v1
Skip to main content
Campus Closures: Great Lakes, Kempsey, Taree, Port Macquarie, Nambucca CLC, Wauchope campuses will be closed for classes from Wednesday 21 May 2025 until further notice. Updates are available here.
Our enrolment and student portal is undergoing an important upgrade and will be unavailable from 7:00am until 10:00pm Saturday, 8 Mar 2025.
TEST
    Overview

    About this international course

    This qualification reflects the role of workers who apply a range of laboratory technologies to conduct scientific-technical tests. The Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Food) will strengthen your laboratory skills and prepare you for roles as a laboratory officer or technician in the food manufacturing industry.

    At TAFE NSW, you will study the very latest techniques for the widest range of analysis in our chemical and biological labs. These have been built to strict OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation & Development) Principles of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) guidelines to simulate real working laboratories. There is a strong focus on practical skills, as well as supervisory and safety skills which will make you a highly sought after graduate.

    **This qualification is superseded. You can still enrol in this course, and you will be contacted if you need to transition into the next version when it is available**

    Outcomes

    What you'll gain

    Learn new skills

    Through theory and practical course work you will learn to: 

    • Process and interpret data
    • Analyse data and report results
    • Monitor the quality of test results
    • Perform microbiological procedures in the food industry
    • Contribute to the ongoing development of HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) plans
    • Perform food tests, chemical tests and procedures
    • Provide input to production trials
    • Conduct sensory analysis and perform food analysis

    Gain practical experience

    TAFE NSW is known for delivering theory along with practical learning. You will strengthen your practical skills in laboratory techniques including:

    • Sampling techniques
    • Calibration techniques
    • Analysis of food and related materials

    Develop your professional confidence

    Stand out in a global job market with a range of key professional skills that equip you with:

    • Effective communication
    • The ability to work both independently and as part of a team
    • Attention to detail with a strong focus on quality
    • An honest and reliable nature

    Global industry demand

    The global laboratory informatics market is forecast to grow from AUD $3.6 billion in 2019 to AUD $5.3 billion by 2024, at a compound annual growth rate of 7.5%.

    Key drivers of this growth include the increasing need for laboratory automation, development of integrated lab informatics solutions, increasing need to comply with regulatory standards, and the growing demand in biobanks/biorepositories.

    Suitability

    International entry requirements

    At TAFE NSW each course has entry requirements. These help us to make sure that your course choice is right for you and help determine your suitability for a course. We want you to be confident in your decision and successful in your studies.

    Fees and locations

    Starting dates, course fees and locations

    As an international student, you can choose from a range of different courses, offered at various locations. Experience vibrant spaces, libraries, cafes and gyms, as well as places to make friends and socialise with other students.

    Additional costs

    Additional costs for uniforms, equipment, textbooks and materials (if applicable) range from $300 - $1,000 AUD per course.

    Structure and units

    What you will study

    At the start of your course, you will receive your timetable. You will need to study all core units and a range of additional units.


    Packaging Rules: Total Number of Units =15. 5 core units & 10 elective units, consisting of at least 7 units from the electives lists including at least 5 units coded at 5000 or above and up to 3 units from any endorsed Training Package or accredited course -these unit must be relevant to the work outcome. Any combination of electives that meets the rules above can be selected for the award of the MSL50118 Diploma of Laboratory Technology. Where appropriate electives may be packaged to provide a qualification with an specialization.
    Core Units
    MSL924003 Process and Interpret data MSL924004 Use laboratory application software MSL925004 Analyse data and report results MSL934004 Maintain and calibrate instruments and equipment MSL935007 Monitor the quality of test results and data

    Core units are the required units that you must complete.

    Pathways

    Continue your studies

    At TAFE NSW, you can develop your skills or build your expertise by studying a single course. You can also continue your studies with one of the following pathway options:


    Vocational study pathway

    Enrol in a range of TAFE NSW courses designed to help you kick-start your career and education goals. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    TAFE NSW degree pathway

    From certificates to diplomas, to a TAFE NSW degree, continue your studies with us to help build your success. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    TAFE NSW - university partnership pathways

    TAFE NSW has partnerships with a number of Australian universities. These universities offer guaranteed entry and credit transfer to eligible students. How much credit you are eligible for varies depending on the course and university you choose. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    Other university pathways

    You may gain entry to another university using your TAFE NSW qualifications. Acceptance and the amount of credit transfer may vary depending on the university and course studies. Check your credit eligibility.


    Keep learning with TAFE NSW

    Whatever your career ambitions, we will help you get there with a range of courses to develop your skills, build your knowledge and prepare you for work.

    TAFE NSW is here to create exceptional learner experiences and provide quality, personalised services to make sure you achieve your goals.

    Explore your study options across a range of disciplines and talk to your TAFE NSW Education Agent or contact us.

    You are able to package two or more TAFE NSW courses together. This means you can plan your studies to achieve your career goals. When you apply for a TAFE NSW vocational pathway, you can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    Services

    Campus facilities and support services

    When you study the Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Food), you'll learn your skills in chemical and biological laboratories that have been designed and built specifically around OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation & Development) Principles of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) guidelines. This gives you an accurate simulation of the modern laboratories you could work in.

    TAFE NSW offers you a range of on campus study environments you will have access to industry specific computer rooms, simulated work places, study and presentation areas as well as general student facilities to enhance your learning and student experience.

    Student facilities, amenities and support services include:

    • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
    • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
    • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
    • Smarthinking - online access to a tutor

    We're here to help

    If you have more questions about your course choice or study plans contact us today.

    Contact TAFE NSW International