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
088578G

Degree overview

  • Study South Australia’s only medical radiation science degree, specialising in medical imaging.
  • Learn in fully functioning x-ray suites on campus.
  • Prepare to work across general radiography practice including x-ray, fluoroscopy, theatre or emergency imaging.
  • Gain hands-on experience when you complete clinical placements as part of your studies.
  • Study at a university with above world-class research in medical radiation science.1
  • Work with specialised equipment and computer systems to analyse patient data.
  • Join the No.1 university in South Australia for graduate careers2.
  • 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) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020-22, Health Services and Support – Overall Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities. 3UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. 4Ranked #52, 2023 THE Young University Rankings.

Snapshot

Medical Radiation Science Medical Imaging student using campus facilities

This is the only degree of its kind in South Australia, preparing you for a rewarding career in the highly specialised field of medical imaging.

Start your unstoppable career as a professional diagnostic radiographer, responsible for producing high quality medical images using various technologies and types of radiation to monitor and help diagnose injuries and illnesses.

High achieving students may be considered for the Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Honours) (Medical Imaging) program in the third year.

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

What you 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 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
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

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 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.

Global opportunities

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.

With the only degree of its kind offered in South Australia, 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 both on campus and during work placements. Work placements give you the 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

In Australia, growth for medical radiation science professionals has been on the rise with career prospects continuing to look strong.1

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.

Medical imaging professionals work in diverse settings, such as:

  • hospitals
  • private practices
  • the Defence Force
  • medical equipment companies
  • research and development

With further study or training, you can also gain employment in specialist areas such as:

  • ultrasound: produce detailed images of the body in real-time to diagnose and monitor a range of health conditions
  • interventional medical imaging: a technique used to visualise blood vessels
  • magnetic resonance imaging: operate MRI scanners to create 3D images of a patient’s body tissues, which are then used to diagnose illness and disease
  • computed tomography: operate CT equipment to produce cross-sectional images of a patient’s bones, organs and tissues

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

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
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 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

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

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.jpg

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)

Jenny Han

Jenny Han

Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Medical Imaging)