Program Overview

Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science with Honours (K4S)

Overview

The Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science with Honours is a one-year full-time or up to three years part-time program designed for high-achieving students who are ready to deepen their expertise and explore their passion through research. The program combines advanced study with a significant research project in the chosen field, providing students with advanced knowledge and scientific training in a specialized area of marine and/or Antarctic science.

Duration and Location

• Minimum 1 year, up to a maximum of 3 years
• Available to study as both part-time or full-time
• Location: Hobart
• Semester 1, Semester 2

Course Rules and Qualification Framework

• Australian Qualification Framework level: 8
• CRICOS: A
• Commonwealth Supported places available

Entry Requirements

For Domestic Students

• Candidates must have qualified for admission to the degree of Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science or to the Bachelor of Applied Science (Marine Environment) at the University of Tasmania, or have obtained an equivalent qualification at another approved tertiary institution.
• Candidates would normally be expected to obtain at least a credit average in the last three semesters (FT equivalent) of undergraduate studies.
• Candidature is subject to appropriate supervision and project support being available for the thesis topic approved by IMAS and subject to satisfying the prerequisites required for the chosen field of study.

For International Students

• Admission to Honours courses at the University of Tasmania requires qualifications equivalent to an Australian bachelor degree.
• Applicants must achieve the required grade in their qualifying studies, meet any prerequisite subjects, and the English language requirements to be eligible for an offer.
• Admission is conditional on research project and supervisor availability.

English Language Requirements

For students who do not meet the English Language Requirement through citizenship or prior studies in English in an approved country, evidence of an approved English language test completed within the last 2 years must be provided.

Learning Outcomes

• Be able to locate, evaluate, and synthesize published information within a prescribed field of knowledge.
• Be able to understand and identify core concepts and key issues within the marine or Antarctic environment.
• Gain experience of literature research methods and tools, data collection and analysis, and relevant field and/or laboratory techniques.
• Possess sufficient research and/or technical skills to allow them to complete an in-depth research study in a specialized area related to the marine and/or Antarctic environments.
• Be able to communicate research concepts and findings in a logical manner, in a variety of written and oral forms commonly used by professionals.
• Be capable of writing a research proposal or scientific (natural or social) report/paper to a standard acceptable to a funding body and a peer-reviewed journal.
• Be able to deliver a presentation to a standard required for a meeting of an Australian professional society.
• Have the capacity to develop a coherent argument and defend a position or outcome supported by evidence based on published literature and/or research data.
• Have the ability to plan and conduct a program of research investigating a defined problem or question within constraints imposed by time, money, and technical resources.

Practical Experience

The Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) is a world-class centre of excellence for research and education at the University of Tasmania. Located in Southern Tasmania, it is home to one of the world's largest critical masses of marine and Antarctic researchers. The IMAS Hobart building provides operational facilities, including the Integrated Marine Observing System, the Southern Ocean Observing System, and the Australian Antarctic Partnership Program. It offers five purpose-built and state-of-the-art laboratories, as well as a lecture theatre, computer lab, and flexible learning spaces.

Career Outcomes

This course leads to career opportunities in marine and Antarctic science, fisheries, aquaculture, and environmental policy, covering a broad range of disciplines including oceanography, climate science, marine chemistry, marine geology, and marine and Antarctic biology and ecology. The research training provided through the course equips graduates for roles in government and research organisations.

Course Structure

• Full-time students: Please enrol in Part 1 (25%) and Part 2 (25%) in one semester and Part 3 (25%) and Part 4 (25%) in the following semester.
• Part-time students: Please enrol in Part 1 (25%) in one semester, followed by Part 2 (25%) in the following semester and so on.
• Students enrol sequentially, i.e., Part 1, then Part 2, irrespective of the semester in which they start.

Compulsory Units

• KSM401 - Marine and Antarctic Science Honours (Part 1 of 4)
• KSM402 - Marine and Antarctic Science Honours (Part 2 of 4)
• KSM403 - Marine and Antarctic Science Honours (Part 3 of 4)
• KSM404 - Marine and Antarctic Science Honours (Part 4 of 4)

Fees and Scholarships

Domestic Students

• Commonwealth Supported Place indicative annual fee: $9,312
• HECS-HELP loans are available for eligible students.

International Students

• 2026 Total Tuition Fee: $47,450 AUD

Articulation

After the successful completion of a Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science with Honours, students can proceed to a research higher degree (Masters or PhD).