Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Frequently Asked Questions

A master’s staged study is a flexible postgraduate route made up of three separate stages carried over a total of 3 years - the PgCert, PgDip and Master’s (dissertation). You can pause between stages and return when the time is right for you, applying and enrolling for each stage individually.

• Stage 1: PgCert - 60 credits (1 year)
• Stage 2: PgDip - 60 credits (1 year)
• Stage 3: Master’s dissertation - 60 credits (1 year)

Each stage is a recognised award in its own right, so you’ll receive a formal qualification at the end of every year.

To move on, you must have successfully completed and been officially certificated for the previous stage i.e. if you'd like to apply for the PgDip, you'll need to have completed the PgCert first. This step‑by‑step structure means you can build your learning gradually and choose how far you want to take your studies.

Our Musculoskeletal Ultrasound PgCert, PgDip and MSc and Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Foot and Ankle PgCert, PgDip and MSc are Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE) accredited for practice-based learning carried out in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

The Ultrasound for Musculoskeletal Practice PgCert, PgDip and MSc and Ultrasound Guided Injection Therapy course are not externally accredited.

Yes. We strongly recommend attending all taught contact days and examination dates. You'll find the specific dates listed on each course page.

This will depend on the programme:

• Musculoskeletal Ultrasound PgCert, PgDip and MSc and Ultrasound for Musculoskeletal Practice PgCert, PgDip and MSc: you’ll be taught how to scan all peripheral musculoskeletal regions and need to be able to carry out two randomly selected scans in your assessments.
• Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Foot and Ankle PgCert, PgDip and MSc: you’ll be taught all musculoskeletal ultrasound scans of the foot and ankle, allowing you to specialise in that region.

You can find full details of our entry requirements on each course page. 

You don't need to buy an ultrasound machine. All practical teaching uses Brunel’s ultrasound systems. For clinical logbook, you'll need access to ultrasound equipment within your clinical workplace.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows you to use relevant qualifications or professional experience to show that you meet the entry requirements for the course.

You can apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) if you’re able to provide evidence that your previous study or professional experience is current, relevant and equivalent to the course requirements. Each RPL application is considered individually and must meet both University and relevant professional body regulations. Approval isn’t automatic, and some course requirements cannot be waived.

If you’d like to discuss your eligibility, please contact the Programme Lead, Tara Potier.

For all programmes:

• You must complete 100 supervised scans, with your supervisor present in the room for each one. They’ll complete a report with you and give feedback.
• You must complete 150 mentored scans, with your mentor immediately available in the building, even if not in the room.
• Patients can only leave the clinical setting once your mentor is satisfied with the scan and report.

No. You'll need to arrange your own work‑based learning. If your work-based learning changes during your studies, we'll support you to help resolve the situation where possible.

Each module on our PgCert courses is worth 30 master’s-level credits. Once you've successfully completed both modules, you'll be awarded the full PgCert for your chosen programme.

Module 1: The Fundamentals of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound 

• Five full taught days on campus
• One examination day

Module 2: Integrating Musculoskeletal Ultrasound into Practice 

• Four full taught days on campus plus an examination day. 
• For the Ultrasound for Musculoskeletal Practice PgCert, this module is taught three days on-campus and one day online.

You’ll benefit from hands‑on scanning, low student‑to‑machine ratios, excellent online learning, and Brunel’s state‑of‑the‑art teaching facilities.

Yes. For the Musculoskeletal Ultrasound PgCert and Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Foot and Ankle PgCert you must be registered with:

• the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) or CORU or;
• the General Medical Council (GMC).

If you're studying the Ultrasound for Musculoskeletal Practice PgCert (outside the UK/ROI), you’ll need registration with the relevant allied health or medical governing body in your home country.

If you work in the UK or ROI:

• Learn to scan the upper and lower limb, choose the Musculoskeletal Ultrasound PgCert.
• Specialise in scanning the foot and ankle, choose the Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Foot and Ankle PgCert.

If you live and work outside the UK or ROI:

• Learn to scan the upper and lower limbs, choose the Ultrasound for Musculoskeletal Practice PgCert.

No. You don't need any prior ultrasound experience. The Fundamentals of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound module gives you the foundational skills needed for safe musculoskeletal scanning.