University of Canberra
Graduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
A rewarding career that combines technical skill, patient care and medical knowledge.
Course overview
Use ultrasound to assist in the diagnosis of a wide range of medical and health conditions and I have a graduate diploma in medical ultrasound. This course will teach you the principles of ultrasound technology and give you the skills to undertake a range of examination practices, including abdominal, obstetric, vascular and musculoskeletal ultrasound.
This course requires the completion of 2000 hours of supervised ultrasound experience under the supervision of an Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR) Accredited Medical Sonographer. Applicants are responsible for organising their own training position.
Study a Graduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound at UC and you will:
- Be able to apply knowledge of the physical principles, instrumentation and skills in the use of medical ultrasound equipment.
- Be able to integrate your understanding of anatomy, standard variants and pathology as depicted in medical ultrasound.
- Apply and demonstrate knowledge of ultrasound scanning techniques, image and information acquisition and perform ultrasound examinations.
- Critically evaluate your sonography practice skills and undertake ultrasound examinations in a professional, safe and ethical manner.
- Upon completion, you will become a recognised Australian-trained, ASAR-accredited Medical Sonographer.
- Be confident that you have the necessary skills and qualifications required to be accepted at almost any entry-level Medical Sonographer position anywhere in the world.
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
15th February, 2027
9th August, 2027
What you will study
To earn the Graduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound, students must complete 24 credit points, equivalent to eight units. Each unit is worth three credit points.
Required
Students must pass 24 credit points as follows:
- Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation
- Introduction to Ultrasound
- Abdominal Ultrasound
- Obstetric Ultrasound
- Vascular and Postoperative Ultrasound
- Paediatric and Superficial Parts Ultrasound
- Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
- Sonographic Practice Capstone
Entry requirements
Applicants for the Graduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound must meet the following criteria:
- A completed bachelor's degree in medical radiation science or a completed bachelor's degree in any field and successful completion of at least two units of degree-level anatomy and physiology.
- Provide evidence of an ultrasound training position under the supervision of an Accredited Medical Sonographer.
- Submit a Graduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound Applicant Agreement Form.
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
- Practice as a beginning-level sonographer in medical ultrasound examinations.
- Critically evaluate their own sonography practice skills and undertake ultrasound examinations in a professional, safe and ethical manner.
- Apply and synthesise knowledge of the physical principles and instrumentation and skills in the use of medical ultrasound equipment.
- Apply and demonstrate knowledge in ultrasound scanning techniques, image and information acquisition in medical ultrasound examinations.
- Integrate knowledge of embryology, anatomy, normal variants and pathology that is depicted in medical ultrasound.
Career outcomes
A career as a medical sonographer will allow you to work in the following areas in both Australia and overseas:
- Public hospitals
- Private hospitals
- Private radiology practices
- Applications specialist
- Research, teaching, education and more
Fees and CSP
Average full-course fee in 2026: From $9,536 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
The average full-course fee shown is calculated based on a part-time study load of 24 credit points (eight units).
Student fees may vary in accordance with:
- 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.
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.
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'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 the unit 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.
