The School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences at UNSW

The University of New South Wales

A leading research and teaching school with expertise in biotechnology, molecular biology, genetics, environmental microbiology, medical microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, protein chemistry and other areas of biological science.

Future Students

The School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in the modern life sciences to cater for the variety of career paths that students may take in the future. The exceptional standard of education within our degree programs is provided by dedicated and experienced staff and on-site access to the latest scientific equipment and technology.

UNSW focuses on the interdisciplinary approach to research and training in biotechnology. Our staff have an international reputation for research in biotechnology, genomics, proteomics, cell biology, genetics, medical bacteriology, virology and bioprocess engineering and have established collaborative links with industry in Australia and overseas.

Our academic staff have been recognised for their teaching expertise at university and state level, while our research output especially in the area of biotechnology and applied microbiology ranks very strongly among the G08 universities (Thomson Citation data 2001-2005)

Careers

Our alumni exhibit an enormous diversity in the kinds of careers they have undertaken and the various industries they ultimately have worked in.  A sample of some of our past graduates can be found here.

Degrees

Undergraduate Degrees

Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree programs are available to qualified students and cater for a wide array of interests and career paths.

Postgraduate Degrees

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Science (MSc) by research degrees are offered to qualified students who have completed an undergraduate science degree with honours.

Other Information
Advice to Prospective Research Students

The School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences is home to a number of active research groups that provide opportunities for postgraduate research towards a Graduate Diploma, Honours, MPhil (BABS), Masters or PhD degree. Information on courses can be found in our online handbook.

Please note that it is essential that you seek and obtain the agreement of a supervisor for any type of postgraduate study prior to submitting your online application to UNSW.

The School welcomes interest from potential postgraduates from both Australia and overseas. There are five key components of the process towards undertaking a research degree in the School. These are outlined below:

1) First and most importantly, identifying and negotiating with a prospective supervisor is up to you. Note however that most of the academic and research staff in the School receive between 50 and 200 requests from prospective postgraduate students each year, so please understand they may not always be able to respond to every inquiry. Information on the academic and research staff within the three main research groups in the School can be found here. Peruse the current research projects to get an idea of the various areas of study available within the School. Contact details for individuals can be found in the directory.

When you do communicate with potential supervisors, please ensure that you indicate clearly that (i) you have appropriate visa status; (ii) you have available funding to cover both living expenses and your university tuition fees. Sending an electronic copy of your CV and Academic Transcript is also appropriate. It is extremely important that you make contact with your preferred academic supervisors prior to submitting your application and gain their approval. If you send an application without making prior contact it is likely that your application will be declined.

2) It should be obvious that potential overseas postgraduate students must have a suitable visa to allow them to undertake studies in Australia. Please see the Department of Immigration website and information for UNSW International Students to ensure you know the specific requirements for obtaining a visa. This process can be very time consuming, so please make sure you know what is required.
 
3) The entry requirements for the particular degree must be met (for instance, an Honours undergraduate degree is generally a pre-requisite for entry into a PhD program).  Admission criteria are an academic matter and you will need evidence to demonstrate that you are at the correct level for the degree you are applying for. 

4) Please note that the School does not provide scholarships to support either the living expenses or university tuition fees of postgraduate students. The cost of living in Sydney is high, and part-time employment may not be readily available or permitted under some visa stipulations. Thus, it is your responsibility to ensure you possess adequate funding to cover both of these necessities.

UNSW does provide some scholarship opportunities - these can be found on the UNSW Scholarships website or on the UNSW Graduate Research School website. Some scholarship information you may wish to consider is:

  • Australian Postgraduate Scholarships are only available to citizens or permanent residents of Australia and New Zealand. 
  • The highly competitive International Postgraduate Research Scholarships are available to international students. 
  • Australian Development Scholarships administered by AusAid provide opportunities for people from selected developing countries to undertake post-secondary level study in Australia.
  • There are also AusAid scholarships - please check the AusAid website for eligibility criteria.
  • More information on other scholarship opportunities to study in Australia can be found on the Endeavour Awards website.

5) If you are an international student and English is not your first language, you will be required to prove your English language ability by undertaking one of the specified tests. Click here for information on the UNSW English language requirements for commencing students. 

In special circumstances students may apply for an English language waiver if they can demonstrate that their English is at the required level without sitting one of the specified tests. If you wish to apply for an English waiver please submit a request in writing to the Graduate Research School, outlining the grounds on which you believe the waiver should be granted (such as a previous degree in English or work experience in an English-speaking country).

The first formal step to apply for entry to UNSW for any of the research options is to complete an online application here.  This website will provide you with the details of all necessary documentation that you will need to provide, including proof of contact with your proposed supervisor. If you intend to apply for a scholarship, the online application must be completed before you apply.

For further information specific to research study, please visit the Graduate Research School's website. This website will provide you with information on fees etc. Please note that the Graduate Research School administers research study only, not postgraduate coursework or undergraduate programs.