Marine and Antarctic Science

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.

Start studying in February or July!

World leading education

The only Master's degree in the world that combines marine science with a focus on the Southern Ocean and Antarctica

Explore Tasmania and sharpen global-local research

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.

Study options

The units in this specialisation explain the sustainable development of fisheries based on the principles outlined in international and national policies and legal instruments.  This specialisation focusses on optimising the economic and social benefits while minimising any negative biological and ecological impacts of fisheries using an ecosystem-based fisheries management framework. This specialisation builds contemporary knowledge on fisheries and assessment techniques across freshwater and marine recreational, traditional and commercial fisheries, and integrates ecosystem indicators and reference points into fisheries decision making using marine strategy evaluation. Graduates are equipped for roles in commercial fisheries, regulatory authorities, and research, with options to progress to higher degree research.

Understand and address key environmental challenges affecting oceans, the atmosphere, and Antarctica. This specialisation applies leading theories of environmental governance to design effective management strategies for global marine issues. Graduates gain skills for careers in policy development, environmental management, and governance, with opportunities for research-focused pathways.

Explore the biology and ecology of marine systems and how they respond to environmental and human-driven changes such as climate impacts. This specialisation builds advanced knowledge of marine ecosystem function and equips you with innovative lab and field techniques. Graduates are prepared for careers in marine science, conservation, and research, with progression options to higher degree research programs.

Gain advanced knowledge and practical skills for the global aquaculture industry. This specialisation covers lifecycle production techniques for freshwater and marine species, including crustaceans, molluscs, finfish, and macroalgae. You’ll explore animal welfare, growth and reproduction, health and disease management, and learn through emerging species and commercial case studies. Graduates are prepared for careers in aquaculture operations, management, or research, with pathways to higher degree research programs.

Course options

Graduate Diploma of
Marine and Antarctic Science

Master of
Marine and Antarctic Science

Duration: Minimum 1 Year,
up to a maximum of 3 Years

Location:Hobart

Total 8 units (100 credit points)

  • 4 x core units
  • 4 x specialisation units

Duration: Minimum 2 Years,
up to a maximum of 5 Years

Location:Hobart

Total 16 units (200 credit points)

  • 4 x core units
  • 4 x specialisation units
  • Research or Professional stream

Career opportunities

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.

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

19.7%

Natural and Physical Science Professionals

Predicted job growth to 2033*

19.4%

Life Scientists

Predicted job growth to 2033*

13.3%

Aquaculture

Predicted industry growth to 2033*

*National Skills Commission five year projections from May 2023 to May 2033.