University of Queensland

Master of Molecular Biology

  • Delivery: Face to Face
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 24 months
  • Course Type: Master's

Translate molecular science into research impact through advanced laboratory training, bioinformatics and an independent research project, with access to UQ’s network of more than 2,300 laboratories.

Course overview

The University of Queensland’s Master of Molecular Biology is designed for scientists seeking advanced knowledge and practical experience for molecular biology research or industry practice. The course examines the structure and function of genes and proteins while exploring contemporary methods used across biotechnology, biomedical science and related fields.

You will study molecular genetics, bioinformatics, biomolecular structure and function, immunology and advanced laboratory methods. Practical training covers areas such as protein engineering, molecular cloning, protein purification, genome sequencing and recombinant DNA technology. A substantial research project allows you to investigate a specialised question and apply scientific methods within an active research environment.

Delivered face-to-face at UQ’s St Lucia campus, the course combines lectures, tutorials and workshops with laboratory work and research experience. You may also undertake a research-focused project or internship involving an industry partner, subject to availability and course selection. Access to UQ’s extensive network of laboratories, research facilities and specialist institutes connects your studies with contemporary scientific discovery and research translation.

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

Delivery
Face to Face
Course Type
Master's
Duration
More Information
Can be studied part time
24 months (Full time)
Campus
St Lucia
Intake
22nd February, 2027
26th July, 2027
Units
More Information
You may be required to complete 0 credit point units throughout your course. The university will confirm this as part of your enrolment.

The unit total reflects the number of units required for course completion, not the total credit point weight. Some units may be double- or triple-weighted, so the number of units you complete may be lower.
16
Fees
More Information
HECS-HELP loans are available to eligible CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.
HECS, CSP

What you will study

At UQ, a unit represents the value of individual courses that contribute to the total unit requirements of a program. Most UQ courses have a value of two units, though some may vary depending on the program or course structure.

To earn the Master of Molecular Biology, you must complete requirements totalling 32 units, as detailed below. Unless otherwise noted, each course is worth two units.

The course structure below is based on the two-year pathway, which requires 32 units of study. Students admitted to the 1.5-year pathway complete 24 units of study and receive eight units of recognised prior learning. Students admitted to the one-year pathway complete 16 units of study and receive 16 units of recognised prior learning.

Foundational units

Complete all of the following:

  • Introduction to Proteins & Nucleic Acids
  • Genetics
  • Chemical Biology
  • Microbiology & Immunology 1
Core units
Core research project units and Electives

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

The entry pathway available to applicants depends on their previous qualifications and academic performance.

Two-year pathway

To be eligible for entry into the two-year pathway, applicants must meet at least one of the following requirements:

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any discipline that includes at least one course in chemistry or biology, or
  • Hold a graduate certificate or graduate diploma in molecular biology, or
  • 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 Molecular Biology.

Applicants must also have achieved a GPA of at least 5.0 on UQ’s seven-point scale in the qualification or study used to meet the entry requirements.

1.5-year pathway

To be eligible for entry into the 1.5-year pathway, applicants must meet at least one of the following requirements:

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline, or
  • Have successfully completed at least 3.5 years of study towards an approved qualification at an overseas partner institution, including the required research component, with a formal pathway to the Master of Molecular Biology.

Applicants must also have achieved a GPA of at least 5.0 on UQ’s seven-point scale in the qualification or study used to meet the entry requirements.

One-year pathway

To be eligible for entry into the one-year pathway, applicants must hold a bachelor honours degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline with a GPA of at least 5.0 on UQ’s seven-point scale.

Relevant disciplines include biotechnology, biomedical science, pharmacy, bioinformatics, genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry and biological chemistry.

English-language requirements

Applicants must provide evidence of English language proficiency through at least one accepted option, including:

  • IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall, with at least 6.0 in each component
  • TOEFL iBT: 87 overall, including 19 in listening, 19 in reading, 21 in writing and 19 in speaking
  • PTE Academic: 64 overall, with at least 60 in each communicative skill
  • Bridging English: an overall grade of at least 4, with at least a grade of C in each macro skill
  • Cambridge English Scale: 176 overall, with at least 169 in each skill

OET is not accepted. Other approved qualifications and pathways may also be used to meet UQ’s English-language requirements. Contact the university for further information.

Recognition of Prior Learning

You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previously studied or have relevant work experience. This will help to reduce the number of units that you need to study to finish your course. Contact the university for more information.

Outcomes

Career outcomes

Potential career outcomes include:

  • Analytical Biochemist
  • Immunologist
  • Biotechnologist
  • Environmental Biologist
  • Bioinformatician
  • Pharmaceutical Scientist
  • Microbiologist
  • Transgenic Technologist
  • Virologist

Fees and CSP

Indicative annual fee in 2026: $9,540 (Commonwealth Supported Place)

Indicative annual fees are based on your first year of study.

A student’s annual fee may vary by:

  • The number of units studied.
  • Choice of units.
  • Credit from previous study or work experience.
  • Eligibility for government-funded loans.

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.

Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

HECS-HELP loans are available to eligible CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.