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Master of Radiation Therapy

The information on this page applies to future students. Current students should refer to their faculty handbooks for course information.

The Master of Radiation Therapy is a graduate entry course, which will prepare you for professional practice as a radiation therapist. As this course leads to eligibility to practice, you will be assisted in achieving prescribed professional competencies through practical and theoretical skill acquisition and by undertaking clinical fieldwork placements.

VIRTUAL REALITY LEARNING SUITE FOR RADIATION THERAPY
The Virtual Environment for Radiotherapy Training (VERT) system uses immersive visualisation technology to simulate a radiation therapy treatment room allowing users to operate the virtual linear accelerator using an actual hand pendant, simulating radiation therapy clinical scenarios.
The technology will increase students’ confidence and competence prior to attending clinical placements. VERT will also be used to reinforce key radiation therapy concepts to help bridge the gap between theory and practice.

You will undertake clinical placements in centres which are part of both the public and private sectors and will have the opportunity to develop an understanding of the career path you have chosen and its place in the modern medical environment. The pace of work in the MRT is reflective of postgraduate expectations, as is the level and complexity of the issues dealt with in the degree, including research project design.

Units of study

Units of Study overview

Full units of study list

Further course information

Study plan

You will follow a prescribed course of study with a total 96 credit points (cp) incorporating fifteen core units (90cp) and one elective units (6cp).

Progression rules

The Master of Radiation Therapy requires the completion of 96 credit points of units (cp) of study comprising 90cp of core units; and 6cp of elective units, chosen the list of elective units in the Table as set out in the Faculty handbook.

Capstone experience

A number of clinical and professional fieldwork opportunities are scheduled as part of the course. Fieldwork provides hands on experience with real clients in a supervised environment allowing students to combine academic study with the practical abilities required of the Radiation Therapy profession.

As part of this course eligible students also have the opportunity to take part in the ‘FHS Abroad' program which involves academic study and a 4-6 week placement with non-government organisations and other development agencies in one of a small number of countries in South and South East Asia. This experience (valued at 6 credit points) enables students to gain a real understanding of global health and make a lasting difference to communities worldwide.

Course outcomes and further study

Graduate opportunities

Graduates of the Master of Radiation Therapy are responsible for the accurate and precise planning, calculation and delivery of radiation to cure or relieve the symptoms of malignant disease. A radiation therapist is involved in the localisation of the treatment area using treatment simulators and CT scans, the design and calculation of the treatment technique using sophisticated three-dimensional computerised planning systems, and the daily treatment of patients. They also provide emotional, social and educational support to their patients and because patients undergo treatment for several weeks, radiation therapists have the opportunity to develop friendly and supportive relationships with their patients.

Course accreditation

Graduates are eligible for provisional accreditation with the Australian Institute of Radiography. To practice in Australia, all graduates must complete a twelve-month internship (‘Professional Development Year’) in an approved hospital or practice before full accreditation is granted.
The Master of Radiation Therapy qualification is recognised worldwide.

Further study

Eligible graduates may consider an additional three years of study with us as a research candidate for the higher research degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) http://sydney.edu.au/health_sciences/research_innovation/. The PhD is designed to provide you with the opportunity to undertake in-depth study in a specialised area under the supervision of an academic staff member with expertise in your field of research.

The award of the degree in the health sciences will enhance your profile as a genuine researcher and expert in your chosen field, afford opportunities as a published researcher, and may lead to an academic appointment, or to a research appointment with a government or industrial research and development organisation.

How to apply

Domestic students

How to apply

Applications for the Sydney Master of Radiation Therapy are made though the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) www.uac.edu.au. On-time applications for the March Semester close on the last working day of October. This course is not offered in the July semester intake.

Admission requirements

A successful applicant for admission to the Master of Radiation Therapy requires;

* A PhD, master's or bachelor's degree from an Australian
institution or equivalent
* A Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.5 or greater (approximately
equivalent to a credit average or better) assessed on the
highest ranked tertiary qualification presented

International students

How to apply

Overseas applicants may apply (i) directly to the University's International Office, (ii) through a University overseas representative (education agent), or (iii) through the Universities Admissions Centre, for students applying on the basis of a current Australian Year 12 secondary school examination, or studying either an International Baccalaureate in Australia or a New Zealand Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3.

Admission requirements

A successful applicant for admission to the Master of Radiation Therapy requires;

* A PhD, master's or bachelor's degree from an Australian
institution or equivalent
* A Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.5 or greater (approximately
equivalent to a credit average or better) assessed on the
highest ranked tertiary qualification presented

Fee disclaimer

Domestic students

*(1)Indicative Postgraduate Student Contribution Amount

This student contribution amount for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact student contribution that you pay will depend on the specific units of study in which you ultimately enrol. If you are a Commonwealth supported student and was enrolled in a University course before 1 January 2011 your student contribution may differ.

Annual review

Importantly, student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study (subject to a Commonwealth specified cap), effective at the start of each calendar year.

For further information about how to calculate your specific total student contribution please refer to the University's Future Student's online webpages at http://sydney.edu.au/future_students/domestic_undergraduate/costs/calculating_costs.shtml

*(2)Postgraduate Domestic Tuition Fee

This 2012 tuition fee for a domestic postgraduate student represents the fee that is payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFSTL your fee will differ.

Annual review

Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental fees

For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the student contribution and/or course fee. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Student's online webpage at http://sydney.edu.au/future_students

Potential for inaccuracy

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information in this prospectus, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.

The academic requirements that are displayed are applicable to currently available courses only, and are updated annually in October and may be changed without notice. The Faculty Handbook and the University of Sydney Calendar are the official legal source of information relating to study at the University of Sydney, and you are referred to those documents

International students

International tuition fees for postgraduate students

This 2012 tuition fee for international postgraduate students represents the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFSTL your fee will differ.

Annual review

Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental fees and health insurance

For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the tuition fees. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing, and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Student's online webpage at http://sydney.edu.au/future_students/international_postgraduate_coursework or http://sydney.edu.au/future_students/international_postgraduate_research

In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through an approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government.

Potential for inaccuracy

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.