Master of Biotechnology
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
Not applicable
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Duration
Full-time 2 years, Part-time 4 years -
Location
Melbourne city, Bundoora -
Fees
Next intake
February, July Entry score
IELTS 6.5
Duration
Full-time 2 years Location
Melbourne city, Bundoora Fees
AU$35,520 (2019 annual)
Next intake
February, July
Overview
Your career in biotechnology
As a graduate of this program you will be able to move into a number of fields including medical and pharmaceutical research, or food science (production and modification).
What you will study
Gain high level skills in gene and protein technologies, bioinformatics, and various microbiology and food science disciplines.
Details
Gain high level skills in gene and protein technologies, bioinformatics, and various microbiology and food science disciplines.
Theoretical elements of the program are complemented by a large component of hands-on laboratory practicals.
This program includes an option to complete one semester of work experience or a research project that will include a minor thesis.
All students will have the opportunity to analyse real-world data when they undertake a bioinformatics research project.
The program is delivered full-time, in face-to-face mode, supported by various blended learning activities (including online).
You will experience a wide range of learning environments - lectures, tutorials, online delivery and individual and group work.
Of particular importance is the high proportion of time undertaking project and field work. This will provide context for your learning process, offering a chance to gain practical experience and to develop both teamwork and time management skills.
High achieving students may undertake work-integrated learning (WIL) which is incorporated through an industry-based research project and optional work experience.
Projects and work experience can be undertaken at companies including the Murdoch Children Research Institute, CSIRO, or Burnet Institute, to name a few.
Inside the course experience
Students from a range of backgrounds choose to study the Master of Biotechnology because of its flexible structure and practical focus.
This program emphasises the practical application of new knowledge and technologies, and includes an optional semester of work experience or a research project.
Year one focuses on the development of core skills and knowledge, allowing you to specialise by selecting subjects of interest relevant to your chosen stream.
Year two further develops your specialisation. Here you will apply your skills to a bioinformatics research project and have the opportunity to complete an optional work placement or additional research project with an industry partner.
Program plans
Please note that the following program plans for the Master of Biotechnology are are no longer accepting new enrolments:
- MC111FOOD Food Microbiology
- MC111FOSC Food Science and
- MC111CLINC Clinical Microbiology.
Choose a program structure
Choose a program structure
Program code: MC111
Career
Apply your knowledge of living systems to address challenges in the environment, health (infectious disease) or food science.
As a graduate of this program you will be able to move into a number of fields including medical and pharmaceutical research, or food science (production and modification).
Career outlook
As a graduate of this program you will move into advanced areas of the biotechnology industry, equipped with skills in gene and protein technologies, bioinformatics, and in various microbiology and food science disciplines. These skills are in high demand within the diverse biotechnology sector.
Master of Biotechnology (Clinical Microbiology) graduates find employment in hospital and private diagnostic labs, research labs, or biotechnology companies.
Master of Biotechnology (Food Science) graduates find a wide range of employment opportunities in the food industry.
As a graduate, you can apply for membership of one or more of the following professional societies, depending on which courses you've studied:
- Australian Society for Microbiology
- Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- American Society for Microbiology
- British Mycological Society
- Australian Institute of Biology
- International Society for Human and Animal Mycology
- Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
- Asian Fisheries Society
- World Aquaculture Society
- Zoological Society of London
- Australasian Society for Ecotoxicology
- Australian Society for Limnology
Admissions
MC111P03 Master of Biotechnology
An Australian bachelor degree with a GPA of at least 2.0 out of 4.0 in biological sciences, food science/technology, biotechnology, medicine, veterinary science, dentistry, agricultural science or chemical engineering, or equivalent.
MC111CLINC Master of Biotechnology (Clinical Microbiology)
An Australian bachelor degree with a GPA of at least 2.0 out of 4.0 in biological sciences, biotechnology, medicine, veterinary science, dentistry, or equivalent.
MC111FOSC Master of Biotechnology (Food Science)
An Australian bachelor degree with a GPA of at least 2.0 out of 4.0 in biological sciences, food science/technology, biotechnology, medicine, veterinary science, dentistry, agricultural science or chemical engineering, or equivalent.
International qualifications are assessed for comparability to Australian qualifications, according to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
Entry requirements
MC111P03 Master of Biotechnology
Successful completion of a chemistry or biochemistry course in a bachelor degree.
MC111CLINC Master of Biotechnology (Clinical Microbiology)
Successful completion of a chemistry or biochemistry and microbiology course in a bachelor degree.
MC111FOSC Master of Biotechnology (Food Science)
Successful completion of a Chemistry or Biochemistry and Microbiology course in a bachelor degree.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
- TOEFL (Paper Based Test): minimum score of 580 (TWE 4.5)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
You may be eligible for credit for previous study in a qualification at AQF level 8 or above, from other institutions or overseas. These include a graduate certificate, graduate diploma, or bachelor honours degree.
Students who have undertaken a bachelor degree in biotechnology may be given up to 48 credit point exemptions. Please contact the Program Manager for advice.
Fees
In 2019, if you are enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,444 and AU$10,754.
The indicative annual tuition fee for full-fee places in 2019 is AU$30,720 per annum.
How much you’ll pay will depend on whether you’re offered a Commonwealth supported place or a full-fee place. Entry for this program is primarily through Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs). Government financial assistance is available to eligible students regardless of the type of place you enrol in.
Fees shown above apply to 2018 only and are based on an annual full-time study load of 96 credit points unless otherwise noted. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load. Tuition fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
For more information and to learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees see postgraduate study fees.
If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.
Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.
In 2019, the annual student contribution amount you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,566 to AU$10,958. As a CSP student, you may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which allows you to defer payment of up to 100% of your student contribution.
For further information and to learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees see Fees for Commonwealth supported students.
How does a HELP loan work?
If your FEE-HELP, HECS-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You will only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying).
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
This program is approved for income support.
You may be eligible for student income support payments from the Commonwealth Government if you are undertaking a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or an approved professionally oriented masters by coursework program. For more information see Income support for Masters students.
If you are enrolled in an eligible program you will also need to satisfy all other student payment eligibility requirements. You can contact Centrelink or the Department of Human Services for further information about student income support entitlements, your eligibility and how to apply.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student. The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2019 is $303.
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
The annual tuition fee for 2019 is AU$35,520.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2019 commencement is AU$72,000.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.