Master of Science (Bioinformatics)

What do you get when you combine genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry and physiology with computer science, statistics and applied mathematics? The answer? Bioinformatics – tools that give you the power to unlock biological secrets.

This coursework masters degree, which includes a major research project component, provides a broad education in bioinformatics, with strong foundations in computer science and statistics.

Whether your background is in biology, biomedicine, mathematics/statistics, or computer science, there’s an entry point for you into this degree.

Be in demand globally

With demand for bioinformaticians growing worldwide, you'll be well placed to use the skills and networks you develop during this course to build an exciting career.

A course tailored for you

You'll customise your first year based on your academic background, then follow it up with a common second year that builds a broad knowledge of bioinformatics.

Located in the heart of the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct

You’ll benefit from our close connections to the 30 hospitals, medical research organisations and biotechnology institutes that make up the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct – all within a short walk of the University of Melbourne.

Develop your skills with real-world problems

You’ll graduate with a major research project to feature in your CV. In the research project, you’ll develop and apply bioinformatics tools to real-world problems, with support from an expert bioinformatician from within the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct.

Gain more than just technical skills

We know that soft skills are important too, which is why we include a subject on scientific communication, to ensure you can speak and write effectively about your research.

Be research-ready

Your research experience might inspire you to continue to a PhD, or you can put your analytical and communication skills to use in the global workforce, alongside many of our alumni.

The last 15 years have seen a massive increase in the amount of biological data we are able to produce. Bioinformatics is about using techniques from computer science and statistics to extract information from this data. You develop a wide range of skills, applicable to many potential occupations. Being part of the Parkville Biomedical Precinct is also a big plus, with the University having close connections to the nearby research institutes.

– Luke Zappia, Master of Science (Bioinformatics)

Don't meet the prerequisite subject requirements?

You may have the option to enrol in specific single subjects through the University's Community Access Program, even if you are not enrolled in a course. Completing these prerequisite subjects may qualify you for entry into this course. This option is not available to student visa holders or applicants. Learn more about single subject study.

English language 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.

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