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
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 2024 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 as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless 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: MLS101 Haematology 1* |
| 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.
2024 Course Changes and Transition Arrangements
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.
2022 Course Changes and Transition Arrangements
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 |
2021 Course Changes and Transition Arrangements
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 Semester 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard full time 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 assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the subject area.
Semester 1 - Full-time Study Plan
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| MLS101 Haematology 1 | CO | MLS502 Diagnostic Haematology | CO |
| MLS245 Medical Biochemistry (replaces PHM527 from 2024) | CO | SBI284 Histology and Histochemistry | CO |
| MLS582 Bacteriology | CO | PHA214 Biotechnology and Genomic | 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 | ||
Semester 1 - Part-time Study Plan
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| MLS101 Haematology 1 | CO | PHA214 Biotechnology and Genomic | CO |
| MLS582 Bacteriology | CO | SBI284 Histology and Histochemistry | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| MLS245 Medical Biochemistry (replaces PHM527 from 2024) | 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 Semester 2 - This course is not available for entry in Semester 2.
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
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. For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
English language proficiency requirements - Domestic students
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
English language proficiency requirements - International students
Course specific English language proficiency requirements for International students are included below.
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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