Key facts

Domestic students course information.

Entry requirements

Entry is based on a bachelor, graduate certificate or diploma, or bachelor with honours qualification, or overseas equivalent in a relevant discipline and with a suitable GPA.

Entry is based on a bachelor, graduate certificate or diploma, or bachelor with honours qualification, or overseas equivalent in a relevant discipline and with a suitable GPA. English language requirements must also be met.

View full entry requirements
Duration
  • 2 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Number of Units (Subjects)
  • 16 units (96 credit points)
View course structure
Fees
  • Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply)
  • Full Fee
  • International
View more fees information
CRICOS code
  • 000441G
Start Dates and Campus
Trimester 1 – February 2024Trimester 2 – June 2024Trimester 3 – October 2024
OnlineOfferedOfferedNot Offered
Armidale CampusOfferedOfferedNot Offered
Sydney CampusNot OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered
OnlineOfferedOfferedNot Offered
Armidale CampusOfferedOfferedNot Offered
Sydney CampusNot OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered

Course information

Download course brochure
UNE student in white lab coat performs an experiment

With a wide range of majors in both the pure and applied sciences, UNE's Master of Scientific Studies provides you with specialised training in your chosen scientific discipline. Do you want to be able to respond to constant technological disruption in the workplace by learning more about big data? Perhaps you are passionate about our natural environments and want to refine your knowledge of Australian plants and animals. Are you upskilling to position yourself at the cutting-edge of new medical discoveries?

Our coursework Master's degree gives you opportunities to future fit your career by expanding on your expertise, upgrading your applied skills, and developing the advanced knowledge needed to solve complex problems in the rapidly changing world of science and technology.

Why study the Master of Scientific Studies with UNE?

The world of science and technology is rapidly changing, with strong future growth projected in many fields. UNE's Master of Scientific Studies is a flexibly delivered coursework degree that provides you with specialised training in your chosen field with experienced, hands-on academic staff.

Our majors span the pure and applied sciences, with options available in Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, Chemistry, Genetics, Mathematics, Medicinal Chemistry, Quantitative Ecology and Zoology. Hone your skills in critical thinking, problem solving and analysis, and gain a strong foundation in research methods and the advanced applied skills that are relevant to your discipline.

By studying the Master of Scientific Studies with UNE, you will be adding value to your career with the specialised knowledge needed to position yourself at the forefront of change and innovation in science.

What makes our course different?

At UNE, our flexible study options, small class sizes, and friendly learning environment set us apart. Our Master of Scientific Studies provides you with the opportunity to:

  • Study at a time and place that suits you, with flexible online course delivery and options to study full time or part time. We are one of a handful of universities in Australia that offer postgraduate coursework studies in science online. By choosing UNE you are choosing an industry leader in the provision of online learning – in fact, we are Australia's longest continuous provider of distance (now online) education.
  • Complete intensive practical learning on campus, at our state-of-the-art facilities. Some units include mandatory intensives, giving you the opportunity to engage with teaching staff and your peers whilst you refine your applied skills in an immersive environment.
  • Choose the direction you will take. You might complete practical botany sessions in our newly built greenhouse, access our large genomic datasets (remotely or on campus) and apply your computing skills at the Institute for Genetics and Bioinformatics, or put your knowledge of parasitology to the test at one of UNE's SMART farms.
  • Tailor your degree to your interests and include units from other specialisations. For example, across many majors you might strengthen your computing and data analysis skills by completing MATLAB-based programming and statistic units. As a genetics student, you could choose to develop a specialty in plant genetics, or explore biotechnology and molecular biology to broaden your scope.
  • Complete a short-term overseas study experience and count it towards your degree or undertake a work integrated learning unit to enhance your skills and knowledge in the workplace.
  • Enhance your research skills with units such as Statistical Modelling and Experimental Design and Introduction to Scientific Programming.
  • If you are interested in research and have a credit average, you may undertake a major research project and thesis. Your research studies will be supervised by academics who will support and guide you in your research. Completing the research pathway opens the opportunity for you to complete further research through a PhD or other higher degree research programs.

Please note that different majors have different assumed knowledge requirements. You should refer to the Assumed Knowledge section of the Admission rules to ensure that you have the relevant assumed knowledge for the major you wish to study.

UNE's collaborative and innovative learning environment supports your success. Our postgraduate science students rate UNE highly, awarding us the maximum 5-star ratings for Teaching Quality and Overall Experience in The Good Universities Guide, year after year. In fact, students consistently award UNE 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support, so when you study with us you are in good hands.

Study online

Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.

Study on campus

Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.

* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.

Entry requirements

Select the option that best describes you.

If you are an international applicant who wants to study on campus in Australia:

You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.

This course is offered under two admission rules.

Rule A: You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline* with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.0 AND you meet the minimum knowledge requirements for your preferred major.†
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Rule B: You have completed a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Bachelor with Honours qualification (AQF Level 8 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline* with a minimum GPA of 5.0 AND you meet the minimum knowledge requirements for your preferred major.†
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

* Relevant disciplines include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Biochemistry
  • Biology
  • Botany
  • Chemistry
  • Genetics
  • Geology
  • Mathematics
  • Microbiology
  • Physics
  • Physiology
  • Statistics
  • Zoology

† The minimum knowledge requirements for each major are detailed in the Additional Admission Requirements section below. When it is not clear from your academic background, you can include a cover letter in your application detailing how you have met the minimum knowledge requirements for your preferred major.

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

Additional Admission Requirements

To be eligible to study a major in this course you must meet the minimum knowledge requirements for that major. For example, if you would like to study the Biochemistry major, you must have previously completed 2 units of Biology and 2 units of Chemistry. Please see below a list of majors in this course (bolded), and the minimum knowledge requirements you must meet in order to be eligible:

  • Biochemistry – 2 units of Biology and 2 units of Chemistry
  • Biomedical Science – 2 units of Biology and 2 units of Chemistry
  • Botany - 2 units of botany or biology 
  • Chemistry – 4 units of chemistry
  • Genetics – 2 units of Biology and 2 units of Chemistry
  • Mathematics – 2 units of calculus-based Mathematics  and 2 additional units of Mathematics at 200 level or above
  • Medicinal Chemistry – 2 units of Chemistry and 2 additional units of Chemistry, Biochemistry or Pharmaceutical Science
  • Quantitative Ecology –1 units of Statistics or Probability, 1 unit of calculus-based Mathematics, and 2 units of Ecology, Physical Geography or related sciences
  • Zoology - 2 units of Biology and 2 units in any Biological Science at 200-level or above

Please note:  If you would like to complete this course while studying full-time you are encouraged to have knowledge greater than the minimum required for eligibility. 

Inherent Requirements

You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.

Visa Information

On-Campus study
If you would like to study full-time in Australia at one of UNE's campuses, you will need to have a visa that allows you to study. For most international students this visa will need to be a Student Visa. The Australian Department of Home Affairs has further information about visa eligibility and conditions.

If you are an international applicant who wants to study online (overseas or in Australia):

You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.

This course is offered under two admission rules.

Rule A: You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline* with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.0 AND you meet the minimum knowledge requirements for your preferred major.†
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Rule B: You have completed a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Bachelor with Honours qualification (AQF Level 8 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline* with a minimum GPA of 5.0 AND you meet the minimum knowledge requirements for your preferred major.†
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

* Relevant disciplines include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Biochemistry
  • Biology
  • Botany
  • Chemistry
  • Genetics
  • Geology
  • Mathematics
  • Microbiology
  • Physics
  • Physiology
  • Statistics
  • Zoology

† The minimum knowledge requirements for each major are detailed in the Additional Admission Requirements section below. When it is not clear from your academic background, you can include a cover letter in your application detailing how you have met the minimum knowledge requirements for your preferred major.

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

Additional Admission Requirements

To be eligible to study a major in this course you must meet the minimum knowledge requirements for that major. For example, if you would like to study the Biochemistry major, you must have previously completed 2 units of Biology and 2 units of Chemistry. Please see below a list of majors in this course (bolded), and the minimum knowledge requirements you must meet in order to be eligible:

  • Biochemistry – 2 units of Biology and 2 units of Chemistry
  • Biomedical Science – 2 units of Biology and 2 units of Chemistry
  • Botany - 2 units of botany or biology 
  • Chemistry – 4 units of chemistry
  • Genetics – 2 units of Biology and 2 units of Chemistry
  • Mathematics – 2 units of calculus-based Mathematics  and 2 additional units of Mathematics at 200 level or above
  • Medicinal Chemistry – 2 units of Chemistry and 2 additional units of Chemistry, Biochemistry or Pharmaceutical Science
  • Quantitative Ecology –1 units of Statistics or Probability, 1 unit of calculus-based Mathematics, and 2 units of Ecology, Physical Geography or related sciences
  • Zoology - 2 units of Biology and 2 units in any Biological Science at 200-level or above

Please note:  If you would like to complete this course while studying full-time you are encouraged to have knowledge greater than the minimum required for eligibility. 

Inherent Requirements

You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.

Visa Information

Online study in your own country
If you would like to study online with UNE while you reside outside of Australia you do not need a Student Visa. If your course requires you to visit Australia to attend any mandatory study requirements, you would need to explore Visitor Visa options for a short-term stay.

Online study in Australia
If you would like to study online with UNE while you are residing in Australia, you will need to hold a visa (other than a Student Visa) that allows you to study. If you are unsure if your visa allows you to study, you can check with UNE's International Admissions team. If you hold a Student Visa you cannot study completely online; you must be enrolled as an on-campus student (although you can study a limited number of online units).

Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:

  • A certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.
  • When it is not clear from your academic background, you can include a cover letter in your application detailing how you have met the minimum knowledge requirements for your preferred major.
  • Proof of identity and citizenship. This can be a certified/notarised copy of the photo page of your passport, or another form of official photo identification that lists your full personal details including name and date of birth; for example, a foreign government identity card.
  • Evidence of English Language Requirements satisfied. If you have completed a UNE-approved formal English test within the last two years, you must provide a copy of the test results with your application. Please see UNE’s English Language Requirements above for further information.

Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.

Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.

Please note: The maximum amount of Advanced Standing which can be granted towards this course is 48 credit points. Advanced Standing cannot be granted for the following units:

  • SCI500 Research Methods in the Sciences
  • SCI501 Special Topics in Science A
  • SCI502 Special Topics in Science B
  • SCI599 Science Masters Thesis

> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing

This course is offered under two admission rules.

Rule A: You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline* with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.0 AND you meet the minimum knowledge requirements for your preferred major.†
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Rule B: You have completed a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Bachelor with Honours qualification (AQF Level 8 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline* with a minimum GPA of 5.0 AND you meet the minimum knowledge requirements for your preferred major.†
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

* Relevant disciplines include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Biochemistry
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Ecology
  • Genetics
  • Geology
  • Mathematics
  • Microbiology
  • Physics
  • Physiology
  • Statistics
  • Zoology

† The minimum knowledge requirements for each major are detailed in the Additional Admission Requirements section below. When it is not clear from your academic background, you can include a cover letter in your application detailing how you have met the minimum knowledge requirements for your preferred major.

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

Additional Admission Requirements

To be eligible to study a major in this course you must meet the minimum knowledge requirements for that major. For example, if you would like to study the Biochemistry major, you must have previously completed 2 units of Biology and 2 units of Chemistry. Please see below a list of majors in this course (bolded), and the minimum knowledge requirements you must meet in order to be eligible:

  • Biochemistry – 2 units of Biology and 2 units of Chemistry
  • Biomedical Science – 2 units of Biology and 2 units of Chemistry
  • Botany - 2 units of botany or biology 
  • Chemistry – 4 units of chemistry
  • Genetics – 2 units of Biology and 2 units of Chemistry
  • Mathematics – 2 units of calculus-based Mathematics  and 2 additional units of Mathematics at 200 level or above
  • Medicinal Chemistry – 2 units of Chemistry and 2 additional units of Chemistry, Biochemistry or Pharmaceutical Science
  • Quantitative Ecology –1 units of Statistics or Probability, 1 unit of calculus-based Mathematics, and 2 units of Ecology, Physical Geography or related sciences
  • Zoology - 2 units of Biology and 2 units in any Biological Science at 200-level or above

Please note:  If you would like to complete this course while studying full-time you are encouraged to have knowledge greater than the minimum required for eligibility. 

Inherent Requirements

You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.

Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:

  • A certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.
  • When it is not clear from your academic background, you can include a cover letter in your application detailing how you have met the minimum knowledge requirements for your preferred major.

Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.

Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.

Please note: The maximum amount of Advanced Standing which can be granted towards this course is 48 credit points. Advanced Standing cannot be granted for the following units:

  • SCI500 Research Methods in the Sciences
  • SCI501 Special Topics in Science A
  • SCI502 Special Topics in Science B
  • SCI599 Science Masters Thesis

> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing

Course structure

1. Each candidate shall complete a program of study approved by the School and pass such examinations as shall be prescribed.

2. To qualify for the award a candidate must complete units to the value of 96 credit points with not more than 12 credit points at 100-level and at least 36 credit points at 500-level.

6 credit points

Complete the following unit
Complete either the Research Pathway or Capstone Experience

24 credit points

SCI599 is available only to students who have achieved 48 credit points (including SCI500) with a grade point average of 5 and permission of Head of School. Note: You may choose only ONE of the following: SCI599 or 12cps from SCI501, SCI502 and SCI510.

12 credit points

Complete 12 credit points from the following units:

Students completing the Capstone Experience will also complete an additional 12 credit points from listed units within their major.

Complete ONE Major from the following list

12 credit points

Complete the following units:
Complete 30 to 42 credit points with at least 6 credit points at 500-level from the following units:

Note: When a unit is offered at multiple levels you can only choose ONE unit
Students completing the Capstone Experience complete an additional 12 credit points from either Group 1 or Group 2 listed units.

Complete 0 to 12 credit points from the following units

18 credit points

Complete the following units:
Complete 30 to 36 credit points with at least 6 credit points at 500-level from the following units:

Note: When a unit is offered at multiple levels you can only choose ONE unit.
Students completing the Capstone Experience complete an additional 12 credit points from either Group 1 or Group 2 listed units.

Complete 0 to 6 credit points from the following units

Note: When a unit is offered at multiple levels you can only choose ONE unit.

12 credit points

Complete the following units:
Complete 30 to 42 credit points with at least 6 credit points at 500-level from the following units:

Students completing the Capstone Experience complete an additional 12 credit points from either Group 1 or Group 2 listed units.

Complete 0 to 12 credit points from the following units

24 credit points

You must complete the following units
Complete 24 to 30 credit points from the following units:

Students completing the Capstone Experience complete an additional 12 credit points from either Group 1 or Group 2 listed units.

Complete 0 to 6 credit points from the following units

Note: When a unit is offered at multiple levels you can only choose ONE unit.

Complete 42 to 54 credit points with at least 18 credit points at 500-level, with ERS581 only being completed once, from the following units:

Note: When a unit is offered at multiple levels you can only choose ONE unit.
Students completing the Capstone Experience complete an additional 12 credit points from either Group 1 or Group 2 listed units.

Complete 0 to 12 credit points from the following units

Note: When a unit is offered at multiple levels you can only choose ONE unit.

Complete 42 to 54 credit points with at least 18 credit points at 500-level from the following units

The following units are repeatable units
MATH501, MATH502, MATH503 and MATH504

Students completing the Capstone Experience complete an additional 12 credit points from either Group 1 or Group 2 listed units.

Complete 0 to12 credit points from the following units

Note: When a unit is offered at multiple levels you can only choose ONE unit.

12 credit points

Complete the following units
Complete 30 to 42 credit points from the following units with at least 6 credit points at 500-level must be taken from Group 1 and Group 2:

Students completing the Capstone Experience complete an additional 12 credit points from either Group 1 or Group 2 listed units.

Complete 0 to 12 credit points from the following units

Note: When a unit is offered at multiple levels you can only choose ONE unit.

Complete 30 to 42 credit points with at least 18 credit points at 500-level from the following units

Students completing the Capstone Experience complete an additional 12 credit points from either Group 1, 2 or 3 listed units.

Complete 12 to 24 credit points from the following units
Complete 0 to 12 credit points from the following:

6 credit points

Complete the following unit:
Complete 36 to 48 credit points with at least 12 credit points at 500-level from the following units

Note: When a unit is offered at multiple levels you can only choose ONE unit.
Students completing the Capstone Experience complete an additional 12 credit points from either Group 1 or Group 2 listed units.

Complete 0 to 12 credit points from the following units

Note: When a unit is offered at multiple levels you can only choose ONE unit.

Complete 0 to 12 credit points

Elective Units can be selected from any unit offered by the University, including listed units within the major, subject to candidates meeting overall course requirements and prerequisite and timetabling requirements for individual units.

See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.

Fees and scholarships

How much will it cost?

Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:

Fee typeCost
Full Fee
$35,560*
International
$36,226*
Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply)
$8,086*
Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time$351
*The costs will depend on the units you choose to study as the cost of individual units vary. “Estimated fees” are provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking a study load of 48 credit points in the first year of this course. For courses that require less than 48 credit points the fees indicated are based on the total credit points required for completion of that course. For more information, please see fees and costs.

*Annual course fees only cover the cost of tuition. They do not include other expenses associated with university study such as text books, accommodation and living expenses. If you are successful in gaining admission to study at UNE, the Offer of Admission will list the exact tuition fees you need to pay for your course. Fees quoted cover full-time tuition for two full-time trimesters only. For more information, please see fees and costs.

What are the course fee payment options?

Full Fee places are mostly in postgraduate coursework degrees. In a full fee place you pay the tuition fee set for your course, however you may be eligible for a FEE-HELP Loan to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.

If you are enrolled in a Full Fee place and there is a direct connection between your work and your study, you may be able to claim your tuition fees as a tax deduction.

A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.

If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.

UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.

UNE scholarship applications are free and confidential. You may apply for more than one scholarship.

Scholarships

UNE offers bursaries and scholarships that can help you with the costs of studying and living in Australia.

The UNE International Bursary reduces the published annual tuition fees for international students by up to 20%. These bursaries are available for international students commencing coursework studies at UNE in 2024. View detailed Bursary information.

UNE also offers a number of substantial research scholarships to postgraduate students studying research-based degrees.

Your career

Career outcomes

With specialised postgraduate training in your chosen field, your applied practical skills and advanced subject knowledge will give you a competitive edge. Employment opportunities for UNE science graduates are diverse. For example, some of the roles you could consider include:

  • research scientist with government agencies such as CSIRO and ANSTO
  • environmental protection field officer
  • pharmaceutical research and development
  • university research and education
  • wildlife management and biosecurity.
Other career information

Our course serves as a pathway to higher degree research, such as the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at UNE, if you wish to pursue further study.

The research capstone offered as part of your Master of Scientific Studies gives you the opportunity to develop your applied research skills and conduct either a major research project and thesis or two smaller research projects.  In some instances, the project can be completed in your current workplace.

Supervised by our world-class academic staff, you will contribute to UNE’s body of science and technology research, which is rated above, and well above, world average.

Course outcomes

To have an understanding that: - Science encompasses both a body of knowledge and a reliable process of discovery. It is founded upon the recognition of fundamental laws that make nature systematic and reproducible. - Scientists observe, measure, classify and perform experiments upon the natural world. They employ scientific methods to test hypotheses and use empirical evidence to support or refute their hypotheses. The natural variability, or uncertainty, inherent in the natural world means that scientific conclusions are reliable but contestable: they may be revised or modified as new evidence emerges. Scientists are curious about the natural world and are creative in formulating hypotheses and in designing approaches to problem solving. - Mathematics is used in science to model real-world systems and scientific data are often analysed using statistical methods. - Science operates within a paradigm of peer review and replication that provides a collective responsibility for the reliability of scientific knowledge. Scientists have a responsibility to communicate the outcomes of their work accurately and without bias to their peers and to society. - Science is embedded within a context that reflects both the history of scientific endeavor and the culture of present society. Scientists generate and build knowledge, develop technologies, investigate and solve problems.
  1. demonstrate through their own practice and research a mastery of scientific knowledge that includes knowledge of recent developments in science, established knowledge and practices and specialised skills in a chosen discipline;
  2. demonstrate through their own practice and research mastery of technical competencies in the field, laboratory and professional workplace related to their discipline area; and knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to their science discipline;
  3. demonstrate mastery of a body of scientific knowledge by planning and executing a substantial research-based project, capstone experience and/or piece of research that integrates their own research findings with the current body of disciplinary knowledge/paradigms; demonstrating a capacity to make original contributions to scientific knowledge;
  4. conduct a research investigation under academic supervision in a research environment by critically analyse a complex problem, identify research questions and apply established theories to their research question; justify and interpret theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions to specialist and non-specialist audiences; and analysing, interpreting and critically evaluating research findings;
  5. be effective communicators of science by communicating scientific ideas and research findings to specialist and non-specialist audiences using a variety of written and oral communication modes; and
  6. be accountable for their own learning and scientific work by applying creativity and initiative to new situations; operating with a high level of personal autonomy within a research environment; planning and executing a substantial research-based project, capstone experience and/or piece of research while complying with regulatory frameworks and practising professional ethics relevant to their disciplinary area.
Knowledge of a Discipline

Students demonstrate an advanced body of knowledge in a range of contexts for professional practice or scholarship and as a pathway for further learning. Our graduates possess a global perspective (both national and international) on the developments over time relevant to their field(s) of study and their discipline(s); and, a capacity to understand the implications of international events for their area(s) of study.

Communication Skills

Students demonstrate communication and technical research skills to justify and interpret theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions to specialist and non-specialist audiences; including, where applicable, the possession of these skills in languages other than English.

Problem Solving

Students demonstrate cognitive, technical and creative skills to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories and to apply established theories to different bodies of knowledge or practice.

Information Literacy

Students demonstrate technical and communication skills to design, evaluate, implement, analyse and theorise about developments that contribute to professional practice or scholarship.

Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility

Students demonstrate understanding and practice of the highest standards of ethical behaviour associated with their discipline or profession including an understanding of own ethical responsibilities towards colleagues, research subjects, the wider community and the environment.

Lifelong Learning

Students demonstrate cognitive skills to demonstrate mastery of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on theory and professional practice or scholarship; and with high-level personal autonomy and accountability.

Independence and Collaboration

Graduates will have the ability to function effectively as members of teams or individually.

A five-star experience

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Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024
Woman studying online at home

Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.

We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*

*The Good Universities Guide

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024
Woman studying online at home

Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian University.

As an international student you can take advantage of flexible online study from overseas or while you are studying in Australia on a visa other than a student visa. You can’t study fully online on a Student Visa.

To study online from overseas you need to consider that you may need to travel to Australia to attend a UNE campus for some mandatory intensive schools.

Studying on Campus

Whether you are an undergraduate student coming to study in Australia for the first time, a PhD student coming to live here with your family, or you only need short-stay accommodation whilst in Armidale for Intensive Schools, we have the perfect accommodation option for you.

Find out more about studying on campus

Stay connected

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Why study with us?

UNE PhD and Bachelor of Science (Hons) graduate Dr Matthew Hilliar smiles in white lab coat

The opportunity to attend conferences around the world and to network with the wider industry was the most rewarding part of my experience.

Dr Matthew Hilliar, graduate, PhD and Bachelor of Science (Hons)

Why study with us?

UNE student close up in blue shirt

The post graduate programs in sciences are designed in such a way that selection or combination of units are tailored to suit an individual's needs and development agenda for their country.

Christopher Manchishi Kanyama, UNE Science graduate

How to apply

Applying to UNE is quick and easy. If you are an
you can apply at any time. Apply now and we'll get you started in the next possible intake.

Preparing to apply

You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.

The kind of documents you need will depend on:

  • Your preferred course/s
  • Your personal circumstances
Applying to UNE is quick and easy. If you are applying as a
, the application process may be a little different depending on who you are and what you want to study.

Preparing to apply

You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.

The kind of documents you need will depend on:

  • Your preferred course/s
  • Your personal circumstances

Important Dates

Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.

If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.

IntakeApplication Closing DateTrimester Start Date
Trimester 116 February 202426 February 2024
Trimester 214 June 202424 June 2024

Important Notice for Prospective Students

For accurate, up-to-date details on entry requirements, course structure, and other essential information, please consult the UNE Student Handbook before applying or enrolling. The Handbook provides comprehensive guidance to assist in your decision-making process. We apologise for any inconvenience.