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 -
TAFE Victoria
Interested in this course?
Find out more about this course and other TAFE courses at one of our on-campus Try TAFE events. Get all the information you need to kickstart your career.
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 technican
- Technician in specialised industries, including construction materials testing, environmental monitoring, food testing, pathology and/or forensic testing and pharmaceuticals
Key codes
Location options
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
• 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 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 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65%
- 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 transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.
RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.
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 Pathology Assistance
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Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques
Course structure
Students must achieve a total of 18 units consisting of five core and ten elective units.
This course has been structured to enable students to obtain a generic Diploma or a specialisation in either Pathology or Biotechnology.
Indicative nominal course hours: 1540
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Process and interpret data
Core unit |
MSL924005 |
|
Maintain instruments and equipment
Core unit |
MSL934008 |
|
Use laboratory application software
Core unit |
MSL924006 |
|
Apply quality system and continuous improvement processes
Core unit |
MSL934009 |
|
Monitor the quality of test results and data
Core unit |
MSL935008 |
| Elective units | |
|
Perform biological procedures
Elective unit |
MSL974034 |
|
Perform techniques that prevent cross-contamination
Elective unit |
MSL973027 |
|
Perform microscopic examination
Elective unit |
MSL973028 |
|
Perform chemical tests and procedures
Elective unit |
MSL974032 |
|
Perform tissue or cell culture techniques
Elective unit |
MSL975060 |
|
Perform microbiological tests
Elective unit |
MSL975062 |
|
Perform haematological tests
Elective unit |
MSL975063 |
|
Perform chemical pathology tests
Elective unit |
MSL975064 |
|
Analyse data and report results
Elective unit |
MSL925006 |
|
Provide information to customers
Elective unit, 30.0 credit points |
MSL915003 |
|
Perform molecular biology tests and procedures
Elective unit |
MSL975061 |
|
Apply routine chromatographic techniques
Elective unit |
MSL975066 |
|
Apply routine spectrometric techniques
Elective unit |
MSL975069 |
2024 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$21,960
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$11,450
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
2024 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
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 2024 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. International tuition fees are generally inclusive of Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.
Skills first government-subsidised place
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. 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.
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.
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.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown in the capped amount for 2024.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$351
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$351
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2024 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.