Bachelor of Health Science in Medical Laboratory Science (ARTIC) at Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Programme overview

This offering is aimed at providing qualified Medical Technologists with an opportunity to gain access to higher qualifications or improve their knowledge and upgrade their qualification to a NQF Level 8. The Biomedical Sciences department at CPUT offers two articulation pathways between the old NQF qualifications and the new HEQSF aligned qualifications, namely: 1. Articulation from ND: Biomedical Technology (NQF level 6, 360 credits) to BHSc in Medical Laboratory Science (NQF level 8, 502 credits). Offering type listed: FULL-TIME: BELLVILLE CAMPUS.

Faculty: Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences | Department: Biomed | Study mode: full-time | Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

What you will study

Subjects listed on the programme page include Human Anatomy, Physiology & Disease; Immunology 1; Introduction to Medical Laboratory Sciences 1; Biostatistics; Communications; Computer Skills.

Career pathways

Access to further studies in a Masters qualification. This articulation process will also create more diverse opportunities which include career options overseas as currently the National Diploma is not recognized internationally. A fulfilling, interesting and challenging career awaits a dedicated, mature and professional person with an enquiring analytical mind and a passion for medical science. Qualified Medical Laboratory Scientists can pursue a career in the field of medical science in laboratories in blood transfusion services, private pathology practices, the National Health Laboratory Services, the Medical Research Council, forensic laboratories, veterinary practices, biotechnology companies and other disciplines such as pharmaceutical companies. Those who wish to work in forensics must note that they will still need to complete in-house training at the SAPS forensic laboratory once appointed there. Those wishing to pursue a career in research can be employed in research laboratories at academic institutions. Registered Medical Laboratory Scientists may also apply for a license to practice in a private capacity in their own laboratories.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Minimum Entrance Requirements: • A National Diploma in Biomedical Technology • A B-Tech in Biomedical Technology (optional) • Current registration with the HPCSA as a Medical Technologist. • Proof of current employment as a medical technologist in the HPCSA registered discipline. • Proof of having completed the medical technologist national board exam would also be required. • If previous qualifications, for example, the initial diploma, were achieved more than ten years (> 10 years) ago, the applicant would be allowed to follow the articulation process only if they are currently practising in the field of Medical Technology. However, if it is a non-practising applicant with previous qualifications older than 10 years, then the recommendations and rules of RPL would apply and the applicant would be assessed for advanced standing to establish appropriate academic recognition (credits) for the subjects within the qualification. This may extend the duration of the course. • National Diploma or B Tech students who have not completed a medical technologist internship and national board exams would be expected to complete the entire 3rd and 4th year of the BHSc degree which includes the clinical practice component and final exam for the 4th year discipline/elective of their choice. This may extend the duration of the course to 4 years on a full-time basis. • Applicants with a qualification from universities other than CPUT may be required to submit additional documents such as syllabus outlines or subject guides for subjects completed during their national diploma and BTech qualifications at the previous university. These documents may be submitted electronically upon request.

Tuition is charged per module, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Applications for the 2027 intake open on Monday, 11 May 2026. Closing date for bachelor's/bachelor of science programmes is 30 September 2026 for South African citizens and 31 August 2026 for non-South African citizens, with earlier dates for health programmes (30 June 2026 for Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, Diagnostic Radiography, Diagnostic Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine Technology and Radiation Therapy; 31 July 2026 for Emergency Medical Care and Opticianry).

The application fee is R110 (non-refundable); the late application fee is R160. A deposit of R1,750 is payable on acceptance and a registration fee of R785 applies.

Apply through the official page: https://www.cput.ac.za/study-at-cput/undergraduate/apply

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