Duration
6 months full time
Mode (Location)
On campus (Parkville)
Intake
March
Key dates
Key dates
Fees
AUD $12,992 (2026 indicative first year fee). Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are not available
Learn more
Learn more
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
To be considered for entry into this course, you must have:
- An undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a directly related discipline with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of at least H3 (65%) (or equivalent), and prerequisite studies with marks of at least H3 (65%) (or equivalent) in biology to first-year undergraduate level (or equivalent), and genetics to second-year undergraduate level (or equivalent), OR
- At least six years of documented relevant work experience AND prerequisite studies with marks of at least H3 (65%) (or equivalent) in biology to first-year undergraduate level (or equivalent), and genetics to second-year undergraduate level (or equivalent), OR
- An undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with a WAM of at least H3 (65%) (or equivalent), and prerequisite studies with marks of at least H3 (65%) (or equivalent) in biology to first-year undergraduate level (or equivalent), and genetics to second-year undergraduate level (or equivalent), and at least two years of documented relevant work experience.
You must also submit:
- A 400 word personal statement outlining your motivation for undertaking this course, your proposed career objectives, and how your education/background addresses these entry requirements. You must also attach relevant biology and genetics subject descriptions to this statement (not included in the word count).
Disciplines directly related to this course include science, health sciences, psychology, medicine, or equivalents.
Work history relevant to this course may include laboratory-based roles, disability support work, or voluntary work no less than 6 months directly supporting people at a time of illness or crisis.
Indigenous applicants
Prospective Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students who meet the minimum entry requirements are encouraged to apply. Our dedicated Indigenous Support Office is able to provide further information and application support.
Where degree levels are referenced, levels align with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Applications are assessed against these standards.
Where our admission criteria includes a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) and/or specific subject criteria, these are based on University of Melbourne grades and subjects. If you've studied elsewhere, we'll assess your relevant prior studies and equivalent grades. Your final WAM may be adjusted depending on your previous institution's accreditation, subject grading, and pass marks.
Don't meet the prerequisite subject requirements?
You may have the option to enrol in specific single subjects through the University's Community Access Program, even if you are not enrolled in a course. Completing these prerequisite subjects may qualify you for entry into this course. This option is not available to student visa holders or applicants. Learn more about single subject study.
You can use our graduate coursework grade conversion eligibility calculator to get an indication of whether you are eligible for this course based on your previous studies and Weighted Average Mark (WAM).
English language requirements
All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:
- English language test score requirements
If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:
*Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE); LanguageCert Academic; Michigan English Test. If a test displays N/A, it is not accepted for this course.IELTS
6.5
with writing 6.0; speaking 6.0; reading 6.0; listening 6.0TOEFL
81
with writing 19; speaking 19; reading 16; listening 16PEARSON
64
with writing 60; speaking 60; reading 60; listening 60CAMBRIDGE
169
with writing 170; speaking 179; reading 163; listening 163LANGUAGECERT ACADEMIC
67
with writing 64; speaking 70; reading 60; listening 57MET
58
with writing 57; speaking 48; reading 55; listening 56
About selection
When assessing (and where relevant, ranking) applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
- Prior academic performance
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview.
The Selection Committee may conduct tests and may call for referee reports or employer references to elucidate any of the matters referred to above.
The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Selection and Admission Policy.
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.
Additional information
Advanced Standing
Prior studies may be credited towards your degree and potentially reduce the duration of your course. This is known as Advanced Standing (also known as credit or recognition of prior learning).
For additional, in-depth details on entry requirements and admissions for this course, refer to the University Handbook.