HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY · HONG KONG
Master of Medical Laboratory Science
Master's · Taught in en · UCAS 55007
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€22k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 2 yearsDuration
- 81 creditsTotal Credits
- Clinical attachments in Hong Kong hospitalsPractical Experience
- Eligible for MLT Board of Hong Kong registrationProfessional Recognition
- Eligibility for IBMS (UK) membershipInternational Recognition
- Only full-time postgraduate program of its kind in HKUnique Offering
The Master of Medical Laboratory Science (MMLS) program aims to train students to become qualified Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs). These professionals are crucial in healthcare, performing accurate tests, analyzing results, and providing essential diagnostic information for patient care. The program emphasizes lifelong learning, critical evaluation of scientific literature, and a strong sense of professional commitment to deliver high-quality services and advance the MLT profession. This is the only full-time taught postgraduate program in Medical Laboratory Science offered by a government-funded university in Hong Kong, designed specifically to qualify individuals for the MLT profession. The curriculum integrates comprehensive theoretical knowledge with practical training and clinical attachments in Hong Kong hospital laboratories, enabling students to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application.
Curriculum
The program is a 2-year, 81-credit course designed to prepare competent entry-level medical laboratory technologists. It is structured across 6 semesters, combining university-based study with off-campus clinical education. The curriculum includes core subjects, specialization subjects with clinical placements, electives, and an academic integrity course.
- Year 1
- Bioinformatics for Medical Laboratory Science
- Clinical Immunology
- Human Pathophysiology
- Human Physiology
- Instrumentation in Clinical Laboratory
- Molecular Diagnostics in Medicine
- Molecular Technology in Clinical Laboratory
- Basic Cellular Pathology
- Basic Clinical Chemistry
- Basic Haematology
- Basic Medical Microbiology
- Concepts and Theories in Clinical Chemistry
- Concepts and Theories in Haematology and Transfusion Science
- Concepts and Theories in Histopathology and Cytology
- Concepts and Theories in Medical Microbiology
- Academic Integrity and Ethics (Health and Social Sciences)
- Year 2
- Capstone Project
- Current Topics in Medical Laboratory Science
- Legal and Ethical Issues for Healthcare Professions
- Workshops on Advanced Molecular Diagnostic Technology
- Clinical Placement
- Practicum and Interpretation in Clinical Chemistry
- Practicum and Interpretation in Haematology and Transfusion Science
- Practicum and Interpretation in Histopathology and Cytology
- Practicum and Interpretation in Medical Microbiology
- Clinical Applications of Molecular Diagnostics in Healthcare
- Epidemiology
- Professional Development in Infection Control Practice
Careers
Graduates are well-prepared for diverse career opportunities in medical laboratories within both public and private sectors, including hospitals and clinics. The program also opens doors to roles in the medical biotechnology sector, as well as in environmental science, agriculture, and food testing industries. Further academic pursuits at the Master's or PhD level are also a viable path.
- Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT)
- Roles in medical biotechnology
- Environmental science roles
- Agriculture and food testing roles
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Master of Medical Laboratory Science program?
- You need a Bachelor's degree in sciences, preferably in biochemistry, biological sciences, life sciences, or health-related disciplines. Specific undergraduate prerequisite courses in subjects like Cell Biology, Human Anatomy, and Physiology are preferred, and you must meet the university's English language proficiency requirements if your prior degree was not taught in English.
- How much does the Master of Medical Laboratory Science program cost for international students?
- The tuition fee is HK$8,600 per credit for non-local students. The estimated living cost, including tuition, accommodation, meals, and personal expenses, is HK$287,655 per academic year.
- What is the duration of the Master of Medical Laboratory Science program?
- The program is a full-time, 2-year course designed to prepare competent entry-level medical laboratory technologists, structured across 6 semesters and totaling 81 credits.
- What are the application deadlines for international students?
- For September entry, the application period includes an Early Round by October 15, 2025, a Main Round by January 15, 2026, and an Extended Round by April 30, 2026.
- What career paths can I pursue after graduating from the Master of Medical Laboratory Science program?
- Graduates are well-prepared for roles as Medical Laboratory Technologists in hospitals and clinics, as well as positions in medical biotechnology, environmental science, and food testing industries. Further academic study at Master's or PhD level is also an option.
- Are there any scholarships available for this program?
- Yes, the HTI Entry Scholarships for Taught Postgraduate Programmes are available for eligible students. The specific amount varies, and further details can be found on the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences website.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degreeIn sciences, preferably biochemistry, biological sciences, life sciences or health-related disciplines from a reputable university.
Undergraduate prerequisite courses (preferred)Cell Biology (3 credits), Human Anatomy (3 credits), Human Biochemistry (3 credits), Human Genetics (3 credits), Human Physiology (3 credits), Laboratory Techniques and Instrumentation (3 credits), Molecular Biology (3 credits), Statistics / Biostatistics (3 credits).
University's minimum English language requirementAs per university policy for non-native English speakers whose prior degrees were not taught in English.
Preference will be given to applicants who have completed the prerequisite undergraduate courses. Suitable candidates may be invited for an interview. Normal colour vision is not an admission criterion, but may be required for employment.
Fees
Tuition (international)HK$8,600 per credit for non-local students.
Tuition (home)HK$8,600 per credit for local students.
LivingEstimated HK$287,655 per academic year for non-local students, including tuition, accommodation, meals, and personal expenses.
The tuition fee is calculated per credit. The 1-credit Academic Integrity and Ethics subject has no tuition charge. The estimated living cost includes university-managed accommodation (first year only), basic meal charges, and personal expenses. Costs for subsequent years may differ, and students are responsible for arranging their own accommodation.
How to apply
1. Complete Online ApplicationSubmit your application through the PolyU online application system.
2. Upload Supporting DocumentsProvide academic transcripts, certificates, a personal statement, and any other required documents.
3. Attend Interview (if required)Shortlisted candidates may be invited to attend an interview.
4. Pay Application FeeA non-refundable application fee is required.
5. Monitor Application StatusRegularly check the online application system for updates and notifications.
Scholarships
HTI Entry Scholarships for Taught Postgraduate ProgrammesVaries
Accreditation
Graduates are eligible to apply for registration (Part II) with the Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLT) Board of Hong Kong (pending approval).
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Master of Medical Laboratory Science program?
+
You need a Bachelor's degree in sciences, preferably in biochemistry, biological sciences, life sciences, or health-related disciplines. Specific undergraduate prerequisite courses in subjects like Cell Biology, Human Anatomy, and Physiology are preferred, and you must meet the university's English language proficiency requirements if your prior degree was not taught in English.
How much does the Master of Medical Laboratory Science program cost for international students?
+
The tuition fee is HK$8,600 per credit for non-local students. The estimated living cost, including tuition, accommodation, meals, and personal expenses, is HK$287,655 per academic year.
What is the duration of the Master of Medical Laboratory Science program?
+
The program is a full-time, 2-year course designed to prepare competent entry-level medical laboratory technologists, structured across 6 semesters and totaling 81 credits.
What are the application deadlines for international students?
+
For September entry, the application period includes an Early Round by October 15, 2025, a Main Round by January 15, 2026, and an Extended Round by April 30, 2026.
What career paths can I pursue after graduating from the Master of Medical Laboratory Science program?
+
Graduates are well-prepared for roles as Medical Laboratory Technologists in hospitals and clinics, as well as positions in medical biotechnology, environmental science, and food testing industries. Further academic study at Master's or PhD level is also an option.
Are there any scholarships available for this program?
+
Yes, the HTI Entry Scholarships for Taught Postgraduate Programmes are available for eligible students. The specific amount varies, and further details can be found on the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences website.