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Graduate Coursework

Master of Science (Bioinformatics)

  • Course code: MC-SCIBIF
Clock
Duration
2 years full time / 4 years part time
Location
Mode (Location)
On Campus (Parkville)
Calendar-month
Intake
February
Key dates
Dollar
Fees
Commonwealth supported places (CSPs) available
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Entry pathways
Special entry options and Access Melbourne are available
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Master of Science (Bioinformatics) How to apply Enquire
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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 65% (or equivalent) in the best 50 points of appropriate discipline studies at third year, AND
  • Successfully completed the subject MAST10005 Calculus 1 (or equivalent).

Disciplines relevant to this course include biology and biomedicine, mathematics and statistics, or computer science.

Other appropriate discipline studies may include Applied Mathematics, Computational Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Evolutionary Biology, Genetics, Information Systems, Information Technology, Mathematical Physics, Pharmacology, Physiology, Plant Science, Software Systems, Veterinary Science, Zoology, or equivalents.

Entry into the Master of Science (Bioinformatics) is subject to the capacity of the relevant school to provide adequate supervision in the research project.

Meeting the published entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.
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. 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).

Calculate your eligibility

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 Chevron-down

  • If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:

    • IELTS

      6.5

      with no band less than 6.0

      TOEFL

      79+

      with writing 21; speaking 18; reading 13; listening 13

      PEARSON

      58+

      with no communicative skill below 50

      CAMBRIDGE

      176+

      with no skill less than 169
    *Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English Only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE). If a test displays N/A, it means it is not accepted for this course.

About selection

When assessing applications, the Selection Committee will consider your previous studies and academic performance.

The Selection Committee may request additional information to clarify any aspect of an application, according to the University’s Academic Board rules regarding selection instruments.

Meeting the published entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.

Additional information

If you do not meet the prerequisite subject requirements, you may have the option to undertake an approved single subject via Coursera Online or Open Universities Australia.

The below-listed courses are approved to satisfy the prerequisites requirements for the Master of Science (Bioinformatics).

You must undertake the course as Certificate Mode. 

MAST10005 Calculus 1:

These subjects may not be approved to meet the same prerequisite requirements for other courses at the University, please refer to the study page for information relevant to other courses.

Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM)

We encourage domestic students to explore eligibility for Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM). GAM offers an opportunity for admission to this course even if your tertiary marks are below the standard entry requirements. GAM applicants may also be considered for financial bursaries and Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) where available.

GAM categories include coming from a rural area, being an Indigenous Australian, experiencing financial hardship or personal difficulties, having refugee status, or living with a disability or medical condition. In assessing applications, we look to balance opportunity and your capacity to succeed.

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).

Master of Science (Bioinformatics) has two entry point programs: 200 point stream and 150 point stream. Exemptions will be granted for students who have completed equivalent subjects in their undergraduate studies.

If you have completed a combination of relevant studies in your undergraduate degree, you may be eligible for the 150 point stream.

For additional, in-depth details on entry requirements and admissions for this course, refer to the University Handbook.
Need more information on the University’s general entry requirements?
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