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Why choose biotechnology at Deakin
Ready to lead medical advancements? Create solutions to pressing issues in food, agriculture and the environment? Take the first step with Deakin’s Graduate Diploma of Biotechnology. Play your part in advancing human health and society through hands-on learning led by globally renowned academics. As a graduate you will emerge with specialist biotechnology expertise, practical laboratory experience and invaluable industry connections, essential for thriving in this dynamic field.
At Deakin, you won’t just learn theory but actively shape the future of biotechnology. You will apply your knowledge beyond the confines of the lab, spanning genetic, chemical, industrial and agricultural settings. Enhance your technical expertise as you gain skills in statistical data analysis, computer coding and research, and the commercial biotechnology environment – empowering you to excel in a range of roles.
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Unbeatable employability
Build applied biotechnology skills for careers in research, health and industry. Graduate ready to contribute in fast-evolving scientific fields.
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Industry-informed learning
Study a curriculum shaped by current biotechnology practices and emerging technologies, keeping your knowledge relevant to industry needs.
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Strong practical experience
Develop laboratory and analytical skills through hands-on learning that supports confident scientific investigation and data interpretation.
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Pathway to further study
Use this course to progress to further postgraduate study, including masters programs, to deepen your expertise and expand your career options.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Graduate with specialised scientific knowledge and technical and commercial skills for diverse biotechnology careers. Explore opportunities across industry, government, education and policy development.
Botanist
Study plants and their relationships with the environment, including their structure, biochemistry and ecology. Conduct field surveys, identify plant species, collect and analyse data, and contribute to environmental protection.
- $90k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 10%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- 4.5/5
Job satisfaction
Agricultural scientist
Research ways to improve the productivity, quality and sustainability of agricultural systems. Conduct experiments and analyse data to address challenges affecting crops, livestock, soils and agricultural production.
- $107k
Median annual earnings
- 8.8%
Projected job growth in 5 years
Other jobs
- Animal scientist
- Bioinformatician
- Biomedical scientist
- Environmental analyst
- Food scientist
- Quality assurance officer
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
FAQs
A Deakin postgraduate degree can help you advance your career, deepen your expertise in a specialist field, pivot into a new industry and stand out in a competitive job market. Every course is built with industry input and taught by academics who are active practitioners, so the skills you gain are immediately applicable. Postgraduate study at Deakin is also your chance to connect with leaders in your field and build a network of industry contacts who become valuable professional connections, giving you an advantage that goes well beyond the qualification itself.
Most Deakin postgraduate courses are fee-paying, but there are practical ways to manage the cost of study. You can defer fees with a FEE-HELP loan, repaid through the ATO once you earn above the income threshold. A number of courses have Commonwealth Supported Places where the government covers part of your tuition. Deakin scholarships recognise academic achievement, professional experience and financial need. If you've studied at Deakin before, you may be eligible for a 10% alumni discount. Recognition of prior learning can also reduce costs by crediting past study so you finish sooner.
Yes to all three. Most Deakin postgraduate degrees can be studied online, on campus or a blend of both, and you may be able to switch between full and part time at the start of each trimester to suit your life. If you want to move faster, select courses offer a one-year masters degree designed for working professionals. With three start dates each year for most courses – March, July and November – you don't have to wait long to begin.
The main differences are depth, duration and career outcomes. A graduate certificate is a short, focused qualification, typically six months full time, ideal for upskilling quickly in a specific area. A graduate diploma offers broader knowledge or supports a career change, usually one-year full time. A masters degree delivers advanced expertise and professional recognition, typically one to two years full time. You can also stack qualifications – complete a graduate certificate and use the credit towards a masters.
Each Deakin postgraduate course has a unique structure, check the course stucture section of the course page to see compulsory units, electives and any specialisation streams available. All courses are shaped by industry, so content reflects real challenges in your field. Many courses let you tailor your studies through elective units or specialisations, and some include a capstone project where you apply your learning to a genuine workplace problem.
Entry requirements vary by course, so check this tab on the course page for specific criteria. Most Deakin postgraduate courses require a relevant bachelor degree, though some may accept significant demonstrable work experience as an alternative. You may also be able to build eligibility through a graduate certificate or graduate diploma, which in many cases could count towards a masters degree.
Deakin postgraduate courses are built with industry input, so you're learning skills employers are actively looking for. Depending on your course, you may access work-integrated learning through placements, internships or industry projects with partners including Microsoft, KPMG, National Australia Bank and the Geelong Cats Football Club. DeakinTALENT, Deakin's career service, supports you throughout your studies and for life, helping you grow your network and connect with opportunities in your field.
Yes. Recognition of prior learning (RPL) may turn your previous study or work experience into course credit, reducing both your study time and tuition costs. For some masters degrees, you may be able to receive credit for up to two-thirds of the course, if eligible. Use the RPL calculator to get an indication of what you might receive, and note that prior learning must generally be within the last 10 years, although some courses have a shorter time limit. You can apply for RPL as part of your course application.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
What will I study in the Graduate Diploma of Biotechnology?
The Graduate Diploma of Biotechnology is typically completed in one year of full-time study or part-time equivalent. You will build advanced knowledge in biotechnology and develop practical skills for laboratory and industry settings.
Advanced biotechnology studies
Explore modern applications
Study how biotechnology is used in areas such as health, agriculture and environmental management.
Develop laboratory and analytical skills
Build practical skills in experimental design, data analysis and interpreting scientific results.
Apply knowledge to authentic contexts
Examine how biotechnology innovations translate into industry, research and commercial outcomes.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Diploma of Biotechnology, you must pass 8 credit points. The number of credit points required may vary, depending on how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
You are required to complete seven core units (these are essential units for this degree)
In your first trimester you must also complete three 0-credit point units which are compulsory for this degree.
Year 1 - Trimester 1
Year 1 - Trimester 2
Plus 1 level 7 open elective unit (1 credit point)
Choose one open elective unit from across the University, including from a completely different study area (subject to meeting unit prerequisites).
What to expect while studying
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, site visits 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.
It is important to note that some elective units may include compulsory placement, study tours, work-based training or collaborative research training arrangements.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Develop a working knowledge of biotechnology, and the ability to apply it in different arenas including the genetic, chemical, industrial and agricultural settings. Using scientific process and knowledge of research planning to conduct research tasks. Ability to use bioinformatics skills to conduct basic analyses of research data sets and make inferences using statistically valid methods. |
| Demonstrate well developed communication skills both written and oral in a range of settings including among peers, to academic staff, industry contacts and outreach to the general public. Articulate scientific information in a structured form to describe scientific problems, formulate hypotheses, analyse evidence to support or oppose the interpretations of findings and conclusions, considering the evidence from scientific studies. |
| Evaluate information using evidence from a range of reliable sources to establish scientific knowledge, recognise ambiguity and disseminate accurate information. Apply existing analytical tools (bioinformatics) and data resources to conduct analysis of research data sets. |
| Use abstract, analytical and logical reasoning to critically evaluate scientific evidence arguments and approaches. Apply critical reasoning in a variety of situations to scope, interpret and structure biotechnological investigations. Use statistical thinking to determine the strength of scientific evidence. |
| Identify scientific problems and use systematic approaches and experimental strategies to formulate and propose solutions by considering relevant discipline and contextual factors. Use judgement to convince scientific and non- scientific audiences, in the use of strategies to generate solutions to real world problems. |
| 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. |
| Work effectively as a team member, assuming various roles and utilising effective teamwork skills to achieve goals. |
| 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 biotechnology. |
- Award granted
- Graduate Diploma of Biotechnology
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- S613
- 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
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$35,200
for 1 yr full-time - Full-fee paying place
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical full-time enrolment of 8 credit points undertaken within the same academic year and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a FEE-HELP loan to defer all or part of your tuition fees.
Scholarships
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Applications for 2027 are open
Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin and get ready for what’s next.
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
Apply now
Apply direct
Simply create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal and educational details, upload your supporting documents and submit your application.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
Recognition of prior learning may be granted to applicants based on prior studies and/or equivalent industry experience.
Pathways
Upon completion of the Graduate Diploma of Biotechnology you could use the credit points you’ve completed to pursue further study, including: