University of Queensland
Master of Bioinformatics
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Gain advanced expertise in computational statistics, software engineering, data mining, AI and genome informatics.
Course overview
The program is designed for graduates who wish to enhance their technical and research skills in core areas of bioinformatics, update their knowledge of recent technologies and methodologies and acquire practical laboratory and computational skills through immersion in a research laboratory. Select from more than 20 courses to tailor your studies to your interests and career goals.
You'll also have the opportunity to complete an independent research project, which will increase your technical and research skills. As industries move deeper into genetic technologies, demand for bioinformaticians is expanding. This program will prepare you for a highly rewarding career in a variety of organisations, including pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, research organisations and government.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
What you will study
Students must complete 32 units comprising:
- Eight units from MBioinf Foundational Courses
- Eight units for all MBioinf Core Courses
- Eight units from the MBioinf Research Project Courses
- Eight units from MBioinf Program Elective Courses
Unless otherwise indicated, each course is valued at two units.
MBioinf Foundational Courses
Complete exactly eight units from the following:
- Introduction to Proteins and Nucleic Acids
- Advanced Molecular Biology Laboratory
- Genetics
- Issues in Biotechnology
- Chemical Biology
- Introduction to Programming
- Introduction to Information Systems
- Mathematics for Data Science 1
- Discrete Mathematics
MBioinf Core Courses
Complete eight units for all of the following:
- Bioinformatics 1: Introduction
- Bioinformatics 2: Development and Research
- Advanced Genome Informatics
- Applications of Computational Statistics
Entry requirements
It's possible to complete this degree in two years, 1.5 years or one year, depending on your qualifications and experience.
You can apply for any duration as long as you meet the entry requirements. You may also be eligible to apply for credit or exemptions to shorten your degree further. You'll graduate with the same qualification no matter how long you take to complete the degree.
To be eligible to complete the degree in two years full-time (or part-time equivalent), you'll need one of the following:
- A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline, including two courses in any combination of computer science, biology or statistics.
- A graduate certificate or graduate diploma (or equivalent) in bioinformatics.
- To have successfully completed at least three years of study towards an approved qualification at an overseas partner institution, with a formal pathway to the Master of Bioinformatics.
You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 5.0 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Your previous studies can be acknowledged as credit towards your postgraduate studies, provided that they meet the relevant course requirements.
If you receive an offer of enrolment and you’ve undertaken prior learning, you may be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning. The procedure is governed by the university's Recognition of Prior Learning policy. Contact the university for more details.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
This postgraduate study can take you anywhere. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- Bioinformatician
- Data Scientist
- Data Analyst
- Biostatistician
- Clinical Data Manager
- Geneticist
- Medical Writer
- Technical Writer
- Research Scientist
- Software/Database Programmer
Fees and CSP
Indicative annual fee in 2026: $9,395 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 16 units (normally eight courses) per year.
Student fees may vary in accordance with:
- The number of courses studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of courses.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per the course you're enrolled in.
- Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.