Sept 2025 Entry
4 years
125 (plus 10 clinical/field credits)
What's New
Programme Aims & Learning Outcomes
Medical laboratory scientists perform laboratory analyses of clinical samples, which aid in disease diagnosis, treatment, risk assessment and the study of underlying disease mechanisms.
This programme aims to equip graduates to become medical laboratory scientists who practise competently and with integrity. Graduates of the programme possess the knowledge, skills, reasoning abilities and professional attitudes needed to provide qualified healthcare services to the public.
Programme Characteristics
This programme is the first government-funded full-time undergraduate programme in medical laboratory science in Hong Kong.
The programme curriculum consists of university-based education and medical laboratory science-specific subjects, which are integrated with clinical training in medical laboratories in Hong Kong.
To develop students’ global perspectives, the programme also provides students with the opportunity to engage in overseas exchange activities and participate in clinical attachments in overseas hospital laboratories.
Professional Recognition
Graduates are eligible for registration (Part II) with the Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLT) Board of Hong Kong. Registration is legally required to practise as a medical laboratory technologist in local medical laboratories.
Graduates are also eligible (i) for licentiate membership of the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS, UK) and (ii) to sit the Certificate Examination of the American Society for Clinical Pathology International (MT, ASCPi).
Career Prospects
A wide range of career opportunities are open to graduates of this programme, including careers in medical laboratories in both public and private sectors (e.g., hospitals and clinics), in the medical biotechnology sector, and in the environmental science, agriculture and food testing industries. Graduates can also choose to pursue careers in academic or research areas by continuing their studies at the Master's or PhD level.
* Some employers from the public sector may only consider Hong Kong citizens/permanent residents.
This is a four-year full-time programme leading to a registrable qualification required to perform diagnostic tests in clinical laboratories in Hong Kong. Graduates can work in all four major disciplinary areas of medical laboratory science (cellular pathology, clinical chemistry, haematology and medical microbiology).
The programme has the following major content.
- Year One:
General University Requirement subjects, such as Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and fundamental language subjects. Foundational medical science subjects, such as Human Physiology, Human Anatomy, Laboratory Techniques & Safety, and Clinical Laboratory Instrumentation. Medical laboratory science subjects, such as Exploring Medical Laboratory Science and Introduction to Clinical Chemistry. - Year Two:
Medical science subjects, such as Immunology, Human Biochemistry, Biostatistics, and Molecular Biology in Medicine. Medical laboratory science subjects, such as Introduction to Medical Microbiology, Introduction to Haematology, Clinical Chemistry and Medical Microbiology. - Year Three:
Pathophysiology, Medical laboratory science subjects, such as Introduction to Cellular Pathology, Cellular Pathology, Haematology, Medical Virology and Introduction to Clinical Research. - Year Four:
Human Genetics, Molecular Diagnosis of Human Disease, Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare, Bioinformatics for Molecular Diagnostics, and elective subjects. There is also a 9-credit laboratory-based research project.
Students participate in a 12-week clinical attachment during the programme. The first part takes place during the summer between Years Two and Three (six weeks). The second part takes place during the summer between Years Three and Four (six weeks).
In addition to lectures, tutorials, case studies and seminars, this programme offers a substantial number of laboratory-based practical classes.
Information on the subjects offered can be obtained here.
125 (plus 10 clinical/field credits)
Programme Leader
Prof. Polly Leung
PhD
Please click here to view the entrance requirements for international applicants.
Other Information
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Normal colour vision is not one of the admission criteria, but applicants should note that normal colour vision may be required for employment in the medical laboratory profession.
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Applicants attaining good results in science subjects (Biology and Chemistry) are preferred.
For further programme information, please contact:
The General Office (tel.: 3400 8578; email: hti.dept@polyu.edu.hk).
My decision to enrol in the BSc (Hons) in Medical Laboratory Science at PolyU was driven by my interest in working in a laboratory rather than an office setting.
During this four-year programme, I gained a comprehensive understanding of the primary responsibilities of a medical laboratory technologist, in-depth knowledge in key disciplines, and practical skills. Dedicated professors guided me with passion, enhancing my problem-solving abilities, particularly through the capstone project in the final year.
The overseas hospital placement was a highlight, enabling me to experience the working environment in healthcare systems outside of Hong Kong. The programme has fully prepared me to embark on my career journey, and I look forward to continuously enhancing my knowledge and skills to tackle future challenges as an MLT.
Lau Man Ka, Niky
2024 graduate of BSc(Hons) in Medical Laboratory Science
Required
To evaluate the potential for and interest of applicants in the programme, and to test their language and communication skills and understanding of the industry.
About 10-15 minutes
- Suitable applicants may be invited to interviews.
If applicable
Required
