Program Overview

Bachelor of Marine Science and Master of Oceanography

Course Overview

The Bachelor of Marine Science and Master of Oceanography is a four-year accelerated program that provides students with a strong academic foundation in marine science and oceanography. The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle pressing challenges facing our oceans and coastal areas.

Course Structure

In the first three years, students will complete the Marine Science (extended major) and a semester of postgraduate study. They will then complete their selected units in the Master of Oceanography.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to this course, applicants must have:

• Achieved an ATAR of at least 90, or equivalent as recognised by UWA
• An assured pathway offer
• A place in a relevant UWA access program

English Competency

English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA, and students must 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

The course fees for domestic and international students are as follows:

• Domestic students: Fee calculator
• International students: $49,300.00 per annum (2025)

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership, and community service.

Career Opportunities

The combined bachelor's and master's degree will prepare students for a rewarding career across a range of growing marine career areas, spanning private industry to government. Career options include:

• Oceanographer
• Coastal Manager/Officer
• Coastal Geologist
• Meteorologist
• Applied Ocean Scientist
• Climate Scientist
• Ocean Data Scientist

Research Areas

The Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre (IOMRC) provides innovative and effective solutions to challenges facing the world's oceans. The centre brings together more than 300 marine scientists across disciplines, including biodiversity, fishing, tourism, Indigenous engagement, climate change, oceanography, and conservation.

Why Study This Course?

• Students will graduate with a specialised bachelor's and a master's degree in just four years (normally five on a traditional bachelor + master's program)
• Learning in the specialised Bachelor of Marine Science is richly embedded with internationally recognised research and will encourage research-based inquiry through cutting-edge science
• The Master of Oceanography is the only course of its kind in Australia, enabling teaching material to leverage Western Australia's position on the Indian Ocean and its access to unique marine environments
• The combined bachelor's and master's degree will prepare students for a rewarding career across a range of growing marine career areas, spanning private industry to government

You'll Learn To

• Gain knowledge across physical, chemical, geological, and biological interactions applied to coastal and ocean systems, as well as important practical and problem-solving skills
• Become proficient in marine field data collection, data analysis techniques, including the use of industry-standard software
• Integrate knowledge of marine and coastal processes, and their links to biological processes, to address real-world problems

Fieldwork in Science

Find out more about the amazing field trips in the Natural and Physical Sciences interest area that'll take you all around Western Australia and beyond.

Centre

The Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre (IOMRC) provides innovative and effective solutions to challenges facing the world's oceans. Built for the UWA Oceans Institute, the IOMRC brings together more than 300 marine scientists across disciplines, including biodiversity, fishing, tourism, Indigenous engagement, climate change, oceanography, and conservation.

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.

Quick Details

• Status: Available 2024
• Locations: Perth (Crawley campus)
• Attendance: Full-time, Part-time
• Delivery: On-campus
• Starting dates: Semester 1
• Level of study: Undergraduate + Postgraduate
• Course Code: CM038
• CRICOS code: J
• Full-time/part-time duration: 4 years full-time or equivalent

Your Degree Options

• Bachelor of Marine Science
• Master of Oceanography

Ranked

• Ranked 3rd in Australia and 37th in the world for Oceanography (GRAS 2024)
• Ranked 1st in Australia and 25th in the world for Marine/Ocean Engineering (GRAS 2024)
• Ranked Top 100 in the world for Earth & Marine Sciences (QS 2025)