Start date
February

Duration
4 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
IHRS

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

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

English Language Requirements
Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
088332G

Degree overview

  • Achieve honours in medical radiation science, with a specialisation in radiation therapy.
  • Study at a university with above world-class research in medical radiation science.1
  • Gain hands-on experience when you complete clinical placements as part of your studies.
  • Learn to work in a team of professionals to plan and deliver radiation treatment to patients with cancer and other conditions
  • Treat simulated patients in our $2 million on-campus Virtual Environment Radiotherapy Training (VERT) suite.
  • Work with specialised equipment and computer systems to analyse patient data.
  • Develop an independent research proposal, project and thesis under the supervision of one of our leading researchers.
  • Join the No.1 university in South Australia for graduate careers2.
  • Pursue further research education after graduation, such as Master of Research or doctoral studies.
  • UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people3. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities4, 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) Course Experience Questionnaire 2019-20, Health Services and Support – Overall Satisfaction Indicator (Undergraduate). Public SA-founded universities only. 3UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. 4Ranked #52, 2023 THE Young University Rankings.

Snapshot

Researcher Eileen Giles.jpg

This is the only honour's degree of its kind in South Australia, preparing you for a rewarding career in the 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 doses and operate radiation equipment to accurately deliver high energy ionising radiation treatments.

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.

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

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 honour’s component, you’ll complete an honour’s 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.

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): 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

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 
  • 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.

Global opportunities

Honours

This is a four-year, professional degree with honours which 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 the honour’s preparation, you’ll undertake training courses in research methods and ethics. During the honour’s thesis course, you’ll undertake a research project under the supervision of an experienced supervisor which 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. In fact, the results of 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 honour's 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. In fact, 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. Work placements offer the opportunity for you to build practical skills and enables and encourages the building of 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

In Australia, growth for medical radiation science professionals has been on the rise with career prospects continuing to look strong1.

To be successful in this field, you 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.

Radiation therapy professionals work in a variety of settings, including:

  • hospitals
  • private practice
  • medical equipment companies
  • research and development

You may also gain future employment in specialist areas such as:

  • Brachytherapy
  • Stereotactic radiotherapy

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

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

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.

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

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 study spaces

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

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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