Marine and Antarctic Science
Are you interested in becoming a highly trained scientist, researcher, or leader in industries, academic institutions, government and communities across the world?
At the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), we deliver exciting, innovative and globally relevant education programs.
IMAS offers the only master’s degree in the world that combines marine science with a focus on the Southern Ocean and Antarctica. This specialised course will provide you with a strong grounding in coursework and a year-long research project.
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.
Course Options
Master of Marine and Antarctic Science
2 years min, 5 years max
Hobart CRICOS 096366J
View course details Master of Marine and Antarctic Science
Graduate Diploma of Marine and Antarctic Science
1 year min, 3 years max
Hobart CRICOS 096367G
View course details Graduate Diploma of Marine and Antarctic Science
We are ranked ninth in the world for Oceanography (ARWU by subject 2019).
Study at the gateway to Antarctica, with a natural marine laboratory on your doorstep.
Connect with industry through our international partners, and collaborations with the wide range of marine science organisations based in Tasmania.
Course breakdown
1
Graduate Diploma of Marine and Antarctic Science
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.
All students undertake 25 credit points worth of units covering a literature review and core learning in research methods in Marine and Antarctic Science.
In addition, focus your learning with 75 credit points worth of learning in one of our four specialist streams:
- Fisheries Management
- Sustainable Aquaculture
- Marine Biology
- Governance and Policy
Graduates of the Graduate Diploma of Marine and Antarctic Science can articulate into the Master of Marine and Antarctic Science with one year credit.
2
Master of Marine and Antarctic Science
This is the only Master 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.
This degree requires the completion of 200 credit points worth of study.
Core learning
All students undertake 25 credit points worth of units covering a literature review and core learning in research methods in Marine and Antarctic Science, to prepare you for your second year research project.
Specialisation units
You also focus your learning with 75 credit points worth of learning in one of our four specialist streams:
- Fisheries Management
- Sustainable Aquaculture
- Marine Biology
- Governance and Policy
Research project
Typically undertaken in second year, depending on your results you will undertake either a full-year research thesis, or a group project with an industry placement.
Career outcomes
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.
Studying Marine and Antarctic Science with IMAS 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.
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*.
*National Skills Commission five year projections from November 2021 to November 2026
Natural and Physical Science Professionals
Predicted job growth to 2026*
Life Scientists
Predicted job growth to 2026*
Natural and Physical Science Professionals
Predicted job growth to 2026*
Study Experiences
Gateway to Antarctica
“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
This course is designed to prepare students for a meaningful scientific career in industry or as a researcher.
IMAS has strong relationships with international experts and industry-leading facilities including the Australian Antarctic Division, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (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.
No matter what path you take, your studies will be more than just lecturers, labs and tutorials. You’ll have field trip opportunities that take your learning to the Southern Ocean and into Australia’s largest fisheries, aquaculture, and seafood industries.
Entry information
Entry requirements
Entry requirements vary across courses. You'll find the requirements on our individual course pages. These can be accessed from Course Options, which is located at the top of this page.
We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you're not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option.
Credit for prior learning
The University of Tasmania aims to provide you with credit for approved prior study or equivalent professional experience which exceeds standard entrance requirements for courses. For more information please visit Recognition of Prior Learning.
English language 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. For more information, please visit International Future Students.
