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

Entry Scores
2024 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (Grades-based): NA
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2023 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 97.00
TAFE/RTO: Adv Dip
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.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND
- Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
- Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
- Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

Recent secondary education ATAR profile

OR
Higher education study
- Complete or partially complete a recognised higher education program at Bachelor or higher level at a recognised higher education institution, or
- Complete a Diploma level program at a recognised higher education institution
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Advanced Diploma level or above
OR
Work and life experience
- Qualify for Special Entry, or
- Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None
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Degree overview

Study Medical Radiation Science with a specialisation in medical imaging.
Develop the skills to safely and effectively create medical images to diagnose pathologies, deliver patient care, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals across general radiography practice.
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 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

Medical Radiation Science Medical Imaging student using campus facilities

Unleash your unstoppable career in the rewarding and highly specialised field of medical imaging.

As a professional diagnostic radiographer, you will be prepared to work across general radiography practice, including x-ray, fluoroscopy, theatre or emergency imaging. You will be responsible for producing high quality medical images, using various technologies and types of radiation to monitor and help diagnose injuries and illnesses. 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 medical imaging 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) (Medical Imaging) 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 registration process is undertaken by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) with the University providing notification to AHPRA following enrolment in the program.

What you'll learn

Medical imaging professionals are responsible for producing high quality medical images using various technologies and types of radiation to monitor and help diagnose injuries and illnesses. Their work includes general radiography such as x-rays, fluoroscopy, theatre or emergency imaging.

Throughout your degree, you’ll learn how to produce optimal images using complex equipment while caring for patients. You’ll also complement your clinical skills with valuable interpersonal skills, such as communication and collaboration.

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 introduce you to the scientific principles surrounding medical radiation.

You’ll apply these concepts to professional practice through clinical placements, which begin in your second year and continue through third and fourth years.

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

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
Medical Radiation Human Anatomy	HLTH 1026	4.5
Pathology for Medical Radiation	MEDI 2006	4.5
Physics for Medical Radiation 100	PHYS 1017	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
Human Anatomy 201 (Gross and Sectional)	RADY 2008	4.5
Medical Imaging Studies 1	RADY 2009	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Medical Imaging Clinical Practice 1	RADY 2012	4.5	Note(s): 2,6	Rule(s): 2
Medical Imaging Studies 2	RADY 3010	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
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
Medical Imaging Studies 3	RADY 3011	4.5
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 7
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Medical Imaging Studies 4	RADY 3012	4.5
Medical Imaging Clinical Practice 2	RADY 3036	9	Note(s): 2
Specialised Medical Radiation	RADY 4023	4.5
FOURTH YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Medical Imaging Clinical Practice 3	RADY 4033	9	Note(s): 2
Medical Imaging Clinical Practice 4	RADY 4034	9	Note(s): 2
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Medical Imaging Professional Entry Practice 1	RADY 4037	9	Note(s): 2
Medical Imaging Professional Entry Practice 2	RADY 4038	9	Note(s): 2

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 must successfully complete a "Provide First Aid" course before they will be able to commence RADY 2012 Medical Imaging Clinical Practice 1.

3. 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.

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

5. 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.

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

7. Students who do not maintain continuous enrolment in this program after commencing work integrated learning placements, or are returning from a period of absence of more than 12 months will be required to undertake a competency assessment and/or recency training at an upfront cost, in addition to the program tuition fees. This is to ensure students have maintained competency in the required skills to protect the safety of the public during work integrated learning arrangements.

Notes

1. Students will enrol in the medical imaging specialty at the commencement of the program. Transfer to other specialty streams (nuclear medicine or radiation therapy) is only permitted within the bounds of available clinical placements and, where necessary, will involve ranking by academic performance in the first year.

2. The clinical courses (Medical Imaging Clinical Practice 1-4, Medical Imaging Honours Clinical Practice 4, Medical Imaging Professional Entry Practice 1-2 and Medical Imaging 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.

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

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

5. 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.

6. Students will be required to undertake a Certificate of Mandatory Notification before commencing RADY 2012 Medical Imaging Clinical Practice 1.

7. This Elective is a free elective to be selected by the student.

8. Normally students who achieve a credit level or above in the courses which make up the first and second years of the program may be considered for the Honours program. A quota of places is offered each year to applicants in an academically ranked order. An invitation to undertake Honours will normally be made towards the end of the second year of the program.

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

10. Students are strongly encouraged to study full-time. Students seeking part-time study must discuss this with the Program Director prior to enrolment. Part-time students are normally expected to complete the program in eight years.

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 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
presentations.

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.

Why Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Medical Imaging)

Medical Radiation Science Medical Imaging students checking x-rays

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 using state-of-the-art imaging facilities on campus. You’ll study a curriculum informed by above world-class research in medical radiation science¹, and learn in-demand specialist skills. 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 and leading academics throughout your studies, both 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 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 medical imaging 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:

Diagnostic radiographer: produce high quality medical images, using various technologies and types of radiation to monitor and help diagnose injuries and illnesses.

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.
Radiographer / radiology technologist: operate CT equipment to produce cross-sectional images of a patient’s bones, organs and tissues.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologist: operate MRI scanners to create 3D images of a patient’s body tissues, which are then used to diagnose illness and disease.
Sonographer: produce detailed images of the body in real-time to diagnose and monitor a range of health conditions.

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

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

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

Go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply.
You will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application.

Preferred Pathways

Option 1:
Direct Entry

Option 2:
Undergraduate Pathway

Apply for your preferred degree directly via SATAC

Choose one of the following degrees and complete at least 18 units of study (four courses) and then apply for your preferred degree via SATAC at the next available intake using your competitive Grade Point Average (GPA).

Bachelor of Medial Radiation Science (Medical Imaging)

Bachelor of Human Movement OR
Bachelor of Health Science (Public Health) OR
Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science

Please note that all pathways are competitive and no guaranteed due to limited places. A competitive Grade Point Average (GPA) and other entry criteria (including prerequisites) apply. For more information, visit unisa.edu.au/study or contact our Future Student Enquiries Team at unisa.edu.au/enquire or on (08) 8302 2376.

Alternative Pathways

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

UniSA College Diploma in Health (Allied Health and Human Performance)
SAIBT Diploma of Health Science

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

SAIBT Diploma of Health Science

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

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

Medical Imaging graduate Laura Lukic.jpg

As a medical imaging student, you’ll learn in on-campus medical imaging facilities, including fully functioning, state-of-the-art x-ray suites with associated software packages.

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

Ms Cristina Blefari

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

How do I apply?

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

Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.

For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.

Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
Is there a closing date for applications?

Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in 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 (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.

Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

Credit transfer or advanced standing

You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer 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 a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

Recognised prior learning

If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.

How do I get credit?

Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.

Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

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.

If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.

Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.

We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!

There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.

You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
Where can I get further information?

It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.

Find a course or a provider

TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.

More information on university admission

Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.

Questions about your application

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.

More FAQs

What others are saying

I completed a rural placement in Port Lincoln where I thoroughly enjoyed working in the hospital and living independently. It helped me to experience what medical imaging is like in the clinical environment.

Georgina Key

Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Medical Imaging)

Georgina Key

Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Medical Imaging)

Working in ultrasound is really rewarding. I get to play the role of the detective in the patient’s journey. I’m taking the images and working with the radiologist to form a diagnosis.

Laura Lukic

Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Medical Imaging)
Diagnostic Radiographer | Women’s and Children’s Hospital

Laura Lukic

Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Medical Imaging)
Diagnostic Radiographer | Women’s and Children’s Hospital

It would be my dream to make a lasting contribution to the advancement of the radiography field. I am passionate about research and how modern healthcare practice must be underpinned by the best evidence. I want to discover the answers to questions we don’t even know exist yet.

Georgia Williams

Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Medical Imaging)

Georgia Williams

Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Medical Imaging)

I chose to study medical imaging because I could follow my passion for sciences and technology but also work closely with people. It's amazing to think that we are utilising radiation that is undetectable to the human eye to create images that can possibly save someone’s life.

Jenny Han

Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Medical Imaging)