Sept 2025 Entry
4 years
125 (plus 10 clinical/field credits)
Programme Leader
Prof. Polly Leung
PhD
What's New
Programme Aims & Learning Outcomes
Medical laboratory scientists perform laboratory analysis of clinical samples, which aids in disease diagnosis, treatment, risk assessment and the investigation of underlying disease mechanisms.
This programme aims to equip graduates to become medical laboratory scientists who practice competently and with integrity. Graduates of the programme possess the knowledge, skills, reasoning abilities and professional attitudes necessary to provide qualified healthcare services to the public.
Programme Characteristics
This programme is the first full-time government-funded undergraduate programme in medical laboratory science in Hong Kong.
The programme curriculum is comprised of university-based education and medical laboratory science-specific subjects, which are integrated with clinical training in medical laboratories in Hong Kong.
In order to nurture students’ global perspectives, programme also provides students with the opportunities to engage in overseas exchange activities and undertake clinical attachment at 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 for practising as 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 the 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 through further study at the Master or PhD levels.
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 are able to 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.
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Year One:
General University Requirement subjects, such as Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and fundamental language subjects. Foundation 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 undertake 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 at here.
Satisfy the University's General Entrance Requirements.
Please click here for the subject weightings for 2025/26.
There is no compulsory subject requirement. Preferred subject(s) with the highest weighting for admission score calculation include(s):
Other Information
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.
2024/25 Average Score: Any Best 5 Subjects (with Subject Weighting) = 300.9
For further programme information, please contact:
the General Office (tel.: 3400 8578; email: hti.dept@polyu.edu.hk).
‘70% of clinical decisions are supported by laboratory data’.
When I encountered this statement in the first lecture of my undergraduate degree, I was amazed by the contributions made by medical laboratory technologists, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The novel scientific discoveries made and innovative technologies developed during the pandemic have motivated me to explore new scientific knowledge.
During my studies for the BSc (Hons) in Medical Laboratory Science, the subjects delivered by the dedicated academic team have equipped me with both theoretical and practical knowledge. In addition to various learning activities and research experiences, the opportunity to undertake a clinical placement allowed me to apply the knowledge I have gained in professional practice and gave me a clear view of my career pathway. The teaching of the clinical staff during my clinical placement reinforced my communication skills and helped me to understand the role of teamwork in the smooth operation of a clinical laboratory. This remarkable journey at PolyU represents an unforgettable milestone in my life.
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
