University of Western Australia

What you'll study

This programme blends core coursework with a substantial research or applied project, giving students theoretical grounding and practical laboratory or field experience. Teaching covers molecular and clinical microbiology, pathogen biology and host response, infectious disease epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance, vaccine science and infection prevention and control.

• Core modules: infectious disease epidemiology; microbial pathogenesis; molecular diagnostics and genomics; principles of antimicrobial therapy and resistance.
• Applied and specialist topics: outbreak investigation and surveillance; One Health and zoonotic infections; vaccine development and evaluation; public health policy and emergency response.
• Research and practical training: a research thesis or structured industry/applied project, plus laboratory rotations or a clinical/public health placement to develop hands-on skills in diagnostic methods, sequencing, bioinformatics and data analysis.
• Skills development: biostatistics, research design, scientific communication, ethical practice and laboratory management.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised bachelor degree in a relevant discipline such as biomedical science, microbiology, medicine, pharmacy, nursing, veterinary science or public health. Programs may require evidence of satisfactory academic performance at the undergraduate level and, for some applicants, prior coursework in microbiology or immunology.

• Relevant professional experience in clinical or laboratory settings can strengthen an application.
• Selection typically considers academic transcripts, a curriculum vitae, and referees or academic references.
• International applicants must meet the University’s English language proficiency requirements.
• Some applicants pursuing clinically oriented careers may need to follow additional accreditation pathways after graduation depending on local professional standards.

Career prospects

Graduates of this master’s programme are prepared for a range of roles across research, clinical laboratories, public health and industry. Typical career destinations include:

• Research scientist in academic or government laboratories focusing on pathogen biology, genomics or antimicrobial resistance.
• Clinical or diagnostic laboratory scientist working in hospital or reference laboratories (additional professional certification may be required locally).
• Infection prevention and control practitioner in healthcare settings.
• Public health officer or epidemiologist in local, state or national health agencies and international organisations.
• Roles in pharmaceutical, biotechnology or diagnostics companies, including vaccine development, assay design and regulatory affairs.
• Policy advisor or program manager in global health, One Health initiatives and non-governmental organisations.

Why study at University of Western Australia

The University of Western Australia offers research-led teaching in infectious diseases, drawing on active research groups and laboratory facilities. Students benefit from links with state health services and diagnostic laboratories in Western Australia, enabling applied projects and placement opportunities that bridge laboratory science and public health practice.

• Access to modern laboratory infrastructure and training in contemporary diagnostic and genomic techniques.
• Interdisciplinary teaching that connects molecular science, epidemiology and health systems.
• Supervision by researchers involved in local, national and international infectious disease work, offering pathways into research or applied careers.
• Opportunities for industry and health-sector collaborations, enhancing employability in laboratory, public health and biotech settings.