Start date
February

Duration
4 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
IBRS

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Fees
AUD$ 41,700 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2024

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
088335E

Degree overview

  • Study Medical Radiation Science with a specialisation in radiation therapy.
  • Develop the skills to safely and effectively deliver radiation treatment to patients with cancer and other conditions, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals.
  • Graduate accredited with South Australia's only medical radiation science suite from a university with more than 50 years of allied health education.
  • Get real-world experience with more than 1,400 hours of clinical placements as part of your studies.

  • Work with industry-standard equipment on-campus, including fully functioning x-ray suites, our on-campus Virtual Environment Radiotherapy Training (VERT) suite, and specialised equipment.

  • Learn from experienced academics with clinical experience, and from a curriculum with above world-class research in medical radiation science.1

  • Study with South Australia's no.1 university for graduate careers in health.2

  • UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities,3 we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.

1Results in Clinical Sciences - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 2ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020-22, Health Services and Support – Overall Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities. 3Ranked #52, 2023 THE Young University Rankings.

Snapshot

Researcher Eileen Giles.jpg

Unleash your unstoppable career in the rewarding and highly specialised field of radiation therapy.

Radiation Therapists work alongside Radiation Oncologists and Medical Physicists to plan and deliver radiation treatment, primarily to cancer patients. Using dedicated radiotherapy treatment planning software, Radiation Therapists model radiation dose and operate radiation equipment to accurately deliver high energy ionising radiation treatments, delivering safe and effective patient care and outcomes. You will also work as part of an interprofessional team to deliver life-changing outcomes for patients.

We offer South Australia’s only degree to become an accredited radiation therapy professional, and will prepare you to confidently join the workforce through a mixture of practical, theoretical, and industry learning.

High achieving students may be considered for the Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Honours) (Radiation Therapy) program in the third year, where you’ll complete a research project and become prepared for a career in academia.

What you'll need

Students who undertake activities where interaction with patients/the public is required for their degree, such as field or clinical placements/visits and in University clinics and gyms, must demonstrate they meet mandatory pre-placement conditional requirements. These include criminal history clearance, a Working with Children Check and immunisation requirements.

Please visit the Clinical Placement Unit for information on key requirements, and to access the full student checklists.

All students enrolled in a program leading to professional registration must be registered with the relevant national board. The student registration process is completed by the University with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) after enrolment. No fees apply.

What you'll learn

What you Learn

Using dedicated radiotherapy treatment planning software, Radiation Therapists model radiation doses and operate radiation equipment to accurately deliver high energy ionising radiation treatments. You’ll learn these techniques and practices safely and effectively through this degree.

During your first year, you’ll focus on basic sciences at the core of the study and practice of medical radiation science. The curriculum covers anatomy, physiology, pathology and radiation physics. These core subjects offer an introduction to medical radiation and the scientific principles surrounding it.

Applying these concepts to professional practice occurs through over 1,400 hours of clinical placements, which begin in your second year and continue through third and fourth years.

You’ll also take part in regular pre-clinical preparation workshops to further extend your skills as you move into advanced areas of practice.

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Aboriginal Health: Culture, Community and Country HLTH 1063 4.5
Human Anatomy 100 HLTH 1020 4.5
Human Physiology 100 BIOL 1049 4.5
Introduction to Medical Radiation Practice RADY 1017 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Human Physiology 101 BIOL 1050 4.5
Physics for Medical Radiation 100 PHYS 1017 4.5
Medical Radiation Human Anatomy HLTH 1026 4.5
Pathology for Medical Radiation MEDI 2006 4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Applied Psychology BEHL 1005 4.5
Physics for Medical Radiation 200 PHYS 2006 4.5
Radiation Therapy Studies 1 RADY 2011 4.5
Human Anatomy 201 (Gross and Sectional) RADY 2008 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Radiation Therapy Studies 2 RADY 3029 4.5
Introduction to Evidence Based Practice and Research in Health Sciences HLTH 1049 4.5
Physics for Medical Radiation 300 PHYS 2007 4.5
Radiation Therapy Clinical Practice 1 RADY 2015 4.5 Note(s): 2,6 Rule(s): 2
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Advanced Evidence Based Practice HLTH 3057 4.5
CT and PET Imaging RADY 3032 4.5
Radiation Therapy Studies 3 RADY 3030 4.5
Elective 4.5 Note(s): 7
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Radiation Therapy Studies 4 RADY 3031 4.5
Radiation Therapy Clinical Practice 2 RADY 3040 9 Note(s): 2
Specialised Medical Radiation RADY 4023 4.5
FOURTH YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Radiation Therapy Clinical Practice 3 RADY 4045 9 Note(s): 2
Radiation Therapy Clinical Practice 4 RADY 4046 9 Note(s): 2
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Radiation Therapy Professional Entry Practice 1 RADY 4049 9 Note(s): 2
Radiation Therapy Professional Entry Practice 2 RADY 4050 9 Note(s): 2

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.

Assessment

Assessment

Your studies will incorporate authentic practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

  • group assignments 
  • quizzes
  • essays  
  • case studies 
  • examinations 
  • practical competency tests 
  • presentations 
  • oral presentations
  • projects

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 Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Radiation Therapy)

Lauren McPeake, Medical Radiation Science Radiation Therapy student

UniSA’s industry-led teaching methods offer you extensive practical learning opportunities, coupled with the support and mentoring from award-winning teaching staff and academics.

UniSA gives you valuable hands-on experience in state-of-the-art imaging facilities on-campus. We're one of only seven universities in Australia to host a Virtual Environment Radiotherapy Training (VERT) suite - a three-dimensional treatment room where you can treat virtual patients using equipment identical to the equipment used by practitioners in real-life.

You’ll study a curriculum informed by above world-class research in medical radiation science,1 delivered by award winning academics and professionals.

Further practical experience is gained during more than 1,400 hours of clinical placements in Adelaide metropolitan, rural and interstate settings, ensuring you graduate career ready.

You’ll graduate with eligibility to register with the Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia (MRPBA).

1Results in Clinical Sciences - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

Real-world connections

You'll learn from experienced medical radiation professionals on campus and during work placements.

You’ll complete more than 1,400 hours of work placements in real-world environments, providing a valuable opportunity for you to put your skills into practice, and build valuable industry networks and relationships.

Clinical specialists will also come on campus to teach you about current technologies and practices

We also host regular University-wide alumni eventsemployee master classes and employment expos in Australia and overseas.

Career outcomes

Your career

Medical radiation professionals are in high demand across South Australia and interstate,1 with strong application into international industry. You may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals and private clinics, medical equipment companies, or can continue into research.  

A successful radiation therapy professional should enjoy working with people and technology, helping sick or injured people, working a variety of hours, be interested in the human body, being challenged by new ideas, and being part of a team.

Upon graduating, you’ll be eligible for registration with APHRA and can work as a:

  • Radiation therapist: work alongside Radiation Oncologists and Medical Physicists to plan and deliver radiation treatment, primarily to cancer patients.

 Through further postgraduate study or on-the-job training, you may upskill into roles like:

  • Interventional radiologist: use a medical imaging technique to visualise blood vessels.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologist: operate MRI scanners to create 3D images of a patient’s body tissues, which are used to diagnose illness and disease.
  • Radiographer / radiology technologist: operate CT equipment to produce cross-sectional images of a patient’s bones, organs and tissues.
  • Sonography: produce detailed pictures of the body in real time to diagnose and monitor a range of health conditions
  • Brachytherapy: advanced internal radiation therapy where a sealed radiation source is placed inside or next to the area requiring treatment
  • Stereotactic radiotherapy: advanced radiation therapies to treat tumours with well-defined edges.

1Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021.

Professional accreditation and recognition

Graduates are eligible to apply for general registration with the Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia (MRPBA).

Industry facts

job-listings

Employment for medical imaging professionals in Australia is projected to increase by 14.7% by November 2026.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

chart-people

To November 2026, healthcare and social assistance is projected to make the largest contribution to employment growth in Australia – an increase of 301,000 jobs.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

buildings-city

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

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

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.

Alternative Pathways

Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including

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 study spaces

Radiation Therapy student using Virtual Environment Radiotherapy Training suite

As a radiation therapy student, you’ll have access to our state-of-the-art on-campus Virtual Environment Radiotherapy Training (VERT) suite, where you can get hands-on with practical skill simulation, as well as the associated software packages for planning patient care.

You’ll also be able to access general on-campus spaces including modern lecture theatres, collaborative teaching rooms, and relaxed student lounges.

Your program director

I’m interested in the application of innovative learning and teaching methodologies within the clinical and academic learning environments, and how these environments interconnect.

Ms Cristina Blefari

Program Director

Enquire
Portrait image for Ms Cristina Blefari
Portrait image for Ms Cristina Blefari

Ms Cristina Blefari

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

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What others are saying

I decided to pursue a career in radiation therapy after my family, like many others, was affected by cancer. I saw the impact that radiation therapists had on their treatment journey; providing comfort, knowledge and care.

Lauren McPeake

Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Radiation Therapy)
Radiation Therapist | Radiation Oncology Queensland

Lauren McPeake

Lauren McPeake

Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Radiation Therapy)
Radiation Therapist | Radiation Oncology Queensland