Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine (Honours)

Undergraduate | 2026

Mode

On Campus

Start date

February, July

Campus

Adelaide City Campus

Duration

4 year(s) full-time

Program code

HLABM

Study as

Full time or part time

Indicative annual fees

Commonwealth supported

Non-tuition fees

Prerequisite

Any one of SACE Stage 2 Physics, Biology or Chemistry (or equivalent).

Assumed knowledge

None

Entry scores

2025 CUT-OFFS Guaranteed entry score (ATAR-based):80 Guaranteed entry score (Grades-based):A,A,B

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

Secondary education (Year 12)

Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at Certificate IV (AQF level 4) or higher.

Higher education study

Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) in a higher education award program in an undergraduate diploma (AQF level 5) or higher.

Work and life experience

Completion of an Adelaide University approved enabling, pathway or bridging program; OR
A competitive result in the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT); OR
Qualify for special entry

Note:

Please note that entry requirements for this degree are provisional and subject to change.

Why Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine (Honours)?

Make the diagnosis that could save lives as an accredited medical laboratory scientist.

Medical laboratory scientists play a significant role in Australia’s health system. Working in diagnostic pathology laboratories across Australia, they support clinicians by diagnosing, managing and treating diseases through testing patient samples, conducting research into the causes and cures of disease, and developing improved methods for disease detection. The skilled professionals who analyse, interpret and report on this data are crucial in helping clinicians and their patients make informed, timely and life-saving treatment decisions. They also play a critical role in shaping public health initiatives, including disease prevention efforts and developing new diagnostic tests.

Apply your inquisitive and analytical mind in a career where you can make a real and lasting impact.

Overview

Gain the skills and knowledge needed to work as a medical laboratory scientist in diagnostic pathology or research.

Develop core knowledge of the natural and biomedical sciences, and their application in diagnostic pathology. Learn how to perform diagnostic tests, including cross-matching for blood transfusions, identifying infection-causing organisms, screening for cancer cells and detecting genes responsible for disease conditions. Undertake training in all areas of pathology, including biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, molecular pathology, haematology and histopathology.

Put your learning into practice in a variety of private, public, community and allied health settings with up to 26 weeks of clinical placements. Get hands on in our purpose-built histopathology and haematology laboratories, where you’ll use industry-standard technology to perform, analyse and interpret test results. Gain advanced research skills and contribute new knowledge to the field through a major honours research project.

Through a comprehensive blend of theory, practical experiences and clinical placements you’ll develop the skills to expertly diagnose disease. You’ll graduate with the knowledge, skills and experience to thrive in your medical laboratory career – in whatever setting you choose.

Key features

Learn how to diagnose, monitor and research human disease.
Gain the skills and knowledge needed to work as a medical laboratory scientist in diagnostic pathology or research.
Complete a major research project or clinical practice placement in an area of interest.
Hone your technical skills in our purpose-built histopathology and haematology laboratories.
Undertake 26 weeks of clinical laboratory placements within a range of private and public laboratories.
Get experience in all areas of pathology including biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, molecular pathology, haematology and histopathology.

What you'll learn

Taught over four years, our Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine (Honours) provides you with a solid foundation in the theoretical and practical aspects of pathology, with training in biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, molecular pathology, haematology and histopathology.

In first year, you’ll be introduced to core biomedical sciences topics in chemistry, anatomy, mathematics and quantitative health research methods. Second year will expand your knowledge of pathological processes, with courses in areas such as:

Biochemistry
Haematology
Genetics
Histology
Immunology
Microbiology
Pathophysiology.

During your third and fourth years, you’ll strengthen your knowledge and skills further through clinical courses and professional placements. Under the supervision of professionally accredited and experienced medical laboratory scientists, you’ll gain valuable experience working in real diagnostic laboratories across a wide range of public and private medical laboratories.

You’ll learn in dedicated facilities, including our purpose-built histopathology and haematology laboratories. Here, you’ll learn how to conduct diagnostic testing using industry-standard technologies and processes.

In your final year, you can choose to undertake Advanced Clinical Practice for 13 weeks or Experimental Research Practice for 13 weeks. In both options, you’ll work as part of a team in a diagnostic or research setting, learning how to manage specimens, perform tests and operate equipment.

You’ll graduate with the qualifications necessary to register and practice as a medical laboratory scientist in Australia.

What courses you'll study

Complete 192 units comprising:

144 units for all Core courses, and
48 units for Work integrated learning

Complete 144 units for ALL of the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Human Physiology 100	Course code BIOL1018	Units 6
Course name Human Physiology 101	Course code BIOL1019	Units 6
Course name Biochemistry	Course code BIOL2027	Units 6
Course name Genetics	Course code BIOL2030	Units 6
Course name Histology	Course code BIOL2033	Units 6
Course name Immunology	Course code BIOL2034	Units 6
Course name Chemical and Molecular Pathology	Course code BIOL3023	Units 6
Course name Genomics and Bioinformatics	Course code BIOL3029	Units 6
Course name Microbiology	Course code BIOL3044	Units 6
Course name Chemistry 100	Course code CHEM1005	Units 6
Course name Chemistry 101	Course code CHEM1006	Units 6
Course name Health and Society	Course code HLTH1005	Units 6
Course name Mathematics for Laboratory Sciences	Course code MATH1024	Units 6
Course name Professional Issues in Laboratory Medicine	Course code MDST1002	Units 6
Course name Pathophysiology	Course code MDST2009	Units 6
Course name Essential Haematology	Course code MDST2010	Units 6
Course name Histotechnology	Course code MDST3004	Units 6
Course name Infectious Diseases	Course code MDST3005	Units 6
Course name Transfusion and Haemostasis	Course code MDST3008	Units 6
Course name Clinical Biochemistry	Course code MDST4000	Units 6
Course name Advanced Haematology	Course code MDST4001	Units 6
Course name Histopathology and Cytopathology	Course code MDST4002	Units 6
Course name Specialised Microbiology	Course code MDST4003	Units 6
Course name Data Skills for Scientists	Course code STAT1000	Units 6

Notes

1. All students who, as part of their program, undertake activities where interaction with patients/the public is required, such as in field or clinical placements/visits and in University clinics and gyms, must demonstrate that they have a current National Police Certificate (NPC) through SAPOL (or their home state police service) and a current Department of Human Services (DHS) Working With Children Check (WWCC) which is valid for the duration of the program. The National Police Certificate will list disclosable court outcomes that may prevent clinical placement involvement. The University has a process for reviewing these outcomes to assess suitability for placement.

2. Students must meet the vaccination requirements for health professionals prior to commencing clinical placement. Failure to meet vaccination requirements will limit placement opportunities.

3. Students are required to satisfy the standard of dress and behaviour prescribed by institutions in which clinical placements are undertaken. Failure to satisfy such obligations may prevent them from fulfilling the requirements for completion of the program.

4. Failure to satisfy the requirements of Rules 1-3 above may prevent students from meeting course and program requirements and hence the completion of the program.
1. Students may only enrol in the following Semester 2 courses if they have previously completed (and attempted all assessment components) in the corresponding Semester 1 course(s), viz: CHEM1006 - Chemistry 101, BIOL1019 Human Physiology 101, BIOL2034 - Immunology, BIOL2030 - Genetics, MDST2009 - Pathophysiology, and MDST2010 - Essential Haematology.

Complete 48 units comprising:

24 units for all Work integrated learning courses, and
Either:
24 units for all Work integrated learning - advanced clinical practice, or
24 units for all Work integrated learning - experimental research practice

Course name		Course code	Units
	Course name Clinical Practice A	Course code MDST3006	Units 12
	Course name Clinical Practice B	Course code MDST3007	Units 12

Course name		Course code	Units
	Course name Advanced Clinical Practice A	Course code MDST4004	Units 12
	Course name Advanced Clinical Practice B	Course code MDST4005	Units 12

Course name		Course code	Units
	Course name Experimental Research Practice A	Course code MDST4006	Units 12
	Course name Experimental Research Practice B	Course code MDST4007	Units 12

Notes

1. All students who, as part of their program, undertake activities where interaction with patients/the public is required, such as in field or clinical placements/visits and in University clinics and gyms, must demonstrate that they have a current National Police Certificate (NPC) through SAPOL (or their home state police service) and a current Department of Human Services (DHS) Working With Children Check (WWCC) which is valid for the duration of the program. The National Police Certificate will list disclosable court outcomes that may prevent clinical placement involvement. The University has a process for reviewing these outcomes to assess suitability for placement.

2. Students must meet the vaccination requirements for health professionals prior to commencing clinical placement. Failure to meet vaccination requirements will limit placement opportunities.

3. Students are required to satisfy the standard of dress and behaviour prescribed by institutions in which clinical placements are undertaken. Failure to satisfy such obligations may prevent them from fulfilling the requirements for completion of the program.

4. Failure to satisfy the requirements of Rules 1-3 above may prevent students from meeting course and program requirements and hence the completion of the program.
Work integrated learning courses - 1. Students are required to undertake MDST3006 - Clinical Practice A, MDST3007 - Clinical Practice B, MDST4004 - Advanced Clinical Practice A, and MDST4005 - Advanced Clinical Practice B in an approved pathology laboratory. Students may be required to undertake Clinical Practice in a regional laboratory. Placement outside South Australia may be allowed.

3. Students who are employed in an appropriate laboratory setting may be granted full credit for these courses.

4. Students granted full credit in MDST3006 Clinical Practice A, MDST3007 Clinical Practice B, MDST4002 Advanced Practice A and MDST4003 Advanced Practice B, and who successfully complete courses in Study Period 2, third year are permitted to enrol in the corresponding fourth year, Semester 2 courses (i.e. they are exempt from the requirements to complete all third year Semester 1 courses before enrolling in any fourth year Semester 2 courses).

Career outcomes

As a medical laboratory scientist, you'll support clinicians in the diagnosis, management and treatment of disease. You may recommend treatments, monitor dosage and effects, and track the progress of patients. Medical laboratory scientists also play a pivotal role in making new medical discoveries, developing improved tests for disease detection and shaping public health initiatives.

You might be based in hospital, conducting diagnostic tests on blood and bodily fluids to monitor how patients are responding to treatment. Perhaps you’ll be employed by a pharmaceutical company, helping develop and prepare new types of medicines for clinical trials.

Medical laboratory scientists are employed in a wide range of areas, including:

Clinical biochemistry
Cytology
Diagnostic pathology
Forensic science
Government policy
Haematology
Histopathology
Immunology
Medical microbiology
Product manufacturing
Public health and health management
Research
Transfusion science
Veterinary medicine
Virology.

Industry trends

The healthcare and social assistance sector is the single largest employing industry in Australia. However, more than four out of five health professional occupations had a workforce shortage in 2023 (AIHW, 2023). As projected demand for healthcare services increases, so too will the need for professionals with the expertise to undertake, analyse and interpret the sheer volume of diagnostic testing that comes along with it. This suggests that the job outlook for medical laboratory scientists is highly favourable.

Additional trends driving up demand for medical laboratory scientists are Australia’s ageing population and the increase of people living with chronic health conditions. By 2066, older Australians will make up over 20% of the total population (AIHW, 2024). As we age, our reliance on healthcare services grows, along with our risk of chronic conditions that affect major body systems.

Ready to apply?

Find your program

Discover the programs and explore the opportunities.

Explore our programs

Check the requirements

Look out for any prerequisite or assumed knowledge courses. Some degrees may have additional entry requirements.

Consider your preferences

To prepare for your future and to maximise your success consider adding additional preferences.

How to apply

Applications are open for Australian students to study at Adelaide University in 2026.

Not sure if you'll meet the entry requirements? Adelaide University offers a range of pathway options to help you start your study journey.

Explore Pathways

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025. Applications will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs.

Applications to study a 100% online degree will open in July 2025 via a direct application process.

In the meantime, you could start your studies at UniSA or the University of Adelaide in 2025 and continue on to Adelaide University in 2026.

Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university.

Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus.

You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.

You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:

Academic learning support, spanning assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities.
Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, and academic policies and procedures.
An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.

Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission.

Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure. 

Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:  

February for Semester 1  
July for Semester 2.

Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail. 

For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view the Academic calendar. 

View all FAQs

Your study experience and support

Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.

You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.

Student services

We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:

Career advice and mentoring services
Personal counselling
LGBTQIA+ support
Academic support
Fees and finance help
Security services
Accommodation services
Common rooms
Prayer rooms.

You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.

Your campus

You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

Study hours

Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include: