Program Overview

Master of Marine Biology

Overview

Develop outstanding discipline knowledge of marine biology and advance your skills in the areas most sought after by marine sector employers. Gain unrivalled hands-on experience in unique locations like the JCU Orpheus Island Research Station on the Great Barrier Reef. Work with emerging technologies for marine ecosystem monitoring, learn how to incorporate vital data analysis methods into your work and research, and collaborate with world-leading researchers in Coral Reef Science and Management.

Fast Facts

• Location: JCU campuses or study centres where you can study this course. 'Online' means the course can be studied off-campus using a combination of online resources, printed material or other technologies. Some online courses include on-campus workshops and travel for professional placements.
  • Townsville
• Commencing: The month(s) you can start the course. For courses offered at JCU Singapore and JCU Brisbane, see 'How to Apply'.
  • Townsville: January, September
• Fees: Indicative, annual cost of your course. Some courses are supported by the Australian Government with the government paying some of your fees. This is the Commonwealth Supported fee. The tuition fee is the fee payable if Commonwealth Support does not apply. You can defer your fees if eligible with HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP. The Student Services & Amenities Fee is a required payment from most students.
  • $8,970.00+ (estimated annual Commonwealth Supported Fee for a full-time study load)
  • $35,110.00^ (estimated annual tuition fee for a full-time study load)
• Duration: The time it will take you to complete the course as a full-time student. Also specifies if the course is available part-time. This section will indicate if some online courses may have a longer duration due to their different delivery method.
  • 2 years full-time
• Entry Requirements: This is usually a score given to Year 12 students upon completion of their studies. Non-school leavers can have their qualifications and work experience assessed to obtain an equivalent score. The score displayed is the minimum adjusted ATAR/rank that was required for entry. Some subjects are required for entry into a course. Whereas assumed knowledge indicates a minimum level of knowledge.
  • AQF level 7 bachelor degree in science with a minimum GPA of 5.0, or equivalent

Course Detail

What to Expect

Develop a comprehensive knowledge of marine biology as well as a diverse skill set with this interdisciplinary marine biology degree. Participate in specialised, hands-on training in unmatched locations like the JCU Orpheus Island Research Station on the Great Barrier Reef. Gain extensive experience in research methods and data and laboratory analysis while honing your data science and communication skills to bring your practise and research to the next level. Prepare for your future career through internships within government agencies and research institutions involved with the stewardship of UNESCO World Heritage listed coral reefs and other extraordinary environments like mangrove forests and the deep sea.

Career Opportunities

As a graduate of JCU's Master of Marine Biology you will have outstanding discipline knowledge of marine biology, transferrable scientific, technical and quantitative skills, and qualities that enable you to contribute to improving marine ecosystems and tropical societies.

During your one-year research project or three-month professional internship you will have opportunities to work with national and international institutions, local environmental industries, NGOs, and government departments for fisheries, science or environmental management. These opportunities frequently lead to employment or further research through PhD studies post-graduation.

Highly regarded by employers, JCU marine biology graduates are sought after within a range of private and public sector organisations, both in Australia and internationally, for technical, research, education, management and policy-related positions. You can go on to employment within a high-profile environmental management and consultancy agency, a government department, a scientific research institute, a commercial venture, or in an education, tourism or even a global environmental media group.

Research Areas

• Marine biology
• Mathematics/statistics/modelling
• Environmental science and management
• Marine and microbial ecology
• Cross-disciplinary studies

Inherent Requirements

Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University’s learning, assessment, and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please review the inherent requirements for the Master of Marine Biology.