Key facts
Duration
2 years full-time
Locations
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Become an in-demand biotechnology expert and create innovative solutions to global challenges with a Master of Biotechnology (Professional) at Deakin. From pioneering medical advancements to cutting-edge solutions for food, agricultural and environmental issues, you will gain advanced technical skills to build a global career effecting positive change. Graduate with the high-level biotechnology knowledge, practical laboratory and fieldwork experience, and professional networks you need to succeed in a booming industry.
Learn under internationally recognised researchers and discover how to apply your specialist knowledge from the lab across genetic, chemical, industrial and agricultural settings. Your biotechnology expertise will be complemented by skills in statistical data analysis, computer coding, and research alongside a well-developed understanding of the commercial biotechnology environment. This skill set will give you the confidence to thrive across a range of industries when you graduate. In your first year, you will gain in-depth biotechnology knowledge, before pursuing a pathway in research, industry placement or advanced coursework.
Want to explore emerging topics in biotechnology and pursue a career that makes a difference?
During your first year, you’ll advance your knowledge in:
- professional research practice
- molecular biotechnology
- biostatistics
- agricultural biotechnology
- nanobiotechnology
- industrial biotechnology
- applied bioinformatics.
In addition to building advanced knowledge, you’ll get hands-on experience using various molecular biotechnologies and bioinformatics tools. You will also have the opportunity to operate analytical equipment like those used in industrial-scale production facilities, such as cell-culture bioreactors. During your degree, develop crucial research management and business skills that employers are looking for.
Tailor your studies to your professional interests in your second year by choosing one of three study pathways:
- Research, where you’ll develop advanced industry-oriented scientific research skills
- Industry practice, where you’ll gain invaluable professional work experience
- Advanced coursework, where you’ll further your biotechnology knowledge under the supervision of our internationally recognised research staff.
Connections to industry are an integral part of this course, providing you with invaluable industry perspectives and opportunities to establish professional networks before you graduate. Guest lectures from key industry partners and field work are embedded into the curriculum, offering a deeper understanding of industry-engaged research and commercialisation in the biotechnology environment.
Harness the latest in scientific discovery under the guidance of our expert staff and graduate with the diverse skills to tackle critical global healthcare, food and environmental problems.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Master of Biotechnology (Professional)
- Year
2025 course information
- Deakin code
- S713
- CRICOS code?
- 113876H Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
Course structure
To complete the Master of Biotechnology (Professional), students must pass 16 credit points, which must include the following:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit point compulsory unit)
- STP710 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit)
- SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0-credit point compulsory unit)
- 7 core units (7 credit points)
- a 9 credit point pathway in:
- research pathway (subject to meeting unit requirements)* OR
- industry practice pathway (subject to meeting unit requirements)^ OR
- advanced discipline coursework pathway.
* Students must have passed 7 level 7 units (6 units must be SLE coded units) and a WAM of 70 to be eligible for the research pathway.
^ Students must have completed STP710 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit), and must have passed 8 credit points of study in level 7 units and have a minimum WAM of 70 to be eligible for the industry practice pathway.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
7
Core units
9
Pathway units
16
Total
Core
Pathway options
Chosen from the following professional studies pathways:
Research pathway
OR
Industry practice pathway
plus two (2) level 7 open elective units (2 credit points)
OR
Advanced discipline coursework pathway
plus three (3) level 7 open elective units (3 credit points)
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
Workload
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, site visits and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Participation requirements
Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Work experience
Students will have an opportunity to complete work experience as part of the industry practice pathway.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
Academic requirements
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a bachelor degree in any discipline and two years' relevant work experience
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Admissions information
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn't have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you're able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of prior learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your Recognition of prior learning.
Your Recognition of prior learning is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for this course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.
Learn more about international student fees.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.
Postgraduate bursary
If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.
Apply now
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
For information on the application process, including required documents and important dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you need assistance, please contact us.
Pathways
Graduates who have completed the Research Project pathway will be uniquely positioned to commence a PhD.
Alternative exits
- Graduate Certificate of Bioinformatics (S513)
- Graduate Diploma of Biotechnology (S613)
- Master of Biotechnology (S712)
Careers
Career outcomes
Graduate with the in-depth scientific knowledge and transferrable technical and commercial skills to build a rewarding career in a rapidly growing industry. With a highly relevant and extremely versatile biotechnology qualification, you’ll be uniquely positioned to explore a wide range of exciting roles in industry, education, government, policy development and teaching.
Depending on your chosen area/s of expertise, you could pursue an impactful career as a:
- bioinformatician animal scientist
- botanist
- chemist
- food scientist
- material scientist
- metallurgist
- molecular biologist
- medical scientist
- trainee patent attorney
- agriculture technologist
- researcher.
With the potential to work globally in a broad range of industries, your potential employers might include:
- CSIRO
- government research institutes and departments
- private research institutes
- the health sector
- private commercial companies
- industrial research companies
- universities
- the agriculture and food sector
- local councils and public service.
A biotechnology qualification is also highly relevant and extremely versatile in research and development roles within both public and private sector research institutes. Many biotech companies engaged in manufacturing employ qualified biotechnologists as manufacturing associates in a supervisory and management capacity.
Graduates also can become biotech product specialists, playing a valuable role in marketing and selling a variety of biotechnological products. These can range from biotech instruments to reagents related to genomics or proteomics. Many biotechnologists are also engaged in the rapidly expanding field of bioinformatics and contribute towards drafting biotech patent applications under the supervision of a patent lawyer.
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Develop deep knowledge of biotechnology, and the ability to apply it in different arenas including the genetic, chemical, industrial and agricultural settings. Using scientific process and knowledge of research planning to conduct research for discovery as well as development of commercially valuable products. Ability to use bioinformatics skills to analyse large research data sets and make valid inferences using rigorous statistical methods. |
| Communication | Demonstrate well developed communication skills both written and oral in a range of settings including among peers, to academic staff, industry contacts and outreach to the general public. Articulate scientific information in a structured form to describe scientific problems, formulate hypotheses, analyse evidence to support or oppose the interpretations of findings and conclusions, considering the evidence from scientific studies. |
| Digital literacy | Evaluate information using evidence from a range of reliable sources to establish scientific knowledge, recognise ambiguity and disseminate accurate information. Apply existing analytical tools (bioinformatics) and data resources to solve problems and use computer programming to develop new methods and resources to advance biotechnology. |
| Critical thinking | Use abstract, analytical and logical reasoning to critically evaluate scientific evidence arguments and approaches. Apply critical reasoning in a variety of situations to scope, interpret and structure investigations to develop an in-depth knowledge for professional biotechnological practice. Use statistical thinking to determine the strength of scientific evidence. |
| Problem solving | Identify scientific problems and use systematic approaches and experimental strategies to formulate and propose solutions by considering relevant discipline and contextual factors. Use judgement to convince scientific and non-scientific audiences, in the use of strategies to generate solutions to real world problems. |
| Self-management | Evaluate own knowledge and skills using frameworks of reflection and take responsibility for learning and performance. Work responsibly and safely in scientific and professional environments to enrich the ideas of others by sharing learning experiences. |
| Teamwork | Work effectively as a team member, assuming various roles and utilising effective teamwork skills to achieve goals. Ability and courage to step into a leadership role when the situation demands. |
| Global citizenship | Apply ethical practice in professional situations to demonstrate responsibility as practitioners when working with people from diverse cultures and communities. Identify and prioritise local, national and global issues and concerns and contribute towards solving real world problems from the perspective of biotechnology. |