Highlights

  • First and only masters degree in diagnostic genomics in Australasia.
  • Graduate eligible to apply for HGSA professional accreditation in diagnostic genomics.
  • Choose speciality streams in molecular genetics, cytogenetics, biochemical genetics, and from electives in cancer genetics, genetic epidemiology, and computational biology.
  • Complete a six-month clinical or research placement, in the convenience of your current workplace or in an alternate accredited laboratory.
  • See also: Graduate Certificate in Diagnostic Genomics, Graduate Diploma in Diagnostic Genomics.

Highlights

  • First and only masters degree in diagnostic genomics in Australasia.
  • Graduate eligible to apply for Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA) professional accreditation in diagnostic genomics.
  • Choose speciality streams in molecular genetics, cytogenetics, biochemical genetics, and from electives in cancer genetics, genetic epidemiology, and computational biology.
  • Complete a six-month clinical or research placement, in the convenience of your current workplace or in an alternate accredited laboratory.

Why choose this course?

Genomics is a rapidly evolving field, critical to cutting-edge health care and personalised medicine. We offer the only Master of Diagnostic Genomics in Australasia.

During this course, you will develop advanced knowledge and research skills that prepare you to meet the requirements for HGSA professional accreditation as a diagnostic genomics scientist.

You may align your study with specific career goals by selecting speciality units in molecular genetics, cytogenetics, or biochemical genetics. During second year, you will build on this speciality or choose to complete elective units in cancer genomics, genetic epidemiology, or computational biology.

A six-month placement in an appropriate clinical or research laboratory is a key feature of the program. This placement may be completed in your current workplace or may be facilitated by QUT.

During this placement you will complete a research dissertation. The dissertation component allows you to address a specific human genomics question through the design, implementation, analysis, interpretation and reporting of a research project. Those completing a clinical laboratory placement will write up case studies in dissertation format which can then be reformatted for HGSA accreditation submission.

You will be taught by leading researchers from the Genomics Research Centre, a research facility that focuses on the identification of genes involved in common human disorders and the translation of this research into new diagnostics and therapeutics.

Guest lecturers will offer insight into cross-disciplinary professions including ethics, genetic counselling, medical genetics, law, and bioinformatics.

Explore this course

What to expect

Flexible delivery

This course is delivered online and can be completed in full-time or part-time study mode.

Flexible delivery

This course is delivered online and can be completed in full-time or part-time study mode. Online and part-time study options are not available to international students on Australian government international student visas. If you hold a different visa which allows you to study, you may be able to undertake flexible study.

Careers and outcomes

Careers and outcomes

This course is designed to qualify graduates as a diagnostic genomic scientist. Graduates are well positioned for employment as laboratory managers in diagnostic laboratories, or for a career in research. Furthermore, the composition of this masters degree means that graduates will be able to competitively apply for a Doctor of Philosophy and scholarship.

Professional recognition

Graduates of this course will have satisfied the exam component of the Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA).  

To be eligible for professional accreditation as a diagnostic genomic scientist, graduates must submit their testamur along with five case studies to HGSA. This course has been designed to ensure graduates are in a strong position to submit this material shortly after graduation.

Research pathways

This course provides a pathway into the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Possible careers

  • Diagnostic genomic scientist

Details and units

Requirements

Course code
LS81
Delivery
  • Online
Delivery
  • Online
Duration
1.5 years full-time
3 years part-time

This program is not available to Australian government student visa holders.

Duration
1.5 years full-time
3 years part-time

This program is not available to Australian government student visa holders.

Entry
February and July
Entry
February and July

Entry requirements

You must have a recognised bachelor degree (or higher award) completed within the last 10 years (2014 or later) in any of the following areas or relevant disciplines:

  • biology
  • biochemistry
  • biotechnology
  • biomedical sciences
  • cell biology
  • dentistry
  • dietetics
  • forensic science
  • genetics
  • medicine
  • nursing
  • pharmacy
  • veterinary science

If your studies was completed more than 10 years ago (2013 or earlier) you must also have professional work experience relevant to your studies and/or genomics and:

  • It is at least 5 years full-time (or equivalent) gained within the last 10 years; or
  • You are currently employed with at least 1 year full-time (or equivalent) gained within the last 3 years.

Minimum academic requirements

Academic entry requirements

A completed recognised bachelor degree (or higher award) with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) score of 4.00 on QUT's 7 point scale completed within the last ten years in any of the following areas or relevant disciplines:

  • biology
  • biochemistry
  • biotechnology
  • biomedical sciences
  • cell biology
  • dentistry
  • dietetics
  • forensic science
  • genetics
  • medicine
  • nursing
  • pharmacy
  • veterinary science

If your degree was completed more than ten years ago, you must provide evidence of graduate work experience; and; or further studies since course completion with your application for it to be considered.

Minimum English language requirements

Select the country where you completed your studies to see a guide on meeting QUT’s English language requirements.

Your scores and prior qualifications in English-speaking countries are considered. Approved English-speaking countries are Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, United States of America and Wales.

If your country or qualification is not listed, you can still apply for this course and we will assess your eligibility.

We accept English language proficiency scores from the following tests undertaken in a secure test centre. Tests must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement.

English Test
IELTS Academic / One Skill Retake
Overall 6.5
Listening 6
Reading 6
Writing 6
Speaking 6
Cambridge English Score
You must share your results with QUT through the Candidate Results Online website.
Overall 176
Listening 169
Reading 169
Writing 169
Speaking 169
PTE Academic
Overall 58
Listening 50
Reading 50
Writing 50
Speaking 50
TOEFL iBT
Overall 79
Listening 16
Reading 16
Writing 21
Speaking 18
English Test Overall Listening Reading Writing Speaking
IELTS Academic / One Skill Retake 6.5 6 6 6 6
Cambridge English Score
You must share your results with QUT through the Candidate Results Online website.
176 169 169 169 169
PTE Academic 58 50 50 50 50
TOEFL iBT 79 16 16 21 18

We offer English language programs to improve your English and help you gain entry to this course.

When you apply for this course, we will recommend which English course you should enrol in.

Fees

Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. We review fees annually, and they may be subject to increases.

2025 fees

2025: $30,000 per year full-time (96 credit points)

2025 fees

2025: $41,200 per year full-time (96 credit points)

2024 fees

2024: $27,800 per year full-time (96 credit points)

2024 fees

2024: $38,200 per year full-time (96 credit points)

Student services and amenities fees

You may need to pay student services and amenities (SA) fees as part of your course costs.

Find out more about postgraduate course fees

FEE-HELP: loans to help you pay for your course fees

You may not have to pay anything upfront if you're eligible for a FEE-HELP loan.

Find out more about government loans

Scholarships

You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.

Browse all scholarships

Equity scholarships scheme

A scholarship for low-income students studying in any faculty.

Scholarship eligibility
Struggling financially

Keep up to date

Sign up to receive occasional emails to help you with your study decision. We’ll send you relevant information about studying at QUT, scholarships, key dates and upcoming events.

By submitting this form, you understand that QUT is collecting your personal information.
Please refer to the Privacy Collection Notice for more information.