Why Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Honours)?
Dreaming of a career where you can use cutting-edge technology to diagnose and treat life-threatening diseases? Be a key player in a healthcare team. Prepare and administer radioactive substances (radiopharmaceuticals). Master state-of-the-art equipment.
Turn your passion for science and patient care into a powerful career. Learn to evaluate organ function and contribute to life-changing medical treatments.
Make a difference in patients' lives and help shape the future of healthcare, ensuring earlier diagnoses and more effective treatments. By joining this dynamic field, you’ll not only impact individual patients but also help advance the future of medicine.
Overview
The Bachelor of Medical Radiation (Honours) majoring in Nuclear Medicine at Adelaide University offers a comprehensive education in the dynamic field of nuclear medicine.
Explore areas like radiopharmaceuticals, diagnostic imaging, and patient care. Gain in-depth knowledge of how to diagnose and treat diseases. Use advanced technology. Learn from experts who are leaders in their field.
This degree will equip you with essential skills, including operating state-of-the-art imaging equipment and safely handling radioactive substances. Apply these skills through over 1,400 hours of hands-on clinical placements, starting from your second year.
Graduate well-prepared for diverse career opportunities in healthcare. You could work in a hospital, specialised clinic, or research facility. Make a significant impact on patient outcomes and contribute to the advancement of medical science.
Key features
Earn an esteemed honours degree in medical radiation science, specialising in nuclear medicine. - Gain over 1,400 hours of hands-on clinical experience.
- Train with industry-standard equipment and image processing software.
- Learn from academics with real-world clinical expertise.
- Develop and complete an independent research project under expert supervision.
- Apply your skills in clinical placements starting in your second year.
What you'll learn
The Bachelor of Medical Radiation (Honours) majoring in Nuclear Medicine is a four-year honours program designed to prepare you for a leading role in this specialised field.
In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in subjects like human anatomy, physiology, pathology, and radiation physics with an introduction to medical radiation practice. These foundational courses will set the stage for more advanced studies.
In your second year, explore nuclear medicine studies, learning to prepare and administer radiopharmaceuticals. Gain hands-on experience through clinical placements. Study specialised topics in Computed Tomography (CT) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging. In your third year you’ll learn advanced clinical practice.
The final year of the program focuses on integrating your knowledge through intensive clinical practice and an honours thesis. Develop and present a significant project, honing your skills in research methods and ethics.
Throughout the degree, you’ll accumulate over 1,400 hours of practical experience in real-world settings. Work with industry-standard equipment and learning from experienced professionals. This comprehensive approach ensures you graduate with the expertise and confidence needed to excel in various roles within the medical radiation field.
With industry experience and connections, and a higher-level qualification than a bachelor's degree, you’ll be prepared for future leadership roles. You’ll also be eligible to register with the Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia (MRPBA). Graduate ready to make a tangible impact on patient care.
Majors
The Bachelor of Medical Radiation (Honours) is also available with majors in the following:
What courses you'll study
Complete 192 units comprising:
- 108 units for all Core courses, and
- 78 units for one Major from Majors, and
- 6 units for Electives
Complete 108 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Human Anatomy 100
|
Course code
BIOL1006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Human Physiology 100
|
Course code
BIOL1018
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Human Physiology 101
|
Course code
BIOL1019
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Medical Radiation Human Anatomy
|
Course code
HLTH1006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Evidence Based Practice and Research in Health Sciences
|
Course code
HLTH1016
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Aboriginal Health: Culture, Community and Country
|
Course code
HLTH1017
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physics for Medical Radiation 100
|
Course code
PHYS1008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Medical Radiation Practice
|
Course code
RADI1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Pathology for Medical Radiation
|
Course code
DENT2008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Human Anatomy 201 (Gross and Sectional)
|
Course code
RADI2005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physics for Medical Radiation 200
|
Course code
DENT3002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physics for Medical Radiation 300
|
Course code
DENT3003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
CT and PET Imaging
|
Course code
RADI3011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Health Science Honours Preparation
|
Course code
REHB3007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Specialised Medical Radiation
|
Course code
RADI4002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Health Science Honours Thesis
|
Course code
REHB4005
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Fundamentals of Pharmacology
|
Course code
PHAR2011
|
Units
6
|
Notes
1. To undertake field/clinical placements, students are required to have current criminal history and screening checks. 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 is 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.
6. The clinical courses form a significant part of the program, and students are required to be reasonably fit to successfully undertake these components.
7. Students will be required to complete a clinical placement at a rural or regional location.
8. Students will be required to undertake clinical practice courses at scheduled periods across all seven study periods.
9. 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.
10. Students may be required to complete an interstate clinical placement.
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Introduction to Medical Radiation Practice
|
Course code
RADI1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Human Anatomy 100
|
Course code
BIOL1006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Human Physiology 100
|
Course code
BIOL1018
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Aboriginal Health: Culture, Community and Country
|
Course code
HLTH1017
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Physics for Medical Radiation 100
|
Course code
PHYS1008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Human Physiology 101
|
Course code
BIOL1019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Pathology for Medical Radiation
|
Course code
DENT2008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Medical Radiation Human Anatomy
|
Course code
HLTH1006
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Fundamentals of Pharmacology
|
Course code
PHAR2011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Physics for Medical Radiation 200
|
Course code
DENT3002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Human Anatomy 201 (Gross and Sectional)
|
Course code
RADI2005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Nuclear Medicine Studies 1
|
Course code
RADI2000
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Nuclear Medicine Clinical Practice 1
|
Course code
RADI2008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Evidence Based Practice and Research in Health Sciences
|
Course code
HLTH1016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Physics for Medical Radiation 300
|
Course code
DENT3003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Nuclear Medicine Studies 2
|
Course code
RADI3005
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Health Science Honours Preparation
|
Course code
REHB3007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
CT and PET Imaging
|
Course code
RADI3011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Nuclear Medicine Studies 3
|
Course code
RADI3006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Nuclear Medicine Studies 4
|
Course code
RADI3007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Nuclear Medicine Clinical Practice 2
|
Course code
RADI3013
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Specialised Medical Radiation
|
Course code
RADI4002
|
Units
6
|
| Year 4 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Health Science Honours Thesis
|
Course code
REHB4005
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Nuclear Medicine Clinical Practice 3
|
Course code
RADI4007
|
Units
12
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Nuclear Medicine Honours Clinical Practice 4
|
Course code
RADI4008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Nuclear Medicine Honours Professional Entry Practice 1
|
Course code
RADI4009
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Nuclear Medicine Professional Entry Practice 2
|
Course code
RADI4010
|
Units
12
|
Complete 78 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Nuclear Medicine Studies 1
|
Course code
RADI2000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Nuclear Medicine Clinical Practice 1
|
Course code
RADI2008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Nuclear Medicine Studies 2
|
Course code
RADI3005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Nuclear Medicine Studies 3
|
Course code
RADI3006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Nuclear Medicine Studies 4
|
Course code
RADI3007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Nuclear Medicine Clinical Practice 2
|
Course code
RADI3013
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Nuclear Medicine Clinical Practice 3
|
Course code
RADI4007
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Nuclear Medicine Honours Clinical Practice 4
|
Course code
RADI4008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Nuclear Medicine Honours Professional Entry Practice 1
|
Course code
RADI4009
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Nuclear Medicine Professional Entry Practice 2
|
Course code
RADI4010
|
Units
12
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Introduction to Medical Radiation Practice
|
Course code
RADI1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Human Anatomy 100
|
Course code
BIOL1006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Human Physiology 100
|
Course code
BIOL1018
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Aboriginal Health: Culture, Community and Country
|
Course code
HLTH1017
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Physics for Medical Radiation 100
|
Course code
PHYS1008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Human Physiology 101
|
Course code
BIOL1019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Pathology for Medical Radiation
|
Course code
DENT2008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Medical Radiation Human Anatomy
|
Course code
HLTH1006
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Fundamentals of Pharmacology
|
Course code
PHAR2011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Physics for Medical Radiation 200
|
Course code
DENT3002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Human Anatomy 201 (Gross and Sectional)
|
Course code
RADI2005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Nuclear Medicine Studies 1
|
Course code
RADI2000
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Nuclear Medicine Clinical Practice 1
|
Course code
RADI2008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Evidence Based Practice and Research in Health Sciences
|
Course code
HLTH1016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Physics for Medical Radiation 300
|
Course code
DENT3003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Nuclear Medicine Studies 2
|
Course code
RADI3005
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Health Science Honours Preparation
|
Course code
REHB3007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
CT and PET Imaging
|
Course code
RADI3011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Nuclear Medicine Studies 3
|
Course code
RADI3006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Nuclear Medicine Studies 4
|
Course code
RADI3007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Nuclear Medicine Clinical Practice 2
|
Course code
RADI3013
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Specialised Medical Radiation
|
Course code
RADI4002
|
Units
6
|
| Year 4 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Health Science Honours Thesis
|
Course code
REHB4005
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Nuclear Medicine Clinical Practice 3
|
Course code
RADI4007
|
Units
12
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Nuclear Medicine Honours Clinical Practice 4
|
Course code
RADI4008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Nuclear Medicine Honours Professional Entry Practice 1
|
Course code
RADI4009
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Nuclear Medicine Professional Entry Practice 2
|
Course code
RADI4010
|
Units
12
|
Complete 6 units comprising:
- 6 units from University-wide electives
Notes
1. To undertake field/clinical placements, students are required to have current criminal history and screening checks. 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 is 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.
6. The clinical courses form a significant part of the program, and students are required to be reasonably fit to successfully undertake these components.
7. Students will be required to complete a clinical placement at a rural or regional location.
8. Students will be required to undertake clinical practice courses at scheduled periods across all seven study periods.
9. 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.
10. Students may be required to complete an interstate clinical placement.
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Introduction to Medical Radiation Practice
|
Course code
RADI1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Human Anatomy 100
|
Course code
BIOL1006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Human Physiology 100
|
Course code
BIOL1018
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Aboriginal Health: Culture, Community and Country
|
Course code
HLTH1017
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Physics for Medical Radiation 100
|
Course code
PHYS1008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Human Physiology 101
|
Course code
BIOL1019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Pathology for Medical Radiation
|
Course code
DENT2008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Medical Radiation Human Anatomy
|
Course code
HLTH1006
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Fundamentals of Pharmacology
|
Course code
PHAR2011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Physics for Medical Radiation 200
|
Course code
DENT3002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Human Anatomy 201 (Gross and Sectional)
|
Course code
RADI2005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Nuclear Medicine Studies 1
|
Course code
RADI2000
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Nuclear Medicine Clinical Practice 1
|
Course code
RADI2008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Evidence Based Practice and Research in Health Sciences
|
Course code
HLTH1016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Physics for Medical Radiation 300
|
Course code
DENT3003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Nuclear Medicine Studies 2
|
Course code
RADI3005
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Health Science Honours Preparation
|
Course code
REHB3007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
CT and PET Imaging
|
Course code
RADI3011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Nuclear Medicine Studies 3
|
Course code
RADI3006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Nuclear Medicine Studies 4
|
Course code
RADI3007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Nuclear Medicine Clinical Practice 2
|
Course code
RADI3013
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Specialised Medical Radiation
|
Course code
RADI4002
|
Units
6
|
| Year 4 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Health Science Honours Thesis
|
Course code
REHB4005
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Nuclear Medicine Clinical Practice 3
|
Course code
RADI4007
|
Units
12
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Nuclear Medicine Honours Clinical Practice 4
|
Course code
RADI4008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Nuclear Medicine Honours Professional Entry Practice 1
|
Course code
RADI4009
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Nuclear Medicine Professional Entry Practice 2
|
Course code
RADI4010
|
Units
12
|
Career outcomes
Ready to make a difference in the world of nuclear medicine? With your degree, you can step into a high-demand field where your skills are sought after both locally and internationally.
As a nuclear medicine technologist, you’ll prepare and administer radiopharmaceuticals. Using advanced imaging technologies like PET scans you can diagnose and treat diseases. You can find work in hospitals, private clinics, or medical equipment companies.
With further study or training, you can advance into specialised roles such as:
- MRI technologist
- CT technologist
- Sonographer.
A successful career in nuclear medicine requires a passion for helping others, a love of technology, and an interest in the human body. Graduates are eligible for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), paving the way for a rewarding career with opportunities for further specialisation and research.
Industry trends
The global nuclear medicine market is set to boom in coming years. Projections show growth from $5.5 billion in 2023 to $9.4 billion by 2028, and an incredible $16.1 billion by 2033. The field is expected to expand at an annual rate of 11.3% (Nuclear Medicine Market Report).
Factors contributing to the growth in the medical radiation field include:
- An ageing population requiring more diagnostic imaging and treatments.
- Advances in medical technology creating new applications.
With an advanced qualification, graduates can contribute to medical research and help develop new imaging techniques or applications that further enhance diagnostic and/or therapeutic capabilities.
Accreditation
Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing in 2026.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Ask Adelaide University
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
