University of Adelaide

What you'll study

This honours degree combines foundational biomedical and physical science with specialist radiation therapy training and an undergraduate honours research project. Early subjects typically cover human anatomy and physiology, cell biology, chemistry and introductions to medical imaging and radiation physics. Core radiation therapy units progress to radiobiology, treatment planning, dosimetry, quality assurance, radiation safety and clinical practice skills.

Clinical education is a major component: students complete multiple supervised placements in hospitals and cancer centres where they gain experience in patient assessment, treatment simulation, immobilisation and the operation of linear accelerators and associated treatment delivery systems. The honours year includes a supervised research project, advanced topics in radiation oncology practice and professional practice units preparing students for registration and clinical practice.

• Human anatomy and physiology
• Fundamentals of radiation physics and radiobiology
• Treatment planning and dosimetry
• Radiation safety and quality assurance
• Oncology practice and multidisciplinary cancer care
• Clinical placements in radiotherapy departments
• Honours thesis / research project in radiation therapy
• Professional practice, ethics and communication in healthcare

Entry requirements

Admission is generally based on secondary school achievement (e.g. an Australian senior secondary certificate/ATAR or recognised international equivalent) with prerequisite study in science subjects. Strong performance in mathematics, physics and/or biology at senior secondary level is recommended. Applicants who already hold a relevant tertiary qualification may be eligible for admission through alternative pathways.

International applicants must meet English language requirements. Successful applicants must also satisfy health and safety conditions for clinical placements such as immunisation, a National (or equivalent) criminal history check and any other mandated clearances prior to commencing clinical units.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for registration and employment as radiation therapists in public and private hospitals, cancer centres and specialised radiotherapy clinics. Typical roles involve planning and delivering prescribed radiotherapy treatments, patient care and management, operating and maintaining treatment equipment, and participating in multidisciplinary oncology teams.

With experience or further study, graduates can move into specialist areas such as dosimetry, advanced treatment planning, stereotactic and image-guided radiotherapy, brachytherapy, clinical education, management or research. The honours research component also provides a pathway into higher degree research (PhD) or academic careers.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers clinical-focused training with access to teaching facilities and partnerships across metropolitan and regional cancer services. Students benefit from simulated treatment environments and supervised placements that expose them to contemporary radiotherapy equipment and multidisciplinary practice.

The programme integrates research-led teaching and an honours research project, helping graduates develop critical appraisal and research skills valued in clinical and research settings. Professional accreditation and alignment with national registration requirements ensure the curriculum prepares students for clinical practice and career progression in radiation therapy.