Master of Science (Biological and Chemical Sciences)

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Deakin University

Program Overview

Deakin University’s Master of Science – Biological and Chemical Sciences is a research-focused postgraduate degree designed for students who want to develop advanced expertise through independent, sustained research in a chosen area of biological or chemical sciences. You will work under the guidance of experienced research staff, develop an original research project, and produce a thesis of up to 50,000 words while completing at least one coursework unit.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin by defining their research direction within the Biological and Chemical Sciences field and working closely with an academic supervisor to establish a suitable research project. Alongside the research component, students complete at least one coursework unit, while developing advanced research methods, critical analysis and knowledge of their selected discipline.

Year 2: The second year focuses strongly on conducting and completing the independent research project, analysing findings and developing a substantial contribution to knowledge. Students consolidate their expertise through the research thesis, which can be up to 50,000 words and is externally examined, while strengthening communication, problem-solving and research skills.

Focus Areas

Biological sciences, chemical sciences, independent research, research methodology, advanced disciplinary knowledge, thesis development

Learning Outcomes

Advanced disciplinary knowledge, critical thinking, research skills, problem solving, digital literacy, expert judgement, communication, teamwork, self-management

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

AQF Level 9: The Master of Science is recognised within the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9. The degree is research-focused rather than a professionally accredited coursework qualification; however, Deakin’s broader science offering includes professionally accredited chemistry study through the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI).

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Top 250 globally for life sciences: Deakin is ranked among the top 250 universities worldwide for life sciences, with the ranking reflecting facilities, academic reputation, employer reputation and research impact. Deakin also reports being the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment, supporting the university’s strong employability profile.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

For this research-focused master’s, experiential learning is centred on independent research, supervised investigation and the completion of a thesis. Students work with experienced academic supervisors and can access Deakin’s specialist science facilities, laboratories and research infrastructure to develop practical skills in biological and chemical sciences. The program is particularly suited to students who want hands-on research experience and the opportunity to contribute to a substantial research project.

Students can build their practical research experience through:

Independent research: Complete a substantial research project and thesis under the supervision of an experienced academic in the relevant field.
Research supervision: Each student is appointed a principal supervisor from Deakin’s academic staff, with associate supervisors available where appropriate.
Science laboratories: Deakin provides industry-standard teaching and research laboratories and equipment designed to support practical scientific investigation.
Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM): The program is connected with Deakin’s Institute for Frontier Materials, providing access to a research environment spanning chemistry, materials and related scientific disciplines.
Specialised research facilities: Deakin’s Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment provides advanced laboratories and specialised equipment for experimental design, testing, analysis and research.
Research collaboration: Students are part of a broader research ecosystem involving academic experts, specialist research groups and industry, government and community partners.
Digital and analytical resources: Deakin’s research environments include specialised technology, data-analysis infrastructure and collaborative research spaces supporting scientific investigation.
Libraries and digital resources: Students can use Deakin’s libraries, which provide extensive physical and digital learning and research resources alongside dedicated library support.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Master of Science – Biological and Chemical Sciences can build careers in scientific research, laboratory-based industries, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, environmental science and related sectors. The research-focused structure, including supervised research and a thesis, can also provide a strong foundation for progressing into advanced research careers or doctoral study.

Typical career roles: Research Scientist, Chemist, Medical Scientist, Quality Control Scientist

Career support: Deakin provides lifelong access to DeakinTALENT, offering personalised career coaching, career planning, AI-enhanced résumé support, and a dedicated jobs and internships board.
Employment outcomes: Deakin reports that 9 in 10 graduates get a job within 4–6 months, while its science and mathematics graduates recorded an 86% employment rate in the 2022–2024 Graduate Outcomes Survey.
Salary potential: Deakin reports that its postgraduates have the highest median salary among graduates of Victorian universities, based on the 2023 Graduate Outcomes Survey.
Industry partnerships: Deakin's Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment works with industry, government and community organisations through collaborative research, work-integrated placements and industry projects. The university also highlights partnerships supporting research and commercialisation in areas such as materials, biotechnology and environmental science.
Professional recognition: The broader Deakin science offering includes a Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI)-accredited chemistry major, providing evidence of professional alignment within the chemistry discipline.
Research advantage: Students benefit from Deakin's research environment, with Master's research students supported by experienced supervisors and access to extensive research facilities and industry connections.
Graduation outcomes: Deakin is the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment, and its science graduates can enter a wide range of public- and private-sector scientific careers.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Master's degree, students can progress to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biology and Chemistry, where they undertake independent, sustained research under academic supervision and develop expertise in a specialised area of biology or chemistry. Deakin specifically identifies the Master of Science (Biology and Chemical Sciences) as a pathway to PhD study, making it a strong option for students aiming for advanced research or academic careers.