Master of Biopharmaceutical Engineering

Deliver life-saving medicines to the world

Biopharmaceuticals have a critical role to play in improving global health. Recently, the development of mRNA and DNA vaccines to combat the COVID-19 pandemic has brought the work of biopharmaceutical engineers further into the public spotlight. The more effectively and efficiently these powerful vaccines or medicines can be designed and produced, the more lives they will save.

With the biopharmaceuticals market valued at approximately $325.17 billion USD in 2020, professionals with specialist biopharmaceutical engineering training are in demand worldwide. Our Master of Biopharmaceutical Engineering will prepare you to take up the challenge.

What will you do?

Suitable for chemical engineering and biological science graduates, as well as engineers with relevant work experience.

The first year is a blend of face-to-face and online course work. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of biopharmaceutical manufacturing’s technical, management and process engineering aspects.

In year two, you will undertake a significant research project with supervision and mentorship from one of our world-class research-active academics and/or a recognised industry expert. You will emerge with:

  • comprehensive awareness of global biopharmaceutical market demands and regulatory requirements
  • advanced knowledge and capability in state-of-the-art biopharmaceutical engineering, manufacturing and processing practice, including advanced processing technologies
  • the ability to critically reflect on appropriate use of biopharmaceutical principles and techniques, and advise others accordingly
  • deep understanding of the industry’s social and environmental impacts
  • high-level problem-solving and communication skills.

Where could it take you?

You will graduate ready to play a leading role in cutting-edge biopharmaceutical engineering anywhere in the world. You could help design and/or deliver next-level manufacturing and processing of therapies based on monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, nucleic acids or immune cells. Your work could reduce the toll of infectious diseases, cancer, cardiovascular disease or diabetes. You may even choose to follow the masters course with research towards a PhD.


  • Ranked #50 in the world for computer science and engineering^
  • Be mentored by our world-class academics and industry experts
  • Undertake a significant biopharmaceutical engineering research project

^ARWU, 2022

Entry Requirements

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Look out for any prerequisites or assumed knowledge subjects. Some degrees also have additional entry requirements like interviews and auditions.

Domestic applicants

SATAC Code 3CM230
Deferment Yes - 2 year
Intake February and July
Selection Criteria
Graduate entry

Higher Education Study A completed Bachelor's degree or equivalent in the field of Science, Engineering, Technology or related backgrounds with a minimum GPA of 4.5.

  • Admissions Transparency Data
    Student Profile
    Applicant background Semester one/Full year intake 2023
    Number of students Percentage of all students
    International students 2 100.0%
    All students 2 100.0%

Ready to Apply?

Find out more about the application process and start your studies at the University of Adelaide.

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Fees and Scholarships

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Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Australian Full-fee place: $43,500

Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

FEE-HELP
This is an Australian full-fee program. As a domestic student you may be eligible to:

  • receive a zero interest government assistance package to cover your course fees and
  • use over $100,000 in HELP assistance over your lifetime
Check your eligibility today at Study Assist

Scholarships

These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

Find a Scholarship.

Careers

Potential careers

Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:

Pharmaceutical Engineering;  Engineer;  Biomedical Engineer;  Chemical Engineer;  Organic Chemical Engineer

Degree Structure

To qualify for the degree of the Master of Biopharmaceutical Engineering, students must satisfactorily complete a program of study with a combined total of 48 units.

If undertaking the Research Pathway, students must complete:

  • Core courses to the value of 24 units
  • Elective courses to the value of 6 units; and
  • a major Research Project to the value of 18 units.

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

Example Study Plan

Year 1

Semester 1
  • CHEM ENG 7064 Upstream Bioprocessing and Bioformulation
  • CHEM ENG 7065 Batch and Continuous Biomanufacturing
  • CHEM ENG 7066 Advanced Technologies in Biopharmaceutical Processing
  • Elective (Choose from Semester 1 list below)
Semester 2

  • CHEM ENG 7061 Quality by Design and Process Analytical Technology
  • CHEM ENG 7062 Downstream Bioprocessing
  • CHEM ENG 7063 Good Manufacturing Practice, Validation and Regulation
  • Elective (Choose from Semester 1 list below)
Year 2 - Research Project
Students must complete all of the following:
Semester 1

  • CHEM ENG 7070A Biopharmaceutical Engineering Research Project Part A
  • Elective (Choose from Semester 1 list below)
Semester 2

  • CHEM ENG 7070B Biopharmaceutical Engineering Research Project Part B
  • Elective (Choose from Semester 2 list below)
Electives
Students must choose 4 of the following (12 units)
Semester 1

Semester 2

Assessment

Assessment includes course and project work. All students are required to complete a minimum of 12 weeks of practical experience outside normal class time. Practical experience can be undertaken in Australia or overseas.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Tuesday, 10 Oct 2023