Master of Medical Laboratory Science

Develop specialist skills in a chosen field of medical laboratory science, demonstrate your analytical and problem-solving skills and learn to apply contemporary theory to current practice.

The ability to carry out research in medical laboratory science is a skill in high demand by industry. Medical laboratory scientists are facing new challenges as technologies evolve and diagnostic services change. Top-level evaluative and management skills are in demand along with specialised skills in research and development. The Master of Medical Laboratory Science equips you with the skills to make the most of these opportunities.

This programme is open to all medical laboratory scientists (New Zealand registration and practising certificate are required). There's an opportunity to follow either a management or a specialised scientist pathway.

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How to apply

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Quick facts

Programme code:

AK1028

Level:

Points:

240

Duration:

2 years full-time / part-time available

Campus:

City Campus

Starts:

3 Mar 2025
21 Jul 2025

Key semester dates

Fees

Domestic

$11,220 (for 120 points)
($10,028 tuition fees + $1,192 student services levy)

International

$46,192 (for 120 points)
($45,000 tuition fees + $1,192 student services levy)

Fees shown are based on a full-time workload for the points indicated next to the fee. The exact fee charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment.
Fees are subject to change year to year. If you are planning for study beyond the current year, fees may vary from those stated.
There may also be other fees and charges you need to pay.
International students' tuition fees reflect the full cost of tuition. Domestic students' tuition fees are less due to a proportion of the tuition fees being funded by the New Zealand Government.

Scholarships

Entry requirements
What you study
Career opportunities
Related programmes

Minimum entry requirements

An applicant must:

Have completed the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science with a B grade average or higher in courses at level 7, or equivalent
Be registered as a Medical Laboratory Scientist with the Medical Sciences Council of New Zealand (MSCNZ)
Hold a current Practising Certificate as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, issued by the MSCNZ

International student entry requirements

English language requirements

IELTS (Academic) 6.5 overall with all bands 6.0 or higher; or equivalent

English language requirements

You need to complete a total of 240 points, including 120 points from advanced-level courses and a thesis of 120 points. For your thesis you complete a sustained piece of research in a specialised area of medical laboratory science; a unique offering in today’s competitive job market.

You can follow either a management or a specialist scientist pathway.

Complete the following course

MELS802 Quality Assurance in Laboratory Services (30 points)

And either

Specialist Scientist pathway

Graduates gain the ability to plan and execute laboratory-based research and critically analyse the efficiency and accuracy of existing laboratory techniques in the context of patient care.

Complete this course:

PHIL880 Ethics of Biotechnology (30 points)

And choose from:

_{You need to complete 120 points from courses in this programme, in addition to your thesis.}

Or

Management pathway

Graduates gain the ability to critically analyse strategic and operational processes and examine the evidential base underpinning health policy development.

One course from: