Program Overview

Master of Laboratory Medicine (H7L)

The Master of Laboratory Medicine is a professionally accredited degree that prepares students to join the essential field of laboratory medicine with the right mix of theory and hands-on experience.

Overview

This practical, industry-focussed course covers various laboratory medicine disciplines, including clinical chemistry, haematology, blood transfusion science, genomics, microbiology, histopathology, and human molecular biology. Students will study each subject with practical lab sessions, averaging three hours per unit per week, building real-world skills that employers value.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the Master of Laboratory Medicine are highly sought after in Australia and internationally. This AIMS-accredited course prepares students for roles in diagnostic pathology, with major employers including hospitals, private pathology laboratories, blood transfusion services, public health and specialised labs, veterinary and animal health laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, medical research organisations, and health technology and management sectors.

Course Structure

The Master of Laboratory Medicine provides students with core learning and skill development in all relevant laboratory medicine disciplines. In the final semester, students will undertake a 16-week Professional Experience Placement in a diagnostic pathology laboratory.

Year 1

• First Study Period:
  • CXA600: Human Molecular Biology
  • CXA631: Haematology 1
  • CXA641: General and Medical Microbiology
  • CXA651: Clinical Chemistry 1
• Second Study Period:
  • CXA620: Anatomical Pathology
  • CXA632: Haematology 2
  • CXA642: Medical Microbiology A
  • CXA652: Clinical Chemistry 2

Year 2

• First Study Period:
  • CXA601: Integrated Laboratory Medicine
  • CXA612: Pathology of Common Diseases
  • CXA633: Transfusion Science
  • CXA643: Medical Microbiology B
• Second Study Period:
  • CXA731: Medical Laboratory Practice
  • CXA732: Medical Laboratory Placement 1
  • CXA733: Medical Laboratory Placement 2

Entry Requirements

For Domestic Students

• Applicants must have successfully completed a first degree in Biochemistry, a Medical Science, or Health Science or other related discipline, with a minimum GPA of 5.0 on a 7.0 scale.
• Within their completed degree, applicants must have successfully completed study in Biochemistry, Physiology, and Immunology.
• Alternatively, applicants must have successfully completed a first degree in Biochemistry, a Medical Science, or Health Science or other related discipline, AND at least 2 years relevant professional work experience in a NATA accredited Medical Laboratory.

For International Students

• Applicants must have successfully completed a first degree in Biochemistry, a Medical Science, or Health Science or other related discipline, with a minimum GPA of 5.0 on a 7.0 scale.
• Within their completed degree, applicants must have successfully completed study in Biochemistry, Physiology, and Immunology.
• IELTS (Academic) - 6.5 average with no individual band less than 6.0.

For Domestic Students (Double Degree)

• Bachelor of Biomedicine and Master of Laboratory Medicine (Double Degree)
  • The minimum ATAR for this course is 75.
  • Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers made based on the number of places available.

For International Students (Double Degree)

• Bachelor of Biomedicine and Master of Laboratory Medicine (Double Degree)
  • English Language Requirements: IELTS (Academic) of 6.5, with no individual band less than 6.5.
  • General Entry Requirements: Admission to undergraduate courses at the University of Tasmania requires the completion of qualifications equivalent to a 12th year of education in Australia.

Fees & Scholarships

Domestic Students

• Tuition fees will depend on specific unit enrolment and are subject to annual increases.
• HECS-HELP loans are available for eligible students.

International Students

• 2026 Total Tuition Fee (international students): $88,048 AUD.
• Tuition fee based on a rate of $42,950 AUD per standard, full-time year of study (100 credit points).

Learning Outcomes

• Perform and interpret diagnostic laboratory tests and research activities; and evaluate and review quality systems and practice.
• Design and conduct laboratory and literature investigations to solve laboratory medicine problems.
• Communicate laboratory medicine investigation and/or research findings as appropriate for professional and academic environments.
• Demonstrate effective, responsible, and safe work practices, in a medical laboratory with a high-level of autonomy and accountability, that meet the expected social, ethical and legal requirements of laboratory practice.

Practical Experience

• Practical Laboratory Training: Hands-on laboratory work that reflects real diagnostic settings, with a maximum student-to-staff ratio of 20 to 1.
• Professional Experience Placement: A 16-week placement in a diagnostic pathology laboratory, where students can apply their skills in a real healthcare environment and gain a deeper understanding of how pathology supports patient care.