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 normally have attained the degree of Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science with credit or distinction, or have a qualification acceptable to the Board of Studies in 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

February

Course content

The Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science (PGDipMLSc) is open to well-qualified BMLSc graduates, and other medical laboratory scientists who can demonstrate an interest and aptitude for research. The Diploma is designed to prepare candidates for full-time research and thesis preparation for a Master of Medical Laboratory Science (MMLSc) degree, and thus includes a mix of course work and basic research. Both the Diploma and the Masters degree may be taken part- or full-time. There are special requirements to be met, and candidates are advised to consult with their potential supervisor, and with the BMLSc Course Director as early as possible.

Medical laboratory scientists are important members of the health services, and the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLSc) four year degree course is designed to provide the qualification necessary to work as a medical laboratory scientist. It also allows entry to a wide range of other laboratory-based jobs, including research, and postgraduate academic study, e.g. Master of Medical Laboratory Science (MMLSc).

Papers

• MELS 510 Advanced Medical Laboratory Practice (60 points)
• MELS 580 Research Project (30 points)

Either

• HASC 417 Health Sciences Research Methods (30 points); or
• PHCY 506 Research Methods (30 points); or
• both PUBH 711 Principles of Epidemiology (15 points) and PUBH 725 Applied Biostatistics 1 - Fundamentals (15 points)

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