- 3.5 years (or part-time equivalent)
- Toowoomba
- External
- Feb, May
- View dates
- AUD 35,840
- (Indicative annual fee)
- 117167E
Overview
- Prepare for a dynamic career as a ‘healthcare detective’ with UniSQ Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science. Gain the advanced and innovative medical science skills to analyse human samples for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and maintenance of human health and disease.
- Develop the specialised skills required to process patient tissue samples for diagnosis of diseases, such as cancer, and determine the compatibility of blood products for patients requiring transfusion.
- Learn how to use molecular and conventional methods to identify the cause of infectious diseases (like pneumonia and meningitis) and blood and surgical wound infections.
- Begin your career sooner – this 3.5 year degree is one of the shortest qualifications of its kind in Australia and New Zealand and is accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS).
- Enhance your employability and be ready to step into the workforce after completing 80 days of clinical placement in pathology laboratories, beginning with a pre-analytical placement in your first year of study.
- Benefit from course content that is reflective of current industry needs and in-demand skills. This degree was designed in collaboration with Pathology Queensland and the UniSQ Medical Laboratory Science Industry Advisory Panel.
Love the support
I love the support UniSQ has for their students. If you need help while studying – whether that’s academic or personal support – there will always be someone who can help.
Alexandra
Career outcomes
As a graduate, you are workplace ready to commence an exciting career in haematology, molecular diagnostics, clinical biochemistry, transfusion science, infectious disease, anatomical pathology and more.
Some of our undergraduate students are employed as medical laboratory technicians after two years of study.
Professional memberships
UniSQ is seeking accreditation with the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS) for the redeveloped Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BLAB). Students are eligible for free student membership of AIMS and graduates are eligible for discounted membership of AIMS.
You will also be eligible to apply for membership to professional organisations including the Australian Society for Microbiology, Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Australian Society for Medical Research.
What you'll study
To graduate from the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science, you must successfully complete 28 units of study.
Degree structure
An undergraduate university degree typically consists of a combination of core, major and elective courses designed to provide you with foundational knowledge and opportunities for an in-depth deeper dive into your chosen field.
Refer to the UniSQ Handbook for detailed recommended enrolment patterns and course availability.
You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previous studies or relevant work experience. This could reduce the number of courses you need to study to complete your degree.
Degree requirements
If you are enrolled in the External study mode in this degree, you will be required to come on-campus for residential schools, where you will attend face-to-face practical classes and workshops, use the laboratory facilities and specialised equipment, and engage with staff and other students.
As part of your study, you will complete 80 days of professional practice (clinical placement) in accredited pathology laboratories. We have a team of professional placement officers who will liaise with you to arrange your placements. Please note that you may be required to travel outside the Toowoomba/Greater Brisbane area and/or interstate to undertake placements.
All students must be able to meet the physical and other professional requirements of clinical/professional practice components of the degree.
Applicants must be willing to undertake and submit the requirements of the University of Southern Queensland, Queensland Health and private pathology providers for practical placement. Please visit Resources and Forms to download the latest Medical Laboratory Science Clinical Placement Guide.
Entry requirements
You need to satisfy the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.
Use our International qualification converter to check country-specific grades (that are equivalent to Australian Year 12) you will need to apply for this degree.
To study this degree, we assume you have sound knowledge in:
- English (Units 3 & 4, C), or equivalent and
- General Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C), or equivalent
We assume that your knowledge is equivalent to a grade C or higher in Units 3 and 4 at high school level (typically studied in Year 12). Find out more about assumed knowledge.
It is also recommended that you have studied either Biology (Units 3 & 4, C), Chemistry (Units 3 & 4, C), or equivalent.
You'll need to meet the applicable English language requirements and this degree requires:
- IELTS (Academic) - Minimum overall score of 7.0 and a minimum score of 6.0 in each of the four components - listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
Alternative English language proficiency tests may also be accepted.
During your study
While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet these requirements throughout your studies.
Inherent requirements are fundamental skills, capabilities, and knowledge that you must be able to demonstrate to achieve the essential learning outcomes of the degree, while maintaining the academic integrity of the degree.
If you think you may experience any problems meeting inherent requirements, you can talk to an Accessibility Support Officer about reasonable adjustments that may be put in place to assist you. Any reasonable adjustments made must not fundamentally change the nature of the inherent requirement.
Review the inherent requirements and make sure this degree is right for you.
All students must provide the following documents prior to commencing any clinical placements in the program:
- UniSQ Student Declaration
- UniSQ Vaccine Preventable Disease (VPD) form
- Queensland Health Student Orientation Checklist
- Queensland Health Student Deed Poll
- Queensland Health iLearn Modules
- Pathology QLD Visitor Confidentiality Protocol
- AUSLAB Clinical WILS Student Access
- QML Online Induction Certificate
- Tuberculosis Risk Assessment Form for Students
Students must also provide the following immunisation evidence prior to commencing clinical placements:
- Hepatitis B seroconversion
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella immunisation evidence
- Varicella immunisation evidence
- Pertussis immunisation evidence
- Covid-19 immunisation evidence
Entry pathways
There is more than one way to get into university, and if you're not sure about your entry options get in touch to discuss.
Fees and scholarships
- This estimated 2025 annual fee is based on the current average rate for your first year of study (8 units per year) and does not include cost of materials such as textbooks, additional costs or the Student Services and Amenities fee.
- This is an indicative guide only and your fees will vary depending on the courses you select, with the actual rates calculated at enrolment.
- We review our fees annually and they may increase each year.
- Further details are available on the Fees website.
Additional costs
You may be required to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee as part of your degree cost.
This degree includes an on-campus residential school component that involves travel, accommodation, and meal expenses.
Placement courses may incur some additional costs, including uniform and equipment, transport to and from venues and, in some instances, living expenses, particularly for placements in rural and remote settings
UniSQ Scholarships
We offer scholarships for academic excellence, community leadership, and financial need - you can apply for more than one!
Find out moreHow to apply
The University accepts applications all year. Complete your online application directly to UniSQ.
ApplyYou can select to start your study in Trimester 1 or 2.
| Study period | Orientation | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1, 2025 | Monday 3 February | Monday 10 February |
| Trimester 2, 2025 | Monday 19 May | Monday 26 May |
| Trimester 1, 2026 | Monday 9 February | Monday 16 February |
Preparing to apply
You've made the decision to study at UniSQ - congratulations! Take the next steps:
You can contact one of our approved agents to guide you through the application process. Our agents provide:
- advice on your study plans
- advice on applying to UniSQ
- document certification
- assistance with any pre-departure arrangements
- assistance with your visa requirements.
To support your application, you will need to submit certified copies of:
- identity documents (passport)
- evidence of your English language proficiency
- senior high school (A levels/Year 12) certificate and academic transcripts
- all post-secondary study certificates and academic transcripts (if any)
- evidence of work experience (if required).
Application dates can vary so be sure to check our key dates to get all the details.
It is important to apply early to allow enough time for your application to be assessed and processed to meet study commencement dates and participation in Orientation activities. You should also factor in visa processing requirements and timeframes, where applicable.
After you’ve submitted your application, you will be emailed a reference number. Please allow up to 14 days for assessment. If further assessment is required for course credits or exemptions, this process may take longer.
Once you have received your letter of offer from UniSQ, you will need to return your signed acceptance of offer form. The UniSQ team will contact you at this time with more information regarding next steps.
Find out more
Connect with us - start a conversation, whenever suits you.
Frequently asked questions
To study a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science at UniSQ you need to meet a minimum ATAR and assumed knowledge. ‘Assumed knowledge’ is the term we use to explain the minimum level of knowledge we presume you have in some subjects before you start your degree.
Additional documentation must also be provided prior to any clinical placements.
For further information on ATAR, assumed knowledge and additional documentation, please view the entry requirements section of this page for details.
If you don’t meet the entry requirements, we have many pathway options you can explore. UniSQ Ready is a free and flexible pathway, giving you an alternative entry option into the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science.
Not sure if you want to commit to the full degree? Why not start with our Associate degree of Medical Laboratory Science? Upon completion, if you have followed the recommended enrolment pattern, you can then articulate into the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science if you choose.
The duration of a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science will vary depending on the learning provider you choose to study with.
At UniSQ, a full-time course load will take 3.5 years, or you can undertake the part-time equivalent option which is up to 7 years.
The cost of a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science in Australia will vary depending on the education provider you choose to study with. Please view the fees and scholarships section of this page for details.
- We offer Australia’s only 3-year Medical Laboratory Science degree accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS) and our graduates are eligible for discounted membership of AIMS.
- Begin work integrated learning and clinical placements with a pre-analytical placement in your first year of study.
- UniSQ is rated 5/5 stars for learning resources for Science (Good Universities Guide, 2025).
