Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
160Course code
Overview
Assist in the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of disease. Our Master of Medical Laboratory Science provides you with the knowledge, skills and workplace experience to work in diagnostic pathology.
You will also gain knowledge and skills in the areas of haematology, microbiology, clinical chemistry, anatomical pathology and serology.
Our Medical Laboratory Science degree will qualify you to work in areas such as diagnostic pathology, research, forensics science and health management for public health departments, educational institutes and the pharmaceutical industry.
Career opportunities
As a graduate of our Master of Medical Laboratory Science you may work in a range of areas such as diagnostic pathology, research, forensics science and health management for public health departments, educational institutes and the pharmaceutical industry.
Practical experience
This course includes a total of 16 weeks practical experience in a diagnostic laboratory.
Professional recognition
All graduates of this course are eligible to apply to the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS) for professional recognition.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Both Commonwealth supported (CS) and full fee (FF) places are available for this course. If you would like to apply for a CS place use the SATAC code 1CM107. If you would like to apply for a FF place you will need to use the SATAC code 1CM607.
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
Non-Commonwealth supported places
Full fee paying places are available in this course.
Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2025 is AUD $35,464.00. This equates to $ $4,433.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to upskill in the field of healthcare. Advance your career with CDU's wide range of postgraduate health courses to develop specialist skills and knowledge that help you transition into leadership roles.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Top 5 Australian university for postgraduate teaching quality in health services and support (GUG 2024)
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous and Asia-Pacific health, tropical medicine and other issues of international importance
Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to find a career in healthcare. Become a qualified health professional with CDU's wide range of courses and gain the skills and knowledge to make an impact on the wellbeing of your community.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous and Asia-Pacific health, tropical medicine and other issues of international importance
Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to upskill in the field of healthcare. Advance your career with CDU's wide range of postgraduate health courses to develop specialist skills and knowledge that help you transition into leadership roles.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Top 5 Australian university for postgraduate teaching quality in health services and support (GUG 2024)
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous and Asia-Pacific health, tropical medicine and other issues of international importance
Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to find a career in healthcare. Become a qualified health professional with CDU's wide range of courses and gain the skills and knowledge to make an impact on the wellbeing of your community.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous and Asia-Pacific health, tropical medicine and other issues of international importance
What will I study?
The Master in Laboratory Medical Science comprises of core units within the diagnostics specialisations; haematology, pathology, clinical chemistry, bacteriology, mycology, virology and parasitology and transfusion, and be introduced to research. Students will undertake two professional placements in diagnostic laboratories.
Course structure
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 160 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (14 units) | 160cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 160 credit points as per the list of units detailed below: MLS200 Haematology 1 (replaces MLS101 from 2025) |
| 160cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
*Due to enrolment restriction rules, students in the SMLSC1 will need to seek manual enrolment for the undergraduate units MLS101, MLS245, SBI284 and PHA214 by submitting a Special Enrolment eForm.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2025
The following unit changes apply to this course from 2025:
- MLS101 Haematology 1 has been replaced by MLS200 Haematology 1. Students that have completed MLS101 should not complete MLS200.
- MLS245 Medical Biochemistry is replaced by MLS211 Introduction into Clinical Chemistry. Students who have completed MLS245 should not complete MLS211.
- SBI284 Histology and Histochemistry has been replaced by SBI384 Histology and Histochemistry. Students that have completed SBI284 should not complete SBI384.
Please note the following unit change from 2026:
- PHA214 Biotechnology and Genomics will be replaced by SBI254 Biotechnology and Genomic. Students that have completed PHA214 prior to 2026 should not complete SBI254.
Course Changes and Transition Arrangements - 2024
MLS245 replaces PHM527 from 2024. Students who have completed PHM527 prior to 2024 do not need to complete MLS245. Students who has not completed PHM527 must complete MLS245.
Course Changes and Transition Arrangements - 2022
Students enrolled prior to 2022 should note the following changes to the course structure from 2022
- SBI541 Pathophysiology has been added as a core unit
- The 10 credit point specialist elective requirement has been removed
Students enrolled prior to 2022 and who have already completed a specialist elective should not complete the new core unit SBI541.
Students enrolled prior to 2022 and who have not already completed a specialist elective should complete the new core unit SBI541 instead.
The following specialist elective requirements have been removed from the course structure.
| Specialist Electives (1 unit) | 10cp | Specialist Elective units totalling 10 credit points selected from the list of available units detailed below: PHM516 Indigenous Health |
Course Changes and Transition Arrangements - 2021
From 2021 the following core units are no longer required - see transition arrangements below:
MLS245 Medical Biochemistry* (no longer required)
PHM553 Biostatistics (no longer required)
MLS245 Medical Biochemistry has been removed from the course structure. Students that have completed MLS245 need to contact the course coordinator for progression advice.
PHM553 Biostatistics has been removed from the course structure. Students that have completed PHM553 can count this as a specialist elective unit. Students who have already completed a specialist elective unit should contact the course coordinator for progression advice.
PHM526 Research Design and PHM527 Research, Ethics and Impact have been added and are required core units.
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
he Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| MLS200 Haematology 1 (replaces MLS101 from 2025) | CO | MLS502 Diagnostic Haematology | CO |
| MLS211Introduction into Clinical Chemistry (replaces MLS245 from 2025) | CO | SBI384 Histology and Histochemistry (replaces SBI284 from 2025) | CO |
| MLS582 Bacteriology | CO | PHA214 Biotechnology and Genomic (to be replaced by SBI254 from 2026) | CO |
| SBI541 Pathophysiology | CO | MLS511 Clinical Chemistry | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| MLS500 Anatomical Pathology | CO | MLS600 Laboratory Placement 1 (20cp) | CO |
| MLS501 Immunohaematology | CO | ||
| MLS512 Mycology, Virology & Parasitology | CO | MLS610 Laboratory Placement 2 (20cp) | CO |
| PHM526 Research Design | CO | ||
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| MLS200 Haematology 1 (replaces MLS101 from 2025) | CO | PHA214 Biotechnology and Genomic (to be replaced by SBI254 from 2026) | CO |
| MLS582 Bacteriology | CO | SBI384 Histology and Histochemistry (replaces SBI284 from 2025) | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| MLS211 Introduction into Clinical Chemistry (replaces MLS245 from 2025) | CO | MLS502 Diagnostic Haematology | CO |
| SBI541 Pathophysiology | CO | MLS511 Clinical Chemistry | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| MLS501 Immunohaematology | CO | MLS600 Laboratory Placement 1 (20cp) | CO |
| PHM526 Research Design | CO | ||
| Year 4 | |||
| MLS500 Anatomical Pathology | CO | MLS610 Laboratory Placement 2 (20cp) | CO |
| MLS512 Mycology, Virology & Parasitology | CO | ||
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
This course is not available for Semester 2 intake.
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Successful completion of a recognised bachelor degree in biomedical or medical health disciplines, with studies in Anatomy and Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics.
Due to professional recognition, applicants who have completed a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science undergraduate degree are not eligible for entry into this course.
Essential requirements
All students are required to meet the Faculty of Health pre-clinical checks, such as police check, working with children card and vaccinations, prior to commencing their placements.
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. From 2025 all applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course can be met by evidencing of one of the following:
| Year 12 | Successful completion of Year 12 within Australia, or an equivalent qualification from an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). |
| 0.5 FTE Higher Education Study | Successful completion of at least 0.5FTE of higher education study from Australia or an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). If studies were completed from a country on the extended list, they must have been completed within the past five (5) years. |
| CDU Enabling Course | Successful completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least 0.5FTE (40 credit points). |
| TAFE Qualification | Successful completion of a recognised TAFE qualification at a Certificate III level or higher from Australia. |
| AHPRA Registration | Current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 or Division 2 nurse. Registration must be current at the time of course commencement. |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English test within two years of commencement, meeting the minimum scores outlined in the table below. |
^ Minimum Requirements for English Tests:
| Postgraduate requirements | Undergraduate requirements | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP004 | Successful completion of EAP003 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below 6.0 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below 169 |
| Pearson Tests of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 58 No score below 50 | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign language | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 |
IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted, allowing candidates to retake a single skill within 60 days of sitting their initial test. One Skill Retake results are valid for two years from the date of the first test (not from the date of the Retake test) to the date of commencement at CDU.
CDU accepts combined results from two test sittings of IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or TOEFL, taken within a six-month period, if:
- Both tests were under the same testing system; and
- The overall score in both tests meets the overall minimum; and
- The applicant achieved the section minimum for each section in at least one test.
Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Ethiopia, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| CDU English for Academic Purposes 4 (ZEAP40) | Successful completion of EAP004 English for Academic Purposes 4 |
| IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake) | A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 176, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of C1, valid for three years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 58 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 79 with a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
My advice for anyone who is considering studying a health or science degree at CDU is if you are thinking about it, just do it.
Nishat
CDU student
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
My advice for anyone who is considering studying a health or science degree at CDU is if you are thinking about it, just do it.
Nishat
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
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