Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science (P3L)

If you're interested in Marine and Antarctic Science, Tasmania is the perfect place to study. It's the gateway to Antarctica and provides easy access to living laboratories in coastal and open waters like the Derwent estuary, Storm Bay and the Southern Ocean.

Studying on Hobart's waterfront and at Taroona, you'll be able to address real-life problems and work alongside industry, government, and the wider community. You'll also have access to a wide range of field sampling and research equipment, to conduct real-life experiments. Learning from the experts at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), your degree will equip you with the essential skills for a rewarding career in the rapidly expanding marine, fisheries, aquaculture, and Antarctic sectors.

By the end of your studies, you'll be a highly trained professional who can contribute to the understanding, management, and conservation of the world's marine environments.

Catalyst Program

Want to combine your degree with overseas trips, summer research programs, scholarships and special events? Our Catalyst Program offers domestic high achieving school leavers all this and more.

All domestic students with an ATAR of 90 or greater, enrolled in a range of STEM courses will be awarded a $3,000 Catalyst Scholarship. Across the program students can access scholarships of up to $14,500 in value, and gain experience that will make you stand out in your chosen field. Learn more about the Catalyst Program.

This degree can be combined to form a double degree. Study what you want, explore your options and find out how you can accelerate your career.

Watch our course information webinar

Thinking of studying this course in 2025 and want to learn more? This webinar explores course structures, career opportunities, and the student experience to support your study journey.

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All international students will need to meet the minimum English Language Requirements, University General Entry Requirements and any course specific requirements such as pre-requisite subjects, if applicable.

English Language Requirements

This degree requires an IELTS (Academic) of 6.0, with no individual band less than 5.5, or a PTE Academic score of 50, with no score lower than 42 or equivalent.

For students who do not meet the English Language Requirement through citizenship or prior studies in English in an approved country, evidence of an approved English language test completed within the last 2 years must be provided. See the English Language Requirements page for more information.

General Entry Requirements

Admission to undergraduate courses at the University of Tasmania requires the completion of qualifications equivalent to a 12^th year of education in Australia.

Please review the equivalent undergraduate entry requirements to see the minimum requirement relevant to your country. The ATAR information for this course is located in the “For Domestic Students” section of the entry requirements on this page.

You can also meet the General Entry Requirement for this course with the following qualifications or prior studies:

• Completion of an equivalent AQF Certificate IV or above
• Complete or incomplete (minimum 25 credit points) of previous tertiary study at Bachelor level or higher

If you do not meet the minimum requirements, we offer the Foundation Studies Program.

Course Specific Requirements

The following course specific requirements must be met to be eligible to study this degree.

Some majors within the course require you to have studies or experience equivalent to a satisfactory achievement in the following Tasmanian Senior Secondary subjects:

If you have not met a required pre-requisite, you will need to complete a University of Tasmania Foundation Studies Program before you start your course.

• All methods of meeting University of Tasmania English language requirements have a validity period of 2 years unless involving a country specific qualification as listed below.
• Each course offered by the University of Tasmania has a minimum English language requirement for entry as listed below. Applicants must also meet the academic entry requirements for each course.
• Applicants who qualify from a University of Tasmania program, and intend to gain professional registration to become a practitioner in Australia, may need to meet the relevant Professional Accrediting Agency's English language registration standard.
• In exceptional circumstances or cases not covered by the categories outlined below, multiple forms of evidence may be considered on a case by case basis by the Executive Director, Student Operations in consultation with the Director, Academic Quality and Standards.
• The University reserves the right to require that any applicant be required to undergo a test of English language.

Studying Marine and Antarctic Science opens you up to a range of exciting career options across a whole range of marine-oriented sectors. Marine biologists research, dive and explore, while oceanographers utilise maths, physics and big data to track sea-level rise, and understand the ocean’s role in climate change.

Applied science careers

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

Research careers

This degree provides a clear pathway for students to undertake postgraduate and PhD study and can lead to employment with 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.

With the highest concentration of marine and Antarctic scientists in the southern hemisphere, Tasmania is an ideal location to launch your career.

Career opportunities in each of the five majors include

MARINE AND ANTARCTIC GOVERNANCE

• Communications Manager/Officer - Oversee internal and external communications through various channels, synthesising and distilling complex, high-level information for a variety of audiences.
• Policy Analyst - Research data, relationships, and policy developments surrounding environmental challenges and provide recommendations for their solutions based on legislation and policies.
• Legal Consultant - Provide advice and recommendations on legal rights and obligations, ensuring operations are conducted within the framework of the law.
• Environmental Management - Ensuring the operations of the business or research body adhere to environmental legislation and developing and implementing strategies to promote environmental best practices.
• Project Manager - Responsibility for the planning and execution of a project, including coordination, budgeting, and progress reporting.

MARINE BIOLOGY

• Threatened Species Biologist - Research the biology and ecology of threatened species, identify the underlying mechanisms for their vulnerability, and provide recommendations for their protection and population restoration.
• Marine Park Manager - Oversee the conservation and protection of important regions of the marine environment by managing policy, use, and activities.
• Conservation Biologist - Develop a comprehensive understanding of the environment and ecology of a region of interest, and create plans to restore or maintain the health of the ecosystem.
• Antarctic Scientist - Supervise the implementation and delivery of programs by coordinating research teams.

MARINE RESOUCE MANAGEMENT

• Marine/Fisheries Research Scientist - Study fish for various research purposes such as understanding disease, natural habitats, and fish behaviour. They can choose to work in fields related to basic fishery research or applied research.
• Fisheries Observer - A fisheries observer is an independent specialist who serves onboard commercial fishing vessels, fish processing plants, and other platforms, gathering data. Their primary functions include observing and documenting commercial fishing catches, collecting vessel, technical, and biological data, monitoring operations, and documenting interactions with threatened, endangered, and protected species. These observers play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with regulations and promoting sustainable fishing practices.
• Environmental Consultant - Provide expert assessment and advice regarding the management and mitigation of environmental issues arising from industrial, commercial or governmental initiatives or activities.
• Environmental/Fisheries Technician - Assist in the compliance of environmental laws and regulations through the assessment of environmental samples, ensuring the appropriate mitigation of pollution and waste products.
• Compliance Officer - Provide oversight for the day-to-day operations of a company or institution, ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations at local, regional, and national levels of government.

OCEANS, ICE AND CLIMATE

• Data Analyst - you’ll have the expertise to work in Australia’s large and growing climate risk industry.
• Climate Change Adaptor - you can be a sea level specialist involved with flood risk and coastal protection.
• Climate Risk Advisor/Consultant - you’ll have the expertise to work in Australia’s large and growing climate risk industry.
• Antarctic Researcher - Join the Australian Antarctic workforce in Hobart or elsewhere around Australia.
• Climate Repair and Net Zero Specialist - use your problem-solving skills in new enterprises tackling the climate emergency.

SUSTAINABLE AQUACULTURE

• Aquarium and Conservation Aquaculture - Apply marine plant and animal biology and physiology to explore, conserve, and safeguard marine biodiversity for future generations.
• Environmental Monitoring and Biosecurity - Develop, implement, and enforce policies aimed at safeguarding Australian aquatic ecosystems while ensuring the sustainable future of commercial seafood production.
• Commercial Aquaculture - Translate scientific advancements into innovation by enhancing commercial hatchery and production systems, and developing new aquaculture species.
• Fish Health and Nutrition - Conduct research and design innovative products and technologies to enhance animal welfare, improve performance, and ensure the quality of seafood products.
• Technology Industries - Integrate animal and plant biology with advanced technology and multi-trophic systems to sustainably produce seafood in onshore, coastal, and offshore environments.

Postgraduate study

If you successfully complete this course, you may be also be eligible to apply for a range of other postgraduate courses including Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas and Masters by coursework and research. Filter the course list by Postgraduate to view the current courses available.