Postgraduate Course

Master of Biosecurity

Learn how to reduce the risk of major animal, plant, marine and environmental biosecurity threats locally and internationally as a result of increasing trade and global travel.

What type of student are you?

Murdoch code
M1248
Study mode
Full Time or Part Time
Duration
1.5
Selection rank
CRICOS code
089239G
First year fee (domestic)
$10,541
First year fee (international)
$41,640
Full course fee (domestic)
$15,811
Full course fee (international)
$62,460
Apply

The fees provided are indicative and intended only as a guide. They are based on a typical full-time enrolment for a first year student at Murdoch University of 24 credit points. The indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported Fee.

Overview

In a globally connected world where trade is ever-increasing, and people are moving around the globe at unprecedented rates, the risk of spreading exotic organisms is higher than ever. Biosecurity is fundamental to managing the threat posed by pests and diseases, and is of vital importance to world trade, environmental protection, and agriculture.

Learn how biosecurity measures such as risk analysis, quarantine and surveillance are used to stop the entry and spread of exotic organisms around the world. You’ll gain an in depth knowledge of rapid emergency response to an exotic incursion or declaration of a pandemic, and how to manage pests and diseases if they become permanently established in a new region and start impacting trade.

Biosecurity is a growing field of activity for many professionals involved in agriculture, the environment and international and domestic trade, to maintain agricultural and environmental integrity. It is also becoming increasingly important for private industry and the general public, as biosecurity protects us and our economy from harmful organisms.

Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are available for this program. Domestic students who receive a CSP will have substantial proportion of their fees subsidised by the Australian government. You can find out more about Commonwealth Support Places here.

3 reasons to study a Master of Biosecurity at Murdoch

  • Study on your own terms – with the option to study full-time or part-time from your home country, you can upskill whilst you’re still earning.
  • This course was developed in consultation with representatives from Canada, United States, New Zealand and Australia, so the content covers international biosecurity requirements.
  • Take advantage of Commonwealth Supported Places and scholarships such as the Murdoch University Academic Excellence Awards and Scholarships for Scientific Excellence.

What you'll learn

  • The importance of surveillance for detecting pests and diseases
  • How to effectively engage the community when there is an outbreak
  • Roles and responsibilities of governments and industry for maintaining biosecurity
  • New and emerging technologies for pest detection and management.

Your career

After completing this degree, you will be able to pursue careers in biosecurity, quarantine and pest management, acting in technical, research and administrative roles within organisations such as the State Departments of Agriculture, State and Federal Biosecurity Agencies, Plant Health Australia, Animal Health Australia and private industry, or their international counterparts.

Careers could include:

• Biosecurity Manager: Protect natural ecosystems and agriculture from pests and diseases by implementing surveillance, quarantine and eradication measures.
• Policy Officer: Shape biosecurity policies and regulations at the local, national, and international levels to strengthen biosecurity preparedness and response.
• Research Scientist: Conduct ground-breaking research to understand the spread of pests and diseases and develop innovative solutions to mitigate their impact.
• Risk Analyst: Assess the potential risks posed by pests and diseases to ecosystems, agriculture, and human health, and develop strategies to mitigate these risks.
• Emergency Response Coordinator: Coordinate rapid response efforts during biosecurity emergencies, such as disease outbreaks or pest incursions, to minimize their impact on ecosystems, agriculture, and public health.
• Wildlife Conservation Manager: Lead conservation efforts to preserve native biodiversity and ecosystems by managing threats posed by pests and diseases and invasive species.
• Biosecurity Educator: Educate communities, stakeholders, and the public about the importance of biosecurity and empower them to take action to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.

Professional recognition

Graduates will be eligible to apply for membership to societies such as the Australian Entomological Society, the Australian Plant Pathology Society, the Australian Ecological Society, the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science, the Australian Society of Horticultural Sciences and the Australian Society for Risk Analysis.

Read More

Read Less

Progress to structure
Study areas
Apply to start
Loading offerings...
Learn more about attendance modes
View the dates for our teaching periods
Sign up to hear from us

Stay informed about upcoming events, news, courses, and much more. Your journey begins here.

Progress to structure

Structure

To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.

Total credit points: 36

Unit code Unit name Credit points
Course Core36 credit points
Core Units12 credit points
BIO639Global Biosecurity3
VET655One Health Management and Leadership3
VET657Risk Analysis from Farm to Fork3
COD601Community Development Methods3
Specified Electives24 credit points
Research24 credit points
Required Units15 credit points
MMF600Advanced Research Methods for Scientists3
BIO629Biosecurity Masters Research Project12
Specified Electives9 credit points
BIO537Plant Biosecurity: Detection and Diagnostics3
OR
BIO601Biosecurity Plant Pests3
OR
BIO606Aquatic Biosecurity3
OR
BIO607Vertebrate Pest Species Management3
OR
VET656Public Health and Epidemiology3
OR
ENV616Environmental Policy for the 21st Century3
OR
TLC501Communication Skills for Postgraduate Study3
OR
Biosecurity in the Workplace24 credit points
Required Units9 credit points
BIO683Professional Placement6
MCM506Strategic Communication3
Specified Electives15 credit points
BIO537Plant Biosecurity: Detection and Diagnostics3
OR
BIO601Biosecurity Plant Pests3
OR
BIO606Aquatic Biosecurity3
OR
BIO607Vertebrate Pest Species Management3
OR
VET656Public Health and Epidemiology3
OR
ENV616Environmental Policy for the 21st Century3
OR
TLC501Communication Skills for Postgraduate Study3
OR
Case Study24 credit points
Required Unit3 credit points
BIO600Agricultural and Veterinary Science Research Studies3
Specified Electives21 credit points
BIO537Plant Biosecurity: Detection and Diagnostics3
OR
BIO601Biosecurity Plant Pests3
OR
BIO606Aquatic Biosecurity3
OR
BIO607Vertebrate Pest Species Management3
OR
VET656Public Health and Epidemiology3
OR
ENV616Environmental Policy for the 21st Century3
OR
TLC501Communication Skills for Postgraduate Study3

General Elective

It is recommended you discuss your choice with the Academic Chair.
3 credit points
Progress to entry requirements
Man with a sheep
Where could a science degree take you?

We believe science will impact every job, industry and country in the world. Find out more about our science degrees.

Progress to entry requirements

Entry requirements

Completion of an AQF level 7 qualification in the biological, ecological, environmental or agricultural sciences.

English Requirements

You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.

Other Requirements

Internet access is required for all students. Some units may be delivered in intensive mode.

Advanced Standing

Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.

Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.

Find out more

 

This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai  and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.

Progress to fees and scholarships

Fees and scholarships

Students in a lecture theatre

Scholarships

Make the most of your university experience by reducing the financial costs with a scholarship.

Whether you’re a high achiever or have experienced hardship, we offer a wide range of scholarships and awards to students from all walks of life. Explore our scholarships to find the ones you could be eligible for as a new Murdoch student as well as what's available throughout your degree.

Find your scholarship
cbd

How much will it cost?

Instead of paying an overall course fee, you pay for the individual units you enrol in. The total course cost will vary depending on the units you choose.

Following your successful application, you’ll receive a Letter of Offer which will contain specific course and fee information.

If you are applying for an undergraduate course, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place. Postgraduate programs are full fee paying, unless indicated otherwise in your Letter of Offer.

View Fee Calculator
Progress to how to apply

How to apply

Fetching content...

Your document checklist

Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all the following documentation ready for a quick application.

Compulsory documents

Evidence that you meet Academic entry and English language requirements such as:

  1. Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study)
  2. Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements

Recommended documents (if applicable)

  1. Change of name documentation
  2. Marriage certificate
  3. Most recent Curriculum Vitae if applying using professional experience
  4. Unit outlines if applying for Advanced Standing
How to apply
how-to-apply

All fees are indicative and are provided as a guide only. The actual fees will depend on the individual units you enrol in. You should refer to your Letter of Offer for specific course and fee related information.

The first-year indicative fee is based on a typical full-time enrolment at Murdoch University of 24 credit points.

For domestic students, including Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens, the indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported fee.

Indicative fees for international students are based on applicable full fee paying rates.

The estimated, indicative fee covers tuition fees only, and certain additional fees and charges may apply, depending on the course and units you choose. It also does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries for which you may be eligible.

The estimated, indicative fee assumes no fee increases or indexation. Over time, fee increases or indexation may occur and will affect the estimate. If you are a full fee paying student, this may occur at the start of your second and each subsequent year of study. In the case of Commonwealth Supported students, this will occur for each new calendar year in line with Government policy.

All fee estimates are provided in Australian dollars.