. While there are no formal pathways, the modular design allows students to develop both technical scanning skills and interpretative expertise in a coherent and clinically relevant sequence.

The course is designed to support learners from a range of professional backgrounds, including physiotherapy, radiography, medicine, osteopathy, and podiatry. It encourages interdisciplinary learning and collaboration, with opportunities for peer engagement and mentorship throughout.

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.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Musculoskeletal Ultrasound PGCert in the course catalogue

Compulsory modules

Module 1: MSK Ultrasound Anatomy and Fundamentals – 30 credits

This module introduces the foundational principles of MSK ultrasound, including ultrasound physics, probe handling, and image optimisation. Students will explore regional anatomy through cadaveric lab sessions and live scanning practice, covering key areas such as the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, foot, and ankle. The module also addresses safety, ergonomics, and equipment selection, preparing students to produce and interpret high-quality diagnostic images. Assessment includes an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), anatomy MCQs, and a formative workbook.

Module 2: Recognition and Clinical Application of MSK Pathology, Reporting and Logbook – 30 credits

This module focuses on the clinical application of MSK ultrasound, including pathology recognition and management, interpretative reporting, and reflective practice. Students will complete a logbook of 250 ultrasound cases, supported by supervised scanning sessions 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.

Learning and teaching

Learn through a combination of:

• Online asynchronous content to support flexible, self-paced learning
• Face-to-face teaching days featuring:
  • Anatomy lab sessions using cadaveric specimens
  • Live scanning practice with expert supervision
  • Clinical seminars and case-based discussions
• Formative workbooks to guide reflection and consolidate learning
• Clinical practice and report writing exercises

Teaching is delivered by a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, radiologists, anatomists, and sonographers. The course is designed to be inclusive and student-centred, with small group sizes ensuring personalised feedback and support.

While there is no formal work placement, students will complete a logbook of 250 ultrasound cases through supervised clinical scanning sessions embedded within the course. These sessions simulate real-world clinical environments and provide substantial practical experience, fulfilling the clinical education requirements aligned with CASE standards.

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

Assessment is designed to be authentic, clinically relevant, and aligned with CASE Level 7 standards. It includes:

Module 1: MSK Ultrasound Anatomy and Fundamentals – 30 credits

• Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
• Anatomy multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
• Formative workbook

Module 2: Recognition and Clinical Application of MSK Pathology, Reporting and Logbook – 30 credits

• Group poster presentation
• Logbook of 250 ultrasound reports with reflective commentary
• Formative workbook

Assessments promote critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and professional development. You’re encouraged to reflect on your practice, engage in peer review, and demonstrate leadership and teamwork.

Applying

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:2 (hons) or greater in a relevant degree.

MSK or team care clinical experience required.

Applicants must be registered healthcare professionals (e.g. doctor, physiotherapist, sonographer, podiatrist and other register and regulated MSK practitioners). Applicants should have suitable MSK experience.

How to apply

The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page will take 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.

Next steps

• We process your application.
• We inform you of our decision.
• If we make you an offer, you respond by accepting or declining.

Requirement application documents

Applications must include all of the following to be considered:

• Completed online application form (for Taught Postgraduate Study).
• Full CV.
• Transcript of degree examination marks achieved to date.
• Copy of final degree certificate (if completed).

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2026

This course is taught by

Faculty of Biological Sciences

Contact us

Faculty of Biological Sciences postgraduate taught admissions team

Email: fbspgt@leeds.ac.uk

Fees

UK: £4,500 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

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 on our living costs and budgeting page.

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.

Scholarships are also available to help fund your Masters. Find out more and check your eligibility below:

• Scholarships and funding for UK students
• Your subject area may also offer scholarships

Career opportunities

Graduates of the PG Certificate in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound will be equipped with advanced diagnostic imaging skills that are increasingly in demand across healthcare settings. The course prepares professionals to integrate MSK ultrasound into their clinical practice, enhancing patient assessment, diagnosis, and management.

Typical career pathways include:

• Advanced Practice Roles in physiotherapy, radiography, sonography, and medicine
• Extended Scope Practitioners in MSK and sport and exercise medicine
• Clinical Educators and mentors in ultrasound training
• Diagnostic Imaging Specialists in NHS and private healthcare settings
• Contributors to service development, audit, and research in MSK imaging

Graduates may also pursue further study or CASE-accredited qualifications and contribute to leadership roles in clinical imaging services.

Careers support

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.

Alongside the support, advice and guidance from the University’s Careers Centre, you'll have a clinical mentor who will meet you regularly. They will help you to plan your career path and identify the experiences, qualifications and people that can help you on your way.