Duration
2 years full time / 4 years part time
Mode (Location)
On campus (Parkville)
Intake
March, July
Key dates
Key dates
Fees
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available
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Learn more
Entry schemes
Access Melbourne is available
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Learn more
Student experience
Overview
- Study across fields such as microbiology, immunology, oncology, neuroscience, gut microbiology, vision science, drug discovery, and more
- Connect with research peers who share your passion for biomedical sciences
- Navigate your studies with the guidance of a mentor who is a globally recognised researcher.
As a master’s student, you’ll explore data-driven solutions to complex biomedical research challenges, learn from internationally renowned researchers and connect with industry leaders. This experience will prepare you for a PhD or a career in the commercial and industry sectors.
The program includes a substantial research component and flexible coursework across fields such as microbiology, immunology, oncology, neuroscience, gut microbiology, vision science, drug discovery, and more.
If you’re aiming for a career in biomedical science, this degree offers a thorough understanding of the research process along with specialised knowledge and professional skills that are highly valued by employers.
Highlights of the Master of Biomedical Science experiences
Day-to-day experience
The Master of Biomedical Science is structured to allow you ample time to deeply engage with your chosen research specialisation, complemented by coursework tailored to support your research and career objectives.
Throughout the degree, you’ll work closely with and be mentored by globally recognised researchers from the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct, regularly interacting with other research students. These connections create a rich and collaborative learning environment.
Learning mode
The wide range of research opportunities available through the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct enables a highly flexible, self-directed program structure.
Once your research focus is established, you’ll have access to a team of world-leading academics, researchers, teaching specialists, and supervisors who will guide you through each stage of your project.
The program’s substantial research component is also designed to enhance your technical and data acquisition skills, strengthen your problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities, and improve your communication of complex information to diverse audiences.
In addition, the coursework subjects, including many industry-focused options, will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue careers across a variety of commercial and industrial fields.
Read about alumni experiences studying the Master of Biomedical Science
Below is a quote from Connor Aitken who had a life-changing experience, and a story from Bonnie who spent much of her time as a student at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
Quote from Connor
I had an excellent mentor who guided me throughout the research component of my degree but also provided me with fantastic life advice and lived experience as a doctor-turned-researcher.
Connor Aitken, a graduate of the Master of Biomedical Science
Story from Bonnie
Read about Bonnie’s experiences with her research project and studying in the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct.
Profile
Bonnie Zhang
Bonnie Zhang is an alum from the University of Melbourne’s Master of Biomedical Science. She works as a program manager at Translating Research At Melbourne.
Below, she answers questions regarding her graduate career trajectory, surprising outcomes, and why she joined the biomedical research field.
What piqued your curiosity about human health and biomedical sciences?
My mother was unwell when I was growing up and we would go to the doctors quite often but they couldn’t quite work out what was happening and what treatment she needed. So I decided then that I wanted to be scientist so I could help my mother with her health.
Why did you choose to do the Master of Biomedical Science at the University of Melbourne?
When I finished my Bachelor's degree I wasn’t ready to find a job. I was really curious about research, in particular cancer research - and I wanted to be based at the best cancer research institute in Australia: the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
What did the Master of Biomedical Science give you?
My research project gave me hands-on and in-depth experience and exposure to academia and how the research world functions. I loved that I could contribute to research in such a real sense and collaborate on projects. I worked on pre-clinical models, small molecule drug development, animal studies and patient studies in oesophageal cancer patients. The degree gave me the time to work out what I wanted to do next and it opened doors of opportunity.
I wouldn’t be able to have the job I do now at TRAM if I didn’t do my Masters. It gave me the exposure and skillset for research and commercialisation. Now I work with researchers at TRAM to guide them on their research impact journey and it’s so helpful to have been in research and deeply understand the perspective of a researcher.
What were the advantages of studying in the precinct?
I loved being around the medical research institutes, I spent most of my time at Peter Mac but also collaborated with Bio21.
What's your favourite pursuit outside of work?
I’m a golfer which is surprising to a lot of people because there aren't many young female golfers around! It's a four-hour game so I get to be outdoors for this time and find it very refreshing.