Sept 2025 Entry
4 years
125 (plus 10 clinical/field credits)
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.
125 (plus 10 clinical/field credits)
Programme Leader
Prof Polly Leung
PhD
Please click here to view the entrance requirements for non-JUPAS 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).
As a medical laboratory technologist (MLT), I play a vital role in patient care. Through various diagnostic tests, I am able to gather important health information that aids clinicians in treatment decisions. However, many people are unaware of what exactly we do in the clinical laboratory and how test results are interpreted.
My studies at PolyU equipped me with both the theoretical knowledge and hands-on training needed to succeed in this career. The comprehensive curriculum allowed me to master all technical procedures while developing key transferable skills. I particularly enjoyed learning different analytical techniques and quality control practices to ensure accurate results.
Beyond the classroom, I appreciated the opportunities to supplement my education through international experiences. During an overseas placement at the National Cheng Kung University hospital, I gained real-world experience performing haematological and molecular tests. Being immersed in another healthcare system expanded my understanding of different laboratory tests. I also benefited from studying abroad in Norway, where I learnt to communicate cross-culturally and consider diverse perspectives.
At PolyU, I was continually challenged to evaluate issues critically and think innovatively. The university environment has fostered my personal and professional growth. I not only strengthened my leadership skills but also developed a strong work ethic. Overall, PolyU's well-rounded education fully prepared me to make meaningful contributions as an MLT.
Lee On Ying Angela
2024 graduate of the 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
