Study Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine (Honours) at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for Australian students.

Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 72.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,B
TAFE/RTO: DIP
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2024 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 72.00
TAFE/RTO: Dip
View full entry requirements

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND
- Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
- Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
- Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

Recent secondary education ATAR profile

OR
Higher education study
- Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
- Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV level or above
OR
Work and life experience
- Qualify for Special Entry, or
- Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
One of the following:
SACE Stage 2 Physics
SACE Stage 2 Biology
SACE Stage 2 Chemistry

Assumed Knowledge
None
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

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Students commencing in July will require additional time to complete the degree due to course scheduling, degree structure and Honours requirements. Students may be limited to studying at a maximum of 50-75% of the required courses in some semesters. SP5 intake is not available for international students.

Degree overview

Learn how to help diagnose and track the treatment of human disease and bring new discoveries to light.
Gain the skills and knowledge needed to work as an accredited medical laboratory scientist in diagnostic pathology or research.
Graduate career ready from an in-demand degree, benefitting from extensive practical placements and hands-on learning.
Tailor your honours year to your career outcomes, either completing an experimental research course or an advanced clinical placement in a laboratory.
Practice your skills in our on-campus, purpose-built laboratories designed to emulate a real-world diagnostic pathology lab.
Study the only Honours degree in South Australia accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS).
Learn from 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.
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities,² 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.

¹2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). ²Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.

Snapshot

Laboratory medicine students using campus laboratory facilities

Enter the exciting world of diagnostic pathology or research, where you will investigate the causes and cures for disease, and play an integral role in patient care.

Develop the skills to help diagnose, manage and treat disease, and conduct laboratory research with this four-year honours degree offering extensive practical experience and hands-on learning.

As a medical laboratory scientist, your work will contribute to people's welfare. Your unstoppable future career will see you supporting clinicians in the diagnosis, management and treatment of disease. You’ll perform tests on blood, tissues and other samples, and develop improved methods for disease detection and treatment.

Benefit from 26 weeks of laboratory placements with a range of private and public laboratories during your studies. In your honours year, engage with an experimental research practice project or advanced clinical practice placement, and engage with specialist learning in microbiology, biochemistry, histopathology and cytopathology, and haematology.

What you'll need

Students who undertake activities where interaction with patients/the public is required for their degree, such as field or clinical placements/visits and in University clinics and gyms, must demonstrate they meet mandatory pre-placement conditional requirements. These include criminal history clearance, a Working with Children Check and immunisation requirements.

Please visit the Clinical Placement Unit for information on key requirements, and to access the full student checklists.

What you'll learn

Student testing in the campus laboratory

This honours degree prepares you for a career in all areas of pathology, with training in biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, molecular pathology, haematology and histopathology.

During your first two years you’ll study natural and biomedical sciences, and during the third and fourth years you’ll strengthen your knowledge through clinical courses and practical experience.

You’ll learn the theory and develop the skills required to perform a range of diagnostic tests including cross-matching for blood transfusions, identifying the organisms that cause infections and food poisoning, screening for cancer cells and detecting genes responsible for disease conditions. You’ll learn how to examine blood for any changes in its composition or function, and monitor levels of blood chemicals including sugar, electrolytes, pH, metabolites, toxins, drugs, hormones and proteins.

In your third year of study all students will complete 13 weeks of valuable field placements, which is more than what is required by industry to become an accredited medical laboratory scientist with the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS).

At the start of your honours 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 can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Chemistry 100	CHEM 1006	4.5
Human Physiology 100	BIOL 1049	4.5
Mathematics for Laboratory Sciences	MATH 1039	4.5
Health and Society	HLTH 1025	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Chemistry 101	CHEM 1007	4.5		Rule(s): 4
Human Physiology 101	BIOL 1050	4.5		Rule(s): 4
Quantitative Methods in Health	MATH 1065	4.5
Professional Issues in Laboratory Medicine	MEDI 1009	4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Biochemistry	BIOL 2014	4.5
Genomics and Bioinformatics	BIOL 3036	4.5
Histology	BIOL 2036	4.5
Microbiology	BIOL 2051	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Immunology	BIOL 2037	4.5		Rule(s): 4
Genetics	BIOL 2016	4.5		Rule(s): 4
Pathophysiology	MEDI 2003	4.5		Rule(s): 4
Essential Haematology	MEDI 2005	4.5		Rule(s): 4
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Infectious Diseases	MEDI 3003	4.5
Chemical and Molecular Pathology	BIOL 3006	4.5
Histotechnology	MEDI 3002	4.5
Transfusion and Haemostasis	MEDI 3012	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Clinical Practice A	MEDI 3006	9	Note(s): 1,2,3,4	Rule(s): 2
Clinical Practice B	MEDI 3007	9	Note(s): 1,2,3,4	Rule(s): 2
FOURTH YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
EITHER
Experimental Research Practice A	MEDI 4014	9	Note(s): 1
AND
Experimental Research Practice B	MEDI 4015	9	Note(s): 1
OR
Advanced Clinical Practice A	MEDI 4012	9	Note(s): 1,2,3	Rule(s): 2
AND
Advanced Clinical Practice B	MEDI 4013	9	Note(s): 1,2,3	Rule(s): 2
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Specialised Microbiology	MEDI 4006	4.5
Clinical Biochemistry	MEDI 4001	4.5
Histopathology and Cytopathology	MEDI 4005	4.5
Advanced Haematology	MEDI 4004	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

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. Students may only enrol in the following SP5 courses if they have previously completed (and attempted all assessment components) in the corresponding SP2 course(s), viz: CHEM 1007 Chemistry 101 - CHEM 1006 Chemistry 100; BIOL 1050 Human Physiology 101 - BIOL 1049 Human Physiology 100; BIOL 2016 Genetics - BIOL 2014 Biochemistry; MEDI 2003 Pathophysiology - BIOL 2036 Histology; MEDI 2005 Essential Haematology - BIOL 2014 Biochemistry.

5. Failure to satisfy the requirements of Rules 1-4 above may prevent students from meeting course and program requirements and hence the completion of the program.

Notes

1. This course can only be undertaken full time. Students may be required to enrol in this course in SP1.

2. Students are required to undertake this course 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 in MEDI 3006 Clinical Practice A, MEDI 3007 Clinical Practice B, MEDI 4002 Advanced Practice A and MEDI 4003 Advanced Practice B.

4. Students granted full credit in MEDI 3006 Clinical Practice A, MEDI 3007 Clinical Practice B, MEDI 4002 Advanced Practice A and MEDI 4003 Advanced Practice B, and who successfully complete courses in Study Period 2, third year are permitted to enrol in the corresponding fourth year, Study Period 5 courses (i.e. they are exempt from the requirements to complete all third year Study Period 2 courses before enrolling in any fourth year Study Period 5 courses), viz: MEDI 3003 Infectious Diseases - MEDI 4006 Specialised Microbiology; BIOL 3006 Molecular Pathology - MEDI 4001 Clinical Biochemistry; MEDI 3002 Histotechnology - MEDI 4005 Histopathology and Cytopathology; MEDI 3012 Transfusion and Haemostasis - MEDI 4004 Advanced Haematology.

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

quizzes
practicals
progressive tests
group assignments
practical reports.

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Honours

This is a four-year, professional degree with honours. You’ll have the option to choose from advanced clinical practice placement or experimental research practice project, depending on your career goals.

Your honours studies can be completed in public or private pathology services, veterinary pathology or forensic pathology. Examples of previous honours projects include:

reviewing a hospital’s neonatal blood transfusion practice
comparing new and established diagnostic methods in the laboratory environment
using specialised cell analysis methods to investigate leukaemia characteristics
reviewing the role of tissue preparation protocols for breast cancer diagnosis and review
optimising DNA extraction for genome sequencing in the study of tuberculosis

You’ll graduate with industry experience and connections, ready for a career in industry or research.

Why Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine (Honours)

Laboratory medicine student using campus laboratory facilities

Graduate with the knowledge and skills to excel in the world of laboratory science by studying the only honours degree in South Australia accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS).

Learn from experts in the field as your study a curriculum informed by well above world-class research in biochemistry and cell biology.¹ You’ll learn how to test and analyse blood, tissue and other samples as you develop knowledge in the critical areas of haematology, transfusion science, clinical biochemistry, clinical microbiology, histopathology and cytopathology.

You’ll also gain real industry experience in clinical settings and will benefit from UniSA’s purpose-built on-campus facilities, including our histopathology and haematology laboratories.

Graduating with an honours degree will set you apart from the crowd, ensuring you have a competitive edge and are well-placed for a career in industry, research or further postgraduate study.

Graduates are eligible for membership with a range of professional organisations including AIMS, the Australasian Association of Clinical Biochemists (AACB) and the Australian Society for Microbiology (ASM).

¹2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

Real-world connections

As a student, you'll learn in our purpose-built histopathology and haematology laboratories, and will complete up to 26 weeks of professional practice in real work environments. Practical field placements are a great opportunity for you to build your industry networks, and ensure you gradate confident to step into your unstoppable career from your first day.

You’ll work alongside experienced researchers when you complete research preparation and project courses during your final year. This experience will provide you with exceptional learning and networking opportunities.

We host regular University-wide alumni events, employee master classes and employment expos in Australia and overseas.

Rural health placement

Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine student Fiona, shares her experience of her rural placement at SA Pathology in Whyalla, supported by UniSA’s Department of Rural Health.

Career outcomes

Your career

As a medical laboratory scientist, you'll support clinicians in the diagnosis, management, treatment of disease and develop improved tests for disease detection. You may also recommend treatments, monitor dosage and effects, and track the progress of patients.

You should be inquisitive and have an analytical mind, and you’ll need to have the ability to absorb, connect and integrate information from various sources. Medical Laboratory Scientists use a range of intricate and sophisticated equipment, so a certain amount of manual dexterity is needed to conduct laboratory work effectively.

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.

Professional accreditation and recognition

The program is fully accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS), and graduates are entitled to Graduate Membership of the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists.

Graduates are eligible for membership of the Australasian Association of Clinical Biochemists (AACB).

Graduates are eligible for membership of the Australian Society for Microbiology (ASM).

Industry facts

Employment for Medical Laboratory Scientists is projected to increase by 5.6% by November 2026.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

To November 2026, healthcare and social assistance is projected to make the largest contribution to employment growth in Australia – an increase of 301,500 jobs.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

Healthcare and social assistance has been the primary provider of new jobs in the Australian labour market since the 1990s.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

UniStart - your 100% online pathway to a degree

Just starting out on your university journey, don’t meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree, or want to refresh your study skills? Set yourself up for success and pave the way to a degree with UniStart, UniSA Online’s six-month pathway program launching in 2025.

Apply now

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Alternative Pathways

Australian

There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

UniSA College Diploma in Health (Biomedical Science)
UniSA College Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies (Health)
SAIBT Diploma of Health Science

International

There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

SAIBT Diploma of Health Science

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you're eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a Pathway

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

UniSA Excellence Scholarships

$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.

Learn more

UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship

Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

academic counselling
personal counselling
social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
career services and mentoring
Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Your study spaces

Histopathology and Haematology laboratory.jpg

As a laboratory medicine student, you'll have access to on-campus purpose-built laboratories including:

histopathology and haematology
microbiology and immunology
chemistry
biochemistry

Your program director

I am privileged to lead a degree focused on developing independent research skills for students to graduate ready to meet the challenges and diverse roles of their profession or for further postgraduate study. This is achieved within a supportive learning environment where students work with world-class researchers and facilities in their chosen area of discovery and innovation.

Dr Connie Caruso

Program Director

Enquire

Dr Connie Caruso

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

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.
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.
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.

More FAQs

What others are saying

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

Madeleine Jovanovich

Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine

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

Fiona Norris

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