University of Canberra

Graduate Certificate in Ultrasound Studies

  • Delivery: Hybrid
  • 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.

Download a course guide

Find more detailed information on our courses, including:

  • Course structure
  • Learning outcomes
  • Fees
  • Entry requirements

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Course overview

Study a Graduate Certificate in Ultrasound Studies at UC and you will:

  • Be able to apply the physical principles of ultrasound to effective 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 to secure an industry placement, supporting your enrolment in the Graduate Diploma in Medication 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.

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

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

Delivery
Hybrid
Study level
Postgraduate
Course type
Graduate Certificate
Duration
More Information
12 months part time (2 units per semester) or 24 months part time (1 unit per semester).
12 months (Part time)
Commitment
9 - 18 hours/week
Units
4
Fees
More Information
You may be eligible for a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) where the government pays part of your fees. The CSP per units fees are calculated based on the annual CSP rate. It applies to standard full-time enrolment, which is 24 credit points.
HECS, CSP
Price per unit
$1,164
More Information
Commonwealth supported place (CSP) fee
Intake
3rd February, 2025
28th July, 2025

What you will study

UC's Graduate Certificate in Ultrasound Studies includes four units worth 12 credit points in total. The units are:

  • Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation  (3 credit points)
  • Introduction to Ultrasound (3 credit points)
  • Abdominal Ultrasound (3 credit points)
  • Paediatric and Superficial Parts Ultrasound (3 credit points)

Entry requirements

Applicants for the Graduate Certificate in Ultrasound Studies must meet one of the following criteria:

A) A completed bachelor's degree in medical radiation science; OR

B) A completed bachelor's degree in any field and successful completion of at least two units of degree level anatomy and physiology.

Learning outcomes

  • Apply and synthesise knowledge of the physical principles and instrumentation and skills in the use in medical ultrasound equipment.
  • Integrate knowledge of embryology, anatomy, normal variants and pathology that is depicted in medical ultrasound.
  • Apply and demonstrate knowledge in ultrasound scanning techniques, 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.

Fees & CSP

Student fees shown are subject to change. You may also be required to pay student amenities fees. Contact the university directly to confirm.

The fees shown are per unit. The number of units are listed on this page. Together they indicate the total fees for the course.

HECS-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.

Commonwealth Supported Places

The Australian Government allocates a certain number of Commonwealth Supported Places to the University of Canberra each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.

If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – 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 unit you're enrolled in
  • dependent on the study areas they relate to
  • reviewed and adjusted each year