University of Canberra
Graduate Certificate in Ultrasound Studies
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Commitment: 9 - 18 hours/week
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
Develop foundational knowledge and practical skills in medical ultrasound, including ultrasound physics, scanning techniques, abdominal imaging and paediatric and superficial-part ultrasound, as a pathway to further study in medical sonography.
Course overview
The University of Canberra’s Graduate Certificate in Ultrasound Studies introduces the scientific principles, technical knowledge and practical skills used in medical ultrasound. You will study ultrasound physics and instrumentation while developing an understanding of how ultrasound equipment is used safely and effectively. The course also builds knowledge of anatomy, normal anatomical variants and pathology as they appear in medical ultrasound imaging.
Practical learning is a key part of the course. Through simulated ultrasound examinations, you will develop introductory scanning techniques, image recognition and image-acquisition skills. You will learn to evaluate your own developing sonography practice and apply professional, safe and ethical approaches when carrying out a limited range of simulated examinations.
Study progresses from introductory ultrasound principles and equipment to abdominal ultrasound and imaging of paediatric and superficial structures. UC designed the Graduate Certificate to help students develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to seek an appropriate industry training position before progressing to the Graduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound. The course itself does not qualify graduates as accredited medical sonographers.
The course comprises 12 credit points across four compulsory units and is completed part-time over one year at UC’s Bruce campus. Delivery is blended, combining on-campus practical learning with other learning activities. Students may commence in Semester 1 or Semester 2. Successful completion can provide a pathway to the Graduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound, which must then be completed to meet the academic requirements for Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry accreditation.
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
9th August, 2027
What you will study
To earn the Graduate Certificate in Ultrasound Studies, students must complete 12 credit points, equivalent to four units. Each unit is worth three credit points.
Required units
Students must pass 12 credit points as follows:
- 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
If you have previous studies or professional work experience that is relevant to your intended field of study at UC, you can gain credit towards your degree. This reduces the number of units you must take to complete your course, meaning you could finish your studies sooner and save money too.
For more information, please get in touch with the university or visit its website.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
Students will be able to:
- Develop beginning-level sonographer skills in a limited range of simulated medical ultrasound examinations.
- Integrate knowledge of embryology, anatomy, normal variants and pathology that is depicted in medical ultrasound.
- Apply and synthesise knowledge of the physical principles and instrumentation and skills in the use in medical ultrasound equipment.
- Apply and demonstrate knowledge in ultrasound scanning techniques, image and information acquisition in 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
Average full-course fee in 2027: $4,940 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
The estimated full-course fee is calculated using the 2027 CSP student contribution rate of $1,235 per standard unit. The Graduate Certificate in Ultrasound Studies comprises 12 credit points across four compulsory units.
Student fees are reviewed annually and may change.
You may also need to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm current fees.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government subsidises part of the tuition fees for students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP). Students pay the remaining amount, known as the student contribution amount.
CSPs for postgraduate courses are limited and are available for selected courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated for each unit you enrol in.
- Based on the discipline area and EFTSL of the unit.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
Eligible Commonwealth supported students may be able to use HECS-HELP to defer payment of their student contribution amount.
