Further information
The following degrees each have an advanced coursework component and a research project and are grouped together on this page for convenience:
- Bachelor of Biomedicine (Honours) or Bachelor of Science (Honours) following completion of Bachelor degree in a relevant discipline
- Master of Biomedical Science - entry requirements are an undergraduate degree with a major in a relevant discipline with a weighted average mark of at least H3 (65%), or equivalent. This program is an alternative to the Honours to PhD pathway.
If you have not already done so, you should familiarise yourself with the structure, entry requirements, fees and scholarships and the application process for your chosen Degree.
What is Honours?
Honours is a fourth-year undergraduate course that consists of a combination of a research project and coursework subjects. The course is designed to develop the student’s capacity to solve problems, to analyse data, to read and think critically, and to communicate clearly.
Honours can give you a taste of what working as a scientist would be like as a career, allows you to demonstrate academic excellence in an area of special interest to you, and provides an entry point for further research higher degree study (i.e. PhD) and coursework courses. These skills are highly sought after by employers in biological, medical and industrial areas.
What is the Master of Biomedical Science?
The Master of Biomedical Science at the University of Melbourne is a coursework master’s degree incorporating a substantial research project. This course is an alternative to the Honours as a PhD pathway. Students undertake a major research project and discipline-specific coursework subjects. In addition, a suite of professional business and communication subjects are offered to complement and enhance the research undertaken and to progress students’ career opportunities.
The course encourages students to think innovatively and provides an awareness of the health and economic benefits of biomedical research. Graduates of this course gain an understanding of the research process, specialist knowledge and professional skills that are attractive to employers.
Honours | Masters | |
Duration | 1 year (full time) | 2 years (full time), part time available |
Level | Undergraduate | Graduate |
Fee Types | Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) | Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) |
PhD Scholarship scoring | Considers marks from 3rd year of Bachelor degree and Honours | Only Masters marks are considered |
International Market recognition | Australian Honours degrees may not be recognised overseas as many countries do not have an equivalent degree. | Recognised as a graduate Masters degree |
How to apply | https://study.unimelb.edu.au/find/courses/graduate/master-of-biomedical-science/how-to-apply/ | |
Course Structure | Coursework subjects: 25 points | Coursework subjects: 75 points |

Honours and Masters Projects
Check each Department's research project guide for further details of projects for the current year.
Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Department of Microbiology and Immunology
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Department of Physiology
Information Sessions
Each of the Departments in the School runs Information Sessions for their prospective Honours and Masters students. These are advertised in the 'News and Events' section on the home pages of the Departments' websites.
These sessions include an overview of the Honours and Masters Programs and an introduction to the Research Projects available. You will be given a copy of the list of Honours and Masters projects that will be available for the coming year. In most cases, there will be honours students from the previous year who will speak of their experiences as Honours or Masters students.
Light refreshments will be available at the end of each of the sessions and there will be an opportunity to speak with potential supervisors.
Departmental Contacts
-
Anatomy and Neuroscience
Honours and Masters Coordinator
Dr Peter Kitchener
Email: p.kitchener@unimelb.edu.au
Phone: +61 3 8344 6746 -
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Honours and Masters Coordinator
Dr David Stroud
Email: david.stroud@unimelb.edu.au
Phone: +61 (3) 834 47316 -
Microbiology and Immunology
Honours Coordinators - Microbiology and Immunology
A/Prof Scott Mueller
Phone: 03 834 49044
Email: smue@unimelb.edu.auProf Damian Purcell
Phone: 03 8344 6753
Email: dfjp@unimelb.edu.auHonours Coordinator - Pathology
Dr Theo Mantamadiotis
Phone: 03 834 45861
Email: theo.mantamadiotis@unimelb.edu.auMasters Coordinator
A/Prof Scott Mueller
Phone: 03 834 49044
Email: smue@unimelb.edu.au -
Physiology
Honours Coordinators
Dr Garron Dodd
Email: physiology-masters@unimelb.edu.au
Phone: +61 (3) 903 53918Dr Angelina Fong
Email: physiology-honours@unimelb.edu.au
Phone: +61 3 8344 6707Masters Coordinator
Dr Garron Dodd
Email: physiology-masters@unimelb.edu.au
Phone: +61 (3) 903 53918 -
Pharmacology
Honours and Masters Coordinator
Associate Professor Christine Wright
Email: pharm-honours@unimelb.edu.au
Phone (General enquiries): +61 (3) 834 48219 - General Enquiries