Start building today!
Experience the Find the courses and unlock the true potential
The Master of Maritime Policy is a postgraduate degree that sits at the intersection of law, governance, security, and environmental policy as they relate to the world's oceans and maritime industries. The program provides a broad understanding of the law of the sea, ocean governance, and maritime security — equipping students to analyse the legal, political, and operational factors that shape maritime policy, and to devise solutions where gaps exist in legal and policy frameworks. Core subject matter spans maritime enforcement, international maritime law, marine environmental law, regulation of shipping, marine resources management, and maritime security threats and solutions. Students engage with real-world case studies and industry projects, developing critical thinking and strategic planning skills for effective decision-making in complex maritime environments.
The degree is designed for early- to mid-career professionals working in a policy or operational maritime context, as well as those seeking to transition into maritime-related careers. Suitable candidates include naval and defence officers, public servants, port and shipping professionals, environmental scientists, lawyers, and international relations graduates who want specialised expertise in ocean governance and maritime law. The program is typically delivered via distance or online modes — making it accessible for working professionals across Australia — with some elective subjects requiring on-campus attendance.
Graduates are prepared to work across a wide range of organisations, including Australian federal and state government agencies (such as the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, and the Australian Border Force), international organisations (including the International Maritime Organization), port authorities, shipping companies, environmental NGOs, maritime law firms, naval defence organisations, and offshore resource companies. The course draws on Australia's unique position as an island nation with one of the largest maritime jurisdictions in the world, making it a globally relevant qualification.
Australia's maritime sector is one of the country's fastest-growing industries, with the nation's blue economy valued in the tens of billions of dollars annually and projected to continue expanding strongly. As an island continent, Australia depends on maritime trade for over 99% of its international goods, and manages one of the largest exclusive economic zones (EEZs) in the world — creating an ongoing and urgent need for skilled maritime policy professionals who can navigate complex international law, resource governance, security frameworks, and environmental regulation. The Commonwealth Government has also signalled its intention to strengthen Australia's maritime fleet and sovereign naval capability, creating additional demand for policy expertise within defence, border protection, and infrastructure agencies.
Despite this growing demand, there remains a significant skills gap in specialised maritime policy expertise in Australia and the Indo-Pacific region. Few postgraduate programs in the country offer dedicated training in ocean governance and maritime law, meaning graduates hold a rare and highly sought-after qualification. Career pathways are diverse — spanning government policy work, international diplomacy, port management, maritime law, environmental advocacy, and strategic security — and salaries are competitive, often exceeding those of generalist policy professionals. For those passionate about international law, ocean sustainability, trade, and geopolitics, this degree offers a compelling and future-focused career pathway.
Australian providers offering the Master of Maritime Policy typically require applicants to hold a recognised Bachelor Honours degree (or equivalent), or a Bachelor's degree plus a Graduate Certificate in a relevant discipline area such as law, international relations, environmental science, or maritime studies. Applicants who hold a standard Bachelor's degree without Honours or a Graduate Certificate may be considered on the basis of relevant professional experience — for example, demonstrated years of employment in a maritime-related field. Relevant backgrounds may include naval and defence service, public service with maritime responsibilities, maritime enforcement or border protection, port operations, or shipping and logistics management. Supporting evidence such as a statement of service, reference letters, or a letter of employment is typically required, and consideration is given to both the length and nature of professional experience.
For international students, English language proficiency requirements typically include an IELTS Academic overall score of 6.5 (with no band below 6.0), a TOEFL iBT score of at least 86 (reading and writing 18, listening 17, speaking 17), or a PTE Academic overall score of 62 with all bands at 54 or above. Some providers may also require a personal statement or written application to the program coordinator, particularly for applicants seeking entry via professional experience pathways. Students should note that while most coursework is available via distance or online delivery, certain elective subjects may require on-campus attendance for workshops, intensive sessions, or practical components.
This course may be offered in different study modes depending on the university, campus location, course structure and student type. Students should check the available delivery mode before applying, as not every study option is available at every institution.
On-campus study is the traditional mode of delivery where students attend classes, lectures, tutorials, workshops or seminars at the university campus. This option may suit students who prefer face-to-face learning, access to campus facilities, networking with classmates, practical workshops, group projects and direct engagement with academic staff.
Some universities may offer programs fully online or with online subject options. Online study can be attractive for students who need flexibility due to work, family, location or other commitments. Online study may suit domestic students, working professionals or students who want to study from outside Australia.
Hybrid or blended study usually combines online learning with some on-campus classes, workshops, intensive sessions or practical components. This mode may suit students who want flexibility but still want some face-to-face interaction. The exact structure varies between institutions.
Programs in Australia may have different intake structures depending on the university. The most common intake systems are semester, trimester and block mode.
Many Australian universities follow a two-semester academic calendar. The main intakes are commonly Semester 1 (around February or March) and Semester 2 (around July). Semester-based study usually allows students to complete a set number of subjects over approximately 12 to 14 weeks.
Some universities use a trimester system, which generally provides three study periods a year — around February/March, June/July and October/November. Trimester study may provide more flexibility and may help some students complete their course faster.
Some institutions may offer selected subjects or programs in block mode, where students focus on one subject at a time over a shorter, more intensive teaching period. Block mode may suit students who prefer concentrated learning or working professionals managing study around employment.
Some online or professionally focused programs may offer more frequent start dates or flexible entry points throughout the year. Students should not assume that every course has monthly or multiple intakes — availability depends on the institution, course structure and student type.
Graduates of the Master of Maritime Policy are positioned to pursue careers across a diverse range of sectors in Australia and internationally. Key employers include the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, the Australian Border Force, the Department of Defence and the Royal Australian Navy, state-based port authorities, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority, international organisations such as the IMO and the UN, as well as private shipping companies, maritime law firms, environmental NGOs, and offshore resource and energy companies. The growing complexity of maritime trade, the Indo-Pacific strategic environment, climate-driven ocean governance challenges, and Australia's expanding blue economy all ensure strong and ongoing demand for qualified maritime policy professionals.
Entry Level
Graduate / Assistant Officer
Graduate Policy Officer, Research Assistant (Maritime Law), Shipping Compliance Assistant, Graduate Maritime Affairs Officer, Junior Marine Resource Analyst
Early Career
Officer / Coordinator
Maritime Policy Officer, Ocean Governance Coordinator, Shipping Regulation Officer, Marine Environmental Officer, Border Protection Policy Officer, Fisheries Policy Officer
Mid-Level
Adviser / Specialist
Maritime Policy Adviser, Maritime Security Adviser, Marine Spatial Planning Specialist, International Maritime Affairs Specialist, Port Operations Adviser, Blue Economy Strategy Specialist
Senior Level
Manager / Senior Adviser
Senior Maritime Policy Adviser, Port Manager, Senior Ocean Governance Adviser, Maritime Law Consultant, Head of Maritime Security Policy, Senior Shipping Regulation Manager
Leadership
Director / Head / Principal
Director of Maritime Policy, Executive Director (Port Authority), Head of Ocean Governance, Principal Maritime Adviser, Chief Maritime Security Officer, General Manager (Maritime Operations)
Salaries for maritime policy professionals in Australia vary by sector, level of experience, and the employing organisation, with government and senior industry roles commanding the strongest remuneration.
Melbourne
Melbourne is home to major port infrastructure through the Port of Melbourne — Australia's largest container port — as well as the headquarters of several maritime industry bodies, logistics firms, and federal regulatory agencies with maritime divisions. The city's strong presence in law, government, and international trade creates excellent networking and employment opportunities for maritime policy graduates.
Sydney
Sydney offers outstanding career prospects through its concentration of federal government departments, international shipping companies, maritime law firms, and the Australian National Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour. The Port of Sydney and proximity to key federal agencies in the capital region make it a prime location for graduates targeting government and corporate maritime policy roles.
Brisbane
Brisbane and South-East Queensland represent a fast-growing maritime hub, with the Port of Brisbane being one of Australia's busiest multi-cargo ports and significant activity in offshore marine industries, fisheries management, and defence contracting. The region's proximity to the Pacific and its growing role in Indo-Pacific trade and security policy make it highly relevant for maritime policy professionals.
Perth
Perth is a critical centre for Australia's maritime industry, particularly given Western Australia's massive offshore oil and gas sector, major naval defence infrastructure at HMAS Stirling, and the Port of Fremantle's role as the gateway to the Indian Ocean. Graduates pursuing careers in offshore energy regulation, naval policy, or Indo-Pacific maritime governance will find excellent opportunities in this city.
Adelaide
Adelaide is rapidly emerging as Australia's naval shipbuilding capital, with major submarine and surface vessel construction programs underway that require significant maritime policy and regulatory expertise. The concentration of defence industry partners, naval contractors, and state government maritime agencies makes Adelaide an exciting and growing destination for maritime policy graduates, particularly those interested in defence and sovereign maritime capability.
Canberra
Canberra is the natural home for graduates targeting federal government maritime policy careers, housing the key departments and agencies with maritime jurisdiction — including the Department of Infrastructure, Australian Border Force, Department of Defence, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Australian Fisheries Management Authority. The capital's policy-focused professional environment and proximity to parliamentary processes make it the premier destination for those seeking senior advisory and policy development roles.
Before choosing a course, students should compare:
International students who want to study in Australia should also consider additional requirements before applying.
Join successful graduates
Students Helped
Application Processed
Listed Universities
Listed Courses
