Master of Laboratory Medicine

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Duration
2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
Location
Melbourne
Next start term
Term 1, 2027
Study mode
On Campus
Course code
CM18
CRICOS
107331C
First-year fee
A$44,880 (2026 Indicative)
OverviewStructure & AvailabilityRequirementsFees & ScholarshipsHow to Apply
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Medical students working in a laboratory, with a student using a microscope in focus.

Overview

Enhance your clinical decision-making skills, knowledge and experiences as a laboratory scientist, and open up opportunities for research or leadership within your field of expertise with CQU's Master of Laboratory Medicine. Gain advanced discipline-specific knowledge in medical laboratory science and advance your career.  

During your studies, you will gain advanced theoretical and technical knowledge in the clinical disciplines of laboratory medicine for application in the diagnostic setting. You will build technical and evaluative skills through laboratory and clinical training to assess and implement recommendations for best practices in patient testing and monitoring.

Choose to major in:

  • Advanced Pathology
  • Digital Pathology
  • Pathology Research
  • Practice Management and Leadership

Learn more about each major in the Structure & Availability section below. 

This course will enable you to develop an advanced level of communication skills to interact positively with patients and other health professionals ready for the clinical or scientific work environment. Clinical decision-making and problem-solving abilities are key skills for the medical laboratory scientist. You will develop clinical decision-making and problem-solving skills through experience in professional practice, clinical case studies and research opportunities.

Study Experience

Discover more about your postgraduate laboratory medicine degree, offering flexible study options and practical learning opportunities throughout your studies. Click 'Explore Study Experience' for more information.

  • Industry Accredited
  • Residential Schools
  • Work-integrated Learning
  • Research Pathways
  • Student Support
  • Student Accommodation Options
  • Master of Laboratory Medicine international student Natasha Philip standing in front of brick house.
    “
    I love helping people and I want to help better the health services in my country. The course is so in-depth — I love anything to do with blood and to be able to delve into the depths of it is fun and exciting!

    Natasha Philip

    Master of Laboratory Medicine | Papua New Guinea

Career Opportunities

A Medical Laboratory Scientist is a health professional who conducts medical laboratory tests to assist in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. They require specialised education and skills to prepare tissue sections for microscopic examination, analyse samples to study the effects of microbial infections and develop techniques to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. A Medical Laboratory Scientist has a degree of responsibility in the diagnostic process through the provision of advice to Medical Practitioners on the interpretation of tests, methods for use in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. They can undertake research and prepare scientific papers and reports. They ensure quality management processes and safety standards are followed in medical laboratories and undertake research in their area of expertise. Communication skills and exemplary professional attitude are all critical to success in this field.

Structure & Availability

The course structure and available locations can change depending on when you want to study. 

You can choose the intake that best suits you in the drop-down menu below. Visit the Academic Calendars webpage for key dates relevant to your chosen intake.

Available Locations

Your Course

You must complete 14 units (96 credits):

  1. 1
    The core structure (8 units)
  2. 2
    One major (three to six units, depending on your chosen major)

Core Units

You will study the eight units listed below.

Advanced Pathology Major

The Advanced Pathology Major consists of six units. 

You will choose four electives from the first seven units listed below, in addition to the final two compulsory units.

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Additional Information

Clinical Placement in Laboratory Medicine - LMED29013

560 hours (16 weeks full time or part-time equivalent) of work placement at a NATA-approved diagnostic pathology (or suitable research) laboratory. Student learning supported by clinical supervisors on-site and academics at CQUniversity.

Learned Society - Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS)

Core

This course is fully accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS). Full accreditation was awarded by AIMS for the Melbourne, Rockhampton and Mixed-mode campuses from Nov 2024. Upon successful completion, you will be eligible to graduate as a Medical Laboratory Scientist ANZSCO 234611. You will also be eligible to apply for Professional membership of AIMS.

We launched the Sydney campus offering of the course and have also applied for accreditation with AIMS for this campus in March 2026.

You will be required to attend a block practical intensive at the Rockhampton campus or a location to be advised in Melbourne and Sydney.

If you have prior experience or have studied previously, you may be eligible for credit or recognition of prior learning (RPL), which can help reduce your study load and the time it takes to complete your degree.

Learn more about credit and RPL, including application timelines and the overall process.

Advanced Standing

You will be eligible for advanced standing and be required to complete one of the following majors (36 credit points) to complete the Master of Laboratory Medicine if you meet the following criteria:

  • Applicant with a 4-year AIMS-accredited Bachelor degree in Medical Laboratory Science (or equivalent) and 1 year postgraduate professional experience as a Medical Laboratory Scientist.
  • Applicant with a 3-year AIMS-accredited Bachelor degree in Medical Laboratory Science (or equivalent) and 2 years postgraduate professional experience as a Medical Laboratory Scientist.
  • Applicant with a non-accredited degree in Medical Laboratory Science (or equivalent) and 5 years postgraduate professional experience as a Medical Laboratory Scientist.

You will be required to provide an Official Academic Transcript, Testamur, Resume and Letter of Employment to be awarded credit towards the first year (Core) units, including Clinical Placement in Laboratory Medicine (LMED29013).

Requirements

To Be Eligible

For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements.

During Your Study

While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet the following requirements throughout your studies. 

Fees & Scholarships

Course Fees

This is an approximate cost of enrolling in this course, shown in Australian dollars (A$), for one academic year and is based on a full-time study load (8 units over 2 terms). 

Your actual fees may vary, depending on the units that you select to study and your study load. Fees are reviewed each year and are subject to change.

International Course Fees

International students from selected regions may be eligible for scholarships. 

Browse our scholarships.

In addition to your course fees, you must have sufficient funds to cover other study and living expenses. These may include visa application fees, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), textbooks and learning materials, checks and certifications, living expenses and more.

How to Apply

Places in this course are limited, so we encourage you to apply early. You can apply through an agent for expert guidance, or directly via iStart, our online application system for international students if you’re in Australia.

Apply

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