Master of Marine and Antarctic Science [S7Z]

This is the only masters 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.

The Master of Marine and Antarctic Science provides:

• Practical skills alongside theoretical studies to broaden your experience and give you the edge when it comes to employment
• More than lectures, labs and tutorials with study trip units that take 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
• One year project, individual research-based thesis or group industry-relevant project

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

The course provides specialist streams for students to pursue in-depth learning in a particular area of marine science, paired with broader research methodology and a research project.

This course is designed to prepare students for a meaningful scientific career in industry or as a researcher. This is achieved through a focus on both the quantitative elements of marine and Antarctic science as well as the application and translation of science into industry practice and management.

Students will gain skills in scientific method as practiced by professional scientists. This includes exposure to the process of scholarly critique, collaboration and practical field, laboratory or industry operations. Upon graduation you will be able to critically analyse and solve problems, communicate outcomes to a range of audiences and explain the role of marine and Antarctic science in society.

The skills gained will assist graduates in contributing to world issues such as seafood production and security, climate change and marine stewardship.

Many graduates continue into a higher research degree and conduct in-depth research in IMAS' key research areas of oceanography and cryosphere, fisheries and aquaculture, ecology and biodiversity, climate change, oceans and Antarctic governance and ocean-earth systems.

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 Master 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 7000 people in Australia and Tasmania is the country's largest commercial operator in this area.

The degree 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.

The skills and knowledge you gain places you in a prime position to have a real impact on practices, processes and policies on a local, national or worldwide scale.

Our degrees provide graduates with specialised skills and an educational experience centred on ecological sustainability. Once graduated, students are able to contribute to the sustainable management of the marine environment, thereby increasing the total quality of life as described in Australia's National Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD).

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

The specialist streams in this course provide a clear pathway for students who are interested in undertaking a research higher degree such as a PhD in their specialist area. IMAS is the perfect place to undertake further study, with supervisors who are international experts with global connections.