Frequently Asked Questions

What subjects will I study during the programme?

During the first couple of years, you study the common Health Sciences First Year papers; see the Health Sciences web site for details: Health Sciences Admissions

Then you move into the subjects that teach you how the human body functions normally. In the third year of the course, you learn about the changes that occur when the body is not working properly, and how these changes can be detected by laboratory tests. For the final year, you will be learning how to apply this knowledge in the real world of diagnostic laboratory testing.

Does this mean I can spend the final year away from Dunedin?

Yes, we arrange for final year students to be placed in community or hospital-based laboratories throughout New Zealand, and occasionally in Australia. Although the choices are sometimes limited, most final-year students are able to be in the location they prefer.

What are my chances of getting into the BMLSc programme? Isn't it competitive, like medicine?

As long as you complete the seven papers in the Health Sciences First Year, you have a very good chance of entering the BMLSc Second Year programme.

I've done some university study already, and now want to change to the BMLSc. Is this possible?

Yes, it is. Depending on your previous studies, and your grades, you may be able to enter the Second Year classes directly; very occasionally, graduates or students with several years previous study may be invited directly into the Third Year. If you have been studying health science topics, you may be exempt some of the second year papers. If your previous studies have not included any or much science, you may be asked to take some of the Health Sciences First Year papers.

What are the job opportunities when I finish the degree?

The job opportunities in most branches of diagnostic laboratory work are currently very good - there are significant shortages of qualified and experienced staff in many parts of New Zealand. Our programme is accredited by Australia, and you can also expect to find work across the Tasman. Salary varies between laboratories and progression is generally by automatic annual increment for a period, after successful completion of the six month period working in a diagnostic laboratory to meet competency requirements and full registration with the New Zealand Medical Sciences Council.

I want to study Forensic Science. Can I do this if I take Medical Laboratory Science?

The only way you can study Forensic Science in New Zealand presently is to take it as Postgraduate subject for an MSc in Auckland. The degrees that they recommend you take as an undergraduate include the Medical Laboratory Science degree as well as Biochemistry or Chemistry.