Master of Science specialising in Biotechnology

    Master of Science specialising in Biotechnology

    Duration2 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    AUD 40,452 / year(s)
    Next IntakeJuly 5, 2026
    Master of Science specialising in Biotechnology

    About

    Our Master of Science is all about research skills, lifelong learning and industry-relevant professional development.

    The Biotechnology specialisation has a strong focus on entrepreneurship, preparing you for the changing – and challenging – demands of the sector.

    Build in-depth knowledge of the latest technologies and methodologies in biotechnology, such as genetic engineering, bioinformatics and molecular biology. Learn how to plan and execute laboratory experiments to solve real-world research problems. Understand the innovation process and key aspects of commercialisation. Identify new product opportunities and collaborate in teams to meet them. Choose specialised electives – from animal biotechnology to project management. Get a unique opportunity to undertake a year-long research project, open to academically advanced students only*. Study alongside active research experts, working at the cutting edge of biotechnology, where major advances are influencing vaccines, cancer and stem cell therapies. You’ll graduate prepared for dynamic careers in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agriculture and environmental management. With its strong research focus, you can also use this degree as a pathway to a PhD.

    *This option is only available to students that satisfy a specific GPA requirement after their first 48 units of study.

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

    • A completed bachelor (AQF level 7) or bachelor honours (AQF level 8) degree in a discipline aligned with the selected specialisation from a recognised higher education institution; OR
    • A completed graduate certificate (AQF level 8) or higher from a nested program or discipline aligned with the selected specialisation from a recognised higher education institution.

    This degree requires a Grade Point Average (GPA) equivalent to an Adelaide University 5.0 on a 7-point scale for entry.

    Aligned disciplines for each specialisation include:

    • Biotechnology - genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology or related;
    • Environment and Conservation - ecology, environmental chemistry and biology (or related), earth science;
    • Global Food and Nutrition Science - food and nutrition;
    • Medical Radiation Physics - science (physics), engineering;
    • Sustainable Georesources - earth science, geology, geophysics, environmental geoscience, mineral geoscience.

    English Program Requirements

    IELTS Overall 6.5 | IELTS Reading 6 | IELTS Listening 6 | IELTS Speaking 6 | IELTS Writing 6

    Career

    Career outcomes

    At Adelaide University, you’ll build a strong foundation in research, innovation and product development that prepares you for real-world roles in biotech. You could help bring new medical treatments to life, support the safe and effective delivery of cutting-edge therapies or analyse complex biological data to inform health discoveries. Your skills might also help ensure the quality of scientific processes, coordinate research projects or contribute to the development of vaccines that protect communities worldwide.

    You could also be a: 

    • Biomedical scientist
    • Research associate
    • Biotech patent analyst
    • Diagnostic technician
    • Clinical trial associate
    • Bioinformatician
    • Medical writer
    • Quality assurance officer
    • Biotech project manager
    • Vaccine development scientist.

    Industry trends 

    There’s a lot going on in our world today: ageing populations, rampant chronic disease, the threat of climate change and major technological advancements. Fortunately, the biotechnology sector, disruptive by nature, is helping meet this pace of change. CRISPR and other gene-editing technologies are revolutionising DNA modification, offering new treatments for genetic disorders and cancers – and shaking up agriculture. Similarly, advances in 3D bioprinting are transforming the future of healthcare. There’s no denying, there’s a strong and rapidly growing job market within the biotech sector (A Prosperous Future: Biotech, KPMG, 2023). Our Master of Science specialising in Biotechnology builds both scientific and commercialisation skills, preparing you to respond to global megatrends and make the most of these developments.

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee
    40,452 / year(s)
    Master of Science specialising in Biotechnology
    University of Adelaide
    University of Adelaide
    Australia

    Australia, Adelaide