Graduate Certificate in Biotechnology

During this program, students will:

1. Study with a world leader in biotechnology research which ranks first in Australia and in the top 10 globally (2017-2022 ARWU Global Ranking of Academic Subjects).
2. Learn from entrepreneurial scientists who have successfully commercialised their scientific discoveries.
3. Take advantage of a large suite of electives in science that underpin new biotechnologies.

There is currently a tremendous growth in the international biotechnology industry and allied service sector. Research and development managers require scientists with core technical skills, knowledge of commercial imperatives and current regulatory environments.

This program is designed for scientists who want to update their technical skills in core areas such as molecular biology, protein technology or bioinformatics, or who wish to acquire research laboratory experience. The programs also suit legal or business professionals with some scientific background who want to learn about the latest technological developments.

Graduates possess an understanding of a broad range of modern biotechnologies; the commercialisation of products and marketing; the business environment, including business planning and project management; and how research and development are undertaken in industry settings.

Recommended study pattern

The Graduate Certificate in Biotechnology is a 1 year course for a part-time student. Each year consists of 2 Study Periods, also known as semesters. The recommended study pattern consists of 2 core subjects and 2 elective subjects, with 2 to be completed in your first study period and 2 in your second.

Award requirements

To qualify for the Graduate Certificate in Biotechnology, students must satisfactorily complete a program of study consisting of 4 subjects.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $4,560

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

For more than a century, The University of Queensland (UQ) has delivered knowledge leadership for a better world. The most prestigious and widely recognised rankings of world universities consistently place UQ among the world's top universities. UQ has also won more national teaching awards than any other Australian university. This commitment to quality teaching empowers our 56,000 current students, who study across UQ’s three campuses, to create positive change for society.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

6

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

5

To be eligible for entry, you'll need: 

• a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline, or
• 2 years full-time equivalent, relevant work experience in biomedical science, biotechnology, science, bioinformatics, pharmacy or engineering.

You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.5 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification.

All applicants must satisfy the UQ English language proficiency requirements for admission.

If you've completed previous study, you may be eligible to receive credit for – or exemption from – certain subjects in a UQ program.