Postgraduate study in Biotechnology

What can you study in Biotechnology?

Postgraduate study in Biotechnology provides the necessary academic background for entry into the exciting and emerging biotechnology industry.

Alongside the development of advanced practical knowledge of biotechnology and molecular genetic technologies that are the foundation of modern biotechnology, you will learn about the commercial exploitation of living organisms or their components (such as proteins), and develop your ability to communicate and translate scientific research.

Areas of research interests open to exploration include:

  • Aspects of medical technology
  • Computing
  • Downstream processing and protein purification
  • Fermentation technology
  • Managing technology
  • The social, legal and ethical place of biotechnology in society

Structuring your postgraduate programme in Biotechnology

Bachelor of Science (Honours) (BSc(Hons)) in Biotechnology

30 points:

15 points from:

30 points from: BIOSCI 700-702, 736-738, 741, 746, 751-760, 764-765 (see below for course details)

45 points:

Master of Science (MSc) in Biotechnology 120-point (one-year) research masters  

Prerequisites:

Prior to applying to MSc in Biotechnology you are required to have completed BIOSCI 761 MSc Thesis Proposal.

30 points from:

90 points:

Master of Biotechnology (MBiotech)

30 points from:

15 points from

  • BIOSCI 701, 704 (see above for course details)

45 points from: other 700 level courses offered by the Faculty of Science or School of Medicine

A further 45 points from: BIOSCI 700–702, 736, 738, 741, 746, 749, 751, 752, 754–759, 764, 765, CHEM 738

45 points:

  • BIOTECH 792 Dissertation

Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci) in Biotechnology

15 points:

15 points from:

At least 60 points from: BIOSCI 700-702, 736-738, 741, 746, 751-760, 764-765 (see above for course details)

Up to 30 points from other approved 700 level courses offered at this University.

Where can postgraduate study in Biotechnology take you?

Our graduates are likely to begin their careers as technical and research assistants within fundamental and applied research programmes in biotechnology companies, Crown Research Institutes, pharmaceutical companies, and universities and diagnostic facilities in medicine and agriculture.

Jobs related to Biotechnology:

  • Clinical research associate
  • Epidemiologist
  • Healthcare scientist (genomics, immunology)
  • Physician associate
  • Plant breeder/ geneticist
  • Research scientist (life sciences, medical)
  • Science writer

Other Biotechnology pathways

You can choose to keep your Biotechnology specialisation general, or choose a different pathway.

Browse our other Biotechnology pathways to find one that matches your interests:

Scholarships and awards

Each year we award scholarships and prizes to thousands of students.

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for, search available scholarships or begin an application by visiting Scholarships and awards.

Help and advice

Student Hubs

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The Student Hubs services are available seven days a week at the City, Grafton, Epsom and Tai Tonga campuses and six days a week at Tai Tokerau, with friendly staff available to provide you with advice on any aspect of your studies and life at the University.

Find out more.