#1 Melbourne university for science facilities
#1 Melbourne university for course satisfaction
#1 Melbourne university for teaching quality
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.
-
Unbeatable employability
Build applied biotechnology skills for careers in research, health and industry. Graduate ready to contribute in fast-evolving scientific fields.
-
Industry-informed learning
Study a curriculum shaped by current biotechnology practices and emerging technologies, keeping your knowledge relevant to industry needs.
-
Strong practical experience
Develop laboratory and analytical skills through hands-on learning that supports confident scientific investigation and data interpretation.
-
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
FAQs
The cost of studying at Deakin depends on your degree, units and study load – tuition fees are listed on degree pages under the fees and scholarships tab. Beyond tuition, you will need to budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), accommodation, transport, groceries and textbooks. Find out more about the cost of living in Australia, use the Study Australia calculator to estimate living expenses and explore international scholarships which may help to reduce your tuition costs.
Deakin offers a range of merit-based scholarships that can reduce your postgraduate tuition fees by 20%, 25%, 50% or 100% for the duration of your degree. Eligibility varies by scholarship and the degree you choose, but you will automatically be considered for most scholarships when you apply to Deakin. Use the Find a scholarship tool and filter by 'citizenship' to see what is available to you, or explore Australia Awards scholarships if you are from an eligible country.
It depends on the degree and how you study. Graduate certificates typically take six months full time or one year part time. Graduate diplomas usually take one year full time and masters degrees typically take one to two years full time. Recognition of prior learning can reduce your study time. Check the degree page for full details.
Australia is widely regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world for students, with strong legal protections, reliable public services and a multicultural community. In fact, Melbourne is ranked the #4 student city in the world! At Deakin, you will be part of a supportive community, with 24/7 help, dedicated campus security and practical tools to help you feel safe, confident and connected. Deakin’s SafeZone app also connects you directly to campus security and support services if you ever need help. Find out more about studying in Australia.
We value your experience and qualifications. That is why every new degree application at Deakin is assessed for recognition of prior learning (RPL). Through RPL, Deakin can assess your previous study and life experience and may award course credit that could reduce your study duration, as well as the cost of your study. Qualifications from universities and private tertiary institutions worldwide are considered, as is informal learning related to your degree. Use the RPL calculator to see how much credit you may be eligible for.
Deakin offers a wide range of support to help you settle in and succeed throughout your studies – we are ranked the #1 university in Melbourne for student support. You can access 1:1 study support, English language support, career planning help, disability services and free counselling, as well as financial assistance if you need it. On campus, the SafeZone app and 24/7 security services mean help is always within reach. You can explore the full range of support services for international students or start an online chat with a student ambassador before you arrive.
To enrol in a postgraduate degree at Deakin, many degrees require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent). Some degrees require higher scores, so check the entry requirements tab on the degree page for details. You may also meet the requirement through recent secondary or university study completed in English, or by demonstrating five or more years of living and working in an English-speaking country. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you do not yet meet the requirement, the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) offers pathway programs to help develop your English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Completion of DUELI’s English for Academic Purposes can give you the minimum English language requirements for most Deakin degrees.
Deakin’s postgraduate degrees are designed to advance your career, whether you want to deepen expertise in your field, move into a specialist role or shift direction entirely. All our degrees are shaped by industry partners, so what you learn reflects what employers need now and into the future. We’re proud to be the #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment. With flexible study options and financial support available, Deakin helps you gain the skills, recognition and confidence to reach your next professional goal.
*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
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 113875J Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- 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
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.
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.
Pathways
Upon completion of the Graduate Diploma of Biotechnology you could use the credit points you’ve completed to pursue further study, including:
Alternate exits
- Graduate Certificate of Biotechnology (S513)