Program Overview

Master of Marine Science and Management

The Master of Marine Science and Management is a multidisciplinary and cross-institutional program that explores new approaches to marine science. It is jointly offered by UNSW and the Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS) partner universities.

Program Overview

This program addresses new approaches to marine science by using information systems and remotely sensed data analysis. It also covers the impact and use of marine science on legislation and management in marine and coastal zones. Students will learn about coastal management and engineering, climate change, marine ecology and conservation, physical oceanography, and modeling.

Key Features

• Cross-institutional degree: This program is jointly offered by UNSW and three SIMS partner universities, providing access to a comprehensive set of approaches and methods unique to the field.
• Advanced interdisciplinary program: The program improves numerical skills in statistics and data management using Excel, R, and MATLAB. It also expands knowledge in cutting-edge areas of climate change, ocean observing, plankton, fish, fisheries, and marine mammals.
• Wide range of career opportunities: This program can lead to a rewarding career as a field biologist, field officer, or marine scientist, as well as careers in marine science policy, teaching, or research.

Why Study at UNSW?

• Learn with the best: UNSW Science is at the forefront of many new scientific developments, teaching, and innovation.
• Build connections across multiple institutions: The program is taught by the UNSW School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences (BEES) and offers cross-institutional links with SIMS partner universities.
• Learn in a dedicated facility: The core courses are taught at the SIMS facility at Chowder Bay, ideal for marine research with high-quality seawater and a unique location for addressing coastal sustainability challenges.

Program Structure

The Master of Marine Science and Management can be completed in 12 to 18 months of full-time study. The program consists of 12 courses, including four core courses and eight elective courses.

Core Courses

• Oceanographic Processes
• Topics in Marine Biology and Ecology
• Topics in Australian Marine Science
• Conservation in Aquatic Ecosystems

Elective Courses

Students choose eight courses from a list of electives, which may include:

• Big Data in the Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences
• Data Analysis: Environmental Science & Management
• The Science of Science Communication
• Animal Behaviour
• Plant Ecology
• Biodiversity and Conservation of Natural Resources
• Conservation in Practice
• Research Internship in Marine Terrestrial Conservation
• Climate Systems Science
• Advanced Water Engineering
• Coastal Processes and Hazards
• Environmental Change
• Coastal Resource Management
• Environmental Geophysics
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Remote Sensing Applications
• Principles of Geographic Information Systems and Science
• Advanced Geographic Information Systems and Science
• Frameworks of Environmental Relations & Leadership
• Large-Scale Conservation in Practice
• Remaking Worlds: Creative & Critical Paradigm Shifts in Environment & Society
• Climate Crisis & Action
• Living Cities: Promises & Risks of Urban Environments
• Demystifying Environmental Law: From Regulation to Rights of Nature
• Environmental Technologies: Challenges & Opportunities
• Indigenous Knowledge Partnerships in Conservation & Caring for Country
• Law of the Sea
• Environmental Markets
• Fluids, Oceans, and Climate
• Marine Microbiology

Entry Requirements

For entry into this degree, students must have one of the following:

• Bachelor of Science degree (in any science discipline) with a weighted average mark (WAM) of 65 or greater
• Bachelor of Science Honours degree in any science discipline
• Bachelor of Science degree with a WAM of 50-65 plus at least 5 years professional experience in a relevant field to marine or environmental science
• Any degree with an appropriate science major with numerical or data handling skills plus at least five years professional experience in a relevant field to marine or environmental science

English Language Requirements

Students may be asked to provide evidence of their English proficiency to study at UNSW, depending on their educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments, and examinations.

Fees & Scholarships

• 2026 Indicative First Year Full Fee: $38,500*
• 2026 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree: $58,500*
• 2026 Indicative First Year Fee (International): $59,000*
• 2026 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree (International): $91,000*

Future Careers

This degree can lead to a rewarding career as a field biologist, field officer, or marine scientist, as well as careers in marine science policy, teaching, or research. Environmental careers are often multidisciplinary and can integrate many fields such as physical, biological, and information sciences. Professionals not only study the environment and human impact but also explore solutions like natural resource management and sustainable development.