University of Adelaide

What you'll study

This honours degree combines foundational biomedical science with specialist nuclear medicine theory, practical imaging skills and an independent research project in the final year. Core topics cover human anatomy and physiology, radiation physics and safety, radiopharmacy and tracer chemistry, instrumentation and detector technology, clinical nuclear medicine procedures (including SPECT and PET/CT), image acquisition and processing, quality assurance, and patient care and clinical practice.

• Early years: biomedical science fundamentals (anatomy, physiology, pathology), introduction to medical imaging modalities, basic physics of ionising radiation and radiation protection.
• Middle years: specialised nuclear medicine units such as radiopharmaceutical preparation and handling, nuclear medicine imaging protocols, PET radiotracers, image reconstruction and interpretation principles, clinical placement blocks in hospital nuclear medicine departments.
• Honours year: advanced coursework in research methods, evidence-based practice and a supervised honours research project or thesis that develops research skills relevant to nuclear medicine practice.
• Clinical practicums: repeated supervised placements in clinical settings to build competence in patient assessment, imaging procedures, radiopharmacy workflows and professional practice under clinical supervisors.

Entry requirements

Admission is competitive and typically requires completion of a relevant senior secondary qualification with strong results in science subjects. Applicants are expected to have studied chemistry and preferably physics and biology. Selection may consider a combination of academic results and other criteria such as a personal statement, referees or an interview.

Applicants who already hold a tertiary qualification in a related discipline may be eligible for entry into the honours stream subject to faculty rules. International applicants must meet the University's English language requirements and provide evidence of comparable secondary or tertiary qualifications.

Career prospects

Graduates are qualified to work as nuclear medicine technologists/medical radiation scientists in hospitals, private imaging centres and specialised PET/CT services. Typical roles include performing diagnostic nuclear medicine studies, operating SPECT and PET systems, preparing and handling radiopharmaceuticals (in accordance with regulatory frameworks), participating in radionuclide therapy services where available, and contributing to multidisciplinary patient care teams.

Other career paths include positions in radiopharmaceutical manufacturing and quality assurance, regulatory and safety roles, clinical research and academic positions. The honours research year also prepares graduates to undertake higher degree research (e.g. PhD) or specialised clinical training.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers access to clinical placements across major South Australian health services and collaborative links with local hospitals and medical research institutes, providing hands-on experience with modern imaging equipment. The program emphasises both practical clinical competence and research literacy, with an honours year that develops independent research skills valued in clinical and academic careers.

Students benefit from small cohort teaching in specialised units, experienced academic staff with clinical backgrounds, and facilities that support radiopharmacy training and imaging simulation. The degree is designed to meet professional standards for practice and to prepare graduates for registration and employment in clinical nuclear medicine environments.