Program Overview

Master of Laboratory Medicine (H7L)

The Master of Laboratory Medicine is a professionally accredited degree that prepares students for a career in diagnostic pathology. The course provides a comprehensive education in laboratory medicine, covering topics such as clinical chemistry, haematology, microbiology, and histopathology.

Overview

The Master of Laboratory Medicine is a two-year full-time or up to five-year part-time course that provides students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to work as a medical laboratory scientist. The course is accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS) and is designed to meet the needs of the diagnostic pathology industry.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the Master of Laboratory Medicine are highly sought after in Australia and internationally. Career opportunities exist in hospitals, private pathology laboratories, blood transfusion services, public health laboratories, and medical research organizations.

Course Structure

The course consists of a combination of theoretical and practical units, including:

• Clinical chemistry
• Haematology
• Microbiology
• Histopathology
• Blood transfusion science
• Molecular biology

In the final semester, students undertake a 16-week Professional Experience Placement in a diagnostic pathology laboratory.

Entry Requirements

For domestic students:

• A first degree in biochemistry, medical science, or health science with a minimum GPA of 5.0 on a 7.0 scale
• Completion of study in biochemistry, physiology, and immunology
• Alternatively, a first degree in a related discipline and at least two years of relevant professional work experience in a NATA-accredited medical laboratory

For international students:

• A first degree in biochemistry, medical science, or health science with a minimum GPA of 5.0 on a 7.0 scale
• Completion of study in biochemistry, physiology, and immunology
• IELTS (Academic) - 6.5 average with no individual band less than 6.0

Fees and Scholarships

• Domestic students: tuition fees depend on specific unit enrollment and are subject to annual increases
• International students: $88,048 AUD for the entire course
• Scholarships are available for both domestic and international students

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

1. Perform and interpret diagnostic laboratory tests and research activities
2. Design and conduct laboratory and literature investigations to solve laboratory medicine problems
3. Communicate laboratory medicine investigation and/or research findings as appropriate for professional and academic environments
4. Demonstrate effective, responsible, and safe work practices in a medical laboratory

Practical Experience

The course includes a range of practical experiences, including:

• Hands-on laboratory work in a diagnostic pathology laboratory
• A 16-week Professional Experience Placement in a NATA-accredited laboratory
• Opportunities to develop skills in laboratory management, quality control, and research

Professional Accreditation

The Master of Laboratory Medicine is accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS). Graduates meet the requirements for Graduate membership of AIMS and can progress to full membership on completion of two years of postgraduate medical laboratory experience.