Students wishing to undertake postgraduate studies in the Zoology Department can enrol in the coursework Master of Science degree in the Melbourne Graduate School of Science. This globally unique two year postgraduate degree comprising three modules – core science discipline subjects, professional tools subjects and the project –provides two kinds of opportunities.  The research-training stream is designed for students that wish to pursue a career in scientific research, and the professional development stream is for those that wish to obtain professional science training appropriate for the workplace.   The research-training stream of the MSc can be taken in any area of research in which the Department of Zoology and its associated collaborator institutions are involved. Four professional-development streams of the Master of Science will be available in 2009, with additional streams becoming available in 2010.

The Master of Science is a HECS supported course for Australian Nationals.

Several Bursaries are available for outstanding students.

Professional Development streams of the MSc

Graduates of the professional development streams of the MSc will have an advanced understanding of a particular discipline, together with key business, communication and science skills in the professional tools subjects.  Students draw on their scientific knowledge and professional skills in the industry project, by forming small syndicate groups to resolve industry problems.

Graduates of professional streams of the MSc will be ready to assume managerial, communication, strategic, analytical and other professional roles immediately upon graduation. Their training will have prepared them for employment in industry, government, educational and other fields.

In 2009 the Melbourne Graduate School of Science offers four professional streams: Biotechnology; Environmental Science; Management Science; and Nanotechnology.  Students interested in zoological and biological issues may be attracted to the first two streams in particular because theyinclude Zoology-based subjects in both the core and elective components of the course.

Some scholarship support is available for outstanding students.

Further detailed information is on the Coursework Master of Science and Application forms homepage, detailed specialisations at:

Master of Science (Biotechnology)

Master of Science (Environmental Science)

Master of Science (Management Science)

Master of Science (Nanotechnology)

Master of Science 2009

The Department of  Zoology offers a research program within the research-training stream of the MSc.   The two-year zoology program allows students to develop an individually tailored combination of advanced science coursework subjects, professional tools subjects and a substantial research project. The program is available to students who have completed a Bachelor Degree in subject areas that prepare them for the research area of choice. Graduates of this program will be well placed to join the workforce as a research scientist in either government or private sector research institutes. Alternatively, the zoology program of the MSc is the preferred pathway for students wishing to undertake Doctoral studies in Zoology at the University of Melbourne.

The broad aims of the Master of Science program are to:

• provide you with the opportunity to design and conduct your own independent research in a realistic time frame
• train you in professional planning and managing research projects
• train you in the appropriate statistical analysis of data and how to report the outcomes
• teach you how to communicate your data to the scientific community, special  groups and the general public
• expand your knowledge and understanding of biological sciences

The zoology program of the research-training stream of the MSc involves a major research project that will extend over more than half of the two year period, and coursework comprising two core Zoology subjects, at least two Professional Tools subjects and a range of elective subjects that are appropriate to your research interests. Details can be found on the Melbourne University Graduate School of Science homepage.

How do I get more information and apply for an Master of Scienc place?

Getting more information

If you have no idea what sort of project you would like to undertake or who might supervise it, contact the Coordinators (Laura Parry, Steve Swearer) or the Head of Department (David Macmillan, David Gardner).

If you have already decided on a project area or even a preferred supervisor, you can approach staff members directly for more information. The University limits the number of students that a staff member can supervise so your first choice of supervisor may not be able to take you on. All members of staff will, however, be able to advise you and help you find a supervisor. The Department has a large number of potential supervisors available in institutions with which we have strong links (e.g. Howard Florey Institute, Children’s Hospital, Zoos Victoria, Museum Victoria, Parks Victoria, Department of Sustainability and Environment, Department of Primary Industry) so discussions with staff members may reveal additional opportunities for projects.

How do I apply for a place in the Master of Science?

While you can apply for a place in the zoology program of the research-training stream of the Master of Science, you cannot enrol unless you have a project supervisor.  You should contact potential supervisors before placing an application, and include the names of potential supervisors in the application.  If none of these are available, we may be able to offer you something else. Spaces are allocated according to academic performance, so the better your record and marks, particularly in the subject area of choice, the better your chances of an offer. 

Offers can be made at any time up until commencement of the course but most offers are made as soon as the Faculty Honours Scores for the current academic year are known, usually early December.

Once you have discussed your plan and decided to apply:

Complete both the Zoology Application form and the Faculty Application form and submit them to Main Reception at the Head’s office.

Additional information an Application Forms

Melbourne University Graduate School of Science

Zoology Application Form