Breast Ultrasound - PgCert

This modular PgCert in Breast Ultrasound is designed for healthcare practitioners working within Breast Care Services who wish to develop advanced clinical skills in breast ultrasound alongside critical and reflective practice. Delivered in partnership with the Scottish Academy of Breast Imaging (SABI) at the West of Scotland Breast Screening Centre, the course is offered part-time over one to four years, providing flexibility for working professionals.

The course combines academic study with workplace-based learning to ensure the integration of theory and practice. Students develop the knowledge, skills and professional judgement required to become safe and competent breast ultrasound practitioners, while strengthening their ability to contribute effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

Contemporary developments in breast ultrasound theory, research and practice are critically explored to support the development of advanced professional competence. Workplace learning is a key component of the course, enabling students to refine operational skills, apply evidence to clinical decision-making, and enhance critical reflection in practice. Through this combination of academic and clinical learning, graduates are equipped to advance their specialist expertise and deliver high-quality care within breast services.

Why QMU?

Collaboration provides an optimum learning experience: The collaboration between QMU and SABI allows you to benefit from input from practice-based NHS clinical experts and professional higher education academics. This collaborative approach has allowed QMU and SABI to work together for over 20 years to deliver breast imaging courses in Scotland and further afield to the wider UK and Ireland.
Flexible study route: Delivered part time, this course fits ideally around your work commitments.
Staff expertise: You will be taught by NHS radiologists, consultant radiographers, breast surgeons, advanced practice mammographers, breast care nurses, medical physicists and other NHS professionals working with breast care services.
Accreditation: The course is approved by the Society and College of Radiographers and was the first PgCert Breast Ultrasound course in the UK to hold Accreditation from the Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE).
Support: You will have a named workplace clinical mentor throughout your time on the PgCert Breast Ultrasound programme, who will support you clinically within your own department.

Structure and exit awards

You can opt to study for the full PgCert (60 credits) or you can register as an associate student to complete a single module (20 credits) for continuing professional development (CPD). On completion of a single module, you may wish to complete further modules and progress your studies to a named award. Please contact contact Maureen McAuley for further information on single module study.

Teaching, learning and assessment

As this course places the student at the heart of the learning process, you will be expected to take overall responsibility for your learning. You will attend classes online and in person, depending on your module. Classes will be held either online or at SABI in Glasgow or at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. You will then carry out further independent work.

This course is delivered using a blended learning approach. Lectures introduce theoretical concepts: specialist talks give an insight on identified areas of breast imaging, tutorials explore some syllabus areas in more depth, and practical learning takes place in your workplace. Canvas, the virtual learning environment is used as an interactive learning resource throughout the modules.

A variety of assessment methods are used including exams, ePortfolios, presentations, workplace assessments and case studies.

Placement/work-based learning

There is no formal placement on this course, but there is a workplace learning element that you will carry out with your current employer.

Teaching hours and attendance

For the three modules required for completion of the PgCert in Breast Ultrasound, attendance will be as follows:

Physics & Instrumentation of Ultrasound: 4 days, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary
Breast Ultrasound: 4 days online learning
Ultrasound Guided Breast Interventional Procedures: 1 day online and 3 days teaching at SABI, Glasgow.

Class sizes

Class sizes are variable and can range from approximately 6 - 10.

You will study the following modules:

Physics & Instrumentation of Ultrasound (20 credits): This module will enable you to learn about and critically evaluate the scientific and technological principles of ultrasound and the appropriateness of using ultrasound within medical imaging.
Breast Ultrasound (20 credits): This module will enable you to understand the theoretical principles of breast ultrasound and be able to competently and safely practice ultrasound imaging of the breast and produce diagnostic clinical reports.
Ultrasound Guided Breast Interventional Procedures (20 credits): This module will provide you with the appropriate knowledge and skills to develop a high level of expertise in ultrasound guided interventional procedures of the breast and to perform effective and safe ultrasound guided biopsy procedures.

This course is part of CPD and is designed to improve the delivery of the breast care service. Gaining this qualification may enhance your professional career prospects within breast services.

If studying for the full PgCert, you will begin the course in September. If opting to study for a single module only, the start dates for these are as follows:

Physics & Instrumentation of Ultrasound: September
Breast Ultrasound: January
Ultrasound Guided Breast Interventional Procedures: June

Entry requirements

Applicants must be a registered healthcare practitioner to study the Physics and Instrumentation of Ultrasound module
Applicants must be a registered healthcare practitioner currently employed in a clinical environment offering breast ultrasound experience to study the workplace modules and have with the support of a line manager and workplace mentor.

International students:

You will be required to provide evidence of English language competence at no less than IELTS 7 and no individual component score below 6.5.
Applicants requiring a student visa will be unable to study this course.

Recognition of prior learning: You may be granted exemption from studying a module, provided you can demonstrate successful achievement of all the learning outcomes.

Disability/health conditions

If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or learning disability, it should not stand in the way of your studying at QMU. However, if you are not sure whether your disability might be a barrier in your studies or in relation to the professional standards, please contact the disability service who will be able to have a conversation with you about reasonable adjustments and supports available to you.

Applying for this course

Applications should be made directly to the Scottish Academy of Breast Imaging (SABI) - Contact Maureen McAuley.

Application deadline

None

Please contact Maureen McAuley

The delivery of this course is subject to the terms and conditions set out in our 2027/28 Entry - Terms and Conditions (Postgraduate).
The information on this page is correct at the time of posting (October 2026) but is subject to change. In the event that modules change, QMU will seek to use reasonable endeavours to ensure that there is no detrimental impact on students. Please keep an eye on this page for updates.

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