()

Overview  2021

Entry Requirements

See entry requirements

Duration

Minimum

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

This course may not be available to international students. Please see the list of distance courses (i.e. online and taken outside Australia) that are offered to international students

"I would 100% recommend studying at IMAS. It provides an excellent basis for making connections within the scientific community, the facilities are amazing, and the research and volunteer opportunities are unmatched!”

Kat Stuart
Marine and Antarctic Science student
Please visit the new Catalyst webpage for the latest information about the program.
Due to the circumstances around COVID-19, you will begin your studies online. However, when Government guidelines change, on-campus studies will be reintroduced.

Are you a high-achiever with a passion for marine and antarctic science?

The Marine and Antarctic Science Catalyst Program combines a Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science with extra experiences, activities and opportunities. It was created for outstanding students, just like you.

Marine environments cover the globe, and so we provide a globally connected education. You can apply for the Overseas Exchange Program and spend a semester learning at one of our international partner institutions. If you're accepted to the program, you'll be automatically supported by a $2,500 scholarship.

You can also apply for a Summer Research Project where you will work with a supervisor on a research topic of your choice. Again, upon being accept for a project you'll be supported by an automatic $3,000 scholarship.

You can even graduate with a custom built, multidisciplinary second degree, the high achiever academic extension Bachelor of Philosophy at no extra cost, with just a few additional units.

There is a $7,500 relocation scholarship available for domestic interstate students moving to Tasmania, and a $3,000 bursary for Tasmanian students to support the start of University studies.

If you want to get the most out of your University experience, set yourself apart in your chosen field, and give yourself an edge for future employment, the Marine and Antarctic Science Catalyst Program is for you.

The Marine and Antarctic Science Catalyst Program gives you a globally relevant education including hands-on research experience and enriching overseas exchange and education opportunities.

In this degree you can choose your specialty: follow a research-oriented path at our Hobart campus, or focus on the more applied sciences and aquaculture in Launceston. We have five specialisations that cross the spectrum of these disciplines, which means that there really are options for everyone.

Choose from one of the following specialisations:

  1. Marine and Antarctic Governance (Hobart)
  2. Marine Biology (Hobart)
  3. Marine Resource Management (Launceston)
  4. Physical Oceanography (Hobart)
  5. Sustainable Aquaculture (Launceston).

All our study options provide specialised skills and an educational experience centred on ecological sustainability. Overall, this degree prepares students for meaningful scientific careers in industry, or as researchers. The skills gained can lead toward contributing to world issues such as food security, climate change, and marine stewardship.

You will gain skills in data collection, analysis and presentation to interpret marine processes and patterns. You will be able to critically analyse and solve problems, communicate outcomes to a range of audiences, and explain the role of marine and Antarctic science in society.

We are pleased to offer industry-leading facilities at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) and the chance to study alongside internationally recognised experts. You will also have the chance to undertake study at any of our partner institutions across the globe, and work with a broad range of world-leading scientific organisations that have chosen to base themselves in Tasmania.

Many graduates continue into postgraduate study and conduct research in IMAS' key research areas of oceanography and cryosphere, fisheries and aquaculture, ecology and biodiversity, climate change, oceans and Antarctic governance and ocean-earth systems.

Your university learning experience goes beyond lectures, labs and tutorials with study opportunities that take learning to nature’s classroom: the Southern Ocean.

Your learning experiences also benefit from our strong relationships and proximity to international experts and industry-leading facilities including the Australian Antarctic DivisionCSIROCCAMLR and Institut Polaire. You will have the opportunities to pursue work experience and research projects with these organisations, including coastal field trips to the Southern Ocean.

Immerse yourself in our living laboratory

The University of Tasmania has with six diverse ecosystems all within 30 minutes of the IMAS campus. We’re the gateway to Antarctica and, as the birthplace of the green movement, celebrate our biodiversity and environmental sustainability in everything we do. Your proximity to a wide range of pristine, diverse environments, and the researchers who travel from around the world to work in them, give you unparalleled practical field experience while you study, plus it makes Tasmania an amazing place to live.

Study overseas as part of your degree

Never mind a gap year when you can travel and study overseas and have it count towards your degree! The University exchange program provides students with the opportunity to gain an international experience as part of their current degree, with 150 partner institutes globally across 30+ countries, there is a program type for everyone offering programs from semester length to just 2 week international stints.

The exchange is typically undertaken in your second year, and you'll be fully supported by our dedicated Student Mobility team all the way. Upon successful application to the semester exchange, Catalyst students automatically receive a $3,000 scholarship to assist with costs. Other financial assistance is available for both domestic and international students.

Find out more by visiting the Student Mobility website.

Summer research project

Regardless if you choose to pursue a career in research, the Summer Research Project is a great way to set yourself apart for your future career. You apply to conduct a six to eight week research program on a topic of your choice during the summer, typically between your second and third year. If your is successful, Catalyst students receive a guaranteed $3,000 to assist with costs!

You have the advantage of working in some of Australia's best facilities, with access to leading researchers in whatever field of study you're interested in. This may become a pre-cursor to an honours year, or a great experience to add to your CV, either way it's putting you ahead when it comes to starting your career.

Tasmania has thriving aquaculture and marine research sectors for you to engage with and learn from while you study.

We offer opportunities for placements and research projects within businesses, non-government organisations, and research centres. Our deep connections across the entire industry mean we can connect you with best-practice businesses exporting to the world, or globally connected policy setters, or research centres undertaking world-leading study, so you not only gain direct, first-hand experience, you gain valuable networks to build towards your future career.

Work placement and experience opportunities are available for all study options, so you know you can get a practical, industry connected education regardless which path you follow.

Career outcomes

"My University of Tasmania qualification was essential for gaining my career as a Feed Trials Technician at Huon Aquaculture.

This degree required several weeks of work placement which resulted in gaining employment in my current role shortly after graduation."

Andy Hilliard
Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science graduate

Your Marine and Antarctic Science learning experience goes beyond lectures, labs and tutorials, ensuring you graduate with significant practical experience in a range of ecosystems, facilities, and environments, preparing you to meet the challenges of your future career.

The "Blue Economy" is projected to contribute $100 billion annually to Australia's economy by 2025. Graduates from this course will be highly sought-after in a range of fields of this thriving sector, including in marine and freshwater research, oceanography, fisheries and climate research, environmental conservation, environmental governance and management and policy.

The skills and knowledge you learn could see you have a real impact on practices, processes and policies on a local, national or worldwide scale, and we have graduates working around the globe in a variety of positions and organisations.

  • Scientific Officer
  • Antarctic Researcher – Australian Antarctic Division
  • Coastal Community Engagement Officer
  • Marine Park Manager
  • Aquarium Manager
  • Fisheries Biologist
  • Commercial Diver
  • Fish Health Officer
  • Conservation Biologist
  • Marine Biologist
  • Federal or State Government advisor (policy / environment)
  • Ice Core Chemist
  • Climatologist
  • Glaciologist
  • Remote Sensing Scientist
  • Researcher
  • University Lecturer
Further study opportunities

The five specialist streams also provide clear pathways for students to undertake postgraduate and PhD study.

The Antarctic Gateway Partnership between the University of Tasmania, CSIRO and the Australian Antarctic Division employs PhD students, early-career researchers and technicians working with senior scientists at the largest Southern Hemisphere Antarctic and oceans research hub. This research provides a gateway for Antarctic research, education, innovation and logistics, and their related careers and enhances Tasmania's reputation as a global leader in Antarctic and Southern Ocean science.

Course structure

Entry requirements

Fees & scholarships

Domestic students

Scholarships

Catalyst Program scholarships
Interstate relocation scholarship (domestic students only)

There is a guaranteed $7,500 relocation scholarship available to domestic students who are relocating from interstate to Tasmania, and are commencing the Catalyst Program for the first time.

The scholarship will be delivered as $2,500 per semester for your first three semesters, provided you are fully enrolled in the Catalyst Program at census date, have successfully passed all your units in each semester.

Tasmanian Catalyst scholarship (domestic students only)

There is a $3,000 bursary available to domestic students from Tasmania to support the commencement of their university studies. The scholarship will be delivered as $1,500 per semester for your first two semesters, provided you are fully enrolled in the Catalyst Program at census date and have successfully passed all your units in each semester

Tasmanian International Scholarship (TIS) (international students only)

The Tasmanian International Scholarship (TIS) provides commencing international students with a 25% reduction in registered tuition fees for the duration of their course (provided satisfactory grades are maintained).

Overseas Exchange Scholarship

The College of Sciences and Engineering will give you a guaranteed $2,500 to assist with costs upon successfully applying for a semester overseas exchange. Note that other sources of funding are also available, including additional scholarships, funds through the Commonwealth OS Help Program and (if eligible). Domestic students can still claim Centrelink payments.

Dean's Summer Research Program

Typically taken in the summer of your third year, you have the opportunity to participate in a six to eight week research program working on a topic of your choice. You will work alongside your supervisor and graduate research students to gain experience in identifying and solving research programs. If your project is accepted for the program. You will need to apply to the program, and if successful, will receive a guaranteed $3,000 scholarship to assist with costs.

Additional scholarships

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.

Although you receive guaranteed scholarships as part of the Catalyst Program, you can still apply for others. 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.

Important eligibility information

Program participants will be required to fulfil all the Bachelor of Natural Environment and Wilderness Studies and, if applicable, Bachelor of Philosophy requirements.

How can we help?

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
Online
Online enquiries

Next steps