About

With the world population rapidly growing, the need for products and technologies that can produce sustainable food sources, create cleaner fuels, reduce our environmental footprint and combat disease also grows. Biotechnology, which has been employed for thousands of years in agriculture, food production and medicine, utilises cellular and biomolecular processes to develop such products and technologies.

In the Master of Biotechnology, you’ll advance your knowledge in areas such as bioethics, protein discovery, molecular genomics, medical biotechnology and functional proteomics. Such knowledge will equip you with a core competency in advanced molecular biotechnology approaches so that you’re primed for a career that is vital to improving our lives and the health of our planet.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements

I'm an

looking to start my course in

2026
2025

Simple steps to entry at Macquarie

Meet the academic requirements

Meet the minimum English language requirements

Guide to admission points

Table Description

Complete this degree in:

If you meet the below or hold a recognised equivalent*:

Course structure:

2 years

(full-time, or equivalent duration if available part-time)

AQF level 7 bachelor's degree in a related area, or recognised equivalent

Foundation Zone, Core Zone (160 credit points)

View course structure

1 year

(full-time, or equivalent duration if available part-time)

AQF level 7 bachelor's degree incorporating all of the following areas of study: biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology and molecular biology, or recognised equivalent and a WAM of 65

Core zone (80 credit points)

View course structure

Related fields for prior qualifications

Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Microbiology, Biology, Industrial Biology, Pharmacy, Genetic Engineering, Biotechnology Engineering, Medical Science, Medical Laboratory Technology, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Chemistry, Biomolecular Sciences, Chemical Engineering

Relevant experience

Biotechnology companies and pharmaceutical production companies in roles such as drug discovery and production, biomanufacturing and laboratory research. Exploiting biodiversity for new bioactive compounds, exploring alternative energy sources, developing improved crop varieties for sustainable food production, diagnostics and industrial biotechnology.

AQF levels

*'Bachelor’s qualification' relates to an AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent.

Guide to University terminology

Use our handy guide to better understand common study terms.

View our guide

Convert your qualification to a WAM

At Macquarie, WAM is used to measure your academic achievement instead of GPA. Use this tool to find how your qualification converts to Macquarie's required WAM.

If your qualification does not fit into any of the above categories, or if you are unsure, please do not hesitate to submit an application and it will be assessed by our admissions team.

The information on this page is a guide only and is based on your selections. They are subject to change.

Complete your degree sooner

Full degree duration

Admission point considerations

Credit for prior learning eligibility

You may qualify to complete your degree sooner!

Full degree duration

Admission point considerations

Credit for prior learning eligibility

You may qualify to complete your degree sooner!

Recognition of prior learning

With recognition of prior learning (RPL), you could get credit for your prior study and experience, reducing the duration of your studies. Credit is awarded for formal and informal or non-formal learning. You’ll need to apply for RPL once you receive your offer to study at Macquarie.

Find out more

Your prior learning may consist of:

Formal learning
Informal and non-formal learning

English language requirements

All Macquarie University applicants are required to provide evidence of English language proficiency. The standard of English required for entry is based on the IELTS Academic test. Other accepted evidence of English proficiency, including minimum scores on other English tests and qualifications, can be checked using the conversion tool.

The required standard of English for this degree is:

The required standard of English

IELTS band

Minimum score required

Overall

6.5

Reading

6

Writing

6

Listening

6

Speaking

6

You may also satisfy the English language requirements by:

passing an approved English language test at the required level
holding a qualification from an approved country with English as the language of instruction
completing an approved high school qualification or foundation program with study in English
completing an approved English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program.

What if I don't meet the requirements?

If you don’t meet the English requirements for your course, you may be issued an offer of study that includes an English preparation program at the Macquarie University English Language Centre (ELC). If you receive a packaged offer, you can apply for a single student visa covering both your English preparation program and your course.

The length of your English program will depend on your current English level and the minimum English requirements for your course. Our admissions team will be able to recommend the number of weeks required when you submit your application.

What English language tests are approved?

We accept the IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT (internet-based), Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic, Cambridge English Qualifications (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency), and the Occupational English Test (OET).

English language qualification convertor

English Test
English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program
Foundation program
High school English subject
Other evidence
Qualification from an English-speaking country

The information on this page is for guidance only and is subject to change.

Additional information and requirements

Assumed knowledge

None.

Recommended studies

None.

Inherent requirements

To be eligible to graduate from your course, you must satisfy the inherent requirements – essential activities, capacities and academic requisites – of that course.

View inherent requirements

English Requirements

IELTSMin 6.5

Career

Career outcomes

I'm an

looking to start my course in

2026
2025

Take the next step in your career

So that you’re equipped with the knowledge and skills employers require now and in the future, we design many of our degrees and courses in consultation with a range of industries and sectors. Having such experts involved in creating the fundamentals of your degree or course provides you with opportunities to contextualise your learning, and gain the latest career insights.

Professions

Biochemist
Biological or clinical technician
Biomanufacturing specialist
Business development manager
Clinical researcher
Medical scientist
Microbiologist
Process development scientist
Research and development manager

Employers

Agricultural biotechnology companies
Biomedical companies
Consulting firms
Government agencies and departments
Hospitals
Pharmaceutical companies
Research institutes

Career information

Job Outlook – an Australian Government initiative – makes it easy to find career information, including the outlook, pay, main tasks, and physical and other demands of careers that interest you.

Explore careers on Job Outlook

Multiply your employability

Co-designed degrees

Study a degree co-designed with industry, and graduate with the knowledge and skills employers want.

Learn more about our degrees

In-demand graduates

Study at Australia’s #1 uni for graduate employment rate: QS Graduate Employability Rankings, 2020.

Know our rankings

Hands-on research skills

Undertake a supervised research project, and gain valuable practical experience.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

33,294 / year