Prospective Student Information Session

Doherty Institute Student Information Session

Are you completing your degree with a major relevant to microbiology, immunology, pathology or infection & immunity and want to find out about further study opportunities at the University of Melbourne in 2025 and beyond? View highlights below from our 2025 Doherty Institute Student Information Session and read our FAQ below.

Listen to course coordinators outline our Honours and Masters courses along with the application procedure for each.

Listen to Master of Biomedical Science graduate Samuel Widodo who, now as a PhD candidate in the Mantamadiotis Group, is undertaking research in brain cancer immunology.

Listen to Honours graduate Bridget Fisher who, as a PhD candidate in the Lewin Group, is conducting research into the use of mRNA and lipid nanoparticle technologies for the delivery of Latency Reversing Agents for an HIV cure.

Listen to Doherty Honours graduate Layqah Khan who, as a PhD candidate at the Burnet Institute, is undertaking research investigating multi-pathogen and vector serological surveillance methods in South-east Asia.

Frequently Asked Questions for Microbiology & Immunology, and Pathology Honours & Master of Biomedical Science

The following are general answers to frequently asked questions, but applicants are advised to refer to the University of Melbourne official information below and should direct all specific entry requirements questions via the indicated → Enquire sections:

Is there detailed information about the individual subjects?

Where are the available research projects?

Research Projects | Doherty Website

Once I know the project(s)/supervisor(s) I am interested in, how do I contact a prospective supervisor(s)?

Send a concise email which includes:

a brief introduction outlining who you are and your course/major/WAM
which project(s) and course(s) you are interested in and why
a request to meet in person/via zoom to discuss
your attached results to date

How do I make my email to a prospective supervisor ‘stand out’?

Show you have read about their research and explain why this interests you & relates to what you have already studied and learnt.

I am interested in Honours and am completing a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne/other University. Do I apply for the Bachelor of Science (Degree with Honours), the Bachelor of Biomedicine (Degree with Honours) or both?

You should apply for the one course that you want.

Does my proposed Honours or Master of Biomedical Science research project need to be in the exact same area as my undergraduate major(s)?

No. A life sciences major is required and while your undergraduate studies need to be relevant to your proposed research project, they do not have to be in the exact same area. For example, entry into an immunology research project does not require an immunology major but requires a major related to the biological or biomedical sciences.

However, depending on the project, some specific majors/backgrounds are required/preferred and you should establish this during communication with your prospective supervisor(s).

For full entry requirements information, see links above.

What is the minimum and also competitive WAM (Weighted Average Mark)?

Minimum WAM = 65% see entry requirements information in the course links above
Indicative competitive WAM = >75%

Is the WAM (Weighted Average Mark) calculated from across all my degree subjects or just my major subjects?

All degree subjects

Can I apply for both Honours and Master of Biomedical Science?

Yes

If I am offered a place in Honours or Master of Biomedical Science, can I defer it to the following year?

Honours: Deferral of your MDHS Honours offer is unfortunately not possible unless you have compelling circumstances. You are instead advised to reapply when your circumstances allow it. Please note that there is no guarantee that the same project will be available in a subsequent admissions period, therefore, you may need to look for a new project.

Master of Biomedical Science: Students are able to defer their offer to the following intake or year provided the project will be available for that extended period of time. Students will need to speak with their supervisor to discuss whether deferral is available and will need written consent from their supervisor, supporting the deferral request. This endorsement should be uploaded to their deferral application.

If I have relevant work or internship experience ie working in a lab, does this increase my chances of selection?

Work experience is not required to satisfy entry requirements and most students commence their course without any work or internship experience. However, if you have completed relevant work experience or an internship, you can outline this in your introductory email to your prospective supervisor(s).

Does it matter or have any impact on my eligibility if I apply for Honours or Masters 1-2 years after completing my degree?

No. While some students like to start their Honours or Masters study immediately after completing their degree, others benefit from a gap year or two – this is an individual choice.

Note: to satisfy Honours entry requirements your degree must have been completed within the last 10 years.

As a domestic applicant, can I apply via Graduate Access Melbourne?

Honours: No. Honours is an undergraduate program and so is not part of Graduate Access Melbourne

Master of Biomedical Science: Yes as indicated here

Are there scholarships?

Honours: Honours and Masters of Biomedical Science (Microbiology & Immunology) (unimelb.edu.au)

Masters: Biomedical Science Inclusion and Diversity Scholarship and Biomedical Sciences Graduate Scholarship

Plus there may be other general University scholarships that you are eligible for.

Do both Honours and Masters offer a pathway to a University of Melbourne PhD?

Yes

When does each course start and finish?

Honours

starts in February (no mid year entry) and ends in November
only available full-time

Master of Biomedical Science

Start of year entry: starts in February and following two years of full-time study, ends in November
Mid-year entry: starts in July and following two years of full-time study, ends in June
part-time is available (for local students and subject to supervisor approval)

What is the expected Honours and Masters time commitment?

The day-to-day time commitment will vary depending on the subjects chosen (for Masters), the semester/stage of the course and the requirements of the research project within each lab. Overall however, the time commitment is roughly equivalent to that of a full-time 9am-5pm job.

Is it possible as an Honours or Masters student to obtain employment within the department eg demonstrating?

This is unlikely, as students generally need to be enrolled in a PhD to be considered for department employment opportunities.

Is it possible to study full-time and work part-time?

Yes and a number of students do work part-time. However, time management is critical and it is essential to discuss this with your supervisor prior to commencement.

How many students commence their course at the Doherty Institute each year?

Honours: 25-35 students
Master of Biomedical Science: 15-25 students

Also, we have over 200 Doherty Institute graduate researchers undertaking a PhD or Masters by research.

Where are Honours and Masters students based?

Most students are based within or very close to The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity

Some students may be based in external institutes as indicated here

Do Honours and Masters students complete common coursework subjects?

Both Honours and Masters students complete BIOM40001 Introduction To Biomedical Research

Do the two cohorts ‘mix and collaborate’?

Yes they do via:

completion of BIOM40001 above
their research lab activities including collaboration with other lab members such as Research Assistants and Postdoctoral Fellows
social and informal opportunities including those offered by the student group POSSIIM (Postgraduate Student Society for Infection and Immunity)
the many seminars and symposiums offered within the Doherty Institute

As an Honours or Masters student, is it possible to complete an internship component?

For domestic Honours students, an optional internship is a possibility.

What do Honours and Masters students do after completing their course?

Honours: Bachelor of Biomedicine (Degree with Honours) : Career outcomes - The University of Melbourne (unimelb.edu.au)

Masters: Master of Biomedical Science : Career outcomes - The University of Melbourne (unimelb.edu.au)