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Course Overview
Your career in Laboratory Medicine starts here
Laboratory Medicine is at the heart of modern healthcare. Almost every diagnosis depends on accurate laboratory results, and skilled professionals are needed to deliver them.
The Master of Laboratory Medicine prepares you to join this essential field with the right mix of theory and hands-on experience. In this practical, industry-focussed course you will study:
Clinical chemistry
Haematology
Microbiology
Histopathology
Blood transfusion science
Molecular biology and more
Each subject includes practical lab sessions, averaging three hours per unit per week, building real-world skills that employers value.
In your final semester, you will complete a 16-week Professional Experience Placement in an Australian laboratory. We help you find a placement that fits your goals, and many students are offered jobs by their host organisations before graduating.
This course attracts students from around the world. You will be part of a diverse and supportive community, with small classes and approachable teaching staff committed to your success.
In 2024, students rated the course:
100% for peer engagement, learning resources, and student support*
Over 90% for teaching quality and skills development*
Graduates are in demand across hospitals, private labs, research centres, and public health. Starting salaries are strong, and the career opportunities are wide-ranging. Take your next step with confidence and join a course that prepares you for a meaningful and rewarding career.
Are you interested in laboratory medicine but don't yet have an undergraduate degree? We offer a four-year combined Bachelor of Biomedicine/Master of Laboratory Medicine if you are interested in a pathway to studying postgraduate Laboratory Medicine.
*Student Experience Survey 2024
Where You Can Study
Hobart
French St, Hobart, Tasmania (TAS) 7005
Student Information
Provider's Published Fee
Duration
Intakes
Eligibility
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.
OR
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 as specified by the College of Health and Medicine. Within their completed degree, applicants must have successfully completed study in: • Biochemistry, • Physiology, and • Immunology. Evidence of relevant professional work experience must be demonstrated by provision of a curriculum vitae and contact details of a referee associated with the professional work experience.
SAFETY IN PRACTICE REQUIREMENTS
All students enrolling in College of Health and Medicine programs which include a Professional Experience Placement component, laboratory and/or field activity are required to establish and maintain their capacity to practice safely via Safety in Practice Requirements documentation. Please note, students in Laboratory Medicine courses are required to either provide evidence of immunity to Hepatitis B or administration of at least the first dose of a three dose course of Hepatitis B vaccination, by the start of the second week of their degree. Students must bring all documentation relating to Hepatitis B vaccination and immunity (in English) with them when they commence the course. Details on Hepatitis B vaccination and immunity can be found here.
Bachelor of Biomedicine and Master of Laboratory Medicine (Double Degree)
Schools Recommendation Program
This course is not included in the Schools Recommendation Program (SRP). You can include this course as a preference in your SRP application, however as entry to this course is very competitive, an early offer through SRP is not available. You will be assessed for this course once your ATAR is released, and may receive an offer accordingly. You may still receive early offers to other preferences you have included.
Applicants who have recently completed secondary education
The minimum ATAR for this course is 75. Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers made based on the number of places available. In 2025, the lowest ATAR to receive an offer into this course was 75.55. The lowest ATAR to receive an offer may change from year to year based on the number of applications we receive.
Domestic Applicants with previous higher education study
To be eligible for an offer, you must have:
Completed UTAS Diploma of University Studies (Health Science), or
Previous tertiary study at Bachelor level or higher – complete or incomplete, with a minimum of 2 (25 credit points) 100 level units of study plus pre-requisites. If you have failed any units, the application may be subject to further review before an offer is made.
Applicants with previous VET / TAFE study
Applicants are not eligible for admission to this course on the basis of VET or TAFE study. You can enquire online for advice on available pathways and alternative course options.
Applications on the basis of work or life experience
Applicants are not eligible for admission to this course on the basis of work or life experience. You can enquire online for advice on available pathways and alternative course options.
Course Specific Requirements
These pre-requisites apply to students from all educational backgrounds. To be eligible for an offer, you must have studies or experience equivalent to satisfactory achievement in the following Tasmanian Senior Secondary subject:
If you have not met the required pre-requisite, you will need to complete the University of Tasmania Foundation Chemistry unit KRA161 Introduction to Chemistry before you start your course.
Safety in Practice Requirements
All students enrolling in College of Health and Medicine programs which include a Professional Experience Placement component, laboratory and/or field activity are required to establish and maintain their capacity to practice safely via Safety in Practice Requirements documentation. Please note, students in Laboratory Medicine courses are required to either provide evidence of immunity to Hepatitis B or administration of at least the first dose of a three dose course of Hepatitis B vaccination, by the start of the second week of their degree. Students must bring all documentation relating to Hepatitis B vaccination and immunity (in English) with them when they commence the course. Details on Hepatitis B vaccination and immunity can be found here.
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. We will accept comparable scores from equivalent English language tests.
SAFETY IN PRACTICE REQUIREMENTS
All students enrolling in College of Health and Medicine programs which include a Professional Experience Placement component, laboratory and/or field activity are required to establish and maintain their capacity to practice safely via Safety in Practice Requirements documentation. Please note, students in Laboratory Medicine courses are required to either provide evidence of immunity to Hepatitis B or administration of at least the first dose of a three dose course of Hepatitis B vaccination, by the start of the second week of their degree. Students must bring all documentation relating to Hepatitis B vaccination and immunity (in English) with them when they commence the course. Details on Hepatitis B vaccination and immunity can be found here.
Bachelor of Biomedicine and Master of Laboratory Medicine (Double Degree)
English Language Requirements
This degree requires an IELTS (Academic) of 6.5, with no individual band less than 6.5.
See the English Language Requirements page for more information.
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. Please review the equivalent undergraduate entry requirements to see the minimum requirement relevant to your country. The ATAR information for this course is located in the “For Domestic Students” section of the entry requirements on this page. Applicants are ranked by their academic scores and offers made based on the number of places available.
You can also meet the General Entry Requirement for this course with the following qualifications or prior studies:
Course Specific Requirements
These pre-requisites apply to students from all educational backgrounds. To be eligible for an offer, you must have studies or experience equivalent to satisfactory achievement in the following Tasmanian Senior Secondary subject:
If you have not met the required pre-requisite, you will need to complete the University of Tasmania Foundation Studies Chemistry unit KRA161 Introduction to Chemistry before you start your course.
Safety in Practice Requirements
All students enrolling in College of Health and Medicine programs which include a professional experience placement component, laboratory and/or field activity are required to establish and maintain their capacity to practice safely via Safety in Practice Requirements documentation. Please note, students in Laboratory Medicine courses are required to either provide evidence of immunity to Hepatitis B or administration of at least the first dose of a three-dose course of Hepatitis B vaccination, by the start of the second week of their degree. Students must bring all documentation relating to Hepatitis B vaccination and immunity (in English) with them when they commence the course. Details on Hepatitis B vaccination and immunity can be found here.
Career & Study Pathways
Graduates of the Master of Laboratory Medicine are highly sought after in Australia and internationally.
This AIMS-accredited course prepares you for roles in diagnostic pathology, with major employers including:
You will graduate with practical laboratory skills and specialist knowledge that make you job ready. Whether you want to build a career close to home or explore international opportunities, this course gives you the flexibility to do both. Thanks to the breadth of disciplines covered and the 16-week Professional Experience Placement, many students secure employment before completing their studies.
Quality & Recognition
Academic Regulator
TEQSA
Professional Body
Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS)
Accreditation Status
AccreditedSkills Assessor
AIMS
Course Content
Human Molecular Biology
The unit accommodates students with varied prior knowledge of molecular biology with an introductory module on basic molecular biology concepts and then focuses on medical molecular genetics, providing detailed study of genetic mutations, inheritance patterns of genetic diseases and laboratory…
Haematology 1
In Haematology 1, you will study blood cells, the blood-forming organs, and some blood diseases, including their aetiology, diagnosis, monitoring and treatment. In the first half of the unit, you will study normal haemopoiesis, routine haematological screening procedures, recognition of…
General and Medical Microbiology
In this unit, you will extend your practical skills in microbiological techniques to accurately identify medically relevant bacteria, drawing on advanced understanding of taxonomy and theoretical concepts. You will critically relate bacterial structure, function, and genetics to interpret growth, disease…
Clinical Chemistry 1
This unit develops expertise in the application and critical evaluation of biochemical investigations in the clinical laboratory. You will evaluate and apply quality assurance processes, including internal and external quality control, while developing advanced laboratory and analytical technical skills, including…
Anatomical Pathology
This unit develops your understanding of the pathological processes that underlie various human diseases at a cellular, tissue and organ level. Histopathological methods and microscopic recognition are used to demonstrate disease processes such as inflammation, fibrosis and neoplasia. A range…
Haematology 2
In this unit, you will integrate and extend prior knowledge and skills about the laboratory differentiation of normal and abnormal haematological health conditions gained in CXA631 Haematology 1. You will systematically investigate the causes, laboratory investigations and treatment of anaemia…
Medical Microbiology A
Introduces you to diagnostic medical bacteriology. Skills taught include: processing of clinical specimens, recognition of normal microbiota, identification of pathogens and the undertaking of appropriate antimicrobial susceptibility tests. Students learn: aspects of laboratory safety, epidemiology, pathogenesis and control of infectious…
Clinical Chemistry 2
This unit builds on foundational knowledge in Clinical Chemistry and extends your theoretical and practical capability in clinical biochemistry. You will investigate biochemical and physiological changes associated with disease and how these changes are detected, validated and interpreted through laboratory…
Integrated Laboratory Medicine
In this unit you will integrate and apply learning from previous clinical laboratory medicine units, about the diagnosis and management of complex diseases. A whole of laboratory approach is used to explain the relationship between pathology results and the pathology/pathophysiology…
Pathology of Common Diseases
This unit will introduce you to the pathological processes that underlie various human diseases. It will enable you to recognise common pathological conditions and provides an opportunity to study specific disease processes and their outcomes. This unit is co-taught with…
Transfusion Science
This unit covers the major blood group systems of relevance to human blood transfusion and the theoretical basis of common transfusion testing practices. We explore the donation of blood products and the management of transfusion services and study in detail,…
Medical Microbiology B
This unit has been designed to systematically introduce the students to the common and diagnostically important fungal, parasitic and viral diseases of major organ systems in humans. The unit content is primarily concerned with laboratory diagnostic aspects of the above…
Medical Laboratory Practice
This is a professional experience placement (PEP) unit, undertaken while off campus in diagnostic pathology laboratories accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA), or equivalent. Students develop a holistic view of the role of the diagnostic pathology laboratory…
Medical Laboratory Placement 1
This is a professional experience placement (PEP) unit undertaken off campus in diagnostic pathology laboratories accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA), or equivalent. You are subject to the rules and regulations of your host laboratory, supervised by…
Medical Laboratory Placement 2
This is a professional experience placement (PEP) unit, undertaken off campus in diagnostic pathology laboratories accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA), or equivalent. Students are subject to the rules and regulations of your host laboratory, supervised by…
Common Questions
In your final semester, you will complete a 16-week Professional Experience Placement (PEP) in a diagnostic pathology laboratory. This is a key part of the course and a requirement of accreditation with the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS). Your placement must be in a laboratory accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) and must last no less than one academic semester. The University will support you in finding and preparing for your placement, including connecting you with a host laboratory and supervisor. Please note that during your placement, you will need to cover your own accommodation, transport and living expenses.
Yes, 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 the completion of 2 years postgraduate medical laboratory experience. For those wishing to apply to migrate to Australia under the General Skilled Migration visa categories, graduates are classified as a Medical Laboratory Scientist ANZSCO 234611 and are eligible for Professional membership of AIMS without sitting additional exams.
From your first semester, you will take part in hands-on laboratory work that reflects real diagnostic settings. Each unit includes approximately three hours of practical lab work per week. With a maximum student-to-staff ratio of 20 to 1, you will have more time to practise using industry-standard equipment and receive individual guidance. Recent facility upgrades include a biochemistry analyser, haematology analyser, coagulation analyser, and PCR analysis system, all available for use during your studies.
The course has a minimum duration of 2 years and a maximum of 5 years. It is available to study as both part-time or full-time, and is located at the Launceston campus with intake in Semester 1.
Yes. If you are interested in laboratory medicine but don't yet have an undergraduate degree, the University of Tasmania offers a four-year combined Bachelor of Biomedicine/Master of Laboratory Medicine as a pathway to studying postgraduate Laboratory Medicine.
Application
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Enquire
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Step 02
Submit Documents
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Step 03
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