Studying medical laboratory science

'Medical laboratory scientists test human and animal specimens to diagnose a disease or mutation, or find toxins and poisons. Some of the best moments I've had at QUT have been learning more about infectious diseases and immunity. Connecting theory to practice helped develop a deeper understanding of diseases and how the body works to defend itself.'

Abena Botwewood

Providing career pathways

After deciding a career in pathology was for me, I spent a great deal of time reading job advertisements. The overwhelming majority of pathology jobs require the medical laboratory science degree. I chose QUT because their course is centred on practical and specific pathology subjects, and extremely focused on career pathways. I was impressed with the industry connections and quality of the lecturers and guest speakers. Every one of them had extensive experience and ties to the industry.

Megan van Schie

Practical placements that count

In my final year, I had a 12-week laboratory placement in an area of my preference. This was in a busy metropolitan histology laboratory, where I had the chance to rotate through all the different areas, including embedding, sectioning, special stains and immunohistochemistry. I found the experience extremely interesting and valuable, and it led to my first job in a pathology laboratory.

James Ivanisevic

Experience science in 360 degrees

When you study with us, you’ll be working in real clinical settings and simulation environments from your first year. Explore our 360° environments and see what real-world health sciences can mean for you.


360 degrees of QUT

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Studying medical laboratory science

'Medical laboratory scientists test human and animal specimens to diagnose a disease or mutation, or find toxins and poisons. Some of the best moments I've had at QUT have been learning more about infectious diseases and immunity. Connecting theory to practice helped develop a deeper understanding of diseases and how the body works to defend itself.'

Abena Botwewood

Providing career pathways

After deciding a career in pathology was for me, I spent a great deal of time reading job advertisements. The overwhelming majority of pathology jobs require the medical laboratory science degree. I chose QUT because their course is centred on practical and specific pathology subjects, and extremely focused on career pathways. I was impressed with the industry connections and quality of the lecturers and guest speakers. Every one of them had extensive experience and ties to the industry.

Megan van Schie

Practical placements that count

In my final year, I had a 12-week laboratory placement in an area of my preference. This was in a busy metropolitan histology laboratory, where I had the chance to rotate through all the different areas, including embedding, sectioning, special stains and immunohistochemistry. I found the experience extremely interesting and valuable, and it led to my first job in a pathology laboratory.

James Ivanisevic

Experience science in 360 degrees

When you study with us, you’ll be working in real clinical settings and simulation environments from your first year. Explore our 360° environments and see what real-world health sciences can mean for you.


360 degrees of QUT

Studying medical laboratory science

'Medical laboratory scientists test human and animal specimens to diagnose a disease or mutation, or find toxins and poisons. Some of the best moments I've had at QUT have been learning more about infectious diseases and immunity. Connecting theory to practice helped develop a deeper understanding of diseases and how the body works to defend itself.'

Abena Botwewood

Providing career pathways

After deciding a career in pathology was for me, I spent a great deal of time reading job advertisements. The overwhelming majority of pathology jobs require the medical laboratory science degree. I chose QUT because their course is centred on practical and specific pathology subjects, and extremely focused on career pathways. I was impressed with the industry connections and quality of the lecturers and guest speakers. Every one of them had extensive experience and ties to the industry.

Megan van Schie

Practical placements that count

In my final year, I had a 12-week laboratory placement in an area of my preference. This was in a busy metropolitan histology laboratory, where I had the chance to rotate through all the different areas, including embedding, sectioning, special stains and immunohistochemistry. I found the experience extremely interesting and valuable, and it led to my first job in a pathology laboratory.

James Ivanisevic

Experience science in 360 degrees

When you study with us, you’ll be working in real clinical settings and simulation environments from your first year. Explore our 360° environments and see what real-world health sciences can mean for you.


360 degrees of QUT

Highlights

  • Be prepared for a career in medical laboratory science, medicine, research and the healthcare industry as this course is designed in consultation with industry professionals
  • Learn from real-world experts who are leaders in the fields of diagnostic pathology and research
  • Use industry-standard equipment and develop skills in advanced diagnostic techniques
  • Gain real-world experience with 16 weeks of industry placements in an accredited pathology laboratory or research facility
  • Graduate eligible for membership of the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists and meet registration requirements in the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Hong Kong

Highlights

  • Be prepared for a career in medical laboratory science, medicine, research and the healthcare industry as this course is designed in consultation with industry professionals
  • Learn from real-world experts who are leaders in the fields of diagnostic pathology and research
  • Use industry-standard equipment and develop skills in advanced diagnostic techniques
  • Gain real-world experience with 16 weeks of industry placements in an accredited pathology laboratory or research facility
  • Graduate eligible for membership of the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists and meet registration requirements in the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Hong Kong

Why choose this course?

Medical laboratory scientists perform scientific investigations on samples from people and animals using high-tech equipment. They perform and analyse tests to monitor general health, diagnose conditions like infectious diseases and cancer, and see how treatments are working. 

This course is designed to give you a clear path to becoming a medical laboratory scientist and to meet the eligibility requirements for membership into the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists.

The Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science is also a great option if you’re looking for a career in medicine or research and provides a strong pathway to postgraduate study.

Real-world learning

You will complete two eight-week professional placements where you will work in accredited pathology laboratories and research facilities. By taking multiple placements, you will have the opportunity to explore different types of workplaces before graduating. You will learn from, and work alongside, experienced medical laboratory scientists and demonstrate your skills to potential future employers.

You will also gain hands-on experience in the modern QUT laboratories from your first year. The course is designed to develop your skills so you will feel confident and ready to enter the workplace. You will graduate knowing advanced techniques and able to perform investigations to a professional standard.

Try research

Extend your studies with extracurricular activities by taking part in Vacation Research Experience Scheme (VRES) or research assistant positions. VRES allows you to contribute to groundbreaking research between semesters as part of a paid research project. You will get to try your hand at research before deciding whether to pursue a research degree. Explore health research topics currently available.

Learn from the best

You will benefit from the extensive knowledge our leading researchers bring to the classroom. QUT researchers have made groundbreaking discoveries in biomedical research in institutions like the Centre for Microbiome Research, and they share their learnings with you. You’ll have opportunities to engage with leading researchers and build useful networks for later research or postgraduate study.

Explore this course

What to expect

You will develop practical laboratory, diagnostic and investigative skills through real-world experience, to ensure you are ready for a career as a medical laboratory scientist or prepare you for research or pathways to further study such as medicine.

Learn from leading, established industry professionals and complete 16 weeks of professional placement, working alongside medical laboratory scientists and clinical researchers in accredited pathology laboratories and research facilities.

Work Integrated Learning

During this course you will be required to complete 576 hours of professional work placements.

Careers and outcomes

Careers and outcomes

As a medical laboratory scientist, you can work in a variety of areas such as genes and DNA (genomics), blood (haematology), tissues (histopathology), cells (cytopathology), germs (microbiology) and the chemicals in the body (biochemistry).

You may wish to pursue a future in research exploring advancements in technology and disease discovery. QUT graduates have worked in research areas such as cancer diagnosis, malaria, stem cells and infectious diseases, among others.

The Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science also provides a strong foundation for further postgraduate study in medicine or pathways to allied health.

Professional recognition

This course is accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists and graduates will have completed the academic and work placement requirements for admission as a full member.

Depending on your employment, you will be eligible to apply for membership of various professional organisations including:

  • Australasian Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine
  • Australian and New Zealand Society of Blood Transfusion
  • Australian Society of Cytology
  • Australian Society of Microbiology
  • Australian Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis
  • Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand
  • Human Genetics Society of Australasia

Possible careers

  • Biochemist
  • Cytologist
  • Cytopathologist
  • Genetic pathologist
  • Haematologist
  • Histopathologist
  • Hospital scientist
  • Medical scientist
  • Medicine (after further study)
  • Microbiologist
  • Molecular pathologist
  • Pathology scientist
  • Research scientist

Details and units

Year 1

The course commences by developing a sound knowledge and understanding of fundamental concepts that underpin medical laboratory science: cellular and molecular biosciences, anatomy, physiology mathematics, statistics, biophysics and chemistry. You will also be introduced to the local, national and global profession of medical laboratory science, and the Australian Healthcare System in the first of your professionally orientated units in the course.

Year 2

In your second year, you will explore more specialised concepts in pathology, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, cytogenetic and molecular pathology, histopathological techniques, quantitative medical science, and quality assurance systems. In your practical classes, you will learn some of the latest techniques used in the clinical diagnostic pathology industry, giving you the opportunity to develop your skills to professional standards.

Year 3

The third year of the program allows you to further develop and refine your knowledge, understanding and practical skills to a more advanced level, and learn how they are applied in the clinical disciplines of molecular diagnostics, microbiology, chemical pathology, diagnostic endocrinology, histopathology, cytopathology, haematology and, transfusion and transplantation science.

Year 4

In your first semester, you will undertake a semester-long work integrated learning internship in a recognised laboratory. During that time you will also complete studies in health informatics and learn how this relates to day-to-day laboratory operations. In your final semester, you will complete an elective of your choice designed to complement your learning, e.g. pharmacology, marketing, management or research techniques. You will also prepare professional plans and identify graduate opportunities, as well as further your clinical discipline specific learning in the context of intercultural health and contemporary issues in medical science.

Students complete 24 credit points of QUT You units made up of:

Core

QUT002 QUT You: Walking on Country and QUT005 QUT You: Seeing Me, Seeing You: Skills for a Diverse World and 

Electives

2 x QUT You Elective Units

Year 1

The course commences by developing a sound knowledge and understanding of fundamental concepts that underpin medical laboratory science: cellular and molecular biosciences, anatomy, physiology mathematics, statistics, biophysics and chemistry. You will also be introduced to the local, national and global profession of medical laboratory science, and the Australian Healthcare System in the first of your professionally orientated units in the course.

Year 2

In your second year, you will explore more specialised concepts in pathology, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, cytogenetic and molecular pathology, histopathological techniques, quantitative medical science, and quality assurance systems. In your practical classes, you will learn some of the latest techniques used in the clinical diagnostic pathology industry, giving you the opportunity to develop your skills to professional standards.

Year 3

The third year of the program allows you to further develop and refine your knowledge, understanding and practical skills to a more advanced level, and learn how they are applied in the clinical disciplines of molecular diagnostics, microbiology, chemical pathology, diagnostic endocrinology, histopathology, cytopathology, haematology and, transfusion and transplantation science.

Year 4

In your first semester, you will undertake a semester-long work integrated learning internship in a recognised laboratory. During that time you will also complete studies in health informatics and learn how this relates to day-to-day laboratory operations. In your final semester, you will complete an elective of your choice designed to complement your learning, e.g. pharmacology, marketing, management or research techniques. You will also prepare professional plans and identify graduate opportunities, as well as further your clinical discipline specific learning in the context of intercultural health and contemporary issues in medical science.

Students complete 24 credit points of QUT You units made up of:

Core

QUT002 QUT You: Walking on Country and QUT005 QUT You: Seeing Me, Seeing You: Skills for a Diverse World and 

Electives

2 x QUT You Elective Units

Requirements

ATAR/selection rank threshold
72.00

These thresholds are the lowest adjusted scores to which QUT made an offer in Semester 1, 2025.

Don't have a ATAR/selection rank?

Find out other ways you can apply

Course code
LS47
QTAC code
418201
CRICOS code
076173F
Delivery
  • Gardens Point
Delivery
  • Gardens Point
Duration
4 years full-time
8 years part-time
Duration
4 years full-time
Entry
February
Entry
February
Deferment

You can defer your offer and postpone the start of your course for one year.

Assumed knowledge

Before you start this course, we assume you have sound knowledge of the subject/s listed below. If you don't have the subject knowledge, you can still apply for the course but we strongly encourage you to undertake bridging studies to gain the knowledge:

  • Chemistry (Units 3 & 4, C)
  • English, or Literature, or English and Literature Extension, or English as an Additional Language (Units 3 & 4, C)
  • Mathematical Methods, or Specialist Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C)

More about assumed knowledge

 

Year 12 early offer scheme 

If you’re a current Queensland Year 12 student, you may be eligible to receive an offer for this course on the last day of Queensland Year 12, before receiving your ATAR or selection rank. 

Find out more about the QUT Year 12 Early Offer Scheme 

Offer guarantee

If you achieve an ATAR or selection rank of 72.00 or higher (including any adjustments) and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.

VET guarantee

If you have completed an AQF certificate IV, diploma or higher, and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.

Advanced standing

If you have prior studies or work experience, you may be eligible for advanced standing (credit). You can apply for advanced standing once you've been accepted to QUT. If you're in your first semester of study, you must apply for advanced standing within 10 days of receiving your offer.

More about advanced standing

Deferment

You can defer your offer and postpone the start of your course for one year.

More about deferring your offer

Adjustments to your ATAR/selection rank

Any adjustments you receive to your ATAR or selection rank will be applied to this course.

Find out if you’re eligible for an adjustment to your ATAR or selection rank

Offers we made to school leavers in Semester 1, 2024

The figures listed in the tables below reflect the offers that were made to recent ATAR students. The entry thresholds box at the top of this page shows the lowest adjusted ATAR/selection rank required to receive an offer for all applicants for the most recent January QTAC offer round.

Excluding adjustments Including adjustments
Highest ATAR/selection rank
to receive an offer
Selection rank 98.25
Selection rank 99.95
Median ATAR/selection rank
to receive an offer
Selection rank 86.05
Selection rank 87.00
Lowest ATAR/selection rank
to receive an offer
Selection rank 70.00
Selection rank 73.55

You can find out more about your fellow students’ backgrounds with this course’s student profile.

Other admission options

If you are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, you may be eligible for admission through our Centralised Assessment Selection Process (CASP).

I completed my studies outside of Australia

Select the country where you completed your studies to see a guide to the grades you need to apply for this course.

If your country or qualification is not listed, you can still apply for this course and we will assess your eligibility.

Assumed knowledge
  • Chemistry (Units 3 & 4, C)
  • Mathematical Methods, or Specialist Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C)

I completed secondary school in Australia

Assumed knowledge
  • Chemistry (Units 3 & 4, C)
  • Mathematical Methods, or Specialist Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C)

More about assumed knowledge

ATAR/selection rank
72.00
Offer guarantee

If you completed secondary school in Australia and achieve an ATAR/selection rank of 72.00 or higher (including any adjustments) and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.

VET guarantee

If you have completed an AQF certificate IV, diploma or higher, and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.

Minimum English language requirements

Select the country where you completed your studies to see a guide on meeting QUT’s English language requirements.

Your scores and prior qualifications in English-speaking countries are considered. Approved English-speaking countries are Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, United States of America and Wales.

If your country or qualification is not listed, you can still apply for this course and we will assess your eligibility.

We accept English language proficiency scores from the following tests undertaken in a secure test centre. Tests must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement.

English Test
IELTS Academic / One Skill Retake
Overall 6.5
Listening 6
Reading 6
Writing 6
Speaking 6
Cambridge English Score
You must share your results with QUT through the Candidate Results Online website.
Overall 176
Listening 169
Reading 169
Writing 169
Speaking 169
PTE Academic
Overall 58
Listening 50
Reading 50
Writing 50
Speaking 50
TOEFL iBT
Overall 79
Listening 16
Reading 16
Writing 21
Speaking 18
English Test Overall Listening Reading Writing Speaking
IELTS Academic / One Skill Retake 6.5 6 6 6 6
Cambridge English Score
You must share your results with QUT through the Candidate Results Online website. 		176 169 169 169 169
PTE Academic 58 50 50 50 50
TOEFL iBT 79 16 16 21 18

We offer English language programs to improve your English and help you gain entry to this course.

When you apply for this course, we will recommend which English course you should enrol in.

Course requirements

There are requirements that you will need to meet as a student in this course. You will need to identify these requirements and ensure you allow sufficient time to meet them. Some of these requirements have associated costs.

Blue card: You must undergo a criminal history check for working with children and be issued with a suitability card (blue card) before commencing clinical placement/practicum in an organisation where you may work with children or young people.

The processing of your application may take several months so you must submit your blue card application to HiQ as early as possible to ensure you have your card before you begin any unit that requires contact with children. There is no charge for student blue cards. Students who already have a blue card must register it with QUT.

Information is available from the Additional course requirements and costs website.

Applying for this course

Applicants with recent secondary education

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

Applicants with higher education study

Applicants with work and life experience

Find out more if you are an international applicant

Applying for this course

Applicants with recent secondary education

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

Applicants with higher education study

Applicants with work and life experience

Find out more if you are an international applicant

Fees

Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. We review fees annually, and they may be subject to increases.

2026 fees

2026: Fee available from October

Additional Costs

There are requirements that you will need to meet as a student in this course. Some of these requirements have associated costs. Information is available from the Additional course requirements and costs website.

 

 

2026 fees

2026: Fee available from July

Additional Costs

There are requirements that you will need to meet as a student in this course. Some of these requirements have associated costs. Information is available from the Additional course requirements and costs website.

 

2025 fees

2025: CSP $9,400 per year full-time (96 credit points)

Additional Costs

There are requirements that you will need to meet as a student in this course. Some of these requirements have associated costs. Information is available from the Additional course requirements and costs website.

 

 

2025 fees

2025: $52,200 per year full-time (96 credit points)

Additional Costs

There are requirements that you will need to meet as a student in this course. Some of these requirements have associated costs. Information is available from the Additional course requirements and costs website.

 

Student services and amenities fees

You may need to pay student services and amenities (SA) fees as part of your course costs.

Find out more about undergraduate course fees

HECS-HELP: loans to help you pay for your course fees

You may not have to pay anything upfront if you're eligible for a HECS-HELP loan.

Find out more about government loans

Scholarships

You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.

Browse all scholarships

QUT Excellence Scholarship (Academic)

QUT's premier offering for students with outstanding academic achievement.

Scholarship eligibility
Academic performance

QUT Elite Sport Scholarship

QUT's premier offering for students with outstanding sporting achievement.

Scholarship eligibility
Sporting excellence
Applications
Open Sunday 28 July 2024
Close Monday 13 January 2025

Equity scholarships scheme

A scholarship for low-income students studying in any faculty.

Scholarship eligibility
Struggling financially

International Merit Scholarship

A high achievement scholarship for future international undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Scholarship eligibility
Academic performance

You may also be eligible for

Centrelink payments

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