Master of Science (Biological Sciences)

The Master of Science (Biological Sciences) at the University of Tasmania is a two-year postgraduate degree for people who want to work as biologists, not just study biology. You'll take coursework units in your first year and then move into a substantial research project, working with a supervisor on a real question in the field. Tasmania is an unusual place to do this. The island has temperate rainforest, alpine country, coastal and marine systems, and species that exist nowhere else, so the fieldwork and the research questions tend to be specific to the place rather than generic.

How the degree is structured

Like most Australian master's degrees, this one is built from units of study, each worth a set number of credit points. You accumulate credit points across semesters until you meet the requirement for the award. The first part of the degree is coursework: units that build your knowledge in biological sciences and your skills in research methods, data analysis and scientific writing. The second part is the research component, where you design and carry out an investigation under supervision and write it up as a thesis. That thesis is the centre of the degree. It's what distinguishes a master's from a fourth-year honours project, and it's what you'll talk about in job interviews.

What you actually do

Expect a mix of lectures, lab work, field trips and independent research. Depending on your project and supervisor, you might be sampling in the field, working in a lab, or analysing data. Biological sciences at this level covers areas such as ecology, evolution, conservation, marine biology, plant science, zoology and molecular biology, and your project will sit somewhere within that spread. Research at the University of Tasmania connects to the state's environment and industries, including fisheries, agriculture, forestry and conservation management, so there are genuine links between what you study and what happens outside the campus.

Who it suits

This degree suits someone who already has a bachelor's degree in biology, environmental science, zoology, marine science or a related field and wants to go further. That might mean preparing for a PhD, moving into a research role, or gaining specialist skills for work in conservation, biosecurity, environmental consulting or government science. It also suits people already working in these areas who want a formal postgraduate qualification. If you're an international student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and after graduating you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work in Australia. English requirements for international applicants are set out on the university's website, and the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register under course code 082555G. Check the official course page for current entry requirements, unit details and how to apply.

• Ecologist or conservation biologist, state and federal environment departments, catchment management authorities, NGOs and environmental consultancies.
• Marine biologist or fisheries scientist, fisheries management agencies, aquaculture companies and marine research organisations, particularly in Tasmania and around the Australian coast.
• Environmental consultant, private firms doing impact assessments, flora and fauna surveys, and monitoring for mining, infrastructure and development projects.
• Biosecurity officer or quarantine scientist, federal and state agencies protecting Australian agriculture and ecosystems from pests and diseases.
• Research assistant or laboratory scientist, universities, CSIRO, medical research institutes and agricultural research bodies.
• Science communicator or policy officer, government departments, museums, science centres and industry groups that need people who understand the science.
• PhD candidate, the research thesis in this master's is a common pathway into doctoral study in Australia or overseas.