Imagine bringing a new cancer diagnostic test from the lab safely to market, via patent applications, through regulatory and quality assurance systems, capital raising, marketing and finally sales.
Each step requires advanced technical skills but also business acumen and communications skills.
Biotechnology uses fundamental biological and medical knowledge to develop new processes and products in health, agribusiness, food and other areas of human technology.
The Master of Biotechnology gives you the opportunity to study all aspects of the biotechnology product pipeline, and you’ll have the chance to put your knowledge into practice with one of our industry partners.
In demand globally
By 2025 the biotechnology industry is predicted to have annual turnover of around $1 trillion.
Most jobs in biotechnology companies require both a scientific background and an understanding of the commercial requirements of the industry, and that’s why our graduates are in demand in the diverse and growing biotech industry.
Located in the heart of the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Sometimes it’s not what you know, but who, and in this course you’ll be based in the heart of Melbourne’s Biomedical Precinct, learning from leading researchers in the field and benefiting from our extensive network of partners across the industry.
Work with industry on real-world problems
Taking our Industry Project in Biotechnology will put your skills to the test, solving a real biotechnology-related problem with one of our industry partners, which include CSL, Trajan Scientific and Sienna Cancer Diagnostics.
If you’d like to gain even more real-world experience, you can choose to complete an internship in a science or technology-related workplace for course credit.
More than just technical skills
We know that soft skills are important too, which is why we include subjects on business, scientific communication and leadership, to ensure you’ll be ready to enter the biotechnology industry with confidence.
Requirements
Entry Requirements
Admission criteria
To be considered for entry into this course, you must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a directly related discipline with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of at least 65% (or equivalent)
Disciplines relevant to this course may include agricultural science, biochemistry and molecular biology, bioengineering systems, biotechnology, cell and developmental biology, chemistry, food science, genetics, immunology, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology, plant science, veterinary biosciences and zoology, or equivalents as permitted by the course coordinator.
Meeting the published entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.
Where our admission criteria includes a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) and/or specific subject criteria, these are based on University of Melbourne grades and subjects. If you've studied elsewhere, we'll assess your relevant prior studies and equivalent grades. Your final WAM may be adjusted depending on your previous institution's accreditation, subject grading, and pass marks.
You can use our graduate coursework grade conversion eligibility calculator to get an indication of whether you are eligible for this course based on your previous studies and Weighted Average Mark (WAM).
All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:
English language test score requirements
If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:
IELTS
6.5
with no band less than 6.0
TOEFL
79+
with writing 21; speaking 18; reading 13; listening 13
PEARSON
64+
with no communicative skill below 60
CAMBRIDGE
176+
with no skill less than 169
*Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English Only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE). If a test displays N/A, it means it is not accepted for this course.
About selection
When assessing applications, the Selection Committee will consider your previous studies and academic performance.
The Selection Committee may request additional information to clarify any aspect of an application, according to the University’s Academic Board rules regarding selection instruments.
Meeting the published entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.
English Program Requirements
All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:
English language test score requirements
If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:
IELTS
6.5
with no band less than 6.0
TOEFL
79+
with writing 21; speaking 18; reading 13; listening 13
PEARSON
64+
with no communicative skill below 60
CAMBRIDGE
176+
with no skill less than 169
*Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English Only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE). If a test displays N/A, it means it is not accepted for this course.
Career
Career outcomes
Biotechnology is one of the key industries of the 21st century, and demand for specialists in the area is strong and growing.
Our graduates go on to work as biochemical engineers, biotech manufacturing professionals, entrepreneurs, investment analysts, patent consultants, policy analysts, product managers, production managers, project managers, quality assurance professionals, research scientists, and sales or business development managers.
Employers in this field include:
Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies such as CSL, Roche and GSK
Government departments of defence, health, innovation, agriculture, environment and economic development
Medical research institutes such as WEHI, the Florey Institute, the Burnet Institute and the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute
Research hospitals such as Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Universities and public research institutions such as the CSIRO.
Technical and professional skills
Upon graduating you’ll have a broad understanding of the biotechnology industry, genomics and molecular biology.
Additionally, you’ll have strong professional skills in:
Commercialisation of science
Critical thinking and problem-solving
Collaborative teamwork
Scientific communication, both written and oral
Leadership.
Further study
At the end of the course, if you successfully qualify for and complete the optional Biotechnology Research Project, you could qualify to undertake a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy).
