Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science

Domestic students:

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, the University’s admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Enquire online for more advice on the application process and the available pathways to enrol and study at the University of Tasmania.

Schools Recommendation Program

Australian year 12 students can apply for this course via our Schools Recommendation Program. Rather than an ATAR, your application is based on a recommendation by your school teachers. This can factor in your year 11 results, an assessment of your capabilities, and other considerations.

Through the program, you can receive and accept an offer prior to completing year 12. You will still need to finish your year 12 studies – including any exams – to commence your studies. In addition, certain majors for this course require you to pass specific pre-requisite subjects in Year 12 (or equivalent), see below for details.

If you don’t receive an offer for this course through the Schools Recommendation Program, you will be re-assessed for a higher preference offer once your ATAR is released.

Domestic applicants who recently completed secondary education

Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers are made based on the number of places available. This course has a Guaranteed ATAR of 65.

In 2026, the lowest ATAR to receive an offer into this course was 65.4. The lowest ATAR to receive an offer may change from year to year based on the number of applications we receive.

Applicants who have recently completed senior secondary studies but have not received an ATAR may still be eligible for admission. We will consider your individual subject results on a case-by-case basis when we assess your application.

Domestic applicants with higher education study

To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have:

• Partially completed an undergraduate course at Diploma level or higher (or equivalent). Applicants must have completed at least two units of study (equivalent to 25 University of Tasmania credit points). If an applicant has failed any units, the application may be subject to further review before an offer is made; OR

• Completed the University of Tasmania University Preparation Program (or an equivalent qualification offered by an Australian university).

Domestic applicants with VET / TAFE study

To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have completed a Certificate IV (or equivalent) in any discipline.

Domestic applicants with work and life experience

Applicants without senior secondary, tertiary or VET / TAFE study can complete a personal competency statement.

Applicants may be eligible for an offer if they have relevant work and/or life experiences which demonstrate a capacity to succeed in this course.

Subject Prerequisites

These prerequisites (by major) apply to students from all educational backgrounds.

To be eligible for an offer, you must have completed studies or have experience equivalent to a satisfactory achievement in the following Tasmanian Senior Secondary subjects:

Major

Prerequisite Senior Secondary Studies

Marine and Antarctic Governance

Nil

Marine Biology

Biology (BIO315124) OR Chemistry (CHM415115) OR Physics (PHY415115) OR equivalent

AND General Mathematics (MTG315123) OR equivalent

Sustainable Fisheries

Nil

Oceans, Ice and Climate

Mathematics Methods (MTM415117) or equivalent

and

Physical Sciences (PSC315118) OR equivalent

Sustainable Aquaculture

Nil

You can enquire online for information on interstate and international equivalents to the Tasmanian senior secondary subject above. If you need assistance to meet the prerequisites, we offer foundation units that you can complete before you start your course.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATION

We believe university education should be an option for everyone, no matter your background. If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors, including economic hardship, a serious medical condition, or disability.

We can only approve applications for special consideration if we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the University admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course. Special consideration is not available for international applicants.

COURSE PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

This course includes compulsory Work Integrated Learning (professional experience placements). In order to participate in placements, all students must:

• Complete a Safe to Practice Agreement declaring they have the medical, physical or psychological capacity to safely participate in professional experience practice.

International students:

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 year 12 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 Diploma level or higher

Course Specific Requirements

These prerequisites (by major) apply to students from all educational backgrounds.

To be an eligible for an offer, you must have completed studies or have experience equivalent to a satisfactory achievement in the following Tasmanian Senior Secondary subjects:

Major

Prerequisite Senior Secondary Studies

Marine and Antarctic Governance

Nil

Marine Biology

Biology (BIO315124) OR Chemistry (CHM415115) OR Physics (PHY415115) OR equivalent

AND

General Mathematics (MTG315123) OR equivalent

Sustainable Fisheries

Nil

Oceans, Ice and Climate

Mathematics Methods (MTM415117) or equivalent

and

Physical Sciences (PSC315118) OR equivalent

Sustainable Aquaculture

Nil

You can enquire online for information on interstate and international equivalents to the Tasmanian senior secondary subject above. If you need assistance to meet the prerequisites, we offer foundation units that you can complete before you start your course.

COURSE PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

This course includes compulsory Work Integrated Learning (professional experience placements). In order to participate in placements, all students must:

• Complete a Safe to Practice Agreement declaring they have the medical, physical or psychological capacity to safely participate in professional experience practice.

Alternative entry pathways:

If you haven't completed the required pre-requisite unit(s), we offer foundation units to help you bridge the gap. Many run in spring and summer school so you can meet a prerequisite and not delay the start of your Bachelor level studies. HECS scholarships may also be available for domestic students.

Alternate prerequisite relevant UTAS units

Marine Biology

Introduction to Chemistry [KRA161]

and

Applied Mathematics Foundation [KMA002]*

• or Introduction to University Mathematics [KMA100] will be accepted

Oceans, Ice and Climate

Introduction to University Mathematics [KMA100]

And

Introductory Physics [KYA103]

• Visit the Foundation Unit page to find out more.

If you aren’t eligible for an offer to this course, you should consider enrolment in the Diploma of University Studies (Science Specialisation) or the University Preparation Program.

• Diploma of University Studies

• University Preparation Program

In all cases, contact us to discuss an option best suited to your needs.

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.

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.

• Marine Governance Consultant: Provide advice and recommendations on legal rights and obligations, ensuring operations are conducted within the relevant frameworks of law and governance
• Environmental Management: Ensure the operations of the business or research body adhere to environmental legislation and develop and implement strategies to promote environmental best practices
• Project Manager: Responsibile for the planning and execution of a project, including coordination, budgeting, and progress reporting
• Communications Manager : 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
• Marine Park and spatial manager: Manage marine areas and guide how they're used, shape conservation policy, and support marine spatial planning to ensure these environments are protected for future generations
• Conservation biologist: Protect endangered marine species and ecosystems, uncover the reasons they're at risk, and use scientific research to guide conservation policy, population recovery, and habitat restoration
• Antarctic / Polar Marine Scientist: Lead research on the world’s most southern continent, support discoveries, and advance Antarctic science
• Environmental Impact Assessment Ecologist: Lead baseline surveys and environmental monitoring, support project approvals, evaluate impacts, and guide mitigation for coastal and offshore developments
• Marine Biosecurity Officer: Monitor and manage marine pest risks and invasive species pathways across ports, vessels, and aquaculture, support surveillance efforts, response planning, and effective risk communication
• Science Communicator / Marine Education Officer:Translate marine science for diverse audiences through education programs, community outreach, interpretive content, and media communications
• Marine Data Scientist: Integrate biological and environmental data through GIS, satellite and drone imagery, eDNA, and acoustic monitoring to map habitats, track biodiversity change, and support ecological decision-making
• Advisor or consultant for climate risk: Provide climate‑risk insights for government and industry, supporting assessment, planning, and informed decision‑making
• Climate change adaptation: Support sea‑level rise planning through flood‑risk assessment and coastal adaptation strategies, contributing to national resilience and the protection of coastal environments
• Carbon management: Implement carbon reduction practices for Australia’s corporate sector under Australia’s legislated commitment to achieve net-zero carbon by 2050
• Climate repair: Apply interdisciplinary skills to support emerging enterprises and tech start‑ups focused on tackling the climate emergency and advancing sustainable solutions
• Data analyst: Apply high-demand programming, artificial intelligence, and big‑data skills with a climate change focus in the insurance and corporate sectors and Australia’s fast‑growing tech industry
• Antarctic researcher: Apply interdisciplinary skills to study the Southern Ocean and Antarctica, contributing to research programs with CSIRO, the Australian Antarctic Division, the University of Tasmania, and other leading research organisations
• Hatchery and Production Manager: Translate scientific advancements into innovation by enhancing commercial hatchery and production systems, and developing new aquaculture species
• Fish Health and Nutrition Scientist: Conduct research and design innovative products and technologies to enhance animal welfare, improve performance, and ensure the quality of seafood products
• Aquaculture Systems Engineer: Integrate animal and plant biology with advanced technology and multi-trophic systems to sustainably produce seafood in onshore, coastal, and offshore environments
• Conservation Aquaculture Biologist: Apply marine plant and animal biology and physiology to explore, conserve, and safeguard threatened species and marine biodiversity for future generations
• Aquatic Biosecurity Officer: Develop, implement, and enforce policies aimed at safeguarding Australian aquatic ecosystems while ensuring the sustainable future of commercial seafood production
• Marine/Fisheries Research Scientist: Explore everything from animal movement, genetics, and food webs to the economic drivers of fishing, working both on the water and in the lab
• Fisheries Manager / Policy Officer: Work in collaboration with fishers, scientists, industry groups, and government agencies. Design rules for sustainable fishing, protecting habitats, and balancing community needs with conservation
• Environmental / Fisheries Technician: This career provides the opportunity to work on boats sampling fish, testing water quality, identifying species, or helping scientists run field experiments, working in labs processing samples and supporting monitoring programs
• Environmental/Fisheries Technician: You will be a hands-on problem solver collecting data required to manage and protect aquatic environments. As an Environmental and fisheries technician, you will an essential member of research and management teams
• Environmental Consultant: Use scientific knowledge to advise governments and organisations make smarter, more sustainable decisions, developing fishing regulations, doing environmental impact studies, or designing plans to reduce harm to sensitive ecosystems
• Fisheries Observer: Work onboard commercial vessels or in processing plants recording what’s being caught, how fishing gear is used, and whether protected species are affected