Medical Laboratory Science

Entry requirements

• Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences).
• Every applicant shall have qualified for the Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science with credit or distinction, or have equivalent qualifications acceptable to the Board of Studies for Medical Laboratory Science.

If your first language is not English you need to meet our English language requirements as follows: IELTS score of 6.5 in the academic module (with no individual band below 6.0); we also accept a number of other English language tests. Due to COVID-19, we currently accept Duolingo English Test (DET), IELTS Indicator Test, and TOEFL iBT Special home Edition.

Don’t meet the English language requirements? The University of Otago Language Centre "English for Otago" programme offers a pathway for Undergraduate and Postgraduate students to meet the English language requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Months of entry

Anytime

Course content

The Master of Medical Laboratory Science (MMLSc) degree and preceding Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science (PGDipMLSc) allow a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLSc) graduate to pursue a full-time research option, possibly leading on to a PhD. These postgraduate qualifications also allow experienced medical laboratory scientists with unrelated or no previous university study to undertake research-based qualifications which may assist them into research and academic careers. Potential candidates should note that there is a strong focus on assisting the individual to develop self-directed research skills. These postgraduate qualifications are not designed to provide practising medical laboratory scientists with updates on their area of practice.

Structure of the Programme

The degree will be awarded upon the submission of a satisfactory thesis embodying the results of research undertaken under supervision. The candidate shall have one or more supervisors, at least one of whom shall be a member of the staff of the University.

The topic of the thesis and the supervisors of the research shall be approved by the Board of Studies for Medical Laboratory Science.

The research should be of a kind that a diligent and competent student should complete within one year of full-time study.

Available at Christchurch and Dunedin campuses.

Information for international students

Otago offers students an unrivalled campus experience and a vibrant, social student culture. The majority of Otago’s 21,000 students live, work and play in Dunedin - New Zealand’s only true university city. Otago is home to over 3,000 students, from over 100 countries.

Fees and funding

New Zealand is a relatively affordable country to live in. Dunedin, being a student-focused city, has living and entertainment options for all budgets.

Students are eligible for the Otago International Excellence Scholarship.