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.