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Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

Programme Overview

With our MBiotech you can explore possibilities, gain insight, and address emerging global challenges for human and environmental health and wellbeing.

You’ll have the option to focus your study on a specific area like genomics, proteomics, microbial biotechnology or bioinformatics or take a mix of courses that cover all these topics. You’ll also develop skills that equip you for employment in the biotechnology sector or further study.

Enter the MBiotech with a recognised undergraduate degree in biotechnology or biological sciences and prior exposure to molecular biosciences, biochemistry, microbiology and genetics.

Find out what our campus locations and facilities have to offer in these videos. 

Programme Structure

The MBiotech is an 18-month, 180-point programme with the option of starting in Semester One or Semester Two, and completed over three semesters full-time, with part-time options available.

The programme will be delivered through lectures, seminars, laboratories, and research supervision. Laboratory work may form a coursework component of some courses and may also form a part of the 60-point dissertation.

The first two semesters will comprise 120 points of core and elective courses. In the second semester students will choose a research project and enrol in BIOSCI 761 Research Practice - Level 9 and seminar.

All students will enrol in a course offering practical experience of research methodologies and data analysis either in cell-based or genome-based technologies.

A feature of the MBiotech programme will be the opportunity to enrol in 45 points of subject-specific courses offering disciplinary specialisation tailored to student interest and matching areas of recognised employer demand, for example in plant biotechnology.

Specialisations available:

  • Bioinformatics
  • Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics
  • Molecular Microbiology
  • Plant Biotechnology
  • Protein Engineering

Alternatively, students will be able to choose any combination of elective courses totalling 30 points from within the schedule of approved courses.

In the final semester, students will undertake a 60 point research project supervised by an academic staff member.

Students who complete 120 points of coursework within the MBiotech with a GPA of 5.0 or above and who seek a longer form research project will have the ability to transfer to the MSc and complete a 120-point research thesis.

Students who complete 120 points of coursework but fail to maintain a GPA of 4.0 within the programme will be unable to proceed to the research project and may graduate with a PGDipSci in Biotechnology.

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

Students will be valued by employers across a wide range of private and public sector organisations for their understanding of how biology underpins innovation and the development of new technologies for markets, environments and populations.

Key employment destinations for Biotechnology graduates include the medical, diagnostic and healthcare industries; primary industry, such as the agriculture, food and dairy sectors; regulatory and consultancy services; Crown Research Institutes and government agencies; health and environmental protection; and the tertiary education sector.

Student career planning services

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

Experience the University

Video

Meet the programme director

Learn more about the new MBiotech programme from Dr John Taylor, Senior Lecturer in the School of Biological Sciences.

Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Programme Entry Requirements

Other qualifications

If your highest qualification was gained from another tertiary institution, view our entry requirements.


University of Auckland minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.         

Taught (180-point)  - 4.0 Grade Point Average                                                              

A Bachelor’s degree majoring in Biotechnology, Biological Sciences or an equivalent subject.

Postgraduate Requirements

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

Find a Supervisor

Depending on the type of programme you are pursuing, you may have the opportunity to complete a unique research project. To find out more about the research carried out at the University of Auckland and to identify potential supervisors, check out our researcher profiles.

Other Pathways to Study

Completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II, and a relevant major or specialisation

Completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree from this University in a relevant major or specialisation and passed 60 points towards the Postgraduate Diploma in Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher, and a specialisation in Biotechnology or Biological Sciences (provided that the postgraduate diploma has not been awarded.)

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes. 

Fees and scholarships

Fees

Fees Disclaimer

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Scholarships

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Loans and Allowances

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of Living

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

Advice on Programme Limits

This is a limited entry programme: there is a limit on the number of enrolments due to staff or space capacity. For more information, please see the Programme and Course Limitations section of the University Academic and General Statutes and Regulations.

Key Dates

Application Advice

Please note: we will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Key Dates

SemesterApplication Closing DateSemester Start DateSemester End Date
2026 Semester One08 December 202502 March 202629 June 2026

Other Important Dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

Regulations

Preamble

The regulations for this degree are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

Admission

1 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant must have:

a completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher, and a relevant major or specialisation, or have equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II, and a relevant major or specialisation

or

c (i) completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree from this University in a relevant major or specialisation

and

(ii) passed 60 points towards the Postgraduate Diploma in Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher, and a specialisation in Biotechnology or Biological Sciences, provided that the postgraduate diploma has not been awarded.

2 Equivalence and relevance in Regulation 1 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

3 In exceptional circumstances, the requirement in Regulation 1 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

Notes:

(i) Relevant subjects may include biochemistry, biological sciences, biomedical sciences, biotechnology, cell biology, genetics and molecular biology.

(ii) This is a limited entry programme as per the Limitation of Entry Statute 1991 and selection criteria apply. Selection criteria are available from the Faculty of Science.

Duration and Total Points Value

4 A student admitted to this degree must:

a pass courses with a total value of 180 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

5 The total enrolment for this degree must not exceed 220 points.

Structure and Content

6 a A student enrolled for this degree must complete the requirements as listed in the Master of Biotechnology Schedule, which may include the requirements for one of the specialisations listed.

b A student must achieve a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in the first 120 points of taught courses prior to enrolment in BIOTECH 793 or a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in the first 60 points of taught courses to enrol in BIOTECH 793 A/B. If the Grade Point Average is not achieved to allow enrolment in BIOTECH 793 A/B, then enrolment may continue without a research component.

7 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

Research Component

8 a The dissertation is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the relevant Academic Head.

b The dissertation topic must be approved by the Programme Director prior to enrolment.

c The dissertation is to be completed and submitted in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Credit, Cross-credit and Reassignment

9 A student may apply to reassign courses passed to the Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Biotechnology or Biological Sciences.

Transfer from Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma

10 A student who has passed courses towards a Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Biotechnology or Biological Sciences and is eligible to be admitted to this degree may apply to reassign those courses to the Master of Biotechnology provided that the postgraduate diploma has not been awarded.

Distinction

11 This degree may be awarded with either Honours, Distinction or Merit in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Variations

12 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

Regulation Commencement or Amendment

13 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2025.

Schedule

Programme Schedules

Complete 180 points comprising:

  • 180 points for one Specialisation from Master of Biotechnology Schedule, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity

Academic Integrity

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Degree Plan

Overview

  • The 60-point Dissertation can be taken over one semester (BIOTECH 793) or over two semesters (BIOTECH 793A and BIOTECH 793B).
  • A student must achieve a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in the first 120 points of taught courses prior to enrolment in BIOTECH 793. If this Grade Point Average is not achieved, the dissertation may be replaced with 60 points from other MBT elective courses. Enrolment in BIOSCI 761 followed by BIOTECH 793 requires completion of an Expression of Interest form, with supervisor approval of the agreed topic. The form is available at: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/science/our-research/finding-your-supervisor 

Degree Plan for the Master of Biotechnology - Dissertation Option (Example 1)

Year 1
Semester One

BIOSCI 701

Practical Approaches in Genomics - Level 9

OR

BIOSCI 768

Practical Gene Editing in Plants - Level 9

OR

Master of Biotechnology Elective course (if BIOSCI 704 is selected in Semester 2)

15 Points


Master of Biotechnology Elective course

OR

Other 700-level course

15 Points


Master of Biotechnology Elective course

OR

Other 700-level course

15 Points


Master of Biotechnology Elective course

15 Points
Academic Integrity Course
Academic Integrity
Points
Semester Two

BIOSCI 704

Practical Applications of Cell Analysis - Level 9

OR

Master of Biotechnology Elective course (if BIOSCI 701 or 768 is selected in Semester 1)

15 Points

BIOSCI 761

Research Practice - Level 9

15 Points

SCIENT 703

Frontiers in Biotechnology - Level 9


15 Points


Master of Biotechnology Elective course

15 Points
Year 2
Semester One

BIOTECH 793

Dissertation - Level 9

60 Points

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

Graduate Profile

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Programme Capabilities

#Programme Capability

Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map