Course Overview

About This Course

Maritime Studies deals with policy, law and security issues related to the world’s oceans. It addresses various issues related to the sea, including maritime trade routes, its significance as a natural habitat, and its role as a source of both international political tensions and cooperation. Throughout this degree you will gain an understanding of areas such as maritime enforcement, maritime security threats and solutions, marine environmental law, regulation of shipping and marine resources management. As you learn to analyse the legal, political and operational factors that contribute to the development of the law of the sea and maritime policy, you will also devise solutions to gaps in legal and policy frameworks. Successful completion of the graduate certificate allows articulation into the following coursework master’s degrees: Master of Maritime Policy and Master of Fisheries Policy. International students located offshore are able to enrol and study this course online. Fee subsidised places available One of the benefits for students of the Graduate Certificate in Maritime Studies is the close links that UOW’s Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS) has established with a range of government agencies, international businesses and non-governmental organisations in Australia, the Indo-Pacific region and globally, including a long-term relationship with the Royal Australian Navy. Graduates are typically interested in careers in policy with government (federal and state, also international /regional) involved in areas such as resource management, defence, foreign affairs or with organisations involved in marine resource management and conservation.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Sydney

Tower 1 'Darling Park, Level 2, 201 Sussex St, Sydney, NSW 2000

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

Innovation Campus (On Campus): $12890 (2026) total course fee

Intakes

Autumn 2026 | Spring 2026

Study Mode

On Campus

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic Students

A recognised bachelor’s degree or equivalent, OR Appropriate professional experience. Course enquiries can be directed to the ANCORS Postgraduate Coordinator, Ms Ruth Davis, at rdavis@uow.edu.au.

Work and life experience:

Admission to UOW is primarily based on your academic qualifications, with work or life experience generally not considered. If you do not meet the academic requirements for this course, we recommend exploring recognized pathway programs, such as those offered by UOW College or the TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate (TPC).
For more information, please refer to the UOW Admissions Information page.

Domestic applicants with overseas qualifications:

UOW recognises a range of overseas higher education qualifications. Your qualifications will be assessed for equivalence to Australian qualifications and the admission requirements for this course. Documents issued in a language other than English must be accompanied by an official English translation.
For more information, contact the UOW Future Students Team.

English language proficiency:

All UOW courses are taught in English and require varying levels of proficiency. If English is not your first language, you must meet the University’s English Language Requirements, which differ by course.
Accepted international test results include IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge, and OET for specific health-related courses.
Alternatively, you can fulfill the requirement by completing an English course at UOW College.

International Students

A recognised bachelor’s degree or equivalent, OR Appropriate professional experience. Course enquiries can be directed to the ANCORS Postgraduate Coordinator, Ms Ruth Davis, at rdavis@uow.edu.au.

English Language Requirements:

The following level of English is required to gain admission to this program:
UOW College: English for Tertiary Studies: Credit (weighted average mark of 65 overall and minimum 50 in Academic Reading and Writing) Other qualifications may also be considered. Full details can be found on our English Language Requirements website.

IELTS Academic:

Overall Score 6.5, Reading 6.0, Writing 6.0, Listening 6.0, Speaking 6.0

TOEFL (Internet-based):

Overall Score 86, Reading 18, Writing 18, Listening 17, Speaking 17

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Barrister
Fisheries Policy Advisor
Governmental policy development in areas such as Resource Management, Defence, Foreign Affairs and Maritime Trade
Lawyer
Maritime Policy Advisor

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

AMSA

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units24 units

SEA 902

Law of the Sea

Graduate Certificate in Maritime Studies - On-campus > Core — 6 credit points

SEA 901

Foundations of Ocean Law and Policy

Graduate Certificate in Maritime Studies - On-campus > Core — 6 credit points

SEA 906

Comparative Oceans Policy