Degree overview
What is biosecurity? It’s everything from engineering to food, to disease and climate change. It is the forefront of keeping countries safe, especially Australia. Put yourself at the forefront of one of most prominent risks facing global security with the Master of Biotechnology.
Study alongside our leading researchers who work on issues of global importance in areas of biochemistry and molecular biology in the biomedical, animal and plant sciences.
You will also consider the social and ethical impacts of biotechnological research.
Key facts
What you'll learn
The Master of Biotechnology is designed with a broad range of specialist subjects, allowing you to tailor the program to suit your knowledge, interests and skills. Your studies will include:
- Molecular Gene Technology
- Advanced Research Techniques
- Research Project preparation skills
You can chose from a range of courses including:
- Genetics
- Biosecurity
- Advances in Medical and Plant Biochemistry
- Infection and Immunity
- Biochemistry and Nutrition
- Biology, Society and Ethics
- Bioinformatics and Biological Modelling
- Advanced Mathematical Bioinformatic
And from disciplines such as:
- Chemistry
- Neuroscience
- Scientific Communication.
Advanced program
This Advanced program incorporates a research project supervised by an academic, and is a gateway to further research, such as a PhD. A scholarship is offered to international students who receive the highest mark in the Advanced program.
Student experience
Improving Australia's iconic oil
David Keiner is is studying the blue mallee to see how the plant can be tweaked to become a high-quality oil producing behemoth.
Australian Plant Phenomics Facility
Use state-of-the-art phenotyping tools at the only place in the world that provides high-calibre public sector access to infrastructure and expertise on crop performance.
Graduating with a masters and a medical discovery
Pallavi studied one of the most important tools in modern medicine, the Vaccinia virus, which was used as a vaccine to eradicate smallpox.
Virtual tour
Explore ANU science places, classrooms, laboratories and more through our interactive virtual tour.
Meet some of your teachers

Dr Rachael Remington
Rachael's research has primarily focused on freshwater fishes: from investigating patterns of desert larval fish drift ecology to evolution of turbid-water traits in North American minnows.

Professor Susan Howitt
Susan’s research has covered a range of different proteins including nutrient transporters from plants and cyanobacteria to neurotransmitter receptors. She also undertakes educational research which currently addresses assessing the effectiveness of student research experiences.
Careers
Many students enjoy the Master of Biotechnology, with the degree achieving an 86% overall satisfaction rating (UG and PG Satisfaction Rating).
As a graduate, you will be highly employable for work in senior and specialised roles in biotechnology in Australia and across the world including project management, research and analysis, education and community awareness, and policy.
Graduates work across a range of science research in highly regarded organisations such as:
- The Australian National University
- CSIRO
- National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium
- Yale School of Medicine
- China Scholarship Council
- National University of Singapore
- Symphony Teleca
You could also work in universities, private consultancy firms, think tanks, state and local government agencies, and research centres.
The Australian National University has been ranked as the top university for graduate employability in Australia in the Global University Employability Ranking 2020. As a student at ANU, you gain access to the ANU CareerHub – an online career development and employability tool that includes a jobs board and careers resources. You also have access to drop-in chats with a career consultant and to attend our career fairs to meet potential employers.
Fees & Scholarships
Tuition fees: Tuition fees
Featured scholarships: Featured scholarships
ANU offers many scholarships both to overcome disadvantage and to recognise academic merit.
Watch the webinar
How to apply
Understand the entry requirements
- Check domestic admission dates on the ANU Study website.
- Check admission requirements and deadlines for this degree on the Handbook website. Read the requirements carefully to make sure you understand them.
- You must also meet the University's English language admission requirements.
Gather supporting documents
If you graduated from an Australian university, UAC will be able to access your results in most cases. However, you may be asked to provide transcripts or other documentation, so it is a good idea to prepare your records just in case.
You can still apply before you complete your bachelor degree if you are in your final year, and you must advise UAC in your application. You may need to provide a copy of your academic transcript directly to UAC as soon as you complete your degree. UAC will provide instructions during the application process.
Submit an application
Start your application on the Universities Admissions Centre website.
Receive an offer
All offers are made through UAC and are released on a rolling basis. You can access your offers and correspondence by logging into your UAC account.
Accept your offer
Once you receive an offer it is very important that you accept it to ensure your place at ANU is reserved.
Understand the entry requirements
- Check international admission dates on the ANU Study website.
- Check admission requirements and deadlines for this degree on the Handbook website. Read the requirements carefully to make sure you understand them.
- You must also meet the University's English language admission requirements.
Prepare entry requirements & support documents
When you apply to ANU, you must be prepared to provide specific documents that we need to assess your application.
Submit your application
Start your application on the ANU Admissions website.
Receive an offer
You can apply at any time throughout the year. Most applications submitted before the 15th day of each month will be considered for an offer on the 1st day of the following month.
You can change your degree preference between the 9th and 15th day of each month. You will have two months to accept your offer from ANU.
View the application dates on the ANU Admissions website.
Accept your offer
Accept the offer and enrol at ANU!
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