Bachelor of Health Sciences in Diagnostic Sonography at Durban University of Technology

Programme overview

The Bachelor of Health Sciences in Diagnostic Sonography is a four-year NQF level 8 professional degree on the Ritson Campus. Sonographers use high-frequency sound waves and computer imaging to examine blood vessels, tissues and organs, operate diagnostic ultrasound equipment, care for patients and report their findings. The programme includes work-integrated learning at HPCSA-accredited clinical training centres.

Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences | Department: Department of Radiography | Duration: 4 years (minimum, full-time) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

What you will study

First-year modules include Anatomy I, Physiology IA/IB, Chemistry, Physics, Cornerstone, Ultrasound Practice and Procedures IA/IB, Ultrasound Imaging Sciences I, Professional Practice and Management I and Clinical Ultrasound Practice and Procedure I, with elective choices. Later years add Health Sciences Research, management, ethics and medical law, and advanced ultrasound practice.

Career pathways

Sonographers work in provincial and private institutions in South Africa and abroad and may open their own practices under HPCSA requirements. One year of community service is compulsory for all graduates.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Radiography programme group (Diagnostic Radiography, Diagnostic Sonography, Radiotherapy): NSC degree entry with 28 points or more; English (rating 4), Mathematics (4), Physical Science (4), Life Science (4) and one further recognised 20-credit subject (4). Senior Certificate with matric exemption: English (HG D or SG C), Mathematics, Physical Science and Biology (HG D or SG B). NCV: English, Mathematics, Physical Science and Life Science or Biology at 70%. Minimum age 18 at the end of December 2026, and applicants must be physically fit. Initial selection uses Grade 12 June or trial results (minimum 28 points), followed by a placement test and interview; applicants may be required to spend at least 8 hours in the discipline-specific department (letter from the Head of Department required). Provisional acceptance is withdrawn if final NSC results fall short. Students must register with the HPCSA throughout training. Diagnostic Sonography applicants are considered for interview only if they placed it as 1st choice. Places are limited, so meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission.

Requirements published at program group level.

Tuition is charged per module, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

First-time undergraduate applications for the 2027 academic year must reach the CAO by the closing date of 30 September 2026; some programmes close earlier. Applications are made online through the CAO (www.cao.ac.za). The application fee is R250 (South African citizens) or R300 (international applicants), paid when submitting; the application is active only once payment is received.

Apply through the official page: https://onlineapps.dut.ac.za/

Explore more study programmes

Health Sciences