Send me a PDF copyHighlights
- 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.
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
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
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.
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.
You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.
QUT Excellence Scholarship (Academic)
QUT's premier offering for students with outstanding academic achievement.
- Scholarship eligibility
- Academic performance
Equity scholarships scheme
A scholarship for low-income students studying in any faculty.
- Scholarship eligibility
- Struggling financially
QUT Elite Sport Scholarship
QUT's premier offering for students with outstanding sporting achievement.
- Scholarship eligibility
- Sporting excellence
International Merit Scholarship
A high achievement scholarship for future international undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Scholarship eligibility
- Academic performance