Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
320Course code
Overview
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.
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.
Practical experience
This course includes the completion of a minimum of 600 hours in diagnostic laboratories, with the option of completing an additional 300 hours.
Professional recognition
This course 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.
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2026 is AUD $36,480.00. This equates to $ $4,560.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study medicine at CDU?
Embark on a transformative journey in medicine at CDU, where innovation meets opportunity.
Enjoy a unique educational experience that is deeply connected to Central and Northern Australia’s distinctive health challenges and opportunities, all while benefiting from personalised support and mentorship.
- Pioneering new perspectives: Join the next generation of NT medical professionals to make a real difference in Indigenous health, tropical medicine, and rural and remote healthcare.
- Immersive learning experience: Enjoy a highly personalised, face-to-face, supportive and immersive educational experience at CDU’s campus and partnered health services.
- Real-world experience: Gain hands-on experience with clinical placements throughout the NT.
- Community impact: Join a program committed to improving health outcomes in some of the most challenging environments.
Why study an undergraduate course at CDU?
Study an undergraduate course at Charles Darwin University to turn your passion into a profession. Choose from hundreds of certificates, diplomas and degrees and enjoy a flexible, supportive learning environment. Whatever you're interested in, there's a place for you at CDU.
- Top 100 university globally for quality education
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Why study an undergraduate course at CDU?
Study an undergraduate course at Charles Darwin University to turn your passion into a profession. Choose from hundreds of certificates, diplomas and degrees and enjoy a flexible, supportive learning environment. Whatever you're interested in, there's a place for you at CDU.
- Top 100 university globally for quality education (THE Impact Rankings 2021)
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
What will I study?
The first year of the degree provides you with the foundational knowledge and skills with the benefit of a laboratory experience, which is built on during the second year providing you with specific knowledge and skills in the areas of haematology and clinical chemistry. The third year expands your understanding of the diagnostic laboratory by extending into histology, transfusion medicine and applied immunology, before gaining workplace experience through 16 weeks of placement completed at the end of your degree as 2 x 8 week blocks. The honours year allows you to gain advance professional experience or undertake a research project. In the professional experience stream students complete a further 8 weeks in a in a laboratory, coupled with additional knowledge to assist in navigating the workplace. In the research stream students undertake a yearlong research project. Both options benefit your leadership and communication skills and allow you to work as part of a team managing samples, performing tests and operating equipment.
Course structure
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 320 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
Core Units
| 240cp
| Compulsory Core units totalling 240 credit points as per the list of units detailed below. MLS110 Introduction to Diagnostic Pathology # 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 (20cp) ## MLS402 Laboratory Placement 2 (20cp) ## MLS500 Anatomical Pathology |
| Specialist Electives (4-6 units) | 80cp | Specialist Elective unit totalling 80 credit points selected from the units detailed below. Students must select units from one (1) option: Professional Research Project Option (80cp) |
| 320cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
# Tour: Students are required to attend a 3-hour visit to the RDH laboratories for this unit
## Work Integrated Learning: Students are required to attend the clinical placement hours as allocated by CDU Placement Office.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2026
MAN516 Resilience Management and Leadership has been replaced by MAN517 Executive Leadership. Students that have completed MAN516 should not complete MAN517.
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | |||
| Year 1 | |||||
| SBI161 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO | SBI162 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO | ||
| MLS110 Introduction to Diagnostic Pathology # | CO | SBI183 Introduction to Microbiology | CO | ||
| SCH101 Chemical Concepts | CO | SBI235 Immunology | CO | ||
| SBI150 Cellular Biology | CO | SBI236 Introduction to Molecular Biology | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||||
| MLS200 Haematology 1 | CO | MLS202 Haematology 2 | CO | SBI384 Histology and Histochemistry | CO |
| MLS211 Introduction to Clinical Chemistry | CO | MLS313 Clinical Chemistry | CO | ||
| MLS245 Medical Biochemistry | CO | SBI241 Pathophysiology for Healthcare | CO | ||
| SBI282 Clinical Microbiology 1 | CO | SBI254 Biotechnology and Genomics | CO | ||
| Year 3 | |||||
| SBI302 Clinical Microbiology 2 | CO | MLS383 Applied Immunology (available from 2027) | CO | MLS402 Laboratory Placement 2 (20cp) ## | CO |
| MLS301 Transfusion Medicine | CO | MLS401 Laboratory Placement 1 (20cp) ## | CO | ||
| MLS500 Anatomical Pathology | CO | ||||
| Year 4 - Professional Year OR | |||||
| MLS410 Professional Practice (title change from 2025) | SE | MLS411 Advance Laboratory Placement (20cp) (title change from 2025) ## | SE | ||
| PHM526 Research Design | SE | MLS450 Molecular Pathology | SE | ||
| MAN517 Executive Leadership (replaces MAN516 from 2026) | SE | HEA506 Health Workforce | SE | ||
| Year 4 - Research Year (Requires GPA of >5.0) | |||||
| PHM526 Research Design | SE | MLS410 Professional Practice (title change from 2025) (INT-4) | SE | ||
| HSC701 Research Project (30cp) | SE | HSC702 Research Thesis (30cp) | SE | ||
# Tour: Students are required to attend a 3-hour visit to the RDH laboratories for this unit
## Work Integrated Learning: Students are required to attend the clinical placement hours as allocated by CDU Placement Office.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | |||
| Year 1 | |||||
| SBI161 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO | SBI162 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO | ||
| MLS110 Introduction to Diagnostic Pathology # | CO | SBI183 Introduction to Microbiology | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||||
| SCH101 Chemical Concepts | CO | SBI235 Immunology | CO | ||
| SBI150 Cellular Biology | CO | SBI236 Introduction to Molecular Biology | CO | ||
| Year 3 | |||||
| MLS245 Medical Biochemistry | CO | SBI241 Pathophysiology for Healthcare | CO | SBI384 Histology and Histochemistry | CO |
| MLS211 Introduction to Clinical Chemistry | CO | MLS313 Clinical Chemistry | CO | ||
| Year 4 | |||||
| MLS200 Haematology 1 | CO | MLS202 Haematology 2 | CO | ||
| SBI282 Clinical Microbiology 1 | CO | SBI254 Biotechnology and Genomics | CO | ||
| Year 5 | |||||
| SBI302 Clinical Microbiology 2 | CO | MLS383 Applied Immunology (available from 2027) | CO | MLS402 Laboratory Placement 2 (20cp) ## | CO |
| Year 6 | |||||
| MLS301 Transfusion Medicine | CO | MLS401 Laboratory Placement 1 (20cp) ## | CO | ||
| MLS500 Anatomical Pathology | CO | ||||
| Year 7 - Professional Year OR | |||||
| MLS410 Professional Practice (title change from 2025) | SE | HEA506 Health Workforce | SE | ||
| MLS450 Molecular Pathology | SE | ||||
| Year 8 - Professional Year | |||||
| MAN517 Executive Leadership (replaces MAN516 from 2026) | SE | MLS411 Advance Laboratory Placement (20cp) (title change from 2025) ## | SE | ||
| PHM526 Research Design | SE | ||||
| Year 7 - Research Year (Requires GPA of >5.0) | |||||
| PHM526 Research Design | SE | HSC701 Research Project (30cp) | SE | ||
| Year 8 - Research Year | |||||
| HSC702 Research Thesis (30cp) | SE | ||||
# Tour: Students are required to attend a 3-hour visit to the RDH laboratories for this unit
## Work Integrated Learning: Students are required to attend the clinical placement hours as allocated by CDU Placement Office.
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Admission requirements are met by one of the following:
- 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*.
- 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.
* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.
Additional admission requirements
In order to complete the Professional Research Project Option, students will require a GPA of >5.0; places will be limited and require communication with the course coordinator for specific details.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. All applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course can be met by evidencing of one of the following:
| Year 12 | Successful completion of Year 12 within Australia, or an equivalent qualification from an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). |
| 0.5 FTE Higher Education Study | Successful completion of at least 0.5FTE of higher education study from Australia or an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). If studies were completed from a country on the extended list, they must have been completed within the past five (5) years. |
| CDU Enabling Course | Successful completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least 0.5FTE (40 credit points). |
| TAFE Qualification | Successful completion of a recognised TAFE qualification at a Certificate III level or higher from Australia. |
| AHPRA Registration | Current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 or Division 2 nurse. Registration must be current at the time of course commencement. |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English test within two years of commencement, meeting the minimum scores outlined in the table below. |
^ Minimum Requirements for English Tests:
| Postgraduate requirements | Undergraduate requirements | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP004 | Successful completion of EAP003 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below 6.0 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below 169 |
| Pearson Tests of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 58 No score below 50 | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign language | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 |
IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted, allowing candidates to retake a single skill within 60 days of sitting their initial test. One Skill Retake results are valid for two years from the date of the first test (not from the date of the Retake test) to the date of commencement at CDU.
CDU accepts combined results from two test sittings of IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or TOEFL, taken within a six-month period, if:
- Both tests were under the same testing system; and
- The overall score in both tests meets the overall minimum; and
- The applicant achieved the section minimum for each section in at least one test.
Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Ethiopia, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| IELTS Academic Module | Minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.5 |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | Minimum overall score of 176 with no skill below 169 |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | Minimum overall grade of B2 |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | Minimum overall score of 58 with no score less than 50 |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | Minimum overall score of 79 with a minimum writing score of 21 |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
ATAR profile
There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
Assumed knowledge
Stage 2 Chemistry or equivalent
CDU has been doing online study for so long they're really good at it. At CDU, everyone, online and on campus, is just a student.
Michelle
CDU student
CDU graduates have the best career and employment prospects. International students have ranked CDU 1st in Australia for learning and living experience
Hema
CDU student
CDU has been doing online study for so long they're really good at it. At CDU, everyone, online and on campus, is just a student.
Michelle
CDU student
CDU graduates have the best career and employment prospects. International students have ranked CDU 1st in Australia for learning and living experience
Hema
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8.
Student profile
There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.
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