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Master of Biotechnology Research Extensive

Overview

Equip yourself with advanced scientific skills and the business, legal and regulatory understanding needed to translate discoveries from the laboratory to real life.

This program is designed for scientists who wish to increase their technical and research skills in core areas of biotechnology, and to obtain a more extended laboratory immersion than is available in the regular Master of Biotechnology.

Learn from entrepreneurial scientists who have successfully commercialised their discoveries in this rapidly emerging industry. You'll receive hands-on training applying cutting-edge techniques in state-of-the-art laboratory and research facilities similar to professional working environments.

Select from more than 30 courses, allowing you to tailor your studies to suit your interests and career goals. Specialise in one of 5 fields of biotechnology study: animal agriculture, medical, molecular imaging, plant agriculture, or synthetic biology and industrial.

Apply your expertise to a research project of your choice, working alongside leading UQ researchers or with one of UQ’s industry partners.

Put your learning into practice through internships, placements and international study options that focus on research and development, commercialisation, marketing and the business of science.

This program also provides strong preparation for entry into a PhD program.

Location
St Lucia
Duration
1.5 Years full-time (or part-time equivalent)
2 Years full-time (or part-time equivalent)
Start Semester
Semester 1 (24 Feb, 2025), Semester 2 (28 Jul, 2025)
Program Code
5627
AQF
Level 9
Location
St Lucia
Fees
A$53760
Duration
1.5 Years full-time (only available as full-time study)
2 Years full-time (only available as full-time study)
Start Semester
Semester 1 (24 Feb, 2025), Semester 2 (28 Jul, 2025)
Semester dates for 2026 are yet to be confirmed
Program Code
5627
CRICOS Code
085552J
AQF
Level 9

Program highlights

Program highlights

  • An internationally recognised qualification accredited by the US Council of Graduate Schools (Washington DC) as a Professional Science Master's program.
  • Learn from entrepreneurial scientists who have successfully commercialised their scientific discoveries.
  • Choose from a large suite of electives in science that underpin new biotechnologies.
  • Take advantage of UQ’s strong links to industry, government and the research community to build your professional network, skills and experience.
  • Apply your expertise to a research project of your choice, working alongside leading UQ researchers or with one of UQ’s industry partners.

1 in Australia for biotechnology

Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024

17 in the world for biotechnology

Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024

Watch What is biotechnology? It's where science meets entrepreneurship on YouTube.

Fields of study

Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:

  • Animal Agricultural Biotechnology
  • Medical Biotechnology
  • Molecular Imaging Technology
  • Plant Agricultural Biotechnology

How you'll learn

Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.

  • Lectures
  • Tutorials
  • Work placements
  • Research experience
  • Laboratory work
  • Workshops

What you'll study

At UQ, degrees are called 'programs' and subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study in this program:

  • Quality Management Systems in Biotechnology
  • Biologics
  • Issues in Biotechnology
  • Business Planning in Biotechnology

Career possibilities

Postgraduate study can take you anywhere. Depending on which field you choose, here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:

  • Nanotechnology and biosensor application specialist
  • Diagnostic test producer
  • Business plan analyst
  • Pharmaceutical developer
  • University researcher
  • Venture capital consultant
  • Plant breeding, engineering, cropping or horticulture specialist
  • Plant and animal geneticist

Average annual salary range

Research Fellow

$100-$120K

seek.com.au

Average annual salary range

Business Analyst

$105-$125K

seek.com.au

Next steps after graduation

Graduates from this program can pursue a diverse range of scientific, technical or leadership opportunities in Australia or overseas, including in:

  • research institutes and government
  • biotechnology startups or commercial companies
  • biopharmaceutical companies
  • vaccine manufacturing
  • diagnostics laboratories
  • venture capital and IP management firms
  • regulatory or advisory bodies
  • top universities worldwide.

Our graduates have stepped into roles such as quality assurance manager, quality control microbiologist, biochemical engineer, biomanufacturing professional, researcher, policy advisor, investment analyst, production manager, entrepreneur, startup founder, and more.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

It's possible to complete this degree in 2 years or 1.5 years depending on your qualifications and experience.

You can apply for any duration as long as you meet the entry requirements. You may also be eligible to apply for credit or exemptions to shorten your degree further. You'll graduate with the same qualification no matter how long you take to complete the degree.

2-year degree (32 units of study)

To be eligible to complete the degree in 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent)full-time (only available as full-time study), you'll need:

  • a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in biotechnology, science, bioinformatics, pharmacy or engineering.


You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 5.0 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification.

1.5-year degree (24 units of study)

If you have relevant prior learning or experience, you can reduce the number of courses you need to complete and graduate in less time.

To be eligible to complete the degree in 1.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent)full-time (only available as full-time study), you'll need:

  • a bachelor honours degree (or equivalent) in biotechnology, science, bioinformatics, pharmacy or engineering, including a minimum of one semester of full-time research (or equivalent).


You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 5.0 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification.

Relevant disciplines for previous qualifications

Relevant disciplines include biotechnology, science, bioinformatics, pharmacy and engineering.

Related programs

English language requirements

IELTS overall 6.5; reading 6; writing 6; speaking 6; listening 6. For other English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores approved for UQ

TOEFL iBT (including Paper Edition) - Overall 87, listening 19, reading 19, writing 21 and speaking 19.

PTE Academic - Overall Score of 64 and 60 in all sub bands.

BE - A minimum overall grade of 4 plus a minimum grade of C in all macro skills.

CES - Overall 176 and 169 in all sub bands.

OET is not accepted.

 

There are other ways to meet the English language requirements. For some programs, additional conditions apply.

Learn how to meet the English language requirements

Student visas

International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Master of Biotechnology Research Extensive are eligible to apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500).

There are a number of requirements you must satisfy before a visa is granted, including the Genuine Student (GS) requirement.

Learn more about student visas

Fields of study

Fields of study

Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:

Develop the skills and knowledge required to aid and understand animals in an agricultural setting with this specialised field of study.

You’ll gain knowledge and skills in animal and molecular biology, genetic engineering, animal reproductive biotechnology, animal vaccines, disease diagnostic equipment, and more.

You’ll develop multidisciplinary research and business skills needed to translate discoveries from the laboratory to real life.

As a graduate you’ll find research and development opportunities with animal breeding consultancies and companies, livestock industries, private or government veterinary animal diagnostic facilities, livestock biotechnology companies, and animal health companies, among others.

View

Medical biotechnology uses cutting-edge tools and techniques to prevent, diagnose and treat current and emerging diseases.

This field of study will allow you to be at the forefront of modern medicine. Learn about advanced biopharmaceuticals, cell labelling and tracking, stem cells, immunology, diagnostic devices, gene therapy, artificial organs and other aspects of innovative health solutions.

You will develop multidisciplinary research and business skills needed to translate discoveries from the laboratory to real life.

View

Become an international leader in molecular imaging and contribute to the advancement of biomedicines and medical biotechnology.

You will study all key aspects of the subject, including:

  • optical imaging
  • ultrasound photo-acoustic imaging
  • single photon emission tomography
  • positron emission tomography
  • computed tomography
  • magnetic resonance imaging
  • hybrid imaging technologies.

There will also be a focus on the role of theranostics — the use of imaging to understand and monitor therapy — in modern medicine. 

You'll also learn about the latest molecular imaging probes, contrast agents and radio-pharmaceuticals for nuclear medicine, as well as the importance of quality control involved in clinical molecular imaging.

You will develop skills in your research training that further ready you for a challenging and rewarding career.

View

Cultivate innovative solutions to help solve global problems, with a qualification in plant agriculture biotechnology.

In this field of study, you’ll gain knowledge and skills in plant molecular biology, genetic engineering, nucleic acid sequencing, disease diagnostics, and much more.

You’ll develop multidisciplinary research and business skills needed to translate discoveries from the laboratory to real life.

As a graduate you’ll find research and development opportunities with plant breeding and seed companies, government research labs and advisory bodies, agricultural diagnostic facilities, and more.

View

Get ready to pioneer new frontiers in health, food science, conservation and beyond.

Learn how to create and re-engineer biological processes in living organisms. Develop cleaner sources of agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, designer materials and other innovative products across agriculture, health, energy production and environmental management.

You will develop multidisciplinary research and business skills needed to translate discoveries from the laboratory to real life.

View

Fields of study

Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:

Develop the skills and knowledge required to aid and understand animals in an agricultural setting with this specialised field of study.

You’ll gain knowledge and skills in animal and molecular biology, genetic engineering, animal reproductive biotechnology, animal vaccines, disease diagnostic equipment, and more.

You’ll develop multidisciplinary research and business skills needed to translate discoveries from the laboratory to real life.

As a graduate you’ll find research and development opportunities with animal breeding consultancies and companies, livestock industries, private or government veterinary animal diagnostic facilities, livestock biotechnology companies, and animal health companies, among others.

View

Medical biotechnology uses cutting-edge tools and techniques to prevent, diagnose and treat current and emerging diseases.

This field of study will allow you to be at the forefront of modern medicine. Learn about advanced biopharmaceuticals, cell labelling and tracking, stem cells, immunology, diagnostic devices, gene therapy, artificial organs and other aspects of innovative health solutions.

You will develop multidisciplinary research and business skills needed to translate discoveries from the laboratory to real life.

View

Become an international leader in molecular imaging and contribute to the advancement of biomedicines and medical biotechnology.

You will study all key aspects of the subject, including:

  • optical imaging
  • ultrasound photo-acoustic imaging
  • single photon emission tomography
  • positron emission tomography
  • computed tomography
  • magnetic resonance imaging
  • hybrid imaging technologies.

There will also be a focus on the role of theranostics — the use of imaging to understand and monitor therapy — in modern medicine. 

You'll also learn about the latest molecular imaging probes, contrast agents and radio-pharmaceuticals for nuclear medicine, as well as the importance of quality control involved in clinical molecular imaging.

You will develop skills in your research training that further ready you for a challenging and rewarding career.

View

Cultivate innovative solutions to help solve global problems, with a qualification in plant agriculture biotechnology.

In this field of study, you’ll gain knowledge and skills in plant molecular biology, genetic engineering, nucleic acid sequencing, disease diagnostics, and much more.

You’ll develop multidisciplinary research and business skills needed to translate discoveries from the laboratory to real life.

As a graduate you’ll find research and development opportunities with plant breeding and seed companies, government research labs and advisory bodies, agricultural diagnostic facilities, and more.

View

Get ready to pioneer new frontiers in health, food science, conservation and beyond.

Learn how to create and re-engineer biological processes in living organisms. Develop cleaner sources of agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, designer materials and other innovative products across agriculture, health, energy production and environmental management.

You will develop multidisciplinary research and business skills needed to translate discoveries from the laboratory to real life.

View

Fees and Scholarships

Indicative annual fee

Approximate yearly cost of tuition (16 units). Your fees will vary according to your selected courses and study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.

$8,800

2024

Fee information for 2025 is not yet available. Fee information displayed is for 2024.

$8,800

2025

Learn more about postgraduate fees

Approximate yearly cost of full-time tuition (16 units). Your fees will vary according to your study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.

AUD $53,760

2024

Fee information for 2025 is not yet available. Fee information displayed is for 2024.

AUD $53,760

2025

Learn more about postgraduate fees

Government assistance

Financial aid

As an international student, you might be eligible for financial aid – either from your home country, or from the Australian Government.

Learn more about financial aid

HECS-HELP

Domestic places in the Master of Biotechnology Research Extensive are Commonwealth Supported. This means the cost of your education is shared between you and the Australian Government.

Instead of tuition fees, Commonwealth Supported students pay what are called student contribution amounts.

HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme to assist eligible students with the cost of their student contribution amounts.

Learn more about HECS-HELP

Centrelink support

Scholarships

You may be eligible for more than 100 scholarships, including:

How to apply

Applying online

All international applications should be submitted to UQ. If you prefer, you can use an approved UQ agent in your country.

The program code for the Master of Biotechnology Research Extensive is 5627.

This program is available in multiple durations. You can apply for any duration as long as you meet the entry requirements.

When you apply, select your preferred duration. If you don't meet the requirements for your first preference, we'll automatically consider you for entry into a longer duration.

Find out more about applying for postgraduate coursework study

Applying online

All domestic applications should be submitted to UQ.

The program code for the Master of Biotechnology Research Extensive is 5627.

This program is available in multiple durations. You can apply for any duration as long as you meet the entry requirements.

When you apply, select your preferred duration. You can also ask us to consider you for a longer duration if you don't meet the entry requirements for your first preference.

Find out more about applying for postgraduate coursework study

Important dates

The closing date for this program is:

  • To commence study in semester 2 - May 31 of the year of commencement.
  • To commence study in semester 1 - November 30 of the previous year.

To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.

Important dates

The closing date for this program is:

  • To commence study in Semester 1 - January 31 of the year of commencement.
  • To commence study in Semester 2 - June 30 of the year of commencement.

To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants

For support with applying – or if you have any questions about university life – get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.

Contact the ATSIS Unit

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