Master of Laboratory Medicine

Master of Laboratory Medicine

POSTGRADUATE

Specialise in clinical pathology. Study laboratory medicine.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable*

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Part-time 4 years
Fees:

Commonwealth Supported Places

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Bundoora
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$48,000 (2026 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Bundoora

Further your skills in medical science as you delve into the world of laboratory medicine and prepare for a career in the fascinating field of diagnostic pathology or medical research.

Studying in central Melbourne, you will build the necessary knowledge to perform and oversee a range of diagnostic procedures in a clinical pathology laboratory. You’ll also hone your skills in problem solving and critical thinking.

The Master of Laboratory Medicine is designed for graduates of general science or biomedical science degrees who are interested in a career in diagnostic pathology or medical research but who lack experience in the diagnostic laboratory disciplines. 

RMIT gave me the confidence and the skills to get where I am today, providing both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience to boost my employability.

- Sandani De Silva, Master of Laboratory Medicine student 

Why choose the Master of Laboratory Medicine at RMIT?

Industry connected

Benefit from the expertise of practising medical scientists through our strong partnerships with leading healthcare organisations, including Austin Health, Northern Health, and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.

Enhanced employability

Engagement with our partners ensures your studies remain relevant and responsive to contemporary workplace needs, enhancing your employability when you graduate.

Professional accreditation

Qualify for professional graduate membership of the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists, a peak professional body representing medical and clinical scientists.

I chose Lab Medicine for my studies as I wanted to get involved in medical science but not necessarily patient-facing.
Aishwarya Annur Balasubramanian working in a laboratory, Master of Laboratory Medicine student at RMIT - Aishwarya Annur Balasubramanian, Master of Laboratory Medicine student

Choose your specialisation

During this degree, you will choose 2 areas of specialisation. These advanced clinical pathology discipline streams include:

  • Anatomical pathology
  • Clinical biochemistry
  • Haematology
  • Medical microbiology
  • Transfusion and transplantation science.

Upon graduation, you'll have built high-level skills in analysis and knowledge integration relevant to your area of specialisation.

Details

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RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures.

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes competency assessments, essays, laboratory reports, oral classes, presentations, group projects, research projects, laboratory projects, and practical assignments.

During the final semester of study, eligible students can undertake one full semester of supervised practice in either a medical research laboratory or a diagnostic pathology laboratory.

We were given the opportunity to participate in Work Integrated Learning in order to gain industry experience before we set out into our chosen streams. Professors showed a real passion for building our curiosity in science, taking us on tours to RMIT’s well-equipped labs where we built our knowledge on the latest instrumentation.

- Aishwarya Annur Balasubramanian, Master of Laboratory Medicine student

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

RMIT Capabilities

The world is constantly changing, and there are universal skills that can help you adapt to the evolving nature of work and global engagement.

As part of your study experience at RMIT, we provide 6 future-focused RMIT Capabilities:

  • Ethical Global Citizens
  • Connected
  • Adaptive
  • Digitally Adept
  • Expert
  • Critically Engaged.

RMIT Capabilities are built into your course as well as some of our extracurricular experiences. They inform the design and delivery of your learning activities and assessments, so by the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to apply these capabilities in your life and work.

The School of Health and Biomedical Sciences has extensive links with industry through their industry advisory committees (IACs), professional practice placements, discussion group meetings, research projects and consulting.

Employers and industry professionals are members of these program advisory committees and have contributed to both the initial development and ongoing improvement of this program. Their involvement ensures that the program remains relevant to your needs as a graduate and to the needs of graduate employers.

Many of the teaching staff within the program are (or have been) practicing industry professionals with extensive industry experience and contact networks. This experience, when integrated into learning and teaching practice, enriches your learning environment.

As a graduate of the Master of Laboratory Medicine, you will have advanced theoretical knowledge and practical skills applicable to a range of diagnostic procedures in a clinical pathology laboratory, as well as the key scientific principles of two core clinical speciality disciplines of laboratory medicine.

You will apply the principles and methods of scientific inquiry, research design and performance in a laboratory project in the field of laboratory medicine. Your systematic knowledge of core cellular and molecular processes that underly health and diseases will prepare you to perform a range of diagnostic techniques, and your skills in critical analysis will allow you to evaluate issues of scientific integrity, ethical questions and legal frameworks. Essential to your career is your ability to interpret and present complex information.

As part of your professional practice, you will demonstrate a commitment to teamwork, self-reflection, career development, and maintaining a safe work environment.

This master's degree consists of a selection of 12- and 24-credit point subjects.

The subjects included cover Histology, Diagnostic Microbiology, Clinical Immunology, Biochemistry, Anatomical Pathology, Haematology and Transfusion Science, Molecular Genetics and Diagnostics, Integrative Pathology, Viruses and Infections, as well as a research project or Professional Practice – Laboratory Medicine, in your final year.

You may be eligible to exit with a graduate diploma, with the approval of the Program Manager, after completing 96 credit points of study. In addition, you may be eligible to exit with a graduate certificate, with the approval of the Program Manager, after completing 48 credit points of study.

Semester 1 commencement

Applicants without an undergraduate degree in laboratory medicine are advised to apply for Semester 2 (July).

Full-time students complete 4 core subjects in your first semester. During second semester you'll choose any two 24-credit point advanced subjects. (Please note, only students with a strong medical microbiology background can select Microbiology.)

In third semester, you'll complete the Advanced Laboratory Medicine subject which includes a laboratory-based project and a core subject in biostatistics, plus an additional 12-credit point foundation subject.

For your final semester, you can choose between undertaking a professional practice placement or a research project (depending on availability).

Semester 2 commencement

Students with an undergraduate degree in laboratory medicine may apply to commence in Semester 1 (February/March).

Students with an undergraduate degree in science or biomedical science who have a strong background with third-year specialisation in biochemistry or microbiology may apply to commence in Semester 1.

Full-time students will complete one advanced subject and 2 elective subjects. 

During second semester you'll undertake the Advanced Laboratory Medicine subject, which includes a laboratory-based project and two 12-credit point electives.

In your third semester, you will complete one 24-credit point advanced subject, Biostatistics, and one 12-credit point elective subject. 

For your final semester, you can choose between undertaking a professional practice placement or a research project (depending on availability).

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Master of Laboratory Medicine
Program code: MC158
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Master of Laboratory Medicine
Bundoora Campus
Full-time 2 Years, Part-time 4 Years
MC158
056171G
Location
Bundoora Campus
Duration
Full-time 2 Years, Part-time 4 Years
Plan code
MC158
CRICOS
056171G
View plan
Master of Laboratory Medicine
Bundoora Campus
Full-time 2 Years
MC158
056171G
Location
Bundoora Campus
Duration
Full-time 2 Years
Plan code
MC158
CRICOS
056171G
View plan

Important information for international students

International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

I'm currently in my final year of study for the Master of Laboratory Medicine, and I’m already working as a part-time Medical Laboratory Scientist in one of Australia's leading private pathology providers.

- Sandani De Silva, Master of Laboratory Medicine student

Your career in laboratory medicine

Graduates are employed as medical scientists in the field of diagnostic pathology, as medical researchers, or as clinical investigators.

Medical scientists work in:

  • Hospital laboratories
  • Private pathology laboratories
  • State health laboratories
  • Universities
  • Technical support within commercial companies.
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Graduates may also be eligible for professional membership of the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS) if they meet AIMS accreditation requirements. This professional body represent medical laboratory scientists in Australia.

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

An Australian bachelor degree or equivalent in a cognate discipline (laboratory medicine, biomedical or biological sciences or medicine) with a minimum Grade Point Average of 2.0 out of 4.0, and which includes studies of molecular biology or molecular pathology with a practical component at or above second year undergraduate level;  

OR

An Australian bachelor degree or equivalent in a cognate discipline (laboratory medicine, biomedical or biological sciences or medicine) which includes studies of molecular biology or molecular pathology with a practical component with at or above second year undergraduate level; and at least five years (full-time equivalent) of relevant work experience in diagnostic pathology.

Note: Applicants will be selected competitively based on undergraduate and/or postgraduate grades, combined with relevant work experience.

If you wish to have industry or employment experience assessed as part of meeting the entry requirements you will need to provide a detailed CV/resume listing previous positions, dates of employment and position responsibilities; a statement from your employer confirming these details (or contact details of employer so RMIT can seek confirmation); and evidence of any relevant professional development undertaken.

The normal intake for the program is semester 2 (July).

Semester 1 commencement is only available to applicants who hold an undergraduate degree in Laboratory Medicine or; an undergraduate degree in Science or Biomedical Science with a third-year specialisation in Biochemistry or Microbiology.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

You must have successfully completed:

An Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in a cognate discipline (Laboratory Medicine, Biomedical or Biological Sciences, or Medicine) with a minimum GPA of 2.0 (out of 4.0), and which includes studies of molecular biology or molecular pathology with a practical component at or above second year undergraduate level;

or

An Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in a cognate discipline (Laboratory Medicine, Biomedical or Biological Sciences, or Medicine) which includes studies of molecular biology or molecular pathology with a practical component with at or above second year undergraduate level; and at least 5 years (full-time equivalent) of relevant work experience in diagnostic pathology.

If you wish to have industry or employment experience assessed as part of meeting the entry requirements you will need to provide a detailed CV/resume listing previous positions, dates of employment and position responsibilities; a statement from your employer confirming these details (or contact details of employer so RMIT can seek confirmation); and evidence of any relevant professional development undertaken.

Please note: The February intake is only available to applicants who hold an undergraduate degree in Laboratory Medicine or; an undergraduate degree in Science or Biomedical Science with a third-year specialisation in Biochemistry or Microbiology.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

Note: RMIT does not accept scores from 'at-home' or 'online' testing.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Additional information

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Students who are successful in obtaining a place in the program must meet a number of Immunisation and Compliance requirements upon commencement of their studies in the program.

Immunisation and vaccination requirements*

  • Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (dTpa – adult dose), must be this immunisation. NOT ADT (Adult Diphtheria/Tetanus – as this does not contain the pertussis component)
  • Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR, 2 vaccination doses AND OR serology blood test (serology report) to confirm positive serology for IgG measles, mumps and rubella immunity
  • Hepatitis B: primary course of 3 vaccination doses AND and serology to confirm anti-HBV level is greater than or equal to 10mIU/ml OR serology to confirm anti-HBV level is greater than or equal to 10 mIU/ml
  • Varicella: 2 vaccination doses OR blood test (serology report)serology to confirm immunity OR history of chickenpox
  • Influenza Vaccination: annual requirementis an annual requirement.  Students will be guided as to the timing of obtaining this.
  • Tuberculin Screen: Tuberculin Skin Test OR Quantiferon TB Assay blood test (serology) to show immunityand serology to show a negative result. This is an annual requirement for the duration of your study.
  • COVID19 Vaccination*:   You will be required to be fully vaccinated (boosted)  A person is fully vaccinated (boosted) if the person has received a booster dose.   A person has received a booster dose if they have received:
    • a second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine after receiving one dose of a one dose COVID-19 vaccine; OR
    • a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine after receiving two doses of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine including different types of two dose COVID-19 vaccines

While Government legislation has relaxed, our vaccination policy will align with that of our Industry Partners, who have indicated that their policies remain unchanged.  

Please note: A full course of immunisations can take up to 7 months to complete, you should contact your medical practitioner prior to entering the program to commence immunisations. It is a requirement that you will have commenced all immunisations and will continue to progress this until completion of the vaccination courses by the deadlines set by the university.  Only an Australian Medical Practitioner will be able to complete the relevant Immunisation Form that you will be provided with.  If you have had overseas vaccines, you will need to take a copy of these to an Australian Medical Practitioner for completion of the relevant form.

Compliance requirements

  • Working with Children Check (valid for 5 years): Students must hold a valid Working with Children Check prior to undertaking the clinical components of this program.
  • Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check: Students must present evidence of a successful Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check prior to undertaking the clinical components of this program (Annual requirement for the duration of your Program). Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Checks are conducted via fit2work. An account with fit2work will be created using the student’s name and the RMIT issued student email address, once studies in the program have commenced. Further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.
  • Other requirements as advised on commencement of program.

*All relevant screening and compliance check fees are the responsibility of the student. 

For more information or if you have any questions about these requirements please contact RMIT Connect – Work and Study Opportunities where your enquiry will be dealt with accordingly.

Non-academic abilities you'll need to complete this course

The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.

The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.

By understanding the types of activities you'll participate in, you can:

  • understand more about the program
  • determine if you may need support during your studies
  • make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you.

Adjustments

If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there is a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities.

Please contact the Equitable Learning Services (ELS) team to discuss any adjustments you may require. To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with ELS.

If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.

The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.

View inherent requirements

Pathways and further study

Upon successful completion of 96 credit points, you may exit with a Graduate Diploma in Laboratory Medicine.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Find out if you might be eligible

Upon successful completion of this master's degree, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including postgraduate research programs, subject to the program's entrance requirements.

Explore postgraduate research degrees

You can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

Learn more about RMIT undergraduate programs

Credit

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Master by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Explore postgraduate research degrees

Fees

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Entry for this program is primarily through Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs).

Government financial assistance is available to eligible students regardless of the type of place you enrol in.

2026 indicative fees

Commonwealth supported places

  • 2026 Commonwealth supported places (CSP) range from AU$4,738 to AU$17,399*. 

Full-fee places

  •  Full-fee places: AU$37,440* (2026 annual)

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$373 maximum fee for 2026*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

  • You may be eligible to apply for a HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
  • For more information and to learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees see postgraduate study fees.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.

Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.

How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?

The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package. 

The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2026. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.

Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.

You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2026 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)

Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2026
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture $4,738 per standard year
$592 per standard (12 credit point) course
Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology $9,537 per standard year
$1,192 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science $13,558 per standard year
$1,694 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture $17,399 per standard year
$2,174 per standard (12 credit point) course

Student Learning Entitlement

On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).

  • The SLE allows students 7 years of full-time subsidised study in Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP).
  • Your total SLE amount will be reduced in accordance with your overall study load in a CSP. 
  • Once you have utilised all your SLE, you can no longer study in a CSP.
Visit Study Assist for more information about SLE

If you are offered a full-fee place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2026 is $373.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

HECS-HELP Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

You may be eligible for student income support payments from the Commonwealth Government if you are undertaking a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or an approved professionally oriented masters by coursework program. For more information see Income support for Masters students.

If you are enrolled in an eligible program you will also need to satisfy all other student payment eligibility requirements. You can contact Centrelink or Services Australia for further information about student income support entitlements, your eligibility and how to apply.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2026 is $373. 

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Explore scholarships

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions
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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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