Essential units
40 credit points
Essential units 40 credit points Complete each unit below. | |
BIOL6410 Ecology | 10 |
BIOL6610 Biological Data Analysis | 10 |
BIOL8750 Contemporary Conservation in Australia | 10 |
BIOL8870 Regional and Global Conservation | 10 |
Graduate Certificate of Conservation Biology
UAC CODE: 860385 (North Ryde)
Overview
I'm a
looking to start my course in 2026
Study options
- Part Time
- In person, on campus
Duration Duration can vary due to your prior learning and work experience. Learn about admission points under Entry Requirements.
Duration can vary due to your prior learning and work experience. Learn about admission points under Entry Requirements.
- Part time: 1 year
Fees The estimated annual fee displayed is based on completing a standard full-time study load. Fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change.
The estimated annual fee displayed is based on completing a standard full-time study load. Fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change.
- Domestic Commonwealth Supported Fee
- Estimated fee AUD $4768.5
Location and start dates
North Ryde:
- Session 1 (23 February 2026)
- Session 2 (27 July 2026)
Current Macquarie students: To view all the details for your chosen course, visit the Macquarie University Handbook
Summary
Key features
- Get a firm foundation in biodiversity and conservation management
Gain knowledge and skills in a broad range of biodiversity and conservation disciplines, from field techniques to computer modelling.
- Enhance your learning within our unique fauna park
Get hands-on experience in our 11-hectare fauna park, where world-class environmental research is conducted by leading academics.
- Study in our state-of-the-art facilities
Enhance your learning by studying in modern labs designed to foster collaboration and cutting-edge scientific research.
- Study conservation biology regardless of undergrad background
Gain the capabilities to transition to more advanced training, even if you haven’t studied science at undergraduate level.
Career outcomes
With a rapidly evolving job market, it’s vital that you have the right skills to evolve with it. We’ll help you upskill or reskill so you can take the next career step in your current industry, or move to one that matches your changing interests. View professions and potential employers.
See career outcomesWho is this degree suitable for?
About the Graduate Certificate of Conservation Biology at Macquarie University
Faculty of Science and Engineering
The Faculty of Science and Engineering isn't afraid to tackle the big issues. In a world more dependent on science and engineering than ever before, we stand at the forefront of innovation. We're home to globally renowned academics, so you'll learn from those who are making an impact on major issues affecting the world.
Learn more about the faculty
Studying at Macquarie
Our vibrant and leafy campus forms part of one of the largest business and technology precincts in Australia. To ensure you have the right skills when you graduate — whether you're starting your first job or taking your career to the next level — we offer flexible study options, personalised degrees and practical experiences.
Benefits of studying at Macquarie
Course structure
I'm a
looking to start my course in 2026
Focused and flexible study
Where you can study
In person, on campus
Essential units
40 credit points
Further details
Find further information and specific requirements in the Macquarie University Handbook.
Guide to University terminology
Use our handy guide to better understand common study terms.
Career outcomes
I'm a
looking to start my course in 2026
Take the next step in your career
Professions
- Conservation policymaker
- Environmental or geotechnical consultant
- National parks manager
- Natural resource manager
- Project manager
- Scientific education officer
- Threatened species adviser
Employers
- Agricultural agencies
- Australian Museum
- Conservation agencies
- Environmental and conservation groups
- Environmental protection agencies
- Fisheries and forestry agencies
- National Parks and Wildlife Service
- Research institutes
- State forest and national park authorities
- Water and resource management companies
Career information
Job and Skills Australia – an Australian Government initiative – provides accessible labour-market data, research and tools to help you understand Australia’s current and projected workforce-skills needs.
Multiply your employability
Co-designed courses
Study a course co-designed with industry, and graduate with the knowledge and skills employers want.
Career service
Get help preparing a résumé, identifying job opportunities and connecting with employers.
In-demand graduates
Study at Sydney’s #1 uni for graduate employment rate: QS Graduate Employability Rankings, 2022.
Entry requirements
I'm a
looking to start my course in 2026
Simple steps to entry at Macquarie
See if you meet the academic requirements
Check if you qualify for recognition of prior learning
Do you meet some, but not all of the requirements?
Depending on your prior qualifications, work experience or other recognised prior learning, you may qualify for entry to this degree at the admission point below.
Each admission point requires the completion of some or all of the degree’s zones, which will affect the overall duration of the degree.
Guide to admission points
| Complete this degree in: | If you meet the below or hold a recognised equivalent*: | Course structure: |
|---|---|---|
1 year (full-time, or equivalent duration if available part-time) |
or
| Essential units (40 credit points) View course structure |
AQF levels
*'Bachelor’s qualification' relates to an AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent.
Guide to University terminology
Use our handy guide to better understand common study terms.
View our guideEnglish language requirements
When applying to study at Macquarie University, you’re required to provide evidence of proficiency in English.
You may satisfy the English language requirements by:
- passing an approved English language test at the required level
- holding a qualification from an approved country with English as the language of instruction
Learn more about English language requirements for applications direct to Macquarie University
The required standard of English for this degree is:
| IELTS band | Minimum score required |
|---|---|
| Overall | 6.5 |
| Reading | 6 |
| Writing | 6 |
| Listening | 6 |
| Speaking | 6 |
Additional information and requirements
Assumed knowledge
Recommended studies
Inherent requirements
To be eligible to graduate from your course, you must satisfy the inherent requirements – essential activities, capacities and academic requisites – of that course.
View inherent requirementsFees and scholarships
I'm a
looking to start my course in 2026
Fees
The estimated fee displayed is based on a standard full-time study load. Fees may increase each year. For courses longer than one year in duration, you'll pay the fee that is current for the year that you enrol.
Find out moreEstimated cost
The cost of your studies may vary based on:- units chosen
- government support received
- approved credit for prior learning or work experience.
Commonwealth supported place
AUD $4768.5
Indicative fee
Government assistance
HECS‑HELP is a loan scheme that assists eligible students enrolled in Commonwealth supported places to pay their student contribution amounts. It can't be used for additional study costs, such as accommodation or text books.
Student amenities fee
You’re required to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) to Macquarie University in compliance with the Higher Education Legislation Amendment (Student Services and Amenities) Act 2011 (Cth). The fee contributes to services, support and facilities of a non-academic nature.
Learn about SSAFScholarships
Macquarie University offers a variety of scholarships that recognise a range of factors, including academic or athletic achievement, leadership experience and volunteer work, or financial need and hardship. Additional scholarships may be available for selected areas of study.
Scholarships available for eligible postgraduate students, studying the Graduate Certificate of Conservation Biology
All
Australian Defence Force PG Sponsorship
Applications close: No separate application
Award value: 10% of total tuition fees for standard course duration
Find out moreAcademic
Aboriginal
Disability
Financial
Leadership
Rural
Macquarie Advantage Scholarship (Postgraduate)
Financial support for postgraduate study.
Applications close: Nov Round: 13 November 2026; Dec Round 2: 10 December 2026; Jan Round 2: 8 January 2027
Award value: $12,000 per year for standard course duration
Find out moreAcademic
Macquarie University Postgraduate Loyalty Scheme 10% sponsorship
Supporting postgraduate studies for our alumni
Applications close: No separate application
Award value: 10% of total tuition fees for standard course duration
Find out moreFinancial
Academic
Aboriginal
Walanga Muru (Follow Your Path) Scholarship
A scholarship to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students undertaking a postgraduate degree who demonstrate financial hardship and the determination to overcome it.
Applications close: Application form for 2027 will be available soon.
Award value: $10,000 one-off for one-off award
Find out moreHow to apply
I'm a
looking to start my course in 2026
Course details
Course title:
Graduate Certificate of Conservation Biology
UAC code:
860385 (North Ryde)
Starting year:
2026
Application instructions
Australian or New Zealand citizens, permanent residents of Australia, or holders of Australian permanent resident humanitarian visas who are applying to study this course must apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) website.
To be considered for this course, you must search (based on the UAC Code provided above in the red box) and include it as one of your preferences.
What you need to apply
To complete your application, you may require the following documents:
- Proof of Australian or New Zealand citizenship or Australian permanent residency
- Evidence of previous academic qualifications and transcripts (including translations if your qualifications are not in English)
- Evidence of English language proficiency (if required)
Steps to apply
Decide on your course
Explore your entry options and check the requirements
Gather your documentation
Submit your application
Help with your application
For help with your application, or if you have any questions, contact our team.
Future Students
T: +61 (2) 9850 6767
E: futurestudents@mq.edu.au
Important dates
| Session/Year | Location | Applications open | Applications close | Session commences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | North Ryde | 3 September 2025 | 9 February 2026 | 23 February 2026 |
| Session 2 | North Ryde | 3 September 2025 | 6 July 2026 | 27 July 2026 |
Ask a question
If you’d like to know more about studying at Macquarie University, we’d love to hear from you.