Doctor of Biotechnology
Overview
The Doctor of Biotechnology is designed for scientists who are interested in the technical, legal, and business aspects of biotechnology and research ventures. It can lead to careers in industry, government or research.
The doctorate will take you 3 years to complete full time and combines advanced coursework with an industry placement and a research thesis. The program is intended to develop the range of research skills, scientific knowledge and business mindset needed to work in this fast-moving, innovative and entrepreneurial field.
You will complete the coursework component of the doctorate over one semester, covering topics such as research methods, entrepreneurship and intellectual property management. You will then undertake an industry placement for two semesters and start your research thesis, which will take 2 years to complete.
Graduates of this program have worked in biotechnology companies and research organisations in Australia and overseas. Employers have included IP Australia, Campbell Arnotts, Uniquest, Mater Medical Research Institute and GSK (GlaxoSmithKline).
Program highlights
- Learn from entrepreneurial scientists who have successfully commercialised their scientific discoveries.
- Extend your expertise and scientific knowledge in areas such as molecular biology, protein technology and bioinformatics.
- Study at a university with strong links to industry, government and research institutes in Australia and overseas.
- Be highly sought for roles in health, agriculture, diagnostics, the environment, forestry, law and commerce.
Supervision
You have to find and contact a thesis supervisor before you apply
This supervisor will support, guide and mentor you through your research, and can introduce you to professional networks that will start your career.
What you'll study
At UQ, degrees are called 'programs' and subjects are called 'courses'.
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Entry requirements
Prerequisites
Prerequisites
Student visas
International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Doctor of Biotechnology are eligible to apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500).
There are a number of requirements you must satisfy before a visa is granted, including the genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirement.
English language requirements
IELTS overall 6.5; reading 6; writing 6; speaking 6; listening 6. For other English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores approved for UQ
TOEFL IBT - Overall 87, listening 19, reading 19, writing 21 and speaking 19.
TOEFL PB - Overall 570, listening 54, reading 54, writing 59/5.
Pearsons - Overall Score of 64 and 60 in all sub bands.
BE - A minimum overall grade of 4 plus a minimum grade of C in all macro skills.
CES - Overall 176 and 169 in all sub bands.
OET is not accepted.
Fees and Scholarships
Indicative annual fee
AUD $40,736
Indicative annual fee 2021
This indicative annual fee is the cost of enrolling in the Doctor of Biotechnology for the 2021 academic year. It is calculated based on a standard annual full-time study load (16 units).
If you enrol in a larger or smaller study load, your fees will be calculated on a proportionate basis.
Fees are charged every semester when you are studying coursework, and every research quarter when you are working on your thesis. All fees are reviewed annually.
Financial aid
As an international student, you might be eligible for financial aid – either from your home country, or from the Australian Government.
Scholarships
How to apply
Before you apply
1. Gather your documents
You will need to compile the necessary documents. We will accept scanned copies of original documents, but you will have to keep all original documents for the duration of your studies.
Upload all documents as PDFs and name your files like this: LASTNAME_firstname_document-name.pdf
If any of your documents is in a language other than English, you will need to send both the original document and an official translation.
Send the following documents with your application:
Academic CV/résumé
Academic CV/résumé
Your academic CV should include the following headings:
- Personal details
Include your full name and contact details. - Educational qualifications and professional affiliations
Include the full title of the qualification, the institution attended and the year awarded. - Employment history
In chronological order, starting with your current position and specifying dates of employment. Include the title of each position, name of employer, main duties or responsibilities, and achievements relevant to your proposed field of research. Make sure you include details of any research-related positions. - Research publications
Include articles published or accepted for publication. Mark the three most significant publications with an asterisk. Specify the publication details, your contribution as an author to multi-authored publications, plus the standing of the journal or conference. - Description of most significant publications
Include a short description (200 words each maximum) for each of the three asterisked publications. Explain their significance in the field and why they have made an important contribution. All publications should use an official referencing style (such as Chicago, APA or Harvard). - Research grants
Only include awarded grants. - Academic referees
Include the name and contact details (address, telephone and email) of two referees. If possible, include a senior person (preferably your supervisor or the head of organisational unit) closely associated with your current research work.
You don't need to include marital status, photographs, driver’s license, hobbies and interests.
Academic transcript
Academic transcript
This should show all study you have undertaken since secondary school, whether complete or incomplete, including the institution grading scale.
An academic transcript can also be called an:
- academic record
- diploma supplement
- statement of learning
- record of achievement.
Degree certificate
Degree certificate
A degree certificate is a legal document, imprinted with a university seal. It should state the name of your qualification and areas of study.
Include all degree certificates (testamurs) for post-secondary study with your application. If you studied in China, you must provide a:
- transcript
- award certificate and
- graduate statement/certificate.
English language documents
English language documents
All applicants have to prove they can meet English language requirements. Any test scores have to be valid at your proposed commencement date.
Passport
Passport
Include a copy of the information page (with your photo) in your passport. This will verify your identity and ensure we can make offers correctly.
References/letters of recommendation
References/letters of recommendation
Include the contact details of two referees who will support your application. These referees will need to provide insight into your research experience.
We will contact your referees for a report, but you will need to enter their details into the application form.
Other documents
Other documents
Other documentation, originals or certified copies, may be required depending on your individual circumstances, for example:
- evidence of change of name
- proof of citizenship, if you are not a citizen of Australia or New Zealand by birth
- previous research program information.
If you don't provide us with all documents it will take us longer to process your application. Your start date might then be delayed, or you might miss an admission or scholarship deadline.
2. Approach a potential supervisor
Identify a researcher with relevant expertise and get agreement to support your doctorate and project.
Many departments will require additional information to make a decision around your motivation, understanding, commitment, and financial support required.
They may request documents to support your application, such as a research proposal. You should discuss these additional requirements with your potential thesis supervisor.
3. Apply online
Once you have prepared your application and contacted a potential supervisor, use the online application form to apply. You can send an application at any time.
If you are not applying in a UQ scholarship round you should apply at least 12 weeks before a research quarter start date.
Important dates
The closing date for this program is:
- To commence study in semester 2 - May 31 of the year of commencement.
- To commence study in semester 1 - November 30 of the previous year.
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Important dates
The closing date for this program is:
- To commence study in semester 1 - January 31 of the year of commencement.
- To commence study in semester 2 - June 30 of the year of commencement.
The academic year for Doctor of Biotechnology students is divided into semesters (for advanced coursework) and research quarters (for the research project).
The agreed start date will be on your offer of admission.
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants
For support with applying - or if you have any questions about Uni - get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.