Study Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Honours) (Radiation Therapy) at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for Australian students.

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

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Australian students

Start Date
February

Campus
City East

Duration
4 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
IHRS

Study as
Full-time

Fees
Commonwealth Supported

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
TAFE/RTO: N/A
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2024 Cut-Offs
View full entry requirements

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

This program is for students of the University of South Australia studying in Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Radiation Therapy) with a competitive GPA.

Essential requirements for admission

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

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This program is for students of the University of South Australia studying in the Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Radiation Therapy) with a competitive GPA.

Degree overview

Study an esteemed honours degree in Medical Radiation Science with a specialisation in radiation therapy.
Develop the skills to safely prepare and administer radioactive substances, operate state-of-the-art equipment, diagnose and treat diseases, 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.²
Develop an independent research proposal, project and thesis under the supervision of one of our leading researchers.
Pursue postgraduate study opportunities to specialise your scope of practice or increase your research capabilities.
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 2021-23– Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities. ³Ranked #43, 2024 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.

This honours degree is only available to students studying the Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Radiation Therapy) who have met the grade point average (GPA) requirements and have been made an offer into the degree.

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

During your first year you’ll focus on basic sciences at the core of the study and practice of medical radiation science. You’ll cover a range of topics, including 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 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.

As part of the honours component, you’ll complete an honours project under the supervision of an experienced researcher, and report on this project through a thesis and oral presentation. This will allow you to develop advanced research skills and complete training courses in research methods and ethics.

You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.

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)
Fundamentals of Pharmacology	PHAR 2019	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): 1
THIRD YEAR
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Elective		4.5
CT and PET Imaging	RADY 3032	4.5
Radiation Therapy Studies 3	RADY 3030	4.5
Health Science Honours Preparation	REHB 3010	4.5
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): 1
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): 1
Radiation Therapy Honours Clinical Practice 4	RADY 4047	4.5	Note(s): 1
Health Science Honours Thesis	REHB 4012	9
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Radiation Therapy Honours Professional Entry Practice 1	RADY 4048	4.5	Note(s): 1
Radiation Therapy Professional Entry Practice 2	RADY 4050	9	Note(s): 1

Rules & notes

Rules

1. To undertake field/clinical placements students are required to have current criminal history and screening checks as published by the Clinical Placement Unit (unisa.edu.au/CPU). These checks will list disclosable court outcomes that may prevent field / clinical placement involvement and subsequently may prevent completion of the program.

2. Students are required to satisfy the standard of dress and behaviour prescribed by institutions in which clinical placements are undertaken. Failure to satisfy such requirements may prevent students from completing the program.

3. Maximum credit allowed - normally up to two thirds of the total units of the program.

4. The program requires participation in practical classes where manual skills are practiced. Essential learning activities in some classes may require that students partially remove their clothing to a level that is appropriate to the learning activity. Students may also be asked to act as subjects for their peer group members. If a student is unable to meet these requirements they may be at risk of being unable to successfully complete course objectives and assessments and progress through the program.

5. Participation is required in practical classes and clinical placements where students are required to physically handle people including lifting and supporting people with disabilities.

Notes

1. The clinical courses (Radiation Therapy Clinical Practice 2-4, Radiation Therapy Honours Clinical Practice 4, Radiation Therapy Professional Entry Practice 1-2 and Radiation Therapy Honours Professional Entry Practice 1) form a significant part of the program and students are required to be reasonably fit to successfully undertake these components.

2. Students will be required to complete a clinical placement at a rural or regional location.

3. Students will be required to undertake clinical practice courses at scheduled periods across all seven study periods.

4. Attendance requirements apply to the clinical components of the program. Students enrolled in courses with a clinical component will need to attend on a full-time basis for the duration of the courses.

5. Students may be required to complete an interstate clinical placement.

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

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
tests
case studies
presentations
oral presentations
essays
examinations
practical competency tests
projects
thesis

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.

Honours

This is a four-year professional degree with honours. This includes a minimum of one year of advanced studies in research and professional practice.

You’ll graduate with industry experience and connections, and a higher-level qualification than a bachelor’s degree, preparing you for future leadership roles.

During your honours preparation, you’ll complete training courses in research methods and ethics. During your honour's thesis course, you’ll complete a research project under the supervision of an experienced supervisor aligned with your interest area, who may be a UniSA academic or an industry clinician. You’ll choose from a range of interesting topics and develop a thesis and oral presentation. Some of these projects have been implemented into real-world clinical practice.

Examples of previous honour’s projects include:

Investigating variation in radiotherapy patterns of care in prostate cancer patients
Physical activity and cognitive function/mental health: genetic studies towards precision in prevention

Why Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Honours) (Radiation Therapy)

Lauren McPeake, Medical Radiation Science Radiation Therapy student

Graduating with an honours degree will set you apart from the crowd, ensuring you have a competitive edge and are well-placed for a career in industry, research or further postgraduate study.

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. You’ll study a curriculum informed by above world-class research.¹

Our state-of-the-art on-campus facilities, including a Virtual Environment Radiotherapy Training (VERT) suite, means you’ll get plenty of practical experience. We're only one of seven universities in Australia to host VERT – a three-dimensional treatment room where you can treat virtual patients using equipment identical to the equipment used by practitioners in real-life.

This is complemented by more than 1,400 hours of practical work 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.

Throughout your studies, clinical specialists will also come on campus to teach you about current technologies and practices.

You'll get to work alongside leading researchers in radiation therapy when you complete an independent research proposal, project and thesis.

We also host regular University-wide alumni events, employee 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.

¹ Australian 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

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

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

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

UniStart - your 100% online pathway to a degree

Just starting out on your university journey, don’t meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree, or want to refresh your study skills? Set yourself up for success and pave the way to a degree with UniStart, UniSA Online’s six-month pathway program launching in 2025.

Apply now

How to apply

This honour's degree is only available to students studying the Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Radiation Therapy) who have met the grade point average (GPA) requirements and have been made an offer into the degree.

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you're eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a Pathway

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

UniSA Excellence Scholarships

$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.

Learn more

UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship

Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. 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 loads 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

Our 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:

academic counselling
personal counselling
social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
career services and mentoring
Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

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.

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.

Your study spaces

As a radiation therapy student, you’ll have access to our state-of-the-art on-campus Virtual Environment Radiotherapy Training (VERT) suite. We're one of only seven universities in Australia to host VERT, a three-dimensional treatment room where you are able to treat virtual patients using equipment identical to equipment used by practitioners in real-life. You'll also have hands-on practical skill simulation, and access to software packages for planning.

You will also be able to experience a range of 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

Ms Cristina Blefari

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

How do I apply?

The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.

The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.

There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.

If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.

You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.

If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying.
Is there a closing date for applications?

Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

Undergraduate

The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.

Postgraduate

Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.

As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.

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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