Master of Science (Biological Sciences)

Domestic students:

In accordance with the Research Training Ordinance, the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Graduate Research may admit to candidature for a Master of Research a person who has been awarded a degree from a recognised tertiary institution as being in the relevant discipline and equivalent to:

• A bachelor's with honours degree of at least second-class lower standard with a minimum thesis component
• A master's degree (coursework) with a minimum thesis component

Qualifying degrees must have been awarded within a 10-year period prior to the date of application for admission to Higher Degree by Research candidature.

Where a bachelor honours degree is considered as the basis for admission, the research project or thesis must be greater than 10,000 words, excluding references, and equate to a minimum 50 per cent course credits of the entire degree. Where a coursework master’s degree is considered as the basis for admission, the research project or thesis must be greater than 10,000 words and equate to a minimum 25 per cent course credits of the entire degree.

Where any of the above standard admission requirements are not met, an application will be considered as part of an application via the alternative entry pathway process.

Applicants must also secure a supervisor. The nominated supervisor should be contacted well in advance of the closing date to discuss suitability and project requirements, and a signed Supervisory Support form must be uploaded as part of the application.

Domestic candidates have two weeks to accept or decline an offer of candidature and/or scholarship, and two months to commence their candidature.

International students:

International applicants must meet the same academic admission requirements set out above, and in addition must satisfy the University’s English language proficiency requirements for Higher Degree by Research candidature:

Applicants must provide evidence of English language proficiency at the time they submit their application. Test results must have been awarded within 2 years of the application date. One of the following is required:

• IELTS (Academic): overall 7.0, with no band less than 6.5
• TOEFL (internet-based): overall 94, with a minimum of 26 for writing and speaking and 20 for reading and listening
• PTE Academic: overall 65, with a minimum of 65 for writing and speaking and no other score lower than 58
• C1 Advanced (previously Cambridge Advanced English): grade C, equivalent to CEFR level C1 or above

Alternatively, applicants may meet the requirement by holding citizenship and a passport of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom or the USA, or by providing evidence of ongoing residence and employment for at least 5 years in one of those countries in an occupation requiring proficient written and verbal communication in English.

International candidates have eight weeks to accept or decline an offer of candidature and/or scholarship, and six months to commence their candidature. International candidates who accept an offer of candidature only must be able to cover all expenses associated with a research degree.

A research master’s degree trains you to analyse a research topic at an advanced level and to conduct a specified program of research under supervision. The University of Tasmania is home to a collaborative and diverse research community, providing you with the training and skills for a rich career in academia and beyond.

• Academic positions across universities and higher education
• Research positions in a wide range of fields and industries
• Independent research roles requiring the capacity to formulate and investigate a significant problem
• Roles drawing on high-level research, communication and project management skills
• Research internships and industry- or community-partnered research through the University’s collaboration opportunities
• Progression to a PhD — many research master’s students continue with their research in order to obtain a PhD