Bachelor of Marine Science and Master of Marine Biology

Yes. If you decide not to continue in the Combined Bachelor's and Master's (CBM), you can exit after three years with a Bachelor of Marine Science (Advanced). However, note that the Advanced Bachelor Degree is available only as a CBM exit award — it is not offered for direct enrolment and is not awarded on completion of the CBM.

During the master's component you will have access to world-leading facilities at the Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre (IOMRC), a purpose-built collaborative facility that brings together more than 300 marine scientists across disciplines including biodiversity, fishing, tourism, Indigenous engagement, climate change, oceanography and conservation. You will also be learning from internationally recognised experts.

The course offers rich practical experiences including field trips (with multiple field camps), laboratory work, and computer-based labs. Through experimental design and research conducted both in the field and in laboratories, students learn about the complex biological and physical interactions in coastal and offshore marine ecosystems. The course also features fieldwork across Western Australia and beyond.

The course code is CM010 and the CRICOS code is 106473H. The course is available at the Perth (Crawley) campus and is delivered on-campus with a duration of 4 years full time or equivalent.

UWA is ranked 3rd in Australia and 29th in the world for Oceanography (GRAS 2025), and is also ranked in the Top 100 in the world for Earth & Marine Sciences (QS 2026), reflecting the strength of the marine science program underpinning this combined degree.