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Build connections between theoretical knowledge and practical application in the biotech industry.
Develop your capabilities in areas such as molecular biology, protein biochemistry, proteomics and applied microbiology.
Learn from experts in chemistry and biomolecular sciences, biological sciences, computing and statistics.
Advance your skills in critical thinking, experimental design and writing for peer-reviewed scientific literature.
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 outcomesThe 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
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
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In person, on campus
40 credit points
40 credit points
80 credit points
The foundation zone provides foundational knowledge for postgraduate students undertaking a degree from a different area of study.
Complete 40 credit points from the following options.
Elective units allow you to customise your degree by choosing units within or outside your area of study.
Your degree’s core zone provides the focus of your preferred area of study and consists of all the units you’ll need to complete to meet your degree’s requirements.
Complete 30 credit points from the following options.
Elective units allow you to customise your degree by choosing units within or outside your area of study.
Complete 10 credit points from the following options. NB - MOLS8902 is by special permission
Elective units allow you to customise your degree by choosing units within or outside your area of study.
Use our handy guide to better understand common study terms.
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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.
Get help preparing a résumé, identifying job opportunities and connecting with employers.
Study a course co-designed with industry, and graduate with the knowledge and skills employers want.
Study at Sydney’s #1 uni for graduate employment rate: QS Graduate Employability Rankings, 2022.
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Simple steps to entry at Macquarie
See if you meet the academic requirements
Check if you qualify for recognition of prior learning
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.
| Complete this degree in: | If you meet the below or hold a recognised equivalent*: | Course structure: |
|---|---|---|
2 years (full-time, or equivalent duration if available part-time) |
| Foundation Zone, Core Zone (80 credit points) View course structure |
Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Microbiology, Biology, Industrial Biology, Pharmacy, Genetic Engineering, Biotechnology Engineering, Medical Science, Medical Laboratory Technology, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Chemistry, Biomolecular Sciences, Chemical Engineering
*'Bachelor’s qualification' relates to an AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent.
Biotechnology companies and pharmaceutical production companies in roles such as drug discovery, biomanufacturing, exploiting biodiversity for new bioactive compounds, exploring alternative energy sources, developing improved crop varieties for sustainable food production, diagnostics and industrial biotechnology.
Use our handy guide to better understand common study terms.
View our guideWith recognition of prior learning (RPL), you could get credit for your prior study and experience, reducing the duration of your studies. Credit is awarded for formal and informal or non-formal learning. You’ll need to apply for RPL once you receive your offer to study at Macquarie.
Find out moreYour prior learning may consist of:
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:
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 |
To be eligible to graduate from your course, you must satisfy the inherent requirements – essential activities, capacities and academic requisites – of that course.
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The estimated annual 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 moreFEE-HELP is a loan scheme that assists eligible students enrolled in Domestic fee-paying courses. It's used to defer full or part of your tuition fee and can't be used for additional study costs, such as accommodation or textbooks.
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 SSAFMacquarie 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.
Applications close: No separate application
Award value: 10% of total tuition fees for standard course duration
Find out moreFinancial 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 moreSupporting postgraduate studies for our alumni
Applications close: No separate application
Award value: 10% of total tuition fees for standard course duration
Find out moreA 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
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Graduate Diploma of Biotechnology
2027
Apply online
New domestic applicants are required to apply directly through our Applicant Portal.
The Applicant Portal allows you to save your application and come back to it later. You can also track the status of your application and must submit prior to the application close date.
Please note: If you are a current or previous Macquarie University student, you should submit your application through the 'my application and offers' tab in eStudent. If you have forgotten your Student ID or password, please contact the IT Service Desk for assistance.
What you need to apply
Your application will require copies of the following documents:
Decide on your course
Explore your entry options and check the requirements
Gather your documentation
Submit 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
| Session/Year | Location | Applications open | Applications close | Session commences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | North Ryde | 2 September 2026 | 8 February 2027 | 22 February 2027 |
| Session 2 | North Ryde | 2 September 2026 | 12 July 2027 | 26 July 2027 |
If you’d like to know more about studying at Macquarie University, we’d love to hear from you.