Overview 2020
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Our Graduate Diploma in Marine and Antarctic Science provides you with a solid coursework grounding in your chosen area of specialisation, and provides a pathway to move onto our Master of Marine and Antarctic Science.
This unique program combines world-leading marine science research with a focus on the southern ocean and Antarctica. You’ll have access to industry-leading facilities at the Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies (IMAS) and internationally recognised experts to help you kick-start your career.
The Graduate Diploma of Marine and Antarctic Science provides:
- Practical skills alongside theoretical studies to broaden your experience and give you the edge when it comes to employment
- More than lectures, labs and tutorials with study trip units that take learning to the Southern Ocean and into Australia's largest fisheries, aquaculture and seafood industries
- Contacts, work experience and research links in Australia's largest fisheries and aquaculture industries (based in Tasmania)
- Access to our international partner organisations and internationally recognised marine science organisations based in Tasmania
You'll have the choice to study one of the following three streams: Marine Biology, Fisheries Management or Sustainable Aquaculture.
Course objectives
The course provides specialist coursework streams for students to pursue in-depth learning in a particular area of marine science. This is supported with two subjects all students undertake in research methodology.
This course provides students with in-depth knowledge in their chosen area of coursework through a focus on both the quantitative elements of marine and Antarctic science as well as the application and translation of science into industry practice and management.
The skills gained will assist graduates in contributing to world issues such as seafood production and security, climate change and marine stewardship.
Graduates can choose to continue their study and articulate into the Master of Marine and Antarctic Science, and pursue 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.
Practical experience
Your university learning experience goes beyond lectures, labs and tutorials.
IMAS has strong relationships with international experts and industry-leading facilities including the Australian Antarctic Division, CSIRO, CCAMLR and Institut Polaire plus, as the only university in Tasmania, we have prime access to the broad range of fisheries and aquaculture businesses in the State.
During your study, you'll gain hands-on experience in field research techniques and laboratory methods as a large number of the units in this degree include field trips to marine reserves, fishing expeditions or visits to commercial aquaculture businesses throughout Tasmania.
Career outcomes
The University's Institute of Marine and Antarctic Science (IMAS) provides our students with access to some of the world's leading research facilities giving you the best career foundation.
With an annual value to Australia of approximately $40 billion and growing, graduates from the University of Tasmania are highly sought-after in a range of fields. The commercial fishing and aquaculture industry directly employs 7000 people in Australia and Tasmania is the country's largest commercial operator in this area.
The degree allows graduates to pursue exciting careers in marine and climate research, fisheries management, aquaculture, non-governmental organisations, environmental governance and all levels of government from local to global. It also allows students to undertake further study in the Master of Marine and Antarctic Science.
We have graduates working across the world in a variety of positions and organisations.
- Scientific Officer
- Coastal Community Engagement Officer
- Federal or State Government advisor (policy / environment)
- Antarctic Researcher – Australian Antarctic Division
- Marine Park Manager
- Commercial Diver
- Conservation Biologist
- Marine Biologist
- Australian Customs
- Fish Health Officer / Fisheries Biologist
- Aquarium Manager
- Aquaculturist / aquaculture entrepreneur
- Aquaculture farm manager
- Ice Core Chemist
- Climatologist
- Glaciologist
- Hatchery Technician
- Fisheries Management Officer
- Fishery Stock Assessment
- Quota Licensing Officer
- Fisheries Biologist
- Quality Assessment Technician
- Researcher or University Lecturer
Course structure
All students undertake two core research units (Research Methods in Marine and Antarctic Science and Literature Review) and choose a stream from: Marine Biology, Fisheries Management or Sustainable Aquaculture and undertake six specialist units.
Quantitative Marine Science
Core Units
Introduction to Higher Degree by Research will introduce PhD and Masters candidates to higher degrees by research (HDR) study at the University of Tasmania.Candidates will be introduced to a range of topics including what it means to be an HDR…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Winter school (late) | ||||
| Hobart | Spring school (extended) | ||||
| Hobart | 11 Week Session Apr | ||||
| Launceston | Winter school (late) | ||||
| Launceston | Spring school (extended) | ||||
| Launceston | 11 Week Session Feb | ||||
| Rozelle - Sydney | 11 Week Session Apr | ||||
View all details for XGR501 Introduction to Higher Degree by Research
Communicating Research introduces principles of academic writing and broad presentation skills to PhD and Masters candidates to higher degrees by research (HDR) study at the University of Tasmania.This unit will focus on a range of topics including: managing and reviewing…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Winter school (late) | ||||
| Hobart | Spring school (extended) | ||||
| Hobart | 11 Week Session Apr | ||||
| Launceston | Winter school (late) | ||||
| Launceston | Spring school (extended) | ||||
| Launceston | 11 Week Session Feb | ||||
| Rozelle - Sydney | 11 Week Session Apr | ||||
The purpose of this unit is to give new students an introduction to the QMS program and to bring all students up to a basic level of specialized computing skill. Students will be taught how to use a widely used…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for QMS510 Introduction to Quantitative Marine Science
This unit presents a range of advanced statistical and data analysis techniques used in the marine sciences for students with an existing background in quantitative analysis. The course covers concepts of generalised linear models (GLMs), generalised additive models (GAMs), Bayes…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
Elective Units
The purpose of this unit is to introduce physical oceanographic concepts, including the ocean's circulation and physical structure to students with a broad background in university level physics and mathematics. The unit will cover seawater properties, instruments and observing platforms,…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Winter school (late) | ||||
This unit covers biogeochemical processes that influence the marine carbon cycle, including its role in the control of atmospheric CO2 concentrations and the influence of CO2 emissions in increasing the acidity of the ocean. The course applies chemical approaches to…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
This unit discusses the science behind management of fisheries, and introduces key concepts in fisheries population dynamics, assessment of fisheries stocks, interpreting data from tagged fish, ecosystem interactions with fisheries, fishery economics, and assessing fishery impacts.…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
The unit covers the structure, functioning and dynamics of marine ecosystems through a modelling approach. This knowledge of and approach to studying marine ecosystems is fundamental to informed management of marine natural resources, marine conservation, and assessment of the health,…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
View all details for QMS514 Structure and Function of Marine and Antarctic Ecosystems
Satellite remote sensing has revolutionised the way that marine scientists can study the ocean and the physical and biological processes that are present. Students will gain knowledge of relevant satellites, sensors and techniques that are useful in marine research.…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | 5 Week Session Feb B | ||||
This unit covers the concepts and techniques used to make formal comparison of alternative options for management of marine systems and resources. As there are generally several ways to model a given system and different approaches to specific management issues…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
View all details for QMS516 Management Strategy Evaluation and Risk Assessment
Quantitative Antarctic Science
Core Units
Introduction to Higher Degree by Research will introduce PhD and Masters candidates to higher degrees by research (HDR) study at the University of Tasmania.Candidates will be introduced to a range of topics including what it means to be an HDR…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Winter school (late) | ||||
| Hobart | Spring school (extended) | ||||
| Hobart | 11 Week Session Apr | ||||
| Launceston | Winter school (late) | ||||
| Launceston | Spring school (extended) | ||||
| Launceston | 11 Week Session Feb | ||||
| Rozelle - Sydney | 11 Week Session Apr | ||||
View all details for XGR501 Introduction to Higher Degree by Research
Communicating Research introduces principles of academic writing and broad presentation skills to PhD and Masters candidates to higher degrees by research (HDR) study at the University of Tasmania.This unit will focus on a range of topics including: managing and reviewing…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Winter school (late) | ||||
| Hobart | Spring school (extended) | ||||
| Hobart | 11 Week Session Apr | ||||
| Launceston | Winter school (late) | ||||
| Launceston | Spring school (extended) | ||||
| Launceston | 11 Week Session Feb | ||||
| Rozelle - Sydney | 11 Week Session Apr | ||||
The purpose of this unit is to introduce students to the role of the cryosphere in the global climate system and to fundamental glaciological concepts. This will include the transformation of snow to ice, mass balance, ice flow, properties of…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
View all details for QAS501 Introduction to Glaciology and Sea-Ice.
The purpose of this unit is to introduce students to Antarctic terrestrial and near-shore ecosystems and their regional significance. Concepts covered will include biodiversity and biogeography, adaptations to the cold, global and local impacts on ecosystems. Driving forces that influence…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
View all details for QAS502 Introduction to Antarctic Terrestrial and Near-Shore Ecosystems
Elective Units (four from the following list)
This unit covers aspects of acoustic, radio and satellite telemetry along with archival tag technology. Specific examples will be drawn from satellite tracking of marine mammals and birds in the Southern Ocean. Acoustic telemetry will cover specific examples of continental…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | 5 Week Session Aug | ||||
The purpose of this unit is to give new students an introduction to the QMS program and to bring all students up to a basic level of specialized computing skill. Students will be taught how to use a widely used…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for QMS510 Introduction to Quantitative Marine Science
The purpose of this unit is to introduce physical oceanographic concepts, including the ocean's circulation and physical structure to students with a broad background in university level physics and mathematics. The unit will cover seawater properties, instruments and observing platforms,…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Winter school (late) | ||||
This unit covers biogeochemical processes that influence the marine carbon cycle, including its role in the control of atmospheric CO2 concentrations and the influence of CO2 emissions in increasing the acidity of the ocean. The course applies chemical approaches to…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
This unit discusses the science behind management of fisheries, and introduces key concepts in fisheries population dynamics, assessment of fisheries stocks, interpreting data from tagged fish, ecosystem interactions with fisheries, fishery economics, and assessing fishery impacts.…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
The unit covers the structure, functioning and dynamics of marine ecosystems through a modelling approach. This knowledge of and approach to studying marine ecosystems is fundamental to informed management of marine natural resources, marine conservation, and assessment of the health,…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
View all details for QMS514 Structure and Function of Marine and Antarctic Ecosystems
Satellite remote sensing has revolutionised the way that marine scientists can study the ocean and the physical and biological processes that are present. Students will gain knowledge of relevant satellites, sensors and techniques that are useful in marine research.…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | 5 Week Session Feb B | ||||
This unit covers the concepts and techniques used to make formal comparison of alternative options for management of marine systems and resources. As there are generally several ways to model a given system and different approaches to specific management issues…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
View all details for QMS516 Management Strategy Evaluation and Risk Assessment
This unit presents a range of advanced statistical and data analysis techniques used in the marine sciences for students with an existing background in quantitative analysis. The course covers concepts of generalised linear models (GLMs), generalised additive models (GAMs), Bayes…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
XGR504 will provide the postgraduate researcher with a greater understanding of the diversity, capability and applicability of the specialist analytical equipment housed within the Central Science Laboratory (CSL). The unit will include an introductory overview of CSL capabilities followed by…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Full Year Period | ||||
View all details for XGR504 Advanced Analytical Techniques (CSL)
Entry requirements
Admission Prerequisites
To be admitted to study the Graduate Diploma of Marine and Antarctic Science you will need an Australian Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent qualification at a recognised tertiary institution with a major in life sciences (such as biology, chemistry, environmental science, zoology, plant science, marine biology, ecology etc).
International Students
All international applicants will need to meet the International General Entrance Requirements.
For those applicants who are nationals of and currently residing in a country where English is NOT the official language, evidence of an IELTS or TOEFL test must be provided. The Graduate Diploma of Marine and Antarctic Science requires an IELTS (Academic) of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0)
You will also need to meet any course specific requirements with recognised qualifications, or equivalent experience. More information is available at the international future students website.
Articulation from
Credit for appropriate equivalent studies completed in other university courses may be granted. You can apply for advanced standing as part of the application process.
Please contact us for further information.
Articulation to
Graduates of the Graduate Diploma of Marine and Antarctic Science can articulate into the Master of Marine and Antarctic Science with one year credit.
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
Domestic students enrolled in a full fee paying place are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the fees you pay for each unit you enrol in. Full fee paying domestic students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.
Detailed tuition fee information for domestic students is available at the Domestic Student Fees website, including additional information in relation to a compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
International students
2020 Total Course Fee (international students): $33,950 AUD*.
Course cost based on a rate of $33,950 AUD per standard, full-time year of study (100 credit points).
* Please note that this is an indicative fee only.
International students
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.
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.
For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.
Applications for most awards that commence in Semester 1 open at the beginning of August and close strictly on 31 October in the year prior to study.
International students
There is a large range of scholarships, bursaries and fee discounts available for international students studying at the University of Tasmania. For more information on these, visit the Tasmanian International Scholarships (TIS) website.
How can we help?
Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.
- Domestic
- 1300 363 864
- International
- +61 3 6226 6200
- Course.Info@utas.edu.au
- Online
- Online enquiries