Diploma of Laboratory Technology
Overview
Want to contribute to wider scientific discoveries? A Diploma of Laboratory Technology will teach you the technical, practical and scientific skills to work in a biosciences workplace. Industry specialisations include: construction materials testing, environmental monitoring, food/wine testing, pathology and/or forensic testing.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
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Nationally recognised training
Course currently in transition
The course code, title, units, and content may change. Further information will become available on our website, upon enrolment or during your studies.
Put Swinburne to the test
Looking for your #1 VTAC preference? Join us online for the VTAC Applications and Scholarship Webinar on 29 August, or attend our on-campus Aviation Info Session on 31 August.
Skills you’ll learn
- Complex lab techniques
- Chemical analysis (chromatography and spectroscopy)
- Specialist expertise of molecular biology and chemical pathology
- Advanced understanding of microbiology and haematology
Your career opportunities
- Technical assistant
- Laboratory technician
- Technician in specialised industries, including construction materials testing, environmental monitoring, food testing, pathology and/or forensic testing, and pharmaceuticals
Key codes
International student visa
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
International student visa
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
Admissions
Entry into this program is based on the following criteria:
- Applicants must hold a Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques or can demonstrate equivalent skills and knowledge in a relevant science discipline to this qualification.
- Applicants who have not completed Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques at Swinburne University will need to submit a certified copy of both their Award and Transcript of Results with their application.
- Applicants who have not completed the units MSL973016 Perform aseptic techniques and MSL973019 Perform microscopic examination will need to enrol into Certificate IV Laboratory Techniques at Swinburne University to complete these units prior to enrolling in to MSL50118 Diploma of Laboratory Technology.
- To apply for workplace training (Traineeship), applicants must be working in a relevant workplace and have employer and other necessary approvals to enrol.
- Applicants will need to demonstrate numeracy and literacy competencies.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 5.5 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 5.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 4 Upper Intermediate level) with overall 65%, all skills 60%
- TOEFL iBT (internet-based) minimum score of 65 with no band less than 15
- Pearson (PTE) minimum score of 42 (no communicative skills less than 36)
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Credit transfer
Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
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Certificate III in Laboratory Skills
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Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques
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Certificate III in Pathology Assistance
Course structure
Students must achieve a total of 15 units, including 5 core and 10 elective units. This course has been structured to enable students to obtain a generic Diploma or a specialisation in either Pathology or Biotechnology.
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Maintain and calibrate instruments and equipment
Core unit |
MSL934004 |
|
Process and interpret data
Core unit |
MSL924003 |
|
Use laboratory application software
Core unit |
MSL924004 |
|
Analyse data and report results
Core unit |
MSL925004 |
|
Monitor the quality of test results and data
Core unit |
MSL935007 |
| Elective units | |
|
Perform tissue and cell culture techniques
Elective unit |
MSL975033 |
|
Perform microbiological tests
Elective unit |
MSL975035 |
|
Perform haematological tests
Elective unit |
MSL975036 |
|
Perform chemical pathology tests
Elective unit |
MSL975037 |
|
Perform biological procedures
Elective unit |
MSL974021 |
|
Perform molecular biology tests and procedures
Elective unit |
MSL975034 |
|
Apply routine chromatographic techniques
Elective unit |
MSL975040 |
|
Apply routine spectrometric techniques
Elective unit |
MSL975048 |
|
Plan and conduct laboratory / field work
Elective unit |
MSL913004 |
|
Provide information to customers
Elective unit |
MSL915003 |
2023 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$21,960
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$11,450
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$18,780
Fees are estimates only
Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2023 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.
Skills first government-subsidised place
To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.
How do I pay my fees?
You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Financials
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Eligibility for VET student loans (VSL)
If you apply for a VET Student Loan, Swinburne must first verify your identity. If you are eligible, we will provide your enrolment information to the government so you can complete the application within their eCAF system.
The VET Student Loan amount for this course is capped. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.
VET Student Loan amount* ($AUD)
$16,788
Concessions rates for vocational students
Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available if you self-identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and qualify for a government-subsidised training place under the Indigenous Completions Initiative.
The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
From 1 January 2024, all Diploma level and above courses will contribute to the Student Services and Amenities fee. Below is the capped amount for 2023 as a guide ahead of fees for 2024 being announced.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$326
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$326
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2023 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.
Apply through VTAC
International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.