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Discipline info for Australian students
Interested in Laboratory Medicine?
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.
Our Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine (Honours) was South Australia's first fully accredited degree with the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS). As a four-year honours degree, you will graduate ahead of the pack with sound knowledge and skills to enter the exciting world of diagnostic pathology, or continue into a rewarding career in research. Benefit from clinical placements in a real lab, study advanced courses, and undertake a research project or advanced clinical placement aligned with your career goals.
Prepare for a rewarding career in laboratory medicine with South Australia’s No.1 university for graduate careers.1
1ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23– Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities.
Key features
- Learn how to diagnose and track the treatment of human disease and bring new discoveries to light.
- Gain the skills and knowledge needed to work as a medical laboratory scientist in diagnostic pathology or research.
- Work alongside experienced researchers when you complete research preparation and project courses during your final year.
- Study South Australia’s only honours degree accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS).
- Gain practical experience in on-campus, purpose-built laboratories and facilities with equipment used in a real-world diagnostic environment.
- Be taught a curriculum informed by well above world-class research in biochemistry and cell biology.1
- Use this qualification as a pathway to further learning, including Master of Research and doctoral studies.
12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities,1 we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.
Our enterprising spirit has made UniSA a renowned centre of innovation in the sectors driving Australia's future forward, including health and biomedicine. This is your chance to position yourself with advanced scientific knowledge in an era of rapid change.
As an industry-connected university, you will benefit from valuable practical work experience opportunities matched to your career goals. You’ll benefit from 13 weeks of real industry experience in a clinical setting in your third year, providing real-world experience and networking opportunities. Graduate ahead of the pack with an esteemed honours degree, where you will learn advanced courses needed for accreditation, and can choose a project aligned with your career outcomes: either participating in advanced clinical placement, or undertaking a research project.
You’ll be taught by industry professionals and expert academics through a practical approach to learning, and will practice your skills in our purpose-built, on-campus facilities and laboratories that emulate a real-world laboratory environment.
1Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.
UniSA offers the following Laboratory Medicine degrees
Choose your level of study
Short programs
Are you after a career change or looking to upgrade your existing skills? Or perhaps you just have an interest in a particular subject area and want to further your experience, skills and knowledge. We offer a suite of short programs that will allow you to build your knowledge and skill set.
Designed in collaboration with expert academics, program content is industry-relevant and up-to-date. In the laboratory medicine area we offer the Professional Certificate in Practice Education and Supervision.
World-class partners for a world-class university
We are a globally connected university with over 2,500 industry and professional relationships that support student internships, research and community engagement.
As a medical laboratory scientist, you'll support clinicians in the diagnosis, management, treatment of disease and help develop improved tests for disease detection.
Medical laboratory scientists are employed in a range of areas, including:
- diagnostic pathology
- histopathology
- forensic science
- immunology
- virology
- transfusion science
- haematology
- cytology
- clinical biochemistry
- medical microbiology
- research
- product manufacturing
- public health and health management
- veterinary medicine
- universities and other educational institutions
- government policy
Where can my interest in science take me?
View our guide on Science Careers for more information.
Global networks
We are a globally connected university, our staff and students come from over 90 countries. We have more than 2,500 industry and professional relationships that support student internships, research and community engagement. Our students have completed placements and internships with organisations like:
- SA Pathology
- Healthscope
- Clinpath Laboratories
- Abbott Pathology
- Forensic Science SA
Industry facts
Thinking of studying soon?
2025
Ready to start your studies in 2025? You can apply to the University of Adelaide or UniSA now before continuing on to the new Adelaide University in 2026.
When the time comes to transfer, we’ll be here at every step, ensuring you’re well supported with personalised advice and a detailed study plan.
2026
Planning to start your studies in 2026? You can apply to Adelaide University directly.
Applications are currently open for international students and will open for Australian students in August 2025.
Have any questions? We're here to help! Contact Adelaide University's Future Student Enquiries Team.
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.
The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.
There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.
You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.
If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Undergraduate
The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.
Postgraduate
Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.
As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.
What others are saying
I did a six month placement at SA Pathology’s Whyalla Laboratory and the first thing I noticed was how broad the work was. We were doing everything from basic blood testing to liver function, kidney function and transfusion analysis where we match blood products to patients.
Fiona Norris
Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine
My mother did this degree when she went to University and we’ve always had discussions about science and biology which really fuelled my passion to pursue this field.
Madeleine Jovanovich
Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine
My personal interests in biochemistry and genetics led me to study this degree. After completing placements at SA Pathology, I was lucky enough to gain full-time employment in the field of genetics and molecular pathology as a Medical Scientist and as an accredited parentage reporter.
Mike Attwell
Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine
Medical Scientist | SA Pathology
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Why study at UniSA?
As one of the most innovative universities in Australia and Asia, there are many reasons to study with us. Here are just three:
Accessible, helpful and flexible
We have six campuses, a 24/7 online learning environment, and we offer flexible study options like online and evening courses.
Graduate success
UniSA is South Australia's number one university for graduate careers.*
*ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019-21 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.
A five star university
Five stars for research, employability, teaching, facilities, internationalisation, inclusiveness and innovation*
*2023 QS Stars Ratings
