Course Overview

This Professional Certificate offers clinicians the opportunity to develop clinical and academic knowledge of ultrasound and its role in the management of early pregnancy. It aims to equip participants with a level of competence in ultrasound scanning that will enable them to understand the indications for ultrasound examinations, perform scans safely and competently, report on scan findings in the clinical context and know when to refer patients for a more detailed assessment

The Early Pregnancy Ultrasound Module may suit those who only have a clinical requirement for scanning in the first trimester.

The provision of the majority of the lectures through an e-learning structure will allow participants to access lectures at home, at convenient times. There is a major emphasis on participants achieving a high level of expertise in clinical practice and participants will gain their clinical experience in their chosen hospital setting, which will allow them to negotiate the most suitable arrangements within each individual workplace.

To ensure this is achieved participants must undertake a clinical placement, under the guidance of a named clinical supervisor, and provide evidence of an agreement to spend a minimum of 80 hours practicing clinical obstetric ultrasound while undertaking this programme.

Declaration Forms:

All applicants are required to download and complete the application and the declaration forms below. These forms must be signed by your clinical supervisor. 

Declaration form

Important dates and information

  • The next intake for this course is in January.
  • Closing date for applications is 12th January 2024
  • Successful applicants will be required to attend an Introductory Study Day at UCD on 19th January 2024.

Declaration forms:

All applicants are required to download and complete this Professional Certificate Early Pregnancy Ultrasound declaration. The form must be signed by your clinical supervisor.

How to apply:

  • Click on the www.ucd.ie/apply link and follow the steps outlined. 
  • The “Application Type” is Graduate Taught Courses
  • Fill in your personal details, and when asked about the “Programme Choice”, select PC Early Pregnancy Jan PT X734.
  • Next, enter details of any third level institutions you have attended and professional qualifications you have attained in the “Academic Background” section. 
  • Having paid the application fee and received an e-mail receipt, you must continue to complete the application process by pressing “submit”. An e-mail confirming successful application will be sent to you within 24 hours.
  • You can track the status of your documentation online. Log in to your account & click on your submitted application. This will bring up an application summary.  The application requirements are listed at the end of the summary.
  • If you have any problems or queries with the online application process, email: UCD Applications (onlineapps@ucd.ie) or telephone: + 353 1 716 1142 or 1476.
  • More details on online applications and FAQ here
  • International applicants should contact the academic programme director for a full list of entry requirements.
  • Information on studying at UCD as international students is available here

For information on course fees please visit:

      EU applicants fees

      Non EU applicants fees

     (please enter programme title or programme major code – in the search bar)

Applicants (regardless of their sponsorship status) are required to pay a non-refundable deposit in order to accept programme offers.

Academic Programme Director:

Programme Administrator:

Dr Mary Moran

UCD Diagnostic Imaging
UCD School of Medicine,
Health Sciences Centre,
UCD Belfield, Dublin 4.

e-mail: moran.mary@ucd.ie

 UCD Diagnostic Imaging Programme Office,

Health Sciences Centre,
UCD Belfield, Dublin 4.
Tel : + 353 1 716 6545
Fax:  + 353 1 716 6547

e-mail: graduate.imaging@ucd.ie

Key Information:

  • Major Code X734
  • Duration 6 Months
  • Schedule January annually