Key facts
Duration
One year part-time
Locations
OnlineCourse overview
Build highly transferrable specialist skills for the future with a Graduate Certificate of Bioinformatics at Deakin. You will develop advanced knowledge in bioinformatics and data science, equipping you for the data-driven science of the future. Gain practical skills that are valuable across various domains such as business analytics and engineering.
Want to apply your passion for science to a career effecting positive change?
Your technical expertise in biotechnology will be complemented by skills in statistical data analysis, computer coding and research, along with a well-developed understanding of the commercial biotechnology environment. These versatile skills will prepare you to thrive across a range of roles. During your studies, you will apply existing analytical tools (bioinformatics) and data resources to solve problems. You will also use computer programming to develop new methods and resources, advancing the field of biotechnology.
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of Bioinformatics
- Year
2026 course information
- Deakin code
- S513
- Level
- Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Flexible course delivery
Deakin’s blend of online and on-campus learning means you can balance work, study and personal development. Achieve work-life balance – study with Deakin's dedicated support and flexible learning options.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Bioinformatics, you must pass 4 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 4 credit points of core units
Most units are equal to one credit point.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- online
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- online
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS – Please note that due to Australian Government regulations, student visas to enter Australia cannot be issued to students who enrol in Deakin online.
Workload
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, workshops and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher
- at least two years' relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent).
Examples of relevant work experience include, but not limited to: bioinformatician, statistician, data analyst, software engineer, data scientist (or similar).
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn't have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you're able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of prior learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your Recognition of prior learning.
Your Recognition of prior learning is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$21,800 AUD
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing this course within the same year in which they started. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together four credit points of study. Four credit points is used as it represents a typical enrolment load for a Graduate Certificate.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.
Learn more about tuition fees.
Scholarship options
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
Postgraduate bursary
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
Need more information on how to apply?
For information on the application process, including required documents and important dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you need assistance, please contact us.
Pathways
Upon completion of the Graduate Certificate of Bioinformatics you could use the credit points you’ve earned to enter into further study, including:
Graduate Diploma of Biotechnology (S613)
Master of Biotechnology (Professional) (S713) (Advanced Discipline Coursework Pathway only.)
Career outcomes
Take the right step toward a rewarding career and graduate with the in-depth scientific knowledge and transferrable technical and commercial skills to thrive in a rapidly growing industry. With a highly relevant and extremely versatile biotechnology qualification, you’ll be uniquely positioned to pursue roles in industry, academic research and government. Opportunities include environmental management, health and infectious disease research, epidemiology, and medical genomics.
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Ability to use bioinformatics skills to analyse large research data sets and make valid inferences using rigorous statistical methods. |
| Communication | Demonstrate good communication skills both written and oral, as applied to presenting their work. Articulate understanding of bioinformatics algorithms and methods and apply these to undertake own investigations. |
| Digital literacy | Apply existing analytical tools (bioinformatics) and data resources to solve problems and use computer programming to develop new methods and resources to advance biotechnology. |
| Critical thinking | Use abstract, analytical and logical reasoning to critically evaluate scientific evidence arguments and approaches. Use statistical thinking to determine the strength of scientific evidence. |
| Problem solving | Identify scientific problems and use systematic approaches and experimental strategies to formulate and propose solutions by considering relevant discipline and contextual factors. |
| Self-management | Evaluate own knowledge and skills using frameworks of reflection and take responsibility for learning and performance. Work responsibly and safely in scientific and professional environments to enrich the ideas of others by sharing learning experiences. |
| Teamwork | Work effectively as a team member, assuming various roles and utilising effective teamwork skills to achieve goals. |
| Global citizenship | Apply ethical practice in professional situations to demonstrate responsibility as practitioners when working with people from diverse cultures and communities. Identify and prioritise local, national and global issues and concerns and contribute towards solving real world problems from the perspective of bioinformatics. |
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
