Bachelor of Health Science (Medical Imaging)
Course details
| NZQF Level | 7 |
|---|
About the course
Applications for this programme have closed for 2026.
The Bachelor of Health Science (Medical Imaging) provides you with the clinical and theoretical knowledge to work as a registered medical imaging technologist (MIT). To safely obtain images using radiation for diagnostic use, you need a sound understanding of anatomy, physiology, pathology, physics, and the medical radiation equipment and clinical techniques you will use in the industry. We’ll help you develop these skills so you complete your degree confident and work-ready. You’ll also get an introduction to more advanced imaging systems.
Highlights
- At Unitec, we think the best way to learn is a mixture of thinking and doing. You’ll spend over 2000 hours (in block periods of time) across all three years of your degree gaining clinical experience working in a radiology/x-ray department, as well as developing your medical knowledge so you can easily transition to the workplace. Our staff will help you find suitable clinical placements, which may be in Auckland, as well as other regional centres throughout New Zealand.
- Accredited by the New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologists Board (MRTB).
- Leads to industry registration: once you’ve completed this programme you can apply for registration with the New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologists Board (MRTB).
- This programme is an internationally recognised qualification.
- Highly qualified teaching staff with extensive first-hand experience of clinical provision and discipline need.
Clinical placements
This programme includes over 2000 hours of work experience via clinical placements.
- Year 1: 1 x 12-week block
- Year 2: 2 x 10-week blocks
- Year 3: 2 x 10-week blocks
Accommodation and travel are not included as part of your fees, therefore you’ll need to cover all costs associated with these (if necessary) in order to attend the clinic to which you have been assigned.
Overseas Registration
Once you’ve graduated, you’ll have the option of pursuing a career in New Zealand or overseas. If you want to work overseas as a qualified MIT, each country’s registration body has its own system of determining eligibility. However, they all require hard copies of your course descriptors signed by the Academic Programme manager. There is an administration charge for requesting these. Please complete the request form below to initiate this process.
Medical Imaging Overseas Registration Form (PDF, 28KB)
Career Options
- Medical imaging technologist (requires registration with MRTB)
Annual Tuition Fees
Domestic/NZ students
$8,000 (NZD)
(Approximate fees only - includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy. Your final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. View options for funding your study and fees-free eligibility)
International students
$26,415 (NZD) (approximate fees for 120 credits) Save up to $2,000 (NZD) with the Unitec International Study Grant 2026. Terms and conditions apply.
Semester Dates
Sem 2 2026: 20 Jul – 22 Nov
For course and class timings, refer to the specific course webpage.
For StudyLink purposes, please ensure your application states your earliest course start date.
Downloads and resources
Programme regulations - Bachelor of Health Science (Medical Imaging) NZ Police Vetting Form (PDF 878KB) Order a personalised brochure Scholarships and awardsStudent LifeFor Māori studentsFor Pacific studentsFor International students
Entry requirements
You must have completed at least one of the following:
- NCEA entry requirements;
- 14 credits at Level 3 or higher in each of two subjects taken from an approved subject list,
- 14 credits at Level 3 or higher taken from no more than two additional domains on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework
- 14 credits at Level 1 or higher in mathematics or pangarau on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework,
- 8 credits at Level 2 or higher in English or Te Reo Māori (a minimum of four in reading and four in writing),
Note: A minimum of 12 of the 42 NCEA credits at level 3 must include English or a Literacy approved subject, Mathematics, and one Science subject (Physics preferred)
- Have a grade of C or better in the New Zealand University Bursaries Examinations in each of English, Mathematics, and one Science subject;
And meet one of the English entry requirements;
- University Entrance Literacy: 8 credits at Level 2 or above in English or Māori (4 in Reading, 4 in Writing); or
- Evidence of English language proficiency as outlined in the NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students Web-page.
Don’t meet these Academic requirements?
- If you don’t meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes and English Language programmes available can help you qualify. Apply online, and we’ll be in touch about your next steps.
- If you don’t meet the above criteria, special or discretionary admission may apply; your eligibility will be determined at the interview.
Non-academic requirements
- Be at least 17 years old by the time the programme begins;
- Be able to participate in all clinical aspects of the programme;
- Complete a self-declaration of criminal convictions and medical conditions form;
- Consent to a Safety Check that meets the requirements of the Children Act 2014 (formerly known as the Vulnerable Children’s Act), including:
- Provide two forms of ID and evidence of any name changes;
- Consent to a police vet check;
- Provide the names of two referees whom Unitec or your placement provider can contact;
- If required, participate in an interview;
- If required, provide a chronological summary of your work history for the past 5 years and the name of any professional organisations, licensing authorities, and registration authorities that you have been or are a member of.
About the provider
Unitec is New Zealand’s largest institute of technology offering a wide range of work-oriented programmes and short courses. We offer leading employment-focused education at our two campuses in Mt. Albert, and Waitākere. At Unitec we think the traditional view of spending hours in a lecture theatre is out-dated. And that's why we approach learning differently. With our unique combination of world-class theory and hands-on experience, you'll get the skills to meet the changing needs of employers. And because our tutors are industry-based, they know what it takes to make it in the real world. We offer a friendly and diverse learning environment with flexible study programmes, lots of support, and hands-on experience to build the skills you need for your career and your future.