Marine and Antarctic Science

Become a highly trained professional, able to effectively contribute to the understanding, management and conservation of the world’s marine environments.

Course options

Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science

Connect with the world's best researchers

Learn alongside the world's best marine and Antarctic science researchers.

Engage with the thriving aquaculture industry

Work closely with Tasmania’s thriving sustainable aquaculture industry.

Work placement and industry tours

Take advantage of opportunities for work placement and industry tours with local and international partners..

Tasmania is the best place in the world to study Marine and Antarctic Science

Our Marine and Antarctic Science degree is the only one of its kind in Australia and is offered at one of the best places in the world for temperate marine studies. It gives you the skills and knowledge for a career in the exciting, growing and globally critical marine, fisheries, aquaculture, and Antarctic sectors.

You will study a series of core units that ensure you have a multidisciplinary understanding of the marine environment. Topics include marine resource management, marine and Antarctic ecosystems, and how the ocean currents are influenced by and influence the global climate system. You will also develop essential skills in mapping and learn to use data to develop and test ideas and draw conclusions.

In addition to this core learning, will also choose from one of our five exciting majors, each of which enable you to focus on a specific area of marine and Antarctic science, and which are built around our deep understanding of the environment and our world-leading research strengths.

Study options in this degree

A major is an area of focus in your degree. During your studies, you’ll choose an area that interests you, and then study a group of units related to that area. Find out more at What is a Major?

Learn the role of marine plants and animals in marine ecosystems. Offered at a world class specialist research and teaching institute, your classroom can include everything from Tasmania’s giant kelp forests and thriving aquaculture industry to the entire Southern Ocean.

A booming world population is placing significant stress on the Southern Ocean. This major gives you the qualifications to work towards meeting marine resource challenges now and in the future.

Solving complex geopolitical environmental issues requires an understanding of the science at their core. You’ll also learn to communicate with government and inform policy. Take a multidisciplinary approach to learning with topics ranging from Marine Ecology to Law and International Relations.

Study ocean currents, changing temperatures and rising sea levels. You’ll also explore the ocean’s role in the climate system, gaining the skills to work as an oceanographer, climate or weather modeller anywhere in the world.

Sustainability is the future of aquaculture. Designed with industry needs in mind, this major gives you the knowledge and skills to create innovative processes to benefit the industry. Tasmania’s leading aquaculture experts are actively involved in the development and teaching of the course, covering all aspects of the industry.

Further study options

For honours course information, please visit the Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science with honours.

Visit the Marine and Antarctic Postgraduate page for postgraduate study options. These postgraduate courses combine marine science with a focus on the Southern Ocean and Antarctic, providing an ideal study experience for a career in marine biology and the fisheries and aquaculture industries.

Find out more about what you'll study, entry requirements, fees and scholarships - and to apply.

Visit the course page

Career opportunities

Careers relating to Marine and Antarctic Science are growing across many industries. Here are some of the top careers projected to grow in the next five years^.

21.5%

Natural and Physical Science Professionals

Predicted job growth to 2025

7.7%

Environmental
Scientists

Predicted job growth to 2025

15.1%

Professional, Scientific and Technical Services

Predicted job growth to 2025

Applied science careers

Marine resource managers help guide the use of our strained oceans and ecosystems, while the sustainable aquaculture industry is helping to sustainably feed the world. Through applied applications, your passion for marine and Antarctic studies can drive local changes for global benefits.

Studying marine and Antarctic science leads to a variety of hands-on careers including hatchery managers, aquaculture divers, technicians and fisheries management officers.

Research careers

This degree provides a clear pathway for students to undertake postgraduate and PhD study. It can also lead to employment through local industry connections. The Australian Antarctic Program Partnership between the University of Tasmania, CSIRO, the Bureau of Meteorology and the Australian Antarctic Division employs PhD students, early-career researchers and technicians working with senior scientists.

^ National Skills Commission five year projections from November 2020 to November 2025.