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RMIT University

  • 45% international / 55% domestic

PhD (Applied Biology & Biotechnology)

  • Doctorate (PhD)

RMIT has a strong reputation for research and teaching in fundamental science and advanced molecular technologies.

Key details

Degree Type
Doctorate (PhD)
Duration
8 years full-time
Study Mode
In person

About this course

Our innovative programs and projects address real-world issues essential to Australia's innovation agenda.

Research within this discipline uses molecular approaches to diagnose and synthesise solutions for disease and environmental problems.

Under expert supervision, you will develop your skills and join researchers already active in:

  • aquatic and marine biology
  • ecotoxicology (biomarkers for environmental pollutants)
  • environmental and molecular approaches to diagnose and develop solutions for disease, agricultural and environmental problems
  • genomics and sequencing techniques applied to various organisms
  • microbiology (food, medical and environmental biotechnology, vaccine development, fundamentals of pathogen/host interactions)
  • plant biology (plant biotechnology and genomics, molecular plant breeding, ecotoxicogenomics, fire and environmental ecology).

This PhD may be undertaken in a project, thesis with publication or thesis mode. Prospective candidates should discuss these modes of submission with their potential supervisor/s.

RMIT has purpose-built health and biomedical research facilities located at our Bundoora Campus. Many research activities are conducted within the Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation.

Entry requirements

Expand all sections
Collapse all sections

  • Minimum requirements for admission
  • Prerequisites
  • Selection tasks
Minimum requirements for admission

The minimum requirements for admission to a PhD program are:

  • a bachelor degree requiring at least four years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with honours. The degree should include a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects or research methodology courses that constitute at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent). The applicant must have achieved at least a distinction average in the final year; or
  • a master degree that includes a research component comprised of at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent) with an overall distinction average or a master degree without a research component with at least a high distinction average; or
  • evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and/or experience that satisfies the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Training and Development or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.

At RMIT a grade of distinction represents academic achievement of 70% or higher and a high distinction is 80% or higher.

If you are a current master by research candidate, you are able to apply for a transfer to a doctor of philosophy program through the process prescribed in the RMIT Higher Degree by Research policy.

Prerequisites

None

Selection tasks

These entrance requirements are the minimum academic standard you must meet in order to be eligible to apply for the program. You will need to complete a selection task as part of your application.

A selection process will be conducted in conjunction with the School and supervisors you nominate.

For further information on the steps you need to take to apply for a research program see How to apply - Research programs.

Expand all sections
Collapse all sections

  • Minimum requirements for admission
  • Prerequisites
  • Selection tasks
  • English language requirements
Minimum requirements for admission

The minimum requirements for admission to a PhD program are:

  • a bachelor degree requiring at least four years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with honours. The degree should include a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects or research methodology courses that constitute at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent). The applicant must have achieved at least a distinction average in the final year; or
  • a master degree that includes a research component comprised of at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent) with an overall distinction average or a master degree without a research component with at least a high distinction average; or
  • evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and/or experience that satisfies the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Training and Development or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.

At RMIT a grade of distinction represents academic achievement of 70% or higher and a high distinction is 80% or higher.

If you are a current master by research candidate, you are able to apply for a transfer to a doctor of philosophy program through the process prescribed in the RMIT Higher Degree by Research policy.

Prerequisites

None

Selection tasks

Research proposal and supervisor
Proposal

You must attach a substantive research proposal that is 2 to 5 pages in length which articulates the intent, significance and originality of the proposed topic using the following headings:

a) title / topic
b) research questions to be investigated in the context of existing research/literature in the area
c) significance and impact of the research
d) methodology / research tasks required to undertake the research
e) particular needs (e.g. resources, facilities, fieldwork or equipment that are necessary for your proposed research program, if applicable).

Supervisor

Your application will not be considered if you have not discussed your research topic with a proposed senior and associate supervisor or joint senior supervisors. You must provide the names of the academic staff in the school you have applied to and with whom you have discussed your proposed research.

For further information on the steps you need to take to apply for a research program see How to apply - Research programs.

English language requirements

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

Study locations

Bundoora

Career pathways

You will be able to pursue an academic career in a university or be employed in senior leadership and management positions in government, scientific and industrial research laboratories.