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

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Overview (2027)

Key Information

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)

23 February (Semester 1)

6 July (Semester 2)

n/a

Watchkeeper – Deck

(Year 2)

2 February AMC MT Main Block 1)

15 June AMC MT Main Block 3

n/a

RAN (Year 2)

15 June AMC MT Main Block 3

n/a

Mate/Master Less than 500GT (Year 2)

2 February (AMC MT Main Block 1)

15 June AMC MT Main Block 3

 

Chief Mate Master – Deck (Year 3)

2 February (AMC MT Main Block 1)

15 June AMC MT Main Block 3

n/a

Conversion

 

23 February (Semester 1)

6 July (Semester 2)

Watch our course information webinar

Thinking of studying this course in 2025 and want to learn more? This webinar explores course structures, career opportunities, and the student experience to support your study journey.

Watch now

  • 1 Manage ship navigation, cargo handling and storage using nautical concepts and principles to ensure ship safety
  • 2 Assess and solve nautical problems in standard operational and emergency scenarios, by analysing and interpreting a range of data sources and meeting stakeholder requirements
  • 3 Ensure the safe operation of a ship and care for its people by applying management theories and leaderships skills required as a ship Master
  • 4 Execute Professional stewardship through the use of ethical codes and regulatory frameworks to maintain the safety of persons and the protection of the environment

Immerse yourself in the Southern Hemisphere’s most advanced maritime and research facilities.

The Australian Maritime College’s specialist facilities are used by students, researchers, defence organisations, government bodies, and international industry partners to innovate and develop new designs, undertake research to improve efficiency, and safety train seafarers and students.

As an undergraduate you will take full advantage of our world class facilities as a mandatory part of your studies. This both empowers you to confidently and safety operate vessels and develops a holistic understanding of your role in the broader maritime industry.

On completion of relevant phases of study, you will be eligible to undertake the AMSA examinations. Upon successful completion, you will acquire the required certificate of competency to serve on ships. This means when you study at AMC, you'll get real-world, hands-on experience that is unmatched.

Study overseas at one of our partner institutions

Our international exchange program offers opportunities to study at universities around the world, and it counts towards your degree. Exchange can allow you to have an affordable educational and cultural experience in a foreign country for a semester, or a full year. To facilitate this, we offer a range of scholarships and financial assistance. You may also be eligible for OS-HELP Loans or scholarship funding to assist with their airfares, accommodation and other expenses.

Alternative Virtual Exchange Opportunities can be found on our Virtual Overseas Experiences tab. For more information please contact Global.Mobility@utas.edu.au

Find out more about Student Exchange.

Become a Student Ambassador

Improve your communication, teamwork and leadership skills, meet new people, inspire and help others, and developing lasting friendships and networks as a student ambassador. Our ambassadors proudly represent the University throughout Tasmania in schools, at University and community events, and support a range of recruitment and engagement activities. Through the Student Ambassador Program you will have many opportunities for training and professional development, experience in real-world community engagement and outreach, networking, and public speaking, plus end up with a key point of distinction on your CV.

Sea-time is a built-in phase of your AMC seafaring qualification. Work-based training is a work integrated learning opportunity linking academic learning with its practical application in the workplace. Students are required to complete the following units during their qualifying sea-time: JVD219 Shipboard Operational Experience (Deck) 1 and JVD223 Shipboard Experience (Deck).

Seafaring students must gain employment as a trainee marine deck officer (cadet) with a shipping company in order 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).

On completion of the relevant phases of study, you will be eligible to undertake the AMSA final examination. Upon successful completion, you will be eligible for the relevant certificate of competency to serve on ships.

Our long-standing links with industry ensure that our courses are relevant to you as a graduate while meeting the needs of employers and the broader maritime industry. Each AMC course is informed by an Industry Advisory Committee. Membership of the advisory committee includes industry leaders, associations and past graduates.

Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA)

The Bachelor of Applied Science (Nautical Science) and nested Advanced Diploma of Applied Science (Nautical Science) is approved by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) for eligibility towards the following Certificates of Competency: Watchkeeper Deck, Mate/Master Less than 500GT, Chief Mate and Master Class 1.

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

(Year 1 Entry)

Schools Recommendation Program

Australian year 12 students can apply for this course via our Schools Recommendation Program (SRP). Rather than an ATAR, your application is based on a recommendation by your school teachers. This can factor in your year 11 results, an assessment of your capabilities, and other considerations.

Through the SRP, you can receive and accept an offer prior to completing year 12. You will still need to finish your year 12 studies – including any exams – to commence your studies. In addition, this course requires you to pass specific pre-requisite subjects in Year 12 (or equivalent), see below for details.

If you don’t receive an offer for this course through the Schools Recommendation Program, you will be re-assessed for a higher preference offer once your ATAR is released.

Applicants who have recently completed secondary education (Year 12)

Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers are made based on the number of places available. In 2026, the lowest ATAR to receive an offer into this course was 60.1. The lowest ATAR to receive an offer may change from year to year based on the number of applications we receive.

Applicants who have recently completed senior secondary studies but have not received an ATAR may still be eligible for admission. We will consider your individual subject results on a case-by-case basis when we assess your application.

Applicants with higher education study

To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have:

  • Partially completed an undergraduate course at Diploma level or higher (or equivalent). Applicants must have completed at least two units of study (equivalent to 25 University of Tasmania credit points). If an applicant has failed any units, the application may be subject to further review before an offer is made; OR
  • Completed the University of Tasmania University Preparation Program (or an equivalent qualification offered by an Australian university).

Applicants with VET/TAFE study

To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have completed a Certificate IV (or equivalent) in any discipline.  

Applications on the basis of work or life experience

This course does not accept applications based on work or life experience.

Subject Prerequisites

These prerequisites apply to students from all educational backgrounds.

To be an eligible for an offer, you must have completed studies or have experience equivalent to a satisfactory achievement in the following Tasmanian Senior Secondary subjects:

  • General Mathematics (MTG315123) or equivalent; and
  • Physical Sciences (PSC315118) or equivalent (equivalency includes CHM415115 Chemistry OR PHY415115 Physics)
  • Plus Australian Year 10 pass in English (or equivalent) or higher is required.

You can enquire online for information on interstate and international equivalents to the Tasmanian senior secondary subject above. If you have not met this prerequisite, you will need to complete a UTAS foundation unit before you start your course.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATION

We believe university education should be an option for everyone, no matter your background. If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors, including economic hardship, a serious medical condition, or disability.

We can only approve applications for special consideration if we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the University admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course. Special consideration is not available for international applicants.

Alternate Pathway 1 (Year 2 Entry)

Completion of AMSA approved Pre-Sea Deck training

  • evidence of minimum of 6 months sea- time on vessels greater than or equal to 500 GT on company letterhead   AND
  • evidence of completion of an AMSA approved monitored on board training program. (Task and Guided Study workbooks)

Or

Completion of approved Pre-Sea Deck training (Year 2 Entry)

  • evidence of 24 months sea- time on vessels greater than or equal to 500 GT on company letterhead   AND
  • evidence of completion of AMSA approved monitored on board training program. (Task and Guided Study workbooks)

OR

Holding a Certificate of Proficiency as Integrated Rating (Year 2 Entry)

  • completion of 24 m sea- time as per Marine Order 71 AND
  • completion of an AMSA approved monitored on board training program for Integrated Rating. (Task and Guided Study workbooks)

OR

Completion of 36 months sea-Time as per Marine Order 71 (Year 2 Entry)

Or

Holding any of the following qualifications (Year 2 Entry)

  • Unrestricted Master Class 5
  • Unrestricted Master <24m NC (Near Coastal) COC (Certificate of Competency)
  • Unrestricted Master Class 4
  • Unrestricted Master <35m NC (Near Coastal) COC (Certificate of Competency)

Or

Holders with alternate AMSA Qualifications (Year 2 Entry)

Holders with Alternate AMSA Domestic Qualifications as per Mo 71 and 74. All applicants to alternative entry points and pathways will be reviewed by admissions on an individual basis.

Or

Alternate Pathway 2 (Year 2 and Entry Domestic Only)

RAN officers holding a Bridge Warfare Certificate.

Alternate Pathway 3 (Year 3 Entry)

Holders of Watchkeeper Deck Certificate of Competency

  • Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Deck Watchkeeper Certificate of Competency OR
  • Diploma of Applied Science (Mate/Master <500GT) OR
  • Equivalent qualification

Alternate Pathway 4 (Conversion Degree Pathway)

Students must have completed STCW Management level (Master Class 1 / STCW A-II/2) studies and:

hold a Master Class 1, Chief Mate or Watchkeeper Deck Certificate of Competency

 

COURSE PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS 

This course includes compulsory Work Integrated Learning (professional experience placements). In order to participate in placements, all students must:

  • Complete a Safe to Practice Agreement declaring they have the medical, physical or psychological capacity to safely participate in professional experience practice. 

English Language Requirements

This degree requires an IELTS (Academic) of 6.0, with no individual band less than 5.5, or a PTE Academic score of 50, with no score lower than 42 or equivalent.

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.

See the English Language Requirements page for more information.

General Entry Requirements

Admission to undergraduate courses at the University of Tasmania requires the completion of qualifications equivalent to a year 12 education in Australia.

Please review the equivalent undergraduate entry requirements to see the minimum requirement relevant to your country. The ATAR information for this course is located in the “For Domestic Students” section of the entry requirements on this page.

You can also meet the General Entry Requirement for this course with the following qualifications or prior studies:

  • Completion of an equivalent AQF Certificate IV or above
  • Complete or incomplete (minimum 25 credit points) of previous tertiary study at Diploma level or higher

Course Specific Requirements

These prerequisites apply to students from all educational backgrounds.

To be an eligible for an offer, you must have completed studies or have experience equivalent to a satisfactory achievement in the following Tasmanian Senior Secondary subjects:

  • General Mathematics (MTG315123) or equivalent; and
  • Physical Sciences (PSC315118) or equivalent (equivalency includes CHM415115 Chemistry OR PHY415115 Physics)
  • Plus Australian Year 10 pass in English (or equivalent) or higher is required.

You can enquire online for information on interstate and international equivalents to the Tasmanian senior secondary subject above. If you have not met this prerequisite, you will need to complete a UTAS foundation unit before you start your course.

COURSE PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS 

This course includes compulsory Work Integrated Learning (professional experience placements). In order to participate in placements, all students must:

  • Complete a Safe to Practice Agreement declaring they have the medical, physical or psychological capacity to safely participate in professional experience practice. 

How to apply for a credit transfer

Applications for credit can be made in your course application. Find out more information about how to apply for a credit transfer/advanced standing at Recognition of Prior Learning.

Talk to us on 13 8827 or enquire online about your credit transfer.

Students who have completed The Advanced Diploma of Applied Science (Nautical Science) can articulate to this degree with full credit.

Professional pathways are also available for Seafarers with qualified sea time to enter this degrees in 2nd or 3rd year.

  • Seafarers with qualified sea time may be eligible to enrol directly into Year 2 and qualify as a Deck Watchkeeper on completion of Phase 3.
  • Seafarers with qualified sea time and a Deck Watchkeeper licence may be eligible to enrol directly into Year 3 and qualify as Chief/ Mate Master on completion of Phase 5.

 

If you successfully complete this course, you may be also be eligible to apply for a range of other postgraduate courses including Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas and Masters by coursework and research. 

If you meet the minimum ATAR but haven't completed the required pre-requisite unit(s), we offer foundation units to help you bridge the gap. Many run in spring and summer school so you can meet a prerequisite and not delay the start of your Bachelor level studies. HECS scholarships may also be available for domestic students.

If you do not meet the minimum ATAR you should consider enrolment in the Diploma of University Studies (Science Specialisation), which includes the mathematics and chemistry foundation units, as a pathway to this degree:

If you do not meet the University General Entry Requirements, you should consider enrolment in the Diploma of University Studies or the University Preparation Program.

Students meeting the specified entry requirements may be admitted to the course according to one of the pathways listed below:

Watchkeeper Deck
  • Completion of AMSA approved Pre Sea Deck training (or equivalent) including evidence of minimum of 6 months sea-time on vessels greater than or equal to 500GT on company letterhead AND evidence of completion of approved monitored on board training program. (Task and Guided Study workbooks) OR
  • Certificate of Proficiency as Integrated Rating and completion of 24 months sea-time as per Marine Order 71, and completion of an approved monitored on board training program for Integrated Rating. (Task and Guided Study workbooks) OR
  • Completion of 36 months sea-time as per Marine Order 71.
Watchkeeper Deck - RAN Bridging (domestic students only)
  • RAN Bridge Watchkeeping / Warfare Certificate (BWC)
Mate / Master < 500GT
  • Unrestricted Master Class 5 OR
  • Unrestricted Master <24m NC (Near Coastal) COC (Certificate of Competency) OR
  • Unrestricted Master Class 4 OR
  • Hold or have held an Unrestricted Master <35m NC (Near Coastal) COC (Certificate of Competency)
Chief Mate / Master
  • Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Deck Watchkeeper Certificate of Competency OR
  • Diploma of Applied Science (Mate/Master <500GT) OR
  • Equivalent qualification
Conversion Pathway
  • Master Class 1 OR

  • Students must have completed STCW Management level (Master Class 1 / STCW A-II/2) studies and:  hold a Master Class 1, Chief Mate or Watchkeeper Deck Certificate of Competency

  • Note: must have studied up to STCW Management level prior to commencement of the conversion pathway

OR

Western Australia’s South Metropolitan TAFE (SM TAFE) Advanced Diploma of Maritime Operations to Bachelor of Applied Science (Nautical Science)

The conversion pathway provides an opportunity for Australian and International Ship Officers to convert their existing professional and academic qualifications to a Bachelor of Applied Science (Nautical Science).

To be eligible students must have completed: STCW Management level (Master Class 1/ STCW A-II/2) studies; and MAR60315 Advanced Diploma of Maritime Operations (Master Unlimited).

The following additional AMSA pathways are now also offered within the 22Q Advanced Diploma of Applied Science (Nautical Science) / 23Q Bachelor of Applied Science (Nautical Science).

AMSA Pathway Entry Requirement* Marine Order
DWK <3000 GT (Yachts) As per WKD (see entry requirements above) 74
Chief Mate <3000 GT (Yachts) As per WKD with complete WKD - Y studies (see entry requirements above) 74
Master <500 GT (Yachts) WKD <300 GT CoC 74
Master <3000 GT (Yachts) Master <500GT CoC 74
DWK <500 GT As per WKD (see entry requirements above) 71
Master <24m FG As per MM <500 GT 71

*An Qualifyng Seagong Service (QSS) letter from AMSA may also be accepted.

In all cases, contact us to discuss an option best suited to your needs.

Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.

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 website.

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.

Course year 2027

View 2026 course information

View 2025 course information

View previous years course information

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

Domestic

13 8827 (13 UTAS)

International

+61 3 6226 6200

Email

Course.Info@utas.edu.au

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