Graduate Diploma of Marine and Antarctic Science (S6Z)

As a gateway to Antarctica and with a natural marine laboratory on our doorstep, the University of Tasmania provides an ideal base for studying a career in marine biology and the fisheries and aquaculture industries.

Our Graduate Diploma in Marine and Antarctic Science provides you with a solid coursework foundation in your chosen area of specialisation and serves as a pathway to progress to our Master of Master of Marine and Antarctic Science.

This unique course 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 and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) and internationally recognised experts to help you kick-start your career.

The Graduate Diploma of Marine and Antarctic Science provides:

• Practical skills alongside theoretical studies to broaden your experience and give you an edge in employment.
• More than lectures, labs, and tutorials, with study trip units that extend learning to the Southern Ocean and into Australia's largest fisheries, aquaculture, and seafood industries.
• Contacts, work experience, and research links in Australia's largest fisheries and aquaculture industries (based in Tasmania).
• Access to our international partner organisations and internationally recognised marine science organisations based in Tasmania.

You'll have the choice to study one of the following three streams: Fisheries Management, Marine Biology, or Sustainable Aquaculture.

Admission to most postgraduate coursework courses at the University of Tasmania require qualifications equivalent to an Australian bachelor degree. Applicants must achieve the required grade in their qualifying studies, meet any prerequisite subjects, and meet English language requirements to be eligible for an offer.

English Language Requirements

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.

Course Specific Requirements

To be admitted to study the Graduate Diploma of Marine and Antarctic Science you will need an Australian Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent qualification at a recognised tertiary institution completed to a standard of achievement that is deemed acceptable by the College with a major in life sciences (such as biology, chemistry, environmental science, zoology, plant science, marine biology, ecology etc).

• 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.

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.

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 7,000 people in Australia, and Tasmania is the country's largest commercial operator in this area.

We have graduates working across the world in a variety of positions and organisations.

Career opportunities (dependent on field of study)

• Scientific officer
• Coastal community engagement officer
• Federal or state government advisor (policy/environment)
• Antarctic researcher – Australian Antarctic Division
• Marine park manager
• Commercial diver
• Conservation biologist
• Marine biologist
• Australian Customs
• Fish health officer/Fisheries biologist
• Aquarium manager
• Aquaculturist/aquaculture entrepreneur
• Aquaculture farm manager
• Ice core chemist
• Climatologist
• Glaciologist
• Hatchery technician
• Fisheries management officer
• Fishery stock assessment
• Quota licensing officer
• Fisheries biologist
• Quality assessment technician
• Researcher or university lecturer

Further Study Opportunities

Upon completion of the Graduate Diploma in Marine and Antarctic Science, students can progress into the Master of Marine and Antarctic Science.

The Master's course provides a clear pathway for students interested in pursuing a research higher degree, such as a PhD, in their specialist area. IMAS is an ideal institution for further study, offering supervisors who are international experts with global connections.