The PhD is a 3-4 year program during which time the student will work on a major research project as a member of a research group within the University or in government institutions that have research divisions. The essential components of this degree include original research followed by the submission of a detailed report in the form of a thesis, which is examined externally. Candidates for admission this program usually hold the degree of Bachelor of Science with Honours at the IIA grade or better, a Master's Degree (by Coursework & Research) at IIA grade or better, or a Graduate Diploma in Science at Pass with Merit standard or better.

The MPhil is a 2 year degree that allows the student to work on a research project that contributes to the advancement of research in an established research laboratory on or off campus. This two year program involves original research followed by the submission of a detailed report in the form of a thesis, which is examined externally. Candidates for admission to this program are usually Honours graduates at the IIA grade or better or those with a Graduate Diploma in Science at Pass with Merit standard or better.

The Graduate Diploma in Science is usually coordinated with the Honours program and can be designed for individual students with specific needs. This program provides graduates with the equivalent of one year's specialist training to introduce students to modern experimental techniques and provide opportunities for library research. The course usually involves 10 months of full-time study.

This program is similar in scope to a fourth year honours course but with greater flexibility. The program may include some coursework to prepare the student to undertake a research project, produce a thesis and present a seminar on their work. Applicants are likely to be individuals who hold a relevant undergraduate science degree from an Australian University who wish to return to full-time study after spending time working in a related field and who are not eligible for admission the regular undergraduate honours program because three or more years have lapsed since they last studied in the discipline area. On successful completion of this program, students who obtain a Pass with Merit or better, are eligible to apply for admission to either the PhD or MPhil programs.