Course Overview

About This Course

The Master of Science (Bioinformatics) (MC-SCIBIF) combines genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry and physiology with computer science, statistics and applied mathematics to provide the tools to unlock biological secrets. This coursework masters, which includes a major research project component, provides a broad education in bioinformatics with strong foundations in computer science and statistics. Students with backgrounds in biology, biomedicine, mathematics/statistics, or computer science have an entry point into the degree, customising their first year based on academic background before a common second year builds broad bioinformatics knowledge. Located in the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct, students benefit from close connections to 30 hospitals, medical research organisations and biotechnology institutes, graduating with a major research project for their CV.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne

234 St. Kilda Road, Southbank, VIC 3006

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

AUD $40,992 (2026 indicative first year fee) / AUD $86,084 (indicative total course fee). Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available.

Duration

2 years full time / 4 years part time

Intakes

March

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Completion of a bachelor degree (AQF7) in a cognate discipline (biology and biomedicine, mathematics and statistics, or computer science) with a weighted average mark (WAM) of 65% in the best 50 points of appropriate discipline studies in the final year, or equivalent
Completion of MAST10005 Calculus 1 (or equivalent)
Entry requirements apply from the 2027 intake onward
Access Melbourne entry scheme available

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Well placed for a growing global demand for bioinformaticians
Graduates with a major research project to feature in their CV
Benefits from close connections to hospitals, medical research organisations and biotechnology institutes in the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units3 units

Customised first year subjects

First year tailored based on the student's academic background (biology, biomedicine, mathematics/statistics, or computer science).

Common second year subjects

Builds broad knowledge of bioinformatics common to all students.

Major research project

Research project component providing real-world bioinformatics research experience.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What academic backgrounds are accepted for entry into this course?

Whether your background is in biology, biomedicine, mathematics/statistics, or computer science, there's an entry point for you into this degree.

How is the course structured across the two years?

You'll customise your first year based on your academic background, then follow it up with a common second year that builds a broad knowledge of bioinformatics.

What does the research project component involve?

In the research project, you'll develop and apply bioinformatics tools to real-world problems, with support from an expert bioinformatician from within the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct, and you'll graduate with a major research project to feature in your CV.

What are the career outcomes for graduates of this program?

With demand for bioinformaticians growing worldwide, graduates are well placed to build an exciting career using the skills and networks developed during the course. Research experience may also inspire graduates to continue to a PhD, or they can put their analytical and communication skills to use in the global workforce.

Are Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available for this course?

Yes, Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are available for the Master of Science (Bioinformatics) at the University of Melbourne.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $70,000 to $95,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $95,000 to $115,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $115,000 to $150,000 per year

Career Paths

BioinformaticianComputational BiologistGenomics Data AnalystResearch Scientist (Bioinformatics)Bioinformatics Software Engineer

Key Skills

Genomic data analysis and next-generation sequencing (NGS) pipeline developmentProgramming in Python, R, Perl, and Bash for biological data processingStatistical modelling and computational analysis of biological datasetsMachine learning and AI application in genomics and proteomicsDatabase design, management, and querying (SQL and biological databases such as NCBI, Ensembl, UniProt)

Full Course Overview

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