University of Canberra
Graduate Certificate in Ultrasound Studies
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Commitment: 9 - 18 hours/week
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
The only course of its type in Australia, the Graduate Certificate in Ultrasound Studies is the first step on your pathway to a career in sonography.
Course overview
Study a Graduate Certificate in Ultrasound Studies at UC and you will:
- Be able to apply the physical principles of ultrasound to the practical and safe use of medical ultrasound equipment.
- Apply and demonstrate knowledge of ultrasound scanning techniques, image recognition and acquisition of ultrasound examinations in a simulated environment.
- Be able to integrate your understanding of anatomy, standard variants and pathology as depicted in medical ultrasound.
- Learn to communicate and engage with prospective patients and other health professionals in a professional, safe and ethical manner.
- Acquire the necessary skills to help you secure an industry placement, supporting your enrolment in the Graduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound.
This course is suited to graduates with any bachelor's degree, inclusive of human anatomy and physiology units and is designed to develop practical skills and principal knowledge in sonography.
UC's smaller, more personal study environments offer students the chance to get a more tailored training experience. Dedicated to hands-on learning, you’ll join their industry experts and engage with extensive practical learning in UC's state-of-the-art training facilities, right on campus.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
16th February, 2026
10th August, 2026
What you will study
The Graduate Certificate in Ultrasound Studies comprises 12 credit points of study. Each unit is worth three credit points.
Core units
Complete the following units:
- Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation
- Introduction to Ultrasound
- Abdominal Ultrasound
- Paediatric and Superficial Parts Ultrasound
Entry requirements
Applicants for the Graduate Certificate in Ultrasound Studies must meet one of the following criteria:
- A completed bachelor degree in medical radiation science.
- A completed bachelor degree in any field and successful completion of at least two units of degree level anatomy and physiology
English language requirements
There are non-standard English language requirements for this course. To be eligible you must have an overall IELTS Academic score (or equivalent) of 7.0, with no band score below 7.0. For alternate/equivalent ways of meeting the English requirements for this course please view the English Proficiency Requirements document on the university website.
Recognition of Prior Learning
There are currently no formal credit transfer arrangements for entry to this course. Any previous study or work experience will only be considered as part of the application process in accordance with current course rules and university policy. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Apply and synthesise knowledge of the physical principles and instrumentation and skills in the use of medical ultrasound equipment.
- Integrate knowledge of embryology, anatomy, normal variants and pathology that is depicted in medical ultrasound.
- Apply and demonstrate knowledge of ultrasound scanning techniques and image and information acquisition in simulated medical ultrasound examinations.
- Develop beginning-level sonographer skills in a limited range of simulated medical ultrasound examinations.
- Critically evaluate their own sonography practice skills and undertake a limited range of simulated ultrasound examinations in a professional, safe and ethical manner.
Career outcomes
The graduate certificate is a pathway for a career as a medical sonographer, allowing you to work in various areas in Australia and overseas after completion of the Graduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound.
These include but are not limited to:
- Public and private hospitals
- Private radiology practices
- Applications Specialist
- Research, teaching and education
Fees and CSP
Estimated total fee in 2025: $4,656 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
The estimated total fee is based on a study load of 12 credit points.
A student’s fee may vary depending on:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you only need to pay some of your tuition fees. The student contribution amount is the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per the courses you're enrolled in.
- Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.
