- Entry requirements
- ATAR:
more entry options - Study mode
- Part Time
- First year fee (domestic)
- $5,423
- Full course fee (domestic)
- $5,423
- Full time duration
- 0.5
- Murdoch code
- C1088
The fees provided are indicative and intended only as a guide. They are based on a typical full-time enrolment for a first year student at Murdoch University of 24 credit points. The indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported Fee.
Course overview
More people are moving around the world than ever, and trade between nations and regions always increasing. With this comes increased risk of spreading plant pests and diseases that are damaging to food crops and the natural environment. Plant biosecurity is fundamental to managing the threat posed by plant-affecting organisms, and is of vital importance to world trade, environmental protection, and agriculture.
Learn how plant biosecurity measures such as risk analysis, quarantine and surveillance are used to stop the entry and spread of exotic organisms locally and internationally. You’ll gain an in-depth knowledge of rapid emergency response to an incursion, and how to manage pest organisms if they become permanently established in a new region and start impacting trade.
Biosecurity is a growing field of activity for many professionals involved in agriculture, the environment and international and domestic trade to maintain agricultural and environmental integrity. This course will also appeal to those wishing to pursue careers in food production and postharvest management, in both the private and public sectors.
3 reasons to study a Graduate Certificate in Plant Biosecurity at Murdoch
- This course has been developed in consultation with government representatives from Canada, the United States, New Zealand and Australia, meaning you will graduate with knowledge that meets the highest level of industry requirement.
- Study on your own terms – with the option to study full-time or part-time, you can upskill whilst you’re still earning.
- Upskill to progress your current career in agriculture, trade or biosecurity.
Develop your skills
Build essential skills and knowledge to meet your career or study goals. Topics you’ll cover include:
- Key plant biosecurity pests and diseases
- New and emerging diagnostics and surveillance technologies
- Practical community engagement strategies
- International biosecurity agreements and obligations
Your future career
After completing this degree, you will be able to pursue careers in biosecurity, quarantine and pest management, acting in technical, research and administrative roles with organisations such as the State Departments of Agriculture, State and Federal Biosecurity Agencies, Plant Health Australia, Animal Health Australia and private industry, or their international counterparts. Careers could include:
- Biosecurity Inspector
- Compliance Officer
- Greenhouse Technician
Professional recognition
Graduates will be eligible to apply for membership to societies such as the Australian Entomological Society, the Australian Plant Pathology Society, the Australian Ecological Society, the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science, the Australian Society of Horticultural Sciences and the Australian Society for Risk Analysis.
Start dates
| Starting period | Location | Face to Face | Online |
Mixed mode
In this attendance mode, teaching and learning activities are delivered both face-to-face and online, with scheduled or flexible learning times. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1, 2026 | Murdoch | No | Yes | No |
| Semester 2, 2026 | Murdoch | No | Yes | No |
| Semester 1, 2027 | Murdoch | No | Yes | No |
| Semester 2, 2027 | Murdoch | No | Yes | No |
View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.
| Starting period | Location | Face to Face | Online |
Mixed mode
In this attendance mode, teaching and learning activities are delivered both face-to-face and online, with scheduled or flexible learning times. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1, 2026 | International Online | No | Yes | No |
| Semester 2, 2026 | International Online | No | Yes | No |
| Semester 1, 2027 | International Online | No | Yes | No |
| Semester 2, 2027 | International Online | No | Yes | No |
View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.
Admission requirements
English Requirements
You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.
Other Requirements
Internet access is required for all students. All material will be flexibly delivered using the latest online technology.Recognition of Prior Learning
Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.
Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.
This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.
Plan your course
Explore the sample course structure below to get an idea of what your degree could look like, or take the next step in planning your degree:
Use the Course Visualiser - build your personalised study plan interactively
Visit the Course Handbook - Get detailed information on units, prerequisites, and pathways.
To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.
| Unit code | Unit name | Credit points |
|---|
Fees & Scholarships
Fees
The fees provided are indicative and intended only as a guide. They are based on a typical full-time enrolment for a first year student at Murdoch University of 24 credit points. The indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported Fee.
Scholarships
How to Apply
Your document checklist
Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all the following documentation ready for a quick application.
Compulsory documents
Evidence that you meet Academic entry and English language requirements such as:
- Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study)
- Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements
Recommended documents (if applicable)
- Change of name documentation
- Marriage certificate
- Most recent Curriculum Vitae if applying using professional experience
- Unit outlines if applying for Advanced Standing
Apply through an agent
If you’re applying as an international student, our global network of agents will help you get started on your journey.
Apply directly to Murdoch
If you are a non School leaver, you can apply for most undergraduate, honours and postgraduate courses directly through our online application system.
View all ways to apply
There are many ways to apply to Murdoch University as we know everyone has a different path and journey. Get started and take the next step.
All fees are indicative and are provided as a guide only. The actual fees will depend on the individual units you enrol in. You should refer to your Letter of Offer for specific course and fee related information.
The first-year indicative fee is based on a typical full-time enrolment at Murdoch University of 24 credit points.
For domestic students, including Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens, the indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported fee.
Indicative fees for international students are based on applicable full fee paying rates.
The estimated, indicative fee covers tuition fees only, and certain additional fees and charges may apply, depending on the course and units you choose. It also does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries for which you may be eligible.
The estimated, indicative fee assumes no fee increases or indexation. Over time, fee increases or indexation may occur and will affect the estimate. If you are a full fee paying student, this may occur at the start of your second and each subsequent year of study. In the case of Commonwealth Supported students, this will occur for each new calendar year in line with Government policy.
All fee estimates are provided in Australian dollars.