Master of Medical Radiation Science

What is this course about?

CSU's Master of Medical Radiation Science is designed for practising medical radiation science professionals to advance their technological expertise, academic understanding and to further enhance their clinical skills of their chosen specialisation.

The Master of Medical Radiation Science is offered in five specialist areas: computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, radiographic image interpretation, nuclear medicine and molecular imaging.

In addition students may choose to enrol in the generic course rather than one of the specialisations. The generic Master of Medical Radiation Science course is aimed at radiographers, radiotherapists and nuclear medicine scientists.

Each specialisation and the generic course in this coursework Master program offers the choice between two study pathways. Students choose to follow either the research or the coursework option. The research option includes the study of subjects relevant to the specialisation, a research proposal and project. The aim of the research project is for students to complete a paper that is suitable for submitting to a publication / journal for peer-reviewed publication. Alternatively, the coursework option is intended for students who wish to focus on theory and practice subjects specific to their specialisation, but who do not wish to pursue the research project subjects. Students who choose this option still complete a research methodology subject.

This postgraduate course is designed for practising medical radiation scientists to advance both their technological expertise and academic understanding of the chosen specialisation, whilst continuing clinical work in these areas. The Australian Radiography and Nuclear Medicine professional bodies recognise the value of postgraduate study as a means of keeping pace with rapidly changing technology in these fields, as well as of enhancing research.

On completion of 64 points of study (including any credit granted), students may elect to exit the course with a Graduate Diploma. The Graduate Diploma does not include research project subjects generally found in the Master degree.

The on campus offering is open to international students only, with specialisations in Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging only.

The specialisations

Master of Medical Radiation Science (Computed Tomography)

Recent advances in computed tomography (CT) have made this well-established imaging modality an even more important tool in patient management. The Master of Medical Radiation Science (CT) has been developed for those working in the field of CT. This specialisation covers all aspects of modern CT practice. Students have the opportunity to research some aspect of CT for their final project.

Master of Medical Radiation Science (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

The Master of Medical Radiation Science (MRI) has been developed for those working in magnetic resonance imaging. This specialisation informs students of today's technology and also prepares them for the advances of tomorrow. In the final year, students have a chance to research a topic from MRI.

Master of Medical Radiation Science (Molecular Imaging)

This is a new specialisation which explores the burgeoning field of molecular imaging. It caters specifically to the medical radiation scientists engaged in imaging across the modalities that comprise molecular imaging; PET, SPECT, CT, MRI and ultrasound. Medical imaging and nuclear medicine students will learn the principles and applications of imaging and hybrid imaging technologies in the assessment of biological activity in the body at the molecular level including oncology, neurological and cardiovascular diseases. Recent innovation and development in imaging technology, radiopharmacy (molecular probes), and image-guided therapy are prime focus of this specialisation, and will provide you with a sound platform of knowledge to apply clinically in molecular imaging.

Master of Medical Radiation Science (Radiographic Image Interpretation)

This specialisation will meet the needs of students working in Australia and overseas. It is designed to will give students an in-depth appreciation of medical images, in order to enhance their radiographic practice and allow them to make more informed decisions regarding radiography. This specialisation will also better equip students to give informal verbal radiographic opinions to referring clinicians, within the scope of professional codes of conduct. It will prepare the student for a radiographic reporting role if that is appropriate for the country in which they are working. This specialisation may be done entirely by coursework or may include the research project subjects.

Master of Medical Radiation Science (Nuclear Medicine)

The Master of Medical Radiation Science (Nuclear Medicine) specialisation has been developed for those working in the field of nuclear medicine. The course covers all aspects of modern nuclear medicine practice including advanced instrumentation, radiopharmacy and procedures and CT for nuclear medicine. Elective subjects include areas such as clinical education and management. Students have the opportunity to undertake original research in some aspect of nuclear medicine.

Master of Medical Radiation Science - generic course

If you choose to study the generic stream of CSU’s Master of Medical Radiation Science, you can tailor the program to best suit your individual professional needs and preferences. This flexibility allows you the option of selecting a range of electives from two groups.

Group A includes subjects specific to the Master of Medical Radiation Science such as processes of pathology, image guided therapy, digital imaging technology, MRI, CT and image interpretation subjects.

Group B offers a wide range of subjects from the allied health, marketing and information technology areas such as clinical issues in health, clinical teaching techniques, perspectives on health care systems, ethics, law and medical science, marketing management, systems analysis, ethics and information technology. You will have the option to complete the degree entirely by coursework or by including a research project if desired.

In addition to being available to radiographers and nuclear medicine technologists, the generic course is also open to radiotherapists.

Academic expectations

For each 8 point subject at CSU, students should normally expect to spend between 140-160 hours engaged in the specified learning and assessment activities (such as attending lectures or residential schools, assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, assignments or examinations). The student workload for some subjects may vary from these norms as a result of approved course design.

Students will be assessed on the basis of completed assignments, examinations, workplace learning, or other methods as outlined in specific subject outlines.

Where applicable, students are responsible for travel and accommodation costs involved in workplace learning experiences, or attending residential schools (distance education students).

Expectations relating to academic, workplace learning, time and cost requirements for specific subjects are provided in the subject abstracts and in course materials.