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
Bundoora, Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February, JulyEntry score
IELTS 6.5
Duration
Full-time 2 yearsLocation
Melbourne city, Bundoora
Overview
Your career in biotechnology
Graduates of this program find roles in medical or pharmaceutical research, food science and more.
What you will study
You’ll explore gene and protein technologies, bioinformatics and various microbiology and food science disciplines.
Details
The Master of Biotechnology focuses on the study of living systems to address challenges in the environment, health or food science. Students will explore gene and protein technologies, bioinformatics, and various microbiology and food science disciplines, both in the classroom and via a strong component of hands-on laboratory practicals.
This program includes an option to complete one semester of either work experience in the form of an industry placement, or a research project where you’ll complete minor thesis.
All students have the opportunity to analyse real-world data when they undertake a bioinformatics research project.
This course is delivered full-time in face-to-face mode supported by blended learning activities (including online).
Learning environments include lectures, tutorials, online delivery and individual and group work.
You will spend a high proportion of your studies undertaking project and field work, providing a real-world context and the opportunity to develop teamwork and time-management skills.
High-achieving students may undertake work-integrated learning (WIL) through an industry-based research project or optional work experience.
Previous projects and work experience has been undertaken at organisations such as the Murdoch Children's Research Institute, CSIRO, and Burnet Institute, to name a few.
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.
Choose a program structure
Choose a program structure
Program code: MC111
Program plans
Please note that the following program plans for the Master of Biotechnology are no longer accepting new enrolments:
- MC111FOOD Food Microbiology
- MC111FOSC Food Science and
- MC111CLINC Clinical Microbiology.
Career
Apply your knowledge of living systems to address challenges in the environment, health (infectious disease) or food science.
As a graduate of this course, you’ll be eligible to apply for roles in advanced areas of the biotechnology industry. You’ll be 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.
Depending on which subjects you've studied, you can apply for membership of one or more of the following professional societies:
- Australian Society for Microbiology
- Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- American Society for Microbiology
- British Mycological Society
- International Society for Human and Animal Mycology
- Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
- Asian Fisheries Society
- World Aquaculture Society
- Zoological Society of London
- Australian Society for Limnology
Admissions
Entry requirements
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.
International qualifications are assessed for comparability to Australian qualifications, according to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
Prerequisites
Successful completion of a Chemistry or Biochemistry course in a bachelor degree.
MC111P03 Master of Biotechnology
Successful completion of a chemistry or biochemistry 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 (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 English for Academic Purposes (EAP) 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
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.
2021 indicative fees
- Commonwealth supported places (CSP) range from AU$3,700 to AU$14,500*.
- Full-fee places: AU$32,640*.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$313 maximum fee for 2021.
- Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Annual fee adjustment
Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Defer your payment
You may be eligible to apply for a HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
For more information and to learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees see postgraduate study fees.
Payments and refunds
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
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.
How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?
The Australian Government has announced amendments to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package.
The fees in the table below apply to students commencing their program in 2021 and are subject to the passage of legislation. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.
Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.
You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2021
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2021 |
Agriculture, english, languages, mathematics, nursing, postgraduate clinical psychology, teaching |
$$3,700 per standard year $462 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Architecture, creative arts, engineering, environmental studies, health, information technology, science |
$7,700 per standard year |
Dental, medical and veterinary science |
$11,300 per standard year |
Arts, commerce, communications, economics, humanities (excluding languages), law, management |
$14,500 per standard year |
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 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 Services Australia 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 2021 is $313.
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 2021 is AU$37,440.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2021 commencement is AU$74,880.
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.
Applying for refunds
For information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student, please see Refunds.
Looking for answers or more general infomation?
For frequently asked questions or how to find more information regarding applications and enrolments, fees, student support services, university policies and more, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions.