Start date
February
July

Duration
1.5 year(s) full-time

Mode
Online

Program Code
IMSO

Fees
AUD$ 35,600 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025

English Language Requirements
  • IELTS total [7.0]
  • IELTS reading [7.0]
  • IELTS writing [7.0]
  • IELTS speaking [7.0]
  • IELTS listening [7.0]
Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
This program is not available to students wishing to study in Australia on a student visa

Degree overview

  • Broaden your career opportunities by extending your knowledge, practical skills and understanding of ultrasound imaging health trends, specialising in vascular sonography.
  • Study a master’s degree developed in collaboration with leading vascular sonography experts to meet current industry demands.
  • Join the only university in Australia to offer a full suite of accredited postgraduate sonography degrees.
  • Learn from award-winning teachers at a university with above world-class research in clinical sciences.1
  • Focus on areas such as management and ethics, or research.
  • Get practical experience from 2,000 supervised vascular ultrasound cases and associated clinical examinations.
  • Apply for registration with the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR) as an accredited vascular sonographer upon completion of the program.
  • Suitable for qualified sonographers, health science, medical radiation and other allied health professionals employed in an appropriate practice.
  • Join the No.1 university in South Australia for graduate careers.2

12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 2ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23– Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities.

Snapshot

Snapshot

In three years of part-time, online study, you can attain a master's degree in vascular medical sonography, with the opportunity to learn advanced clinical skills, or pursue research.

Vascular sonographers specialise in the circulatory system including the arteries and veins that carry blood around the body. They require highly developed technical skills and a strong understanding of health science, physics, anatomy and pathology for examination of the circulatory system.

What you'll need

Applicants who are not accredited medical sonographers registered with ASAR are responsible for organising a letter of support confirming their own training position in an ultrasound department, in order to meet entry requirements.

What you'll learn

What you Learn

Through a combination of theory and practice, you’ll gain advanced technical skills and a strong understanding of health science, physics, anatomy and pathology. The curriculum explores the circulatory system for signs of disease or obstruction.

You’ll acquire:

  • advanced knowledge in a specialist area of medical sonography
  • critical thinking and analytical skills for effective practice as a vascular sonographer
  • foundational research knowledge.

You can choose to study areas of your interest, including management and ethics, or research.

You’ll also complete at least 2,000 supervised vascular scanning cases (verified by an ASAR accredited sonographer or equivalent).

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
LEVEL 1
Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation RADY 5030 4.5 Rule(s): 2,3
Professional Issues for Sonographers RADY 5024 4.5 Rule(s): 3
Cardiovascular Anatomy and Embryology RADY 5036 4.5 Rule(s): 3
Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathology RADY 5037 4.5 Rule(s): 3
LEVEL 2
Abdominal Sonography RADY 5013 4.5 Rule(s): 4,6,8
Vascular Sonography RADY 5016 4.5 Rule(s): 4,6,8
Advanced Vascular Sonography RADY 5034 4.5 Rule(s): 4,6,8
Cardiovascular Sonography Portfolio RADY 5035 4.5 Rule(s): 5,7,8,9
LEVEL 3 Rule(s): 1
Research Design and Development HLTH 6014 4.5
OR
Allied Health Research Evidence Translation REHB 5118 4.5
Plus 13.5 Units of electives chosen from the following:
Health Ethics HLTH 5002 4.5
Research for Advancing Nursing, Midwifery and Health Care NURS 5153 9
Managing Employee Performance and Rewards BUSS 5398 4.5
Qualitative Design for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Research NURS 5151 4.5
Quantitative Design for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Research NURS 5152 4.5
People, Leadership and Performance BUSS 5114 4.5
Fundamentals of Data Analytics for Business INFS 5130 4.5
Talent Acquisition and Development BUSS 5351 4.5
Leading and Managing Organisational Change BUSS 5065 4.5
Project Management for Business BUSS 5139 4.5

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Global opportunities

Why Master of Medical Sonography (Vascular)

Why this Degree

This degree is the only one of its kind in South Australia, and UniSA is the only university in Australia to offer a full suite of accredited postgraduate sonography degrees.

We have a well-established history of teaching sonography and are recognised both nationally and internationally for our sonography specialisations. Practical learning is a major focus, with students embarking on 2,000 vascular ultrasound cases and associated clinical placements.

As Australia’s University of Enterprise, UniSA has become a renowned centre of innovation in the sectors driving Australia's future forward, including health. In the most recent Excellence in Research for Australia evaluation (2018), 100% of our assessed research in public health and health services was rated at world-class or above.

Real-world connections

Learn from world-class researchers and experienced medical sonography professionals via our online discussion forum and virtual classrooms. These virtual classes give you the opportunity to build important industry networks and relationships.

During your studies you’ll complete 2,000 vascular ultrasound cases and clinical examinations, supervised by practicing clinicians.

Career outcomes

Your career

The field of medical sonography is always evolving with technological advancements, and strong future demand is predicted due to Australia’s national shortage of sonographers.1

As a graduate, you can find work as an accredited vascular sonographer in metropolitan, rural and remote locations, including:

  • vascular laboratories
  • hospitals
  • private practice
  • tertiary education providers.

Medical Sonographers perform a broad range of tasks and duties, including:

  • explaining procedures to patients, answering questions and ensuring patient welfare throughout the exam
  • examining referrals from and writing reports for doctors
  • operating equipment to ensure the interior images are clear
  • positioning patients, equipment and screens for maximum exposure and clarity
  • selecting the images needed for diagnostic purposes

1National Skills Commission, Skills Priority List 2022

Professional accreditation and recognition

This program enables graduates to apply for full professional accreditation from the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR) under the Vascular Sonography category. Evidence of scanning experience in an Australian or New Zealand clinical setting is required for such accreditation.

Industry facts

data-presentation

Employment for medical imaging professionals is projected to increase by 15.1% by November 2025.

Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2020

job-listings

To November 2025, healthcare and social assistance is projected to make the largest contribution to employment growth in Australia – an increase of 249,500 jobs.

Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2020

column-chart-growth

Healthcare and social assistance has been the primary provider of new jobs in the Australian labour market since the 1990s.

Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2019

How to apply

How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

Your study experience and support

As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.

Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Student services

Our international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

  • career advice and mentoring
  • help with student visas and health cover
  • personal counselling
  • academic counselling
  • fees and finance help
  • common rooms
  • prayer rooms
  • security officers
  • accommodation services 
  • as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Student services

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Location This degree is delivered at the following campus.

Your program director

I have over two decades of experience as a clinical cardiac sonographer, a strong research background reaching national and international groups, and expertise in advanced echocardiographic techniques. All of this informs my teaching as Program Director of the Medical Sonography suite, where I’m dedicated to ensuring our students get a quality education that prepares them for rewarding careers.

Dr Bec Perry

Program Director

Enquire
Portrait image for Dr Bec Perry
Portrait image for Dr Bec Perry

Dr Bec Perry

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

  • How do I apply? minus-thick plus-thick

    There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

    You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.

    Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.

    If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.

    If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.

    Postgraduate study by research
    For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.

  • Is there a closing date for applications? minus-thick plus-thick

    There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.

    If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.

  • What credit can I receive for previous studies? minus-thick plus-thick

    You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

    The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.

    The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.

  • Can I speak to someone regarding my study options? minus-thick plus-thick

    UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

    Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

    We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.

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