Medical Laboratory Science – Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science

The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science (Medical Laboratory Science) is only available for part-time study. 

You must complete six compulsory courses: 

Four 15 credit clinical sciences courses*. These should be taken before progression to the final course 202705 Advanced Clinical Sciences: 

• 202703 Diagnostic Clinical Biochemistry & Immunology –  Semester 1
• 202704 Diagnostic Medical Microbiology –  Semester 1
• 202701 Clinical Laboratory Haematology –  Semester 2
• 202702 Transfusion Science –  Semester 2

Two 30 credit courses:

• 202705 Advanced Clinical Sciences – Semester 1  (Majoring options include: Clinical Laboratory Haematology, Transfusion Science, Clinical Biochemistry & Immunology, Medical Microbiology and Molecular Diagnostics)
• 168713 Evidence Based Practise –  offered each year in both Semester 1 and Semester 2.

*Note: Not all courses are offered in each year and so you should first check course availability via the ‘Get advice’ button.

Official regulations

To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.

You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.

Returning students

For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.

In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.

Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

• Massey University entry requirements

Specific requirements

To enter the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science (Medical Laboratory Science) you will:

• have been awarded or qualified for a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Bio Medical Science or equivalent
• hold a current Annual Practicing Certificate (APC) for employment in the Scope of Practice of ‘Medical Laboratory Technician’
• have been practicing as a Medical Laboratory Technician in an ISO15189 accredited New Zealand Diagnostic Medical Laboratory for at least one year
• have written employer support allowing the candidate the necessary laboratory resources and time for the completion of the PGDipHlthSc(MLSc).

English language requirements

To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.

• Massey University English language requirements

English language skills

If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

Fees, student loans and free fees scheme

Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.

There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.

• Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
• View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable

Already know which courses you're going to choose?

You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.

• Course search

Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme

You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.

The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.

Current and returning Massey students can find their National Student Number in the student portal.

• Student loans (StudyLink)
• Fees Free
• Student portal

Medical laboratory scientists and technicians are the main occupational groups that make up the profession of medical laboratory science in New Zealand. They are employed by:

• hospital and community diagnostic laboratories
• the New Zealand Blood Service
• research and specialist testing laboratories. 

These roles are varied and highly technical. Your career will expand with the knowledge gained from this qualification and experience gained from employment in this sector.

All practitioners must undertake peer assessment to demonstrate their competence to practise the profession.    

A career in medical laboratory science provides workplace diversity and there are promotional opportunities that can arise with experience and higher education.