Master of Marine Biology (coursework or coursework and dissertation)
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-03-01 | - |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Master of Marine Biology (coursework or coursework and dissertation)
About the course
This course is designed to prepare you for a meaningful marine biology career in industry or as a researcher. This is achieved through a focus on both the quantitative elements of marine biology and processes in marine environments, as well as the application and translation of marine science into industry practice and management.
Course details
- Duration: 1.5-2 years
- Attendance: Full-time, Part-time
- Delivery: On-campus
- Starting dates: Semester 1, Semester 2
- Level of study: Postgraduate
- Course Code: 74540
- CRICOS code: G
Admission requirements
To be considered for admission to this course, an applicant must have:
- A Bachelor of Science, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA
- The equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 50 per cent
- Successfully completed prior tertiary study in marine science or marine biology; or in a related cognate discipline as recognised by UWA
English competency
English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA, and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place. The minimum overall IELTS score required is 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.
Fees and scholarships
- Domestic Student Fees: For Commonwealth-supported places, student contribution amounts are charged by unit, based on area of study. For a fee estimate, refer to the Fee Calculator.
- International Student Fees: Annual course fee (2025): $50,600.00
- Scholarships: Available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership, and community service.
Career pathways
Specific job titles could include:
- Marine Biologist (researcher)
- Marine Consultant
- Marine Natural Resource Manager
- Marine Conservation Specialist
- Marine Science Communicator
- Environmental Scientist
- Fisheries Scientist
You might pursue a career in the following industries:
- Marine environmental consulting
- Government agencies
- Resource industry
- Marine renewables
- Aquaculture
- NGOs
- Academia
Course structure
The course comprises a number of units, including:
- Conversion units: Up to 24 points, as advised by the School
- Core units: 30 points, including Marine Conservation and Fisheries Management, Marine Ecology, and Global Change and the Marine Environment
- Option units: 30 points, including Advanced Marine Mammal Science, Conservation Genetics, and Aquatic Ecology
Research
The University of Western Australia is ranked 1st in Australia and 25th in the world for Marine/Ocean Engineering (GRAS 2024), and 3rd in Australia and 37th in the world for Oceanography (GRAS 2024).
Institute
The UWA Oceans Institute brings together the University's multidisciplinary research strengths across areas including oceanography, ecology, engineering, resource management, and governance to address key ocean challenges.
Centre
The Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre (IOMRC) provides innovative and effective solutions to challenges facing the world's oceans, and is a purpose-built collaborative facility for marine science and ocean engineering research.
The University of Western Australia
Overview:
The University of Western Australia (UWA) is a leading research-intensive university located in Perth, Western Australia. It is renowned for its high-quality teaching, strong research output, and commitment to graduate employability. UWA is consistently ranked among the top 100 universities globally and is the number one university in Western Australia for graduate employability.
Services Offered:
UWA offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic support:
Tutoring, workshops, and study skills resources.Career services:
Career counselling, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.Student wellbeing:
Mental health support, counselling, and health services.Accommodation:
On-campus and off-campus housing options.Sports and fitness:
Access to state-of-the-art facilities and a variety of sports clubs.Clubs and societies:
A vibrant student community with numerous clubs and societies catering to diverse interests.Study abroad and exchange:
Opportunities to study at universities around the world.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UWA provides a dynamic and engaging campus experience for its students. The university boasts a beautiful campus with modern facilities, green spaces, and a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including:
Social events:
Concerts, festivals, and other social gatherings.Sporting events:
Supporting the university's sports teams.Volunteer opportunities:
Contributing to the local community.Cultural events:
Art exhibitions, theatre performances, and music concerts.Key Reasons to Study There:
World-class education:
UWA offers a high-quality education with a focus on research and innovation.Excellent employability:
Graduates from UWA are highly sought after by employers.Vibrant campus life:
A diverse and engaging student community with numerous opportunities for personal and professional development.Beautiful campus:
A picturesque campus with modern facilities and green spaces.Strong research focus:
UWA is a leading research university with a strong commitment to innovation.Academic Programs:
UWA offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts and Humanities:
History, Literature, Philosophy, Languages, and more.Science and Engineering:
Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, and more.Business and Economics:
Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Economics, and more.Health Sciences:
Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, and more.Law:
Juris Doctor, Bachelor of Laws, and other law programs.Other:
UWA is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university has a strong focus on Indigenous education and research, and offers a range of programs and support services for Indigenous students. UWA also has a strong international presence, with students from over 100 countries studying at the university.
