Masters (Coursework)
This is the only masters degree in the world which uniquely combines marine science with a focus on the southern ocean and Antarctica. You'll have access to industry-leading facilities at the Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies (IMAS) and internationally recognised experts to help you kick-start your career.
The Master of Marine and Antarctic Science provides:
You'll have the choice to study one of the following four streams: Ocean Governance, Marine Biology, Fisheries Management or Sustainable Aquaculture.
To be admitted to study the Master of Marine and Antarctic Science you must have a Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science or Graduate Diploma in Marine and Antarctic Science from the University of Tasmania, or an equivalent qualification from an Australian university. An example of an equivalent qualification is a Bachelor of Science with a major in life sciences (such as biology, environmental science, zoology, plant science, marine biology, ecology etc).
In addition, specifically for the Governance and Policy specialisation, students may be admitted with a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from an Australian university in a governance and policy field with evidence of completion of units at undergraduate level that are related to life sciences.
Admission to most postgraduate coursework courses at the University of Tasmania require qualifications equivalent to an Australian bachelor degree. Applicants must achieve the required grade in their qualifying studies, meet any prerequisite subjects, and meet English language requirements to be eligible for an offer.
English Language Requirements
For students who do not meet the English Language Requirement through citizenship or prior studies in English in an approved country, evidence of an approved English language test completed within the last 2 years must be provided. See the English Language Requirements page for more information.
English Language Requirements are: IELTS (Academic) 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0)
Course Specific Requirements
To be admitted to study the Master of Marine and Antarctic Science you must have a Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science or Graduate Diploma in Marine and Antarctic Science from the University of Tasmania, or an equivalent qualification from a recognised tertiary education institution. An example of an equivalent qualification is a Bachelor of Science with a major in life sciences (such as biology, environmental science, zoology, plant science, marine biology, ecology etc).
In addition, specifically for the Governance and Policy specialisation, students may be admitted with a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a governance and policy field from a recognised tertiary education institution with evidence of completion of units at undergraduate level that are related to life sciences.
The University's Institute of Marine and Antarctic Science (IMAS) provides our students with access to some of the world's leading research facilities giving you the best career foundation.
With an annual value to Australia of approximately $40 billion and growing, graduates from the University of Tasmania are highly sought-after in a range of fields. The commercial fishing and aquaculture industry directly employs 7000 people in Australia and Tasmania is the country's largest commercial operator in this area.
The degree allows graduates to pursue exciting careers in marine and climate research, fisheries management, aquaculture, non-governmental organisations, environmental governance and all levels of government from local to global.
The skills and knowledge you gain places you in a prime position to have a real impact on practices, processes and policies on a local, national or worldwide scale.
Our degrees provide graduates with specialised skills and an educational experience centred on ecological sustainability. Once graduated, students are able to contribute to the sustainable management of the marine environment, thereby increasing the total quality of life as described in Australia's National Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD).
We have graduates working across the world in a variety of positions and organisations.
Career opportunities (dependent on field of study)
Further Study Opportunities
The specialist streams in this course provide a clear pathway for students who are interested in undertaking a research higher degree such as a PhD in their specialist area. IMAS is the perfect place to undertake further study, with supervisors who are international experts with global connections.
The Master of Marine and Antarctic Science is a two-year master course.
In your first year, you will complete coursework consisting of four core units (50%) and four specialisation units (50%).
In second year, you will complete a Research Stream* (consisting of a Literature Review and 75% Dissertation) or a Professional Stream (consisting of a Literature Review, a second specialisation and a capstone unit).
* To undertake research in second year - a GPA of 6 or more is required in Year 1
If you are starting in 2023 you can find your course planner here - this helps you plan what units to enrol in and when.
Students in this course may be eligible for a reduction in the volume of learning of: