why go to newcastle when you can go USYD? =P
I'm not studying at newcastle uni but I imagine their course can't be too different from USYD because its all regulated by the AIR. Radiography and its accredited courses are regulated by the Australian Institute of Radiography, and they make it mandatory that all radiography students go on clinical placements. At USYD, you go on a 5-day work experience between first and second semesters. In 2nd year you do 3X 6 week block, and then 2X 6 week blocks in 3rd year.
I remember in first year it was quite hectic - many new things to learn, second year a bit lighter, and third year is much more practice and research-based because you already know the gist of everything. You do 4 subjects every semester and these are 6 credit points each.
In first year you'd have a five-day week (if I remember correctly), and then four-day weeks in second year, and three-day week for third year. Yes third year is quite bludgy.
Sarebs and KnifeySpoony:
RT and NM are now post-graduate degrees at USYD. The undergraduate degrees have been scrapped due to over-supply of graduates and not enough jobs to go around. Radiography however, still offers the 3 year undergraduate course.