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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

Hobart
Semester 1, Semester 2
Launceston
Semester 1, Semester 2

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.

Entry requirements

Location

Hobart
Semester 1, Semester 2
Launceston
Semester 1, Semester 2

I got into a few universities, but with Hobart having a really big international reputation, more marine scientists than any other city, and being a gateway city to Antarctica, this was the perfect place to do it in Australia. There’s no other university in the country where you can actively study an Antarctic science course.

Sahan Jayasinghe – Master of Marine and Antarctic Science graduate
Due to the ongoing response to COVID-19, online study may replace some or all of your on-campus classes. We'll be sure to keep you informed of any changes.

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.

This is the only masters degree in the world which uniquely 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 Master 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
  • One year project, individual research-based thesis or group industry-relevant project

You'll have the choice to study one of the following three streams: Marine Biology, Fisheries Management or Sustainable Aquaculture.

The course provides specialist streams for students to pursue in-depth learning in a particular area of marine science, paired with broader research methodology and a research project.

This course is designed to prepare students for a meaningful scientific career in industry or as a researcher. This is achieved 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.

Students will gain skills in scientific method as practiced by professional scientists. This includes exposure to the process of scholarly critique, collaboration and practical field, laboratory or industry operations. Upon graduation 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.

The skills gained will assist graduates in contributing to world issues such as seafood production and security, climate change and marine stewardship.

Many graduates continue into a higher research degree and conduct in-depth 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.

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.

Students who undertake the group project in their second year will also undertake an industry placement through the practicum unit.

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.

Find out more about Student Exchange.

Career outcomes

I researched universities in Australia for options, and read the units that they offered. I wanted to continue to study fisheries and the specific units offered in this course are not offered elsewhere. I developed my skills in areas like responsible fishing and fisheries population dynamics.

Muhammad Arif Rahman, Marine Science Master graduate

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.

The skills and knowledge you gain places you in a prime position to have a real impact on practices, processes and policies on a local, national or worldwide scale.

Our degrees provide graduates with specialised skills and an educational experience centred on ecological sustainability. Once graduated, students are able to contribute to the sustainable management of the marine environment, thereby increasing the total quality of life as described in Australia's National Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD).

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

The specialist streams in this course provide 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

Domestic students enrolled in certain postgraduate coursework programs may not be eligible for student payments through Youth Allowance and Austudy. Visit the Department of Social Services website to find out more about eligibility for Centrelink support and the list of eligible courses

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.

IMAS are offering 5 new Honours and Masters Scholarships to support students in 2021. For information on eligibility or other 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
Email
Course.Info@utas.edu.au
Online
Online enquiries

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