Overview

Learn from researchers working on the cutting edge of molecular biology, gene technology, biochemistry, genetics and cell biology, and equip yourself with the skills to tackle issues of global importance: food security, disease, and climate change.

The Master of Biotechnology includes a broad range of specialist subjects allowing you to tailor the program to suit your interests. You will develop your skills in advanced research techniques, while studying courses from across biology, medical research, chemistry, neuroscience, and science communication.

You'll also have access to our state-of-the-art facilities including the Australian Plant Phenomics Facility, the Controlled Environment Facility, the Centre for Advanced Microscopy, the Joint Mass Spectrometry Facility, and the Biomolecular Resource Facility which offers next-generation DNA sequencing.

Read program handbook

Advanced program

The Master of Biotechnology (Advanced) incorporates a research project of your choosing, supervised by one of our leading academics, and is a gateway to further research, such as a PhD.

Advanced program handbook

Key facts

#1 for Natural Sciences (QS 2022) in Australia
2 years full time
Semester 1 & 2 intake
Advanced option available
Access to state-of-the-art facilities
#1 in Australia for graduate employability (Times Higher Education)

Testimonials

A smiling woman in a lab coat at a lab bench

Archica Gupta

"I was thrilled when I read the program structure for the Master of Biotechnology (Advanced) as it had coursework followed by a dedicated year for research. The coursework provided me with a lot of background knowledge and research presentation skills, and my lecturers were super helpful! The following research year was exciting and challenging. I joined a lab at the John Curtin School of Medical Research, and I got to develop a research question and design my experiments. Now I'm pursuing my PhD in the same lab!”

A man standing in front of a view of a city

Mihir Vardhan Singh

"I have always dreamt of working with the micro- and nanoscale world whose manipulations could contribute towards mankind. So I decided to pursue a Master of Biotechnology at ANU: the University has top-notch educational resources and exposure to the leading scientists in the world. This degree gives me insight into the real scientific world and challenges me to think and communicate like a scientist, which fascinates me enormously and drives me to continue learning."

Careers

Biotechnology is a growth industry with breakthroughs such as gene-editing and mRNA vaccines set to make a large impact on society, and our skilled graduates are in high demand. A Master of Biotechnology from ANU can launch your career as a biologist, research scientist, bioanalytical chemist, plant breeder, clinical researcher, laboratory scientist, and research development officer. The Master of Biotechnology (Advanced) is a gateway to a career in academic research.

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.

Pallavi Venkatesh

"In my Master degree, I learnt from some of the best researchers in the world, and was able to identify my passions and pursue my career in the field of medical research and health. Now, I am studying for a PhD."

Read about Pallavi's medical discovery

Learning experience

Marlene's Master of Biotechnology journey

International student Marlene Reichel says she came to ANU because it was the best ranked university in Australia. Find out why she thinks she made the right decision.

Watch the video

Professor Barry Pogson

Conduct research alongside the very best

ANU is home to the multimillion-dollar ARC Training Centre for Future Crops Development, where the next generation of scientists are trained to develop more resilient crops. You could be one of them.

Find out more

Fees & scholarships

Fees

Please visit the Programs and Courses website for information about fees.

View fees View fees for advanced program

Scholarships

Whether you are looking for financial support to start your studies at ANU or help to move away from home for the first time, we have scholarship opportunities for you and your situation.

360 Virtual tours

Ever wondered what the science buildings and facilities at the ANU look like from the inside? Take yourself on a 360 tour and find out.

Choose a tour

Convenors

A man wearing a green tie-dyed lab coat standing in a lab

Associate Professor Anthony Millar

Tony teaches and researches in the areas of plant physiology and biology, genetics, biochemistry and cell biology. The principal interest of his research lab is gene silencing mediated by microRNAs, with a focus on microRNAs that control plant disease resistance. He is Deputy Director of the ARC Training Centre of Future Crops.

Watch the webinar

Learn what it is like to study Biology, Biological Sciences and Quantitative Biology and Bioinformatics at ANU. Hear from current students Ivan Vinogradov and Zhijia Yu about their experiences.