Go to Courses and units

Bachelor of Applied Science (Nautical Science) (23Q)

Overview (2027)

Duration

Minimum 4 years, up to a maximum of 9 years.

This course is available to study as both part-time or full-time
Duration
Duration refers to the minimum and maximum amounts of time in which this course can be completed. It will be affected by whether you choose to study full or part time, noting that some programs are only available part time.

Location

Launceston
AMC MT Main Block 1, AMC MT Main Block 3, Semester 1, Semester 2
Online
Semester 1, Semester 2

If you're aiming for a career as a deck officer, chief mate or master on commercial vessels, this course will give you the skills and knowledge to safely manage and operate ships in the global merchant fleet.

During your course, you'll learn about:

  • navigation and voyage planning
  • vessel handling and ship operations
  • cargo and passenger transport
  • maritime law and regulations
  • shipboard safety and emergency response
  • vessel management and leadership

What sets our degree apart is its alignment with professional short courses and hands-on training at sea. Upon successful completion you’ll earn both a bachelor's degree and an Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Certificate of Competency (subject to meeting AMSA COC requirements). Our curriculum also meets the rigorous training and educational standards of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention, as amended in 2010).

Learn using specialist maritime facilities

Your on-campus studies are based at the Australian Maritime College (AMC) in Launceston, Australia's national centre for maritime education, training and research. The AMC has specialist maritime facilities, including advanced ship simulation technology that allows you to practice vessel operations and decision-making in realistic environments.

You'll combine theory with practical learning throughout your studies, helping you build confidence before progressing to sea service and professional practice.

Gain real experience at sea

A key part of this course is your sea service training.

Students must gain employment as a cadet with a shipping company to obtain the required qualifying sea service and complete on the job AMSA requirements. Employment may be sought either before or after Year 1 studies (also known as pre-sea training).

It is the responsibility of the student to seek a placement / cadetship with a shipping company.

Sea-time is a built-in phase of your AMC seafaring qualification and is an important part of your pathway to professional certification. Students are required to complete the onboard training program and 18 months of qualifying sea time (typically completed over 24 months including leave time) before returning for year 2 studies.

During your time at sea, you'll:

  • gain practical experience as a trainee deck officer
  • complete watchkeeping duties under supervision
  • apply your learning in real operational environments
  • develop experience in navigation, vessel operations and safety management
  • maintain training and record books required for AMSA certification

This sea-going experience helps connect your classroom learning with the realities of working aboard commercial vessels and prepares you for more advanced studies later in the degree.

Study in Launceston

The on-campus components of this course are delivered in Launceston, a welcoming regional city known for its lifestyle, outdoor experiences and strong student community. You'll study at the Australian Maritime College based at the Newnham campus precinct where you'll have access to specialist maritime teaching and training facilities.

Find out more about living and studying in Launceston.

There are a number of entry pathways available into this course, please view the course structure section for more information.

Course Intake and Commencement Dates:

Please note, all courses are based on campus at the Australian Maritime College, Launceston unless otherwise stated.

Pathway

On Campus

Online

Pre-Sea – Deck (Year 1)

22 February (Semester 1)

5 July (Semester 2)

n/a

Watchkeeper – Deck

(Year 2)

1 February AMC MT Main Block 1)

14 June AMC MT Main Block 3

n/a

RAN (Year 2)

14 June AMC MT Main Block 3

n/a

Mate/Master Less than 500GT (Year 2)

1 February (AMC MT Main Block 1)

14 June AMC MT Main Block 3

 

Chief Mate Master – Deck (Year 3)

1 February (AMC MT Main Block 1)

14 June AMC MT Main Block 3

n/a

Conversion

 

22 February (Semester 1)

5 July (Semester 2)

Career outcomes

"I just love how different every day is – on any day, I could be climbing a Navigation Mast, entering an enclosed space, or navigating some of the busiest oceans in the world. These are only a tiny number of my work-stories, and if you look at the other benefits of a seagoing career (equal time leave & plenty of money!) you are able to pursue the most incredible leave adventures".

Lewis Gibson, AMC Alumnus

Ocean Seafarers work on large vessels in Australian and international waters, as well as offshore vessels in the oil and gas industries.

The Bachelor of Applied Science (Nautical Science) is the recognised pathway to becoming an AMSA certified deck officer. Whether you are seeking a career ashore or senior shore-based positions, your studies at the Australian Maritime College will prepare you with a sought-after skill set and a defined understanding of the maritime industry.

Additionally, you will gain the skills and knowledge which will prepare you for diverse and rewarding careers such as:

  • Governmental or intergovernmental regulators and organisations such as AMSA, EMSA (European Maritime Safety Agency), IMO (International Maritime Organisation)
  • Senior position in a shipyard
  • Fleet manager in a shipping company
  • Crew manager / shipping agent
  • Marine superintendent or safety manager in a shipping company
  • Product, R&D, sales and service managers in companies supplying maritime equipment
  • Surveyor in a classification society
  • Marine Surveyor with a port state control authority such as AMSA
  • Work in marine insurance companies
  • Mediators / Arbitrators
  • Maritime education and training, research and teaching positions

Course structure

The Bachelor of Applied Science (Nautical Science) requires the completion of 300 credit points as follows:

Year 1 (Pre Sea – Deck) - 56.25 credit points.  Comprises core units (31.25 credit points) and short course units (25 credit points).

At Sea Units - 12.5 credit points.

Year 2 (Watchkeeper – Deck), Mate/Master <500GT and Yachts - 131.25 credit points.  Comprises core units (93.75 credit points) and short course units (37.5 credit points).

Year 3 (Chief Mate Master – Deck) - 100 credit points.  Comprises core units (87.5 credit points) and short course units (12.5 credit points).

Alternative Entry points

A number of defined entry pathways are available into this course. These pathways recognise that students may be commencing the course with existing experience and/or qualifications or intending to apply for specific professional licences or Certificates of Competency. Students entering the course via alternative pathway entry points should contact a Student Adviser via U.Connect@utas.edu.au for individual enrolment advice.

 

Entry requirements

Fees & scholarships

Domestic students

Commonwealth supported places (CSP) are available for this course. For eligible domestic students, this means your fees will be subsidised by the Australian Government. You’ll only need to pay the student contribution amount for each unit you study within the course.

Commonwealth Supported Place indicative annual fee: $9,436

How is this calculated?

This is an estimate. The calculation is based on the average full-time enrolment for this course in 2026. All figures are indicative only for 2027. Actual tuition fees will depend on specific unit enrolment, and are subject to annual increases each year. You can find the complete fee details for each unit of study on the individual unit pages. The units for this course are found in the course structure section of this page.

These figures do not include other costs such as the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). For further information, please visit Scholarships, fees and costs.

HECS-HELP loans

You may be able to defer payment of the student contribution amount by accessing a HECS-HELP loan from the Government. If eligible, you’ll only have to pay your tuition fees once you start earning above a specific amount.

Further information on student loans and a CSP eligibility checker can be found at Australian Government Study Assist.

International students

2027 annual international student tuition fee: $22,088 AUD

The standard year of study for this course is 75 credit points.

Indicative total tuition fee for international students: $ 92,841 AUD.

This total tuition fee is indicative only. Please visit fees and costs for further information on how this is calculated.

International students are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the annual rate. International students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.

Domestic scholarships

Scholarships for domestic students

Each year, the University offers more than 900 awards to students from all walks of life, including: those who have achieved high academic results, those from low socio-economic backgrounds, students with sporting ability, students undertaking overseas study, and students with a disability.

Many of the scholarships listed below are made available through generous sponsorship from our industry partners. These scholarships are specifically for AMC students however there are many other University scholarships available for which AMC students can apply.

For information on all scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships page.

Applications for most awards commencing in Semester 1 open at the beginning of August and close strictly on 31 October in the year prior to study.

International scholarships

The University of Tasmania offers a range of scholarships for full fee-paying international students, designed to recognise academic merit and support access to university study.

For many of our international scholarships you will be automatically assessed when you submit your International Student Application, meaning no separate scholarship application is required. Some scholarships may require additional application steps. Explore our International Scholarships to learn more about available opportunities and application requirements.

Additional costs

Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Fees (not included in tuition fees)

Sea time Assessment / Oral Examination / Optional Short Courses / Sea Safety Certificate.
Find out more at the AMSA website.

How can we help?

Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.