Postgraduate

Master of Biological Science

Western Australia (WA) is a terrestrial biodiversity hot spot. Up to 80 per cent of the region's plants and invertebrates are unique to the area, and the state is a stronghold for threatened mammals. This makes WA the ideal living laboratory for studies in biological science.
1.5-2
Years Full Time
Course Details Careers & further study Fees & Scholarships Admission requirements How to apply Contact us Enquire Apply

Contact us

Address

Student Central

The University of Western Australia (M355), 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia 6009

Telephone

131 UWA (131 892)

International

(+61 8) 6488 1000

Email

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Hours

8.30am - 5pm AWST, Monday - Friday

Frequently asked questions

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Events you may be interested in

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Careers and further study

Explore the career opportunities available to you.

Career Pathways

Biologist, Botanist, Conservation Biologist, Conservation Officer, Consultant, Ecologist, Enviornmental Manager, Environmental Scientist, Parks Officer, Quarantine Officer, Research Scientist, Research Technician, Rehabilitation Manager, Science Communicator, Wildlife Officer, Zoologist.
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Career Pathways

Biologist, Botanist, Conservation Biologist, Conservation Officer, Consultant, Ecologist, Enviornmental Manager, Environmental Scientist, Parks Officer, Quarantine Officer, Research Scientist, Research Technician, Rehabilitation Manager, Science Communicator, Wildlife Officer, Zoologist.

Further Study

Students completing this degree may have the option to pursue further studies in research.
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Further Study

Students completing this degree may have the option to pursue further studies in research.

Fees and scholarships

Learn more about the fees that apply to you for this course.

Domestic Student Fees

For Commonwealth-supported places, student contribution amounts are charged by unit, based on area of study. For a fee estimate, go to the Fee Calculator and select “I want to price my units”. Fees are subject to annual indexation. Refer to the Handbook to identify the units required. More information on how fees are calculated.

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Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

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Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

Cost of living

International Student Fees

Annual course fee
2025
$50,700.00

Onshore international students are charged an annual course fee, charged per credit point at a rate dependent on the course in which the student is enrolled. Annual course fees are calculated based on an annual study load. Check the handbook to confirm the annual study load for your course.

Find out more about international student tuition fees and visit the fee calculator for the relevant course fees.

Fees are subject to annual indexation.

Fee calculator

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

Search Scholarships

Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

Cost of living

Admission requirements

If you’re interested in furthering your career by studying this postgraduate course, find out the admission details below

Admission Requirements

(1) To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have—
(a) a Bachelor of Science, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA;
and
(b) the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 50 per cent;
and
(c) met the prerequisite for the chosen specialisation
(2) For the Conservation Biology specialisation an applicant must have successfully completed prior studies at a tertiary level in biology (excluding human biology); or in a related cognate discipline, as recognised by UWA
(3) For the Ecology specialisation an applicant must have successfully completed prior studies at a tertiary level in
biology (excluding human biology); or in a related cognate discipline, as recognised by UWA
(4) For the Zoology specialisation an applicant must have successfully completed prior studies at a tertiary level in animal science; or in a related cognate discipline, as recognised by UWA
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Admission Requirements

(1) To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have—
(a) a Bachelor of Science, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA;
and
(b) the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 50 per cent;
and
(c) met the prerequisite for the chosen specialisation
(2) For the Conservation Biology specialisation an applicant must have successfully completed prior studies at a tertiary level in biology (excluding human biology); or in a related cognate discipline, as recognised by UWA
(3) For the Ecology specialisation an applicant must have successfully completed prior studies at a tertiary level in
biology (excluding human biology); or in a related cognate discipline, as recognised by UWA
(4) For the Zoology specialisation an applicant must have successfully completed prior studies at a tertiary level in animal science; or in a related cognate discipline, as recognised by UWA

Ranking and Selection Process

Where relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on the relevant requirements.
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Ranking and Selection Process

Where relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on the relevant requirements.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

English competency

English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.

Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

English competency

How to apply

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Find out how to apply through our simple online application process. 

We'll guide you through our entry requirements, admission pathways available to you and application deadlines for your chosen course. 

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Course details

The Master of Biological Science will developed advanced understanding of the evolution, diversity, physiology, reproduction, behaviour and ecology of plants and animals, and the skills to apply this knowledge to the management of natural systems and the species they support.

About the course

Western Australia is a terrestrial biodiversity hot-spot, offering exceptional opportunities to study unique plants and animals that have evolved in our wetlands, forests and deserts. You'll gain an advanced understanding and practical skills in ecology, evolution, genetics, species identification, reproduction and behaviour, and can apply your knowledge to conserving species and their habitats. You also have the opportunity to design, execute, analyse and report on field and/or laboratory-based projects, supported by world-class researchers.
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About the course

Western Australia is a terrestrial biodiversity hot-spot, offering exceptional opportunities to study unique plants and animals. You'll gain an advanced understanding of their ecology, evolution, genetics, reproduction and behaviour, and will develop high-level skills in data analysis. You also have the opportunity to design, execute, analyse and report on field and/or laboratory-based projects, supported by world-class researchers.

When you graduate from the Master of Biological Science you will have the ability to integrate your advanced knowledge of species biology and ecology to understand the threats species face, including their vulnerability to rapid environmental change.

You’ll possess communication and technical skills to justify and interpret methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions to specialist and non-specialist audiences. You’ll become a broad thinker who can critically assess advanced research in your discipline and integrate this into practical solutions or new research questions. You’ll contribute to group-led research, as can plan and execute your own substantial research project focused on plants, animals, or ecosystems.

Master of Biological Science

Quick details

Status
  • Available
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
Attendance
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Delivery
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • Semester 1, Semester 2
Weekly contact time
  • Please refer to the UWA Handbook
Level of study
  • Postgraduate
Course Code
  • 72520
CRICOS code
  • 074948B
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Master of Biological Science

Quick details

Status
  • Available
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
Attendance
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Delivery
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • Semester 1, Semester 2
Weekly contact time
  • Please refer to the UWA Handbook
Level of study
  • Postgraduate
Course Code
  • 72520
CRICOS code
  • 074948B
Full time/part time duration
  • 1.5-2 years
Degrees course is available in
  • Master of Biological Science

Course Structure

Postgraduate coursework degrees and combined (coursework and dissertation) degrees comprise 12-16 units, depending on your background, and you can specialise in Conservation Biology, Ecology or Zoology. Refer to the course structure for more information.

Course structure details

Conversion

Conversion

Students who have not completed cognate studies in their Bachelor degrees must complete up to four relevant conversion units (24 points). Select two units: SCIE4401 Data Use in Science (all students) SCIE4403 Ethical Conduct and Communication of Science (all students) and two other units from the list below after consultation and approval from the course coordinator. Conversion units need to be taken during the first or if not possible, the second semester of the study.
Core

Core

Take all units (6 points):
Option

Option

Students in course by coursework and dissertation, take all units in this group (36 points):
Option

Option

Students in course by coursework only, take units to the value of (12 points). Students must complete SCIE5004 and choose another 6 points from the remaining units.
Conservation Biology specialisation

Core

Take all units from this group (18 points):

Option

Students in course by coursework and dissertation, take units to the value of (12 points). Students in course by coursework only, take units to the value of (36 points).
Ecology specialisation

Core

take all units from this group (18 points):

Option

Students in course by coursework and dissertation, take units to the value of (12 points). Students in course by coursework only, take units to the value of (36 points).
Zoology specialisation

Core

take all units from this group (18 points):

Option

Students in course by coursework and dissertation, take units to the value of (12 points). Students in course by coursework only, take units to the value of (36 points).
Course structure details
Study your way

Flexibility

We understand that life is busy. That's why our postgraduate courses are designed so you can balance your work and studies. Our flexible degree includes the opportunity to study part time, and to learn via intensive units. You can also choose a coursework only degree, or one that includes coursework and a dissertation. You can also convert an honours degree into a Masters of Biological Science by undertaking an additional semester of postgraduate coursework.
Study your way

Flexibility

Dissertation options

Interior of Bayliss Building

We offer field-based, lab-based and data-based dissertation projects, each supervised by active researchers. Visit the discipline research webpage for some current options or contact course coordinators to discuss project ideas and potential supervisors.

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Dissertation options

Course Coordinators

The staff below can provide course advice, approve variation to coursework units, and help you find a dissertation project aligned to your interests. It is a good idea to identity your dissertation project and supervisors the semester before you plan to start your dissertation units.

Masters of Biological Science

Conservation Biology Specialisation

Ecology Specialisation

Zoology Specialisation

Ranked 1st in Australia and 24th in the world for Biological Sciences (gras 2024)

Fieldwork in Science

Biological science students out in the field

Fieldwork in Science

Find out more about our amazing field trips in the Natural and Physical Sciences interest area that'll take you all around Western Australia and beyond.

Research

Testing a new place for Western Swamp Tortoises in a changing climate

Western swamp tortoise

Testing a new place for Western Swamp Tortoises in a changing climate

Perth’s western swamp tortoises was probably always a rare species, but habitat loss and climate change are presenting new challenges.

Centre

Evolutionary Biology

Research boat on the ocean

The Centre for Evolutionary Biology is a UWA Centre of Excellence, delivering high quality research and research training. We adopt a multidisciplinary approach to exploring selective processes acting on the morphological and life-history traits of whole organisms and their gametes.

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Centre

Evolutionary Biology

Through the Centre for Evolutionary Biology, we look at species from the tiniest single celled algae to large, multicellular organisms including humans. The Centre's research specialties include sexual selection, acoustic signaling, predator-prey interactions, visual ecology, sperm form and function, chemical ecology, population genetics, phylogenetic comparative analysis and the genetic mapping of complex traits.

Visit the Centre for Evolutionary Biology website