Undergraduate + Postgraduate

Bachelor of Science (Marine Science) and Master of Biological Science or Master of Environmental Science

Gain specialised knowledge of marine life and a solid understanding of the physical processes across our coastal marine environments.
90
ATAR
4
Years Full Time
Course Details Careers & further study Fees & Scholarships Admission requirements How to apply Contact us
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Address

Student Central

The University of Western Australia(M355) 35 Stirling Highway Perth Western Australia 6009

Telephone

(+61 8) 6488 3939

International

1800 653 050

Email

future-students@uwa.edu.au

Hours

8.30am – 5pm AWST, Monday – Friday

Frequently asked questions

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Careers and further study

This major opens up a world of future study pathways and career options.

Career Pathways

Graduates can find a range of employment opportunities in areas such as:

  • Marine environmental consulting
  • State and local governments who manage coastal planning and infrastructure
  • Government agencies that manage fisheries (e.g. DPRID), marine conservation (e.g. DBCA) or lead marine research projects (e.g. CSIRO,AIMS, Geoscience Australia)
  • Resource industry
  • Marine industry
  • Marine Renewables
  • Aquaculture
  • NGOs
  • Academia

 

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Career Pathways

Graduates can find a range of employment opportunities in areas such as:

  • Marine environmental consulting
  • State and local governments who manage coastal planning and infrastructure
  • Government agencies that manage fisheries (e.g. DPRID), marine conservation (e.g. DBCA) or lead marine research projects (e.g. CSIRO,AIMS, Geoscience Australia)
  • Resource industry
  • Marine industry
  • Marine Renewables
  • Aquaculture
  • NGOs
  • Academia

 

This course could lead to these

Career Opportunities

Alt content Marine Biologist Alt content Environmental Consultant Alt content Government Agencies Researcher Alt content Fisheries Officer
More career opportunities
This course could lead to these

Career Opportunities

Marine Biologist

Examine structures, functions, behaviours, interactions and environmental affects of organisms that live in the sea.

Environmental Consultant

Advise on policies to determine design, implementation and modification of government or commercial environmental operations.

Government Agencies Researcher

As a government social research officer, you'll provide research input for the analysis required to develop, implement, review and evaluate new and existing government policies.

Fisheries Officer

Fisheries officers are responsible for the management, conservation and preservation of state and territory fisheries resources.

Academic

Conduct research and teach university students in an area of specialisation.

Biologist

Examine anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of living organisms to reveal how they function and interact in the environment.

Conservation Biologist

As a conservation biologist, you focus on how to protect and restore biodiversity, particularly understanding and minimizing human impacts on the natural world.

Conservation Officer

Develop and implement programs and regulations to protect natural resources.

Conservationist

As a conservationist, you'll work to protect, manage and enhance the local environment.

Curator - Gallery or Museum

Manage, organise and develop museum collections, and conduct related research.

Ecologist

Examine relationships and interactions between microbes, plants, animals and their environments.

Environmental Manager

Develop and apply an organisation's environmental management system to identify, solve and alleviate environmental issues for sustainable development.

Environmental Scientist

Develop modes of environmental conservation and decrease human impact through close examination of the environment.

Geographer

Examine and analyse the relationships between human activities and the natural and built environment.

Geologist

Study the composition and structure of the earth to locate minerals and materials and advise on their extraction, and the environmental protection and rehabilitation of land after mining.

Geophysicist

Study the structure and composition of zones below the earth's surface by taking measurements using seismic, gravity, magnetic and electrical methods.

Laboratory Manager

A laboratory manager plans, organises, directs and coordinates the operations of a research or production laboratory.

Natural Resource Manager

Natural resource managers develop conservation plans for nature reserves, land and other natural resources, so that people can use these resources in an ecologically sustainable way.

Secondary School Teacher

Inspire and teach secondary school students in a variety of subject areas.

University Lecturer

Inspire and teach tertiary students; lecture and conduct research projects on your area of passion.

Wildlife Biologist

Wildlife Biologists are scientists that observe and study the behaviors of animals.

Wildlife Consultant

A wildlife consultant is a scientist who provides hands-on wildlife management assistance on an independent consultation basis.

Wildlife Manager

Wildlife managers are responsible for overseeing all aspects of wildlife conservation and management in a designated territory.

Fees and scholarships

Fees for this course are currently being finalised, refer back to this page in the coming weeks as more information will be made available then.

For fee type definitions and further assistance, see the Fee Calculator Help page.

You can also search our database for scholarships that are relevant to you or your desired course.

Domestic Fees

Undergraduate – Commonwealth supported students

The Annual Fee is an estimate only based on a standard annual study load of 48 points.


For Commonwealth Supported Places, student contribution amounts are charged by unit. For an accurate fee estimate, go to the Fee Calculator and select “I want to price my units”.

For Full Fee Paying places, students are charged an annual course fee. Visit the Fee Calculator and select your course to see the annual and total course fees.

Course Credit Points
192
Average Annual Fee - 2021
$8,747.06
Typical Fee Range - 2021
$3,950.00 - $14,500.00

Eligible Commonwealth-supported students can use the HECS-HELP loan scheme to pay their tuition fees.

Fee calculator

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

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Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

Cost of living

International Fees

Undergraduate – onshore students

Annual course fees are calculated based on a standard annual study load of 48 credit points.

Course Credit Points
192
Total Course Fee - 2021
$162,800.00
Fee calculator

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

Search Scholarships

Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

Cost of living

Admission requirements

The University of Western Australia welcomes applications from international and domestic school-leavers, mature-age applicants and those with previous tertiary study. If you’re interested in studying this major, find out the admission details below.

Admission requirements

For applicants with recent secondary education, information on admission criteria is available on our entry standards page.

Admission requirements

Minimum entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements

Below you’ll find a list of admission equivalencies for this course's Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).

Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) 2016 onwards
  • 90
Below you’ll find a list of admission equivalencies for this course's Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).
Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) 2016 onwards
  • 90
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English competency

English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.

English competency

Mathematics requirement

This major requires a certain level of Mathematics. If you do not meet this level, you may be able to take additional Mathematics units in your first year to satisfy this requirement.

WACE prerequisite: Mathematics Methods ATAR and Chemistry ATAR

Mathematics requirement

How to apply

Ready to apply for this major? Follow the steps and you’ll be on your way to joining us at UWA.

Course details

This Combined Bachelor and Master (CBM) is a four-year accelerated program for those with an ATAR of 90 or above. Over the first three years you’ll complete a double major in Marine Science, and a semester of postgraduate study. You can then choose to exit after three years with an Advanced Bachelor's Degree in Marine Science, or continue with a final year of postgraduate study and be awarded a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Biological Science or Master of Environmental Science at the end of the four years.

About the course

Gain the knowledge required to develop solutions to the threats facing our marine and coastal environments.
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About the course

In your first three years, you will complete the following and a semester of postgraduate study:

 

This double major will expose you to the full breadth of the marine science discipline, allowing deeper understanding of both the physical and biological components through the marine biology and coastal processes majors. Western Australia's coastline is a biodiversity hotspot with up to 80 per cent of marine life found nowhere else in the world, making it the ideal living laboratory for your studies.

 

You will then complete a final year of postgraduate study in either:

 

  • Marine and Coastal  Specialisation  - The coastal margin is a focus area of development which must be carefully managed to ensure long-term sustainability of human communities and natural ecosystems. The Marine and Coastal specialisation provides you with knowledge and practical skills for the management of marine and coastal environments by covering interdisciplinary content spanning physical and biological sciences, through to policy and regulatory frameworks. You will learn the threats and hazards facing coastal systems, and the principles of conservation and management of nearshore resources, including marine protected areas.  
     

or

  • Marine Biology  Specialisation - The Marine Biology specialisation focuses on the ecology, conservation and management of marine ecosystems, with particular reference to the importance of the biological and physical processes that occur in and shape the ecosystems in the temperate regions of Western Australia.

If you decide not to continue in the CBM you can exit after three years with an Advanced Bachelor Degree in a Bachelor of Marine Science (Advanced). Note that the Advanced Bachelor Degree is available only as a CBM exit award. It is not offered for direct enrolment and is not awarded on completion of the CBM. 
Bachelor of Science (Marine Science) and Master of Biological Science or Master of Environmental Science

Quick details

Status
  • Available 2021
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
Attendance
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Delivery
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • Semester 1
Level of study
  • Undergraduate + Postgraduate
Course Code
  • CM010
CRICOS code
  • 102872C
View full details
Bachelor of Science (Marine Science) and Master of Biological Science or Master of Environmental Science

Quick details

Status
  • Available 2021
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
Attendance
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Delivery
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • Semester 1
Level of study
  • Undergraduate + Postgraduate
Course Code
  • CM010
CRICOS code
  • 102872C
Full time/part time duration
  • 4 years full time or equivalent
TISC Codes
Degrees course is available in
  • Bachelor of Science
Faculty
  • Science

Why study this course?

  • UWA is ranked 29th in the world in Marine Science and Oceanography (QS 2020) and has brand new nationally unique facilities and resources that are used across our marine studies
  • Learning is richly embedded with internationally recognised research, often led by UWA’s global experts, encouraging research-based inquiry through cutting edge science
  • Western Australia’s unique marine environment has led UWA to identify the understanding our oceans and marine environment as one of its grand challenges, and our double major provides students with the knowledge required to develop solutions to the threats facing our marine and coastal environments
 

Why study this course?

You'll learn to

  • use a range of contemporary techniques and instrumentation to collect data in the field and in the laboratory
  • analyse, synthesise and interpret data that varies in space and time
  • interpret patterns and integrate knowledge of physical and biological processes to address real world problems

You'll learn to

 

Course structure

In your first three years, you will complete the Marine Science (double major) and a semester of postgraduate study. You will then complete your selected specialisation in either the Master of Biological Science or Master of Environmental Science. Refer to the example study plan for more information.

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Course structure

Marine Science Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s

BSc (Marine Science Double Major) and Master of Biological Science or Master of Environmental Science

#4ec3e0Undergraduate (UG) specific units

Elective units

Postgraduate (PG) specific units

YEAR SEMESTER UNITS
1ST YEAR 1 BIOL1130 SCOM1101 EART1105 CITS1401
2 BIOL1131 CITS2402 ENVT2221 EART2204
2ND YEAR 1 ENVT2250 GEOG2201 SCIE2204 SCIE1104
2 BIOL2204 BIOL3305 ENVT3307 ENVT3362
3RD YEAR 1 ENVT3306 SCIE3304 Elective Elective
2 PG Specific* PG Specific* PG Specific* PG Specific*
4TH YEAR 1 PG Specific* PG Specific* PG Specific* PG Specific*
2 PG Specific* PG Specific* PG Specific* PG Specific*

* Postgraduate units will vary depending on your chosen specialisation, a study plan will be provided later in your degree.


Unit Description

Student story

Ashley Marino

Ashley Marino
Find out more
Student story

Ashley Marino

Ashley Marino
Marine Science has no geographical limits. When I was in Year 12 living in Albany, a town spoilt with incredible coastal environments, I dreamt of travelling, snorkelling, and living by the sea for the rest of my life. This major opens that possibility, with the added aspect of environmental consideration. Everything biological and atmospheric can be linked to the vast oceans. Marine Science can be applied globally, from the open ocean to local rivers and the atmospheric influences of winds and climate. 

Throughout my course, my perspective of the world has been broadened. The students in my class share my passion for protecting our environment and their belief in a better future is contagious; it’s easy to feel optimistic and determined when you’re surrounded by kind-hearted people.

Everyone’s aware of UWA’s prestigious reputation, but really it was the relocation services and pleasant atmosphere that allowed me to picture myself living as a student here.
Alumni story

Asha de Vos

Asha de Vos
Find out more
Alumni story

Asha de Vos

Asha de Vos

Dr Asha de Vos

Marine biologist, ocean educator and pioneering blue whale researcher

My passion is changing the way the world sees and interacts with the ocean and helping people be the best version of themselves. We are incredibly privileged to be alive and to live on this planet – but we only inherit it, we never own it. I am well aware of this and my work is about leaving the planet a better place than I found it with a focus on saving our oceans. I choose to do this by nurturing and training the next generation of diverse ocean heroes, students from typically under-represented nations, and other unlikely heroes like fishermen. I also like to engage people in stories about the magic of our oceans because the more people know about the ocean, the more likely they are to care and become part of the army that we need to drive change. They will become part of the solution and not just part of the problem.

Read more about Asha's story here.

Work Integrated Learning

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) helps bridge the gap between theory and practice by providing opportunities for students to gain hands-on, practical industry relevant experience and for employers to help shape the graduates of tomorrow.

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Work Integrated Learning

Develop your employability skills through a science work placement. The following units are available to all science undergraduate students who are looking to gain practical hands-on industry relevant experience:

Your degree options

Ranked 29th in the world for Earth and Marine Sciences (QS 2020)

Fieldwork in Science

Students on a boat in Elizabeth Quay

Fieldwork in Science

Find out more about our amazing field trips in the Agricultural, Environmental and Biological Sciences interest area that'll take you all around Western Australia and beyond.

School of Biological Sciences

The School of Biological Sciences is advancing our understanding of the Earth’s living organisms and creating sustainable futures through conservation.
Find out more
Institute

UWA Oceans Institute

Research boat on the ocean

The UWA Oceans Institute brings together the University’s multidisciplinary research strengths across areas including oceanography, ecology, engineering, resource management and governance to address key ocean challenges.

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Institute

UWA Oceans Institute

The Ocean Institute’s mission is to draw on our world-leading marine research to tackle issues of national and global significance. We are uniquely placed to provide ocean solutions to real-world challenges, through the breadth and depth of our marine expertise, our state-of-the-art facilities and geographic reach.

Visit the Oceans Institute website

 

Centre

Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre

Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre

Purpose-built collaborative facility for marine science and ocean engineering research.

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Centre

Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre

The Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre (IOMRC) provides innovative and effective solutions to challenges facing the world's oceans. Built for the UWA Oceans Institute, the IOMRC brings together more than 300 marine scientists across disciplines including biodiversity, fishing, tourism, Indigenous engagement, climate change, oceanography and conservation.

Visit the IOMRC webpage

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