Specialise in clinical pathology. Study laboratory medicine.
Not applicable
IELTS 6.5
AU$43,200 (2023 annual)
Further your skills in medical science delve into the world of laboratory medicine.
Pursue a career in the fascinating field of diagnostity pathology or medical research with the Master of Laboratory Medicine.
As a student in this degree, 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.
You’ll specialise in two clinical pathology discipline streams. On graduation, you'll have high-level skills in analysis and knowledge integration relevant to your area of specialisation.
You’ll specialise in two clinical pathology discipline streams from the following options:
On graduation, you'll have high-level skills in analysis and knowledge integration relevant to your area of specialisation.
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.
The School of Health and Biomedical Sciences has extensive links with industry through their industry advisory committees (IACs) and through 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.
Laboratory medicine provides opportunities for students to travel overseas and undertake 10 to 13 weeks of professional practice in an approved laboratory.
Destination countries include the UK, the USA, Ireland, Singapore, Korea and Sweden.
The program is offered at the Bundoora Campus with elective options available at the City Campus.
The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.
The program consists of a selection of 12 and 24 credit point value courses.
The courses included cover Histology, Diagnostic Microbiology, Clinical Immunology, Biochemistry, Anatomical Pathology, Haematology and Transfusion Science, Point of Care Patient Testing, Advanced Medical Informatics and Laboratory Management, Molecular Genetics and Diagnostics, Integrative Pathology, Viruses and Infections, as well as a research project or Professional Practice – Laboratory Medicine, in their final year.
Students may be eligible to exit with a graduate diploma, with the approval of the Program Manager, after completing 96 credit points of study.
The main intake for this program is Semester 2 (July).
Applicants without an undergraduate degree in laboratory medicine are advised to apply for Semester 2 (July).
Full time students complete 4-core courses in their first semester. During second semester you'll choose any two 24-credit point advanced courses. (Please note, only students with a strong medical microbiology background can select Microbiology.)
In third semester, you'll complete the Advanced Laboratory Medicine course which includes a laboratory-based project and a core course in biostatistics, plus an additional 12-credit point foundation course.
For your final semester, you can choose between undertaking a professional practice placement or a research project (depending on availability).
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 course and two elective courses.
During second semester you'll undertake the Advanced Laboratory Medicine course, which includes a laboratory-based project and two 12 credit point electives.
In your third semester, you will complete one 24 credit point advanced course, Biostatistics, and one 12 credit point elective course.
For your final semester, you can choose between undertaking a professional practice placement or a research project (depending on availability).
Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.
Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.
Graduates are employed as medical scientists in the field of diagnostic pathology, as medical researchers, or as clinical investigators.
Medical scientists work in:
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.
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 degree.
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);
or
An Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in a cognate discipline (Laboratory Medicine, Biomedical or Biological Sciences, or Medicine) with at least 5 years’ work experience in diagnostic pathology laboratory.
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:
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 Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
If you are successful in obtaining a place in this program you must meet a number of professional compliance requirements upon commencement of your studies.
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.
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.
*All relevant screening and compliance check fees are the responsibility of the student.
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.
If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.
By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:
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.
To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service
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.
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.
Upon successful completion of this masters 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.
You can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.
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 Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.
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.
The Commonwealth supported place (CSP) rates for 2023 have been delayed by the Australian Government. The first year indicative tuition rates are expected later in the year and will be published when they are available.
*The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) rates for 2023 have been delayed by the Australian Government. The fee information will be published when they are available.
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.
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
The Commonwealth supported place (CSP) rates for 2023 have been delayed by the Australian Government. The first year indicative tuition rates are expected later in the year and will be published when they are available.
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.
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 commenced their program in 2022. 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.
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2022 |
|---|---|
| Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture | $3,985 per standard year $498 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 | $8,021 per standard year $1,002 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science | $11,401 per standard year $1,425 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture | $14,630 per standard year $1,828 per standard (12 credit point) course |
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.
*The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) rates for 2023 have been delayed by the Australian Government. The fee information will be published when they are available.
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 2022* is $315.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This program is approved for income support.
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.
The annual tuition fee for 2023 is AU$43,200.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2023 commencement is AU$86,400.
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.
Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.
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.
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.
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 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.
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.