Program Overview

Overview of the Coastal and Ocean Science Program

The Coastal and Ocean Science program at the University of Queensland is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationships between climate, coastal systems, and marine environments. This program enables students to develop a wide range of skills, including laboratory techniques, data analysis, and the application of evidence-based environmental and conservation strategies to protect vital coastal habitats and marine ecosystems.

Program Details

• Program Structure: The program is available as a Major or Extended Major.
• Learning Experiences: The learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses chosen and include lectures, tutorials, research experience, laboratory work, and fieldwork.
• Courses: A sample of the courses that students could study includes:
  • Marine & Coastal Environmental Protection
  • Physical-Biological Oceanography
  • Living Oceans
  • Planet Earth: The Big Picture

Career Possibilities

Graduates of the Coastal and Ocean Science program are prepared for a variety of careers, including:

• Marine environmental consultant
• Fisheries research scientist
• Marine biologist
• Marine research officer
• Marine ecosystems researcher
• Conservation officer
• Sustainability adviser
• Conservation researcher
• Environment adviser
• Fisheries officer

Next Steps After Graduation

The demand for highly skilled coastal and marine scientists is on the rise, with opportunities in various fields, including:

• Coastal management
• Engineering and consulting
• Environmental sciences
• Fisheries and aquaculture
• Food technology
• Government departments
• Marine parks and ecotourism
• Marine resource development
• Marine science research institutes
• Museums
• Oil and gas production
• Pharmacology
• Education
• Wildlife conservation

Highlights

• Ranked 1st in Australia for environmental sciences (QS World University Rankings 2025)
• Ranked 15th in the world for environmental sciences (QS World University Rankings 2025)

Average Annual Salary Range

• Environmental Scientist: $80K–$100K
• Sustainability Officer: $110K–$130K

By pursuing the Coastal and Ocean Science program at the University of Queensland, students can gain the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to succeed in a wide range of careers related to coastal and marine science, contributing to the conservation and sustainable management of these critical environments.