Overview 2021
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As a gateway to Antarctica and with a natural marine laboratory on your doorstep, the University of Tasmania provides an ideal base to study for a career in marine biology and the fisheries and aquaculture industries.
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 marine science 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.
We have graduates working across the world in a variety of positions and organisations.
Career opportunities (dependent on field of study)
- 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
Further Study Opportunities
Upon completion of the Graduate Diploma in Marine and Antarctic Science, students can articulate into the Master of Marine and Antarctic Science.
The masters program provides a clear pathway for students who are interested in undertaking a research higher degree such as a PhD in their specialist area. IMAS is the perfect place to undertake further study, with supervisors who are international experts with global connections.
Course structure
Entry requirements
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
International students
International students should refer to the International Students course fees page to get an indicative course cost.
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
- 13 8827 (13 UTAS)
- International
- +61 3 6226 6200
- Course.Info@utas.edu.au
- Online
- Online enquiries