Master of Biotechnology

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 2 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Postgraduate
Degree Masters Degree
Closing soon February 2027

Course Overview

The Master of Biotechnology at the University Of Western Australia is designed for ambitious individuals seeking to drive innovation in a field critical to global challenges in food, environmental protection, and health. You will explore cutting-edge advancements in genetics, genomics, and synthetic biology, gaining a deep understanding of how these disciplines are revolutionising production routes and environmental strategies. This postgraduate degree is ideal for those who wish to combine rigorous scientific training with an understanding of enterprise and commercialisation, preparing you to make a significant impact in the biotechnology sector.

This Master of Biotechnology is studied on campus full-time over two years. You will engage with core units covering enterprise, innovation, and technology commercialisation, alongside specialised scientific training in areas such as collecting, analysing, and interpreting big data in biology, and environmental biotechnology. Depending on your chosen specialisation, you may undertake a dissertation, allowing you to conduct in-depth research. You will graduate with advanced skills in practical techniques like genomics and synthetic biology, alongside essential bioinformatics practices, positioning you for careers in research, industry, and government.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

The Master of Biotechnology program provides a comprehensive foundation in enterprise, innovation, and technology commercialisation, alongside advanced biological data analysis. Students will explore critical areas such as food, fibre, and fuel security, and develop essential professional skills. The program offers specialisations in AQUAtech, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Environmental and Agricultural Biotechnology, Genetics and Genomics, and Synthetic Biology, allowing for tailored study in cutting-edge fields. A significant component involves undertaking a dissertation, providing an opportunity for in-depth research and application of learned principles.

1 Core

Enterprise and Innovation Compulsory
Technology Commercialisation Compulsory
Collecting, Analysing and Interpreting Big Data in Biology Compulsory
Food Fibre and Fuel Security Compulsory

2 Option

Professional Skills in Science Compulsory
Science in Practice Compulsory

3 Option

Dissertation Part 1 Compulsory
Dissertation Part 2 Compulsory
Dissertation Part 3 Compulsory
Dissertation Part 4 Compulsory

4 AQUAtech specialisation

Fundamentals of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I Compulsory
Integrated Topics in Genetics I Compulsory
Ethical Conduct and Communication of Science Compulsory
Techniques in Molecular Sciences Compulsory

5 AQUAtech specialisation

Decoding and Recoding for Environmental Biotechnology Compulsory
Waste and the Circular Economy Compulsory
Environmental Biosensing Agents and Assays Compulsory
Aquaculture and the Blue Economy Compulsory

6 AQUAtech specialisation

Marine Conservation and Fisheries Management Compulsory
Environmental Genomics Compulsory
Aquatic Ecology Compulsory
Global Change and the Marine Environment Compulsory

7 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology specialisation

Fundamentals of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II Compulsory
Data Use in Science Compulsory
Ethical Conduct and Communication of Science Compulsory
Techniques in Molecular Sciences Compulsory

8 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology specialisation

Advanced Studies in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Compulsory
Advanced Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Techniques Compulsory
Advanced Techniques in Molecular Sciences Compulsory
Synthetic Biology: Solving Global Challenges Compulsory

9 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology specialisation

Biotechnology in the Natural Environment Compulsory
Advanced Studies in Genetics and Genomics Compulsory
Advanced Genomics Techniques Compulsory
Bioinformatics and Data Analysis for Genomics Compulsory
Synthetic Biology: Novel Tools for Bioengineering Compulsory
Global Challenges in Biomedical Science Compulsory

10 Environmental and Agricultural Biotechnology specialisation

Fundamentals of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I Compulsory
Integrated Topics in Genetics I Compulsory
Ethical Conduct and Communication of Science Compulsory
Techniques in Molecular Sciences Compulsory

11 Environmental and Agricultural Biotechnology specialisation

Biotechnology in the Natural Environment Compulsory
Decoding and Recoding for Environmental Biotechnology Compulsory
Waste and the Circular Economy Compulsory
Environmental Biosensing Agents and Assays Compulsory

12 Environmental and Agricultural Biotechnology specialisation

Breeding and Biotechnology Compulsory
Case Studies in Breeding and Biotechnology Compulsory
Marine Conservation and Fisheries Management Compulsory
Conservation Genetics Compulsory
Environmental Management in Mining Compulsory
Ecological Rehabilitation Compulsory
Bioinformatics and Data Analysis for Genomics Compulsory

13 Genetics and Genomics specialisation

Integrated Topics in Genetics II Compulsory
Data Use in Science Compulsory
Ethical Conduct and Communication of Science Compulsory
Techniques in Molecular Sciences Compulsory

14 Genetics and Genomics specialisation

Advanced Studies in Genetics and Genomics Compulsory
Advanced Genomics Techniques Compulsory
Bioinformatics and Data Analysis for Genomics Compulsory
Synthetic Biology: Solving Global Challenges Compulsory

15 Genetics and Genomics specialisation

Breeding and Biotechnology Compulsory
Case Studies in Breeding and Biotechnology Compulsory
Conservation Genetics Compulsory
Biotechnology in the Natural Environment Compulsory
Synthetic Biology: Novel Tools for Bioengineering Compulsory
Global Challenges in Biomedical Science Compulsory

16 Synthetic Biology specialisation

Fundamentals of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II Compulsory
Data Use in Science Compulsory
Ethical Conduct and Communication of Science Compulsory
Techniques in Molecular Sciences Compulsory

17 Synthetic Biology specialisation

Bioinformatics and Data Analysis for Genomics Compulsory
Synthetic Biology: Solving Global Challenges Compulsory
Synthetic Biology: Novel Tools for Bioengineering Compulsory
Materials Characterisation for Bioengineering and Synthetic Biology Compulsory

18 Synthetic Biology specialisation

Breeding and Biotechnology Compulsory
Biotechnology in the Natural Environment Compulsory
Waste and the Circular Economy Compulsory
Good, Bogus and Corrupted Science Compulsory
Global Challenges in Biomedical Science Compulsory

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 36,582.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 36,582.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 73,165.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 580.00 - USD 1,974.00
Food & Groceries USD 2,122.00 - USD 2,971.00
Transport USD 849.00 - USD 1,698.00
Utilities & Bills USD 849.00 - USD 1,698.00
Estimated Total USD 3,820.00 - USD 6,367.00

Living cost estimates are based on Crawley Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

85%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Automation & RoboticsDrug Discovery & ResearchHealth, Safety & Environment (HSE)Lean Manufacturing & Process ImprovementLogistics & Warehouse ManagementPharmaceutical ManufacturingPublic Health & EpidemiologyRegulatory Affairs & ComplianceResearch & Product DevelopmentSupply Chain & Procurement

Top Employers Hiring for this course

ChemCentre

Chemical and Process Engineering Club (CPEC) of UWA

Department of Health (WA Health)

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

Fiona Stanley Hospital

Novartis

Pharmacy 777

School of Veterinary Medicine

Why Study Master of Biotechnology at University of Western Australia

What makes this program stand out

February 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in February 2027

Very Fast Application response time

University of Western Australia typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 days, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at University of Western Australia in Australia

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Master of Biotechnology at University of Western Australia

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the term and unlimited hours during breaks. You do not need a separate work permit to work in Australia.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To enroll, you must meet the English test requirements, including an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no individual band below 6. Scores for listening, reading, speaking, and writing must each meet this minimum.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Potential job titles include Biotechnologist, Genetic Engineer, Bioinformatics Analyst, and Research Scientist.

What will I actually study in this course?

Biotechnology is central to our lives. The use of plants, animals and bacteria, enhanced by areas such as genetics, genomics and synthetic biology, gives rise to new food, fibre and biochemical production routes, and new strategies for environmental protection and stewardship, all central requirements as the global population increases over the coming decades. You will study the theory of genetics and molecular biology and receive world-class training in ‘next generation’ practical

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Master of Biotechnology has intakes in February and July each year. Ensure to apply before the deadlines for these months to secure your place.
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