Master of Biotechnology (Biomedical)


Ready to drive progress in a top-ranking postgraduate degree?

Our Master of Biotechnology (Biomedical) focuses on innovative technologies for disease prediction and treatment.

What will you do?

  • Learn from active researchers in biomedical science.
  • Gain the latest industry insights from lab placements.
  • Take courses in entrepreneurship, innovation and intellectual property management.
  • Undertake a one-year independent research project.

You’ll also gain access to the following internationally-renowned research facilities and centres: 

  • Adelaide Proteomics Centre (APC)
  • Adelaide Microarray Centre (SAHMRI)
  • SA Genome Editing Facility (SAGE)
  • Genomics Facility (SAHMRI)
  • Confocal Microscopy
  • Adelaide Microscopy
  • Bioinformatics Hub.

Where could it take you?

You’ll be at the cutting-edge of biotechnology, where major advances are influencing important issues such as vaccines, cancer and stem cell therapies. Due to the strong research focus, this degree is often used as a pathway to a PhD in biotechnology and biomedical science.


  • Ranked 85 globally world for Life Sciences and Medicine*
  • World-leaders in vaccine discovery for respiratory diseases
  • Univesity of Adelaide key player in Adelaide's BioMed City

*QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2022

Thinking of studying soon?

  • 2025

    Ready to start your studies in 2025? You can apply to the University of Adelaide or University of South Australia now before continuing on to the new Adelaide University in 2026. When the time comes to transfer, we'll be here at every step, ensuring you're well supported with personalised advice and a detailed study plan.

  • 2026

    Planning to start your studies in 2026? You can apply to
    Adelaide University directly. Applications are currently open for international students and will open for Australian students in August 2025.

Entry Requirements

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.
I am a:

Before applying make sure you understand the eligibility and entry requirements for your chosen degree.

Look out for any prerequisites or assumed knowledge subjects. Some degrees also have additional entry requirements like interviews and auditions.

Domestic applicants

SATAC Code 3CM162
Deferment Yes - 2 year
Intake February and July
Selection Criteria
Graduate entry

Higher Education Study A completed Bachelor's degree or equivalent in the fields of Genetics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or related, with a minimum GPA of 4.

  • Admissions Transparency Data
    Student Profile
    Applicant background Semester one/Full year intake 2023
    Number of students Percentage of all students
    International students 27 90.0%
    All students 30 100.0%

Ready to Apply?

Find out more about the application process and start your studies at the University of Adelaide.

Be sure to check the critical dates to avoid missing application deadlines.

Apply

Fees and Scholarships

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.
I am a:

Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Australian Full-fee place: $40,500

Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

FEE-HELP
This is an Australian full-fee program. As a domestic student you may be eligible to:

  • receive a zero interest government assistance package to cover your course fees and
  • use over $100,000 in HELP assistance over your lifetime
Check your eligibility today at Study Assist

Scholarships

Scholarships are not only for high achievers—they are also available to provide students with an equal opportunity to study at university, no matter where they live or what their financial situation might be.

Scholarships are available to both new and continuing students. We encourage students to apply for any scholarships for which they may be eligible.

To browse scholarships offered by the University, visit: University Scholarships

To explore scholarships offered by organisations external to the University, visit: External Scholarships

Careers

Career Readiness

The industry offers very strong career opportunities for graduates, particularly those with strong laboratory skills combined with an understanding of research and product development.

Graduates are highly sought after by organisations such as:

  • government health departments
  • pharmaceutical companies
  • Hospitals
  • private and public biotechnology companies
  • universities
  • CSIRO & biomedical research institutes
  • forensic laboratories

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes.
  1. Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
  2. Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
  3. Teamwork and communication skills
  4. Professionalism and leadership readiness
  5. Intercultural and ethical competency
  6. Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
  7. Digital capabilities
  8. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Industry Placement

You will undertake a year-long placement within an industry body under direction of a scientific mentor. This includes a research project designed to develop the practical and theoretical skills required for real life research.

Potential careers

Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:

Medical Scientist;  Biomedical Scientist;  Molecular Biology;  Biotechnology;  Plant Biotechnologist;  Diagnostic Technician;  Research Associates;  Research Scientist;  Epidemiologist;  Scientific Officer ...

Degree Structure

The Masters is a 48-unit program of advanced coursework, including core courses, a range of electives and a requirement to complete an 18-unit research project.

Areas of Specialisation

Each student will be expected to complete a research project under the direction of a scientific and industry mentor.  The research project is designed to develop the practical and theoretical skills required for real life research projects.

Example Study Plan

Indicative study plan
Year1 S1 BIOTECH 7000 Advanced Research Platforms BIOTECH 7030 Science Commercialisation & Innovation
[or Semester 2]		 Approved elective Approved elective
S2 BIOTECH 7003 Advanced Research Techniques EDUC 7055 Research Communication 
[or Semester 1]		 Approved elective Approved elective
Year2 S1 BIOTECH 7020A Research Project Part 1 (12 units) [or Semester 2]
S2 BIOTECH 7020B Research Project Part 2 (12 units) [or Semester 1]

Assessment

For individual courses, assessment includes exams, written and oral assignments and investigative projects (both individual and group). The research project is assessed by literature review, research proposal, seminar, viva voce and a thesis.

Related Degrees

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Tuesday, 26 Mar 2024