Course Overview

About This Course

The Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science Honours provides you with the knowledge and skills to work as a medical scientist in diagnostic pathology, in areas such as haematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, histology and molecular pathology. You will be taught by industry professionals who will assist you in testing samples, interpreting results and making recommendations for improved patient health. The addition of placements allows you to apply these skills to the workplace, thereby increasing your employment opportunities. In the final year of your degree you will have the option of undertaking a research project or gaining advanced professional practice, where you will work alongside medical scientists and researchers in accredited laboratories.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Casuarina Campus, Charles Darwin University, Darwin NT 0909

54-58 Cavenagh Street, DARWIN CITY, NT 0800

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 70 (after any applicable adjustment factors have been applied)
Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate IV level or higher
Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma with a GPA of at least 3
Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications
Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 147
Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course of at least 12 months duration
Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience
In order to complete the Professional Research Project Option, students will require a GPA of >5.0
Assumed knowledge: Stage 2 Chemistry or equivalent
English language requirement (Domestic): Minimum IELTS overall 6.0 with no band below 6.0, or equivalent
English language requirement (International): Minimum IELTS Academic overall 6.5 with no band less than 6.5, or equivalent approved English test scores

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Completion of the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science Honours provides you with a globally recognised, professional accredited qualification with employment opportunities in the identification and diagnosis of disease and pathogens, medical research, forensic pathology, public health and the pharmaceutical industry, both within Australia and Internationally. Your studies incorporate all areas of diagnostic pathology, with our graduates being successfully employed Nationally.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

AIMS

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units31 units

MLS110

Introduction to Diagnostic Pathology

Foundational unit including a 3-hour visit to the RDH laboratories.

SBI150

Cellular Biology

SBI161

Anatomy and Physiology 1

SBI162

Anatomy and Physiology 2

SBI183

Introduction to Microbiology

SCH101

Chemical Concepts

MLS200

Haematology

MLS202

Haematology 2

MLS211

Introduction to Clinical Chemistry

MLS245

Medical Biochemistry

SBI254

Biotechnology and Genomics

SBI235

Immunology

SBI236

Introduction to Molecular Biology

SBI241

Pathophysiology for Healthcare

SBI282

Clinical Microbiology 1

MLS313

Clinical Chemistry

SBI302

Clinical Microbiology 2

SBI384

Histology and Histochemistry

MLS301

Transfusion Medicine

MLS401

Laboratory Placement 1

20 credit points. Work Integrated Learning: students are required to attend the clinical placement hours as allocated by CDU Placement Office.

MLS402

Laboratory Placement 2

20 credit points. Work Integrated Learning: students are required to attend the clinical placement hours as allocated by CDU Placement Office.

MLS500

Anatomical Pathology

MLS410

Professional Practice

Specialist elective (title change from 2025).

PHM526

Research Design

Specialist elective.

HSC701

Research Project

30 credit points. Specialist elective — Research Year option.

HSC702

Research Thesis

30 credit points. Specialist elective — Research Year option.

MLS383

Applied Immunology

Available from 2027. Specialist elective — Professional Practice Experience Option.

MLS411

Advance Laboratory Placement

20 credit points. Specialist elective — Professional Practice Experience Option (title change from 2025).

MLS450

Molecular Pathology

Specialist elective — Professional Practice Experience Option.

HEA506

Health Workforce

Specialist elective — Professional Practice Experience Option.

MAN517

Executive Leadership

Specialist elective — Professional Practice Experience Option. Replaces MAN516 from 2026.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours of practical placement does this course include?

This course includes a minimum of 600 hours in diagnostic laboratories, with the option of completing an additional 300 hours. Placements are completed at the end of the degree as two 8-week blocks (Laboratory Placement 1 and Laboratory Placement 2), and students in the Professional Practice Experience Option may complete a further 8 weeks through the Advance Laboratory Placement unit.

Is this course professionally accredited?

Yes. The Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science Honours has been professionally accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS). Graduates of this course are eligible to directly apply for membership of AIMS upon completion.

What are the options available in the final (honours) year of the degree?

In the final year, students can choose between two pathways: the Professional Research Project Option (requires a GPA of greater than 5.0 and involves a yearlong research project culminating in a research thesis) or the Professional Practice Experience Option (involves advanced laboratory placement and additional professional knowledge units). Both options develop leadership, communication and teamwork skills.

What is the annual tuition fee for international students?

The annual tuition fee for full-time international students in 2026 is AUD $36,480.00, which equates to $4,560.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL). These fees are subject to annual increases effective at the start of each calendar year. CDU also offers a number of scholarships to assist international students with the cost of study.

What credit points are required to complete the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science Honours?

A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 320 credit points, comprising 240 credit points of compulsory core units (22 units) and 80 credit points of specialist elective units chosen from either the Professional Research Project Option or the Professional Practice Experience Option.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $70,000 to $83,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $83,000 to $95,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $95,000 to $110,000 per year

Career Paths

Medical Laboratory ScientistClinical Laboratory ScientistPathology Laboratory ScientistHaematology ScientistMicrobiology Scientist

Key Skills

Haematological analysis and blood film morphology interpretationClinical chemistry and biochemical testing techniquesMicrobiological culture, identification, and susceptibility testingHistological tissue processing and stainingImmunological and serological testing methods

Full Course Overview

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