Graduate Diploma in Physical Oceanography

Yes, the Graduate Diploma in Physical Oceanography was developed in close consultation with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), providing industry-relevant training in physical oceanography theory, practice and technology, and qualifying graduates for specialised roles in Blue Economy industries.

The minimum entry requirement is a Bachelor (Pass) degree with a minimum WAM of 70% or equivalent in a cognate discipline (oceanography, meteorology, physics, science, mathematics, statistics, engineering) from a recognised tertiary institution. Students must also have a minimum of 12 UOC in Level 2 mathematics (equivalent to UNSW's MATH2018/9 and MATH2089). Exceptions can be made in cases where students have received equivalent industry training or experience.

For domestic students, the 2026 indicative first year full fee is $40,000 and the indicative full fee to complete the degree is $40,000. For international students, the 2026 indicative first year fee is $60,000 and the indicative full fee to complete the degree is $61,000. Fees are subject to annual review and may vary.

The program includes core foundational courses such as Fluids, Oceans and Climate, Physical Oceanography, Prediction and Inverse Modelling, Environmental Data Science and Statistics, and Oceanographic Processes. Advanced courses include Data Analysis: Environmental Science and Management, Climate Systems Science, Fundamentals of Data Science, Computational Mathematics for Science and Engineering, Topics in Marine Biology and Ecology, Topics in Australian Marine Science, and a choice between Principles of Geographic Information Systems and Science or Advanced Geographic Information Systems and Science. The total program is 48 Units of Credit (UOC).

The Graduate Diploma in Physical Oceanography commences in Term 1, Term 2, and Term 3, and is delivered via Distance (online with some face-to-face) or Face-to-face (includes blended) modes at the Kensington campus. The duration is 1 year.