Start building today!
Experience the Find the courses and unlock the true potential
52 weeks
On Campus
Full time or part time
Semester 1, Semester 2
Course Overview
As a gateway to Antarctica and with a natural marine laboratory on our doorstep, the University of Tasmania provides an ideal base for studying a career in marine biology and the fisheries and aquaculture industries.
Our Graduate Diploma in Marine and Antarctic Science provides you with a solid coursework foundation in your chosen area of specialisation and serves as a pathway to progress to our Master of Master of Marine and Antarctic Science.
This unique course combines marine science with a focus on the Southern Ocean and Antarctica. You’ll have access to industry-leading facilities at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) and internationally recognised experts to help you kick-start your career.
The Graduate Diploma of Marine and Antarctic Science provides:
Practical skills alongside theoretical studies to broaden your experience and give you an edge in employment.
More than lectures, labs, and tutorials, with study trip units that extend learning to the Southern Ocean and into Australia's largest fisheries, aquaculture, and seafood industries.
Contacts, work experience, and research links in Australia's largest fisheries and aquaculture industries (based in Tasmania).
Access to our international partner organisations and internationally recognised marine science organisations based in Tasmania.
You'll have the choice to study one of the following streams: Fisheries Management or Marine Biology.
Where You Can Study
Hobart
University of Tasmania, Churchill Ave, Hobart, TAS 7005
Student Information
Tuition Fee
Commonwealth Supported Place indicative annual fee: $9,166 AUD (2027)
Duration
Minimum 1 Year, up to a maximum of 3 years.
Intakes
Semester 1, Semester 2
Eligibility
Domestic students:
To be admitted to study the Graduate Diploma of Marine and Antarctic Science you must have a Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science from the University of Tasmania, or an equivalent qualification from an Australian university. An example of an equivalent qualification is a Bachelor of Science with a major in life sciences (such as biology, environmental science, zoology, plant science, marine biology, ecology etc).
In addition, specifically for the Governance and Policy specialisation, students may be admitted with a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from an Australian university in a governance and policy field with evidence of completion of units at undergraduate level that are related to life sciences.
COURSE PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
This course includes compulsory Work Integrated Learning (professional experience placements). In order to participate in placements, all students must:
International students:
Admission to most postgraduate coursework courses at the University of Tasmania require qualifications equivalent to an Australian bachelor degree. Applicants must achieve the required grade in their qualifying studies, meet any prerequisite subjects, and meet English language requirements to be eligible for an offer.
English Language Requirements
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.
English Language Requirements are: IELTS (Academic) 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0)
Course Specific Requirements
To be admitted to study the Graduate Diploma of Marine and Antarctic Science you must have a Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science from the University of Tasmania, or an equivalent qualification from a recognised tertiary education institution. An example of an equivalent qualification is a Bachelor of Science with a major in life sciences (such as biology, environmental science, zoology, plant science, marine biology, ecology etc).
In addition, specifically for the Governance and Policy specialsation, students may be admitted with a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a governance and policy field from a recognised tertiary education institution with evidence of completion of units at undergraduate level that are related to life sciences.
COURSE PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
This course includes compulsory Work Integrated Learning (professional experience placements). In order to participate in placements, all students must:
Career & Study Pathways
The University's Institute of Marine and Antarctic Science (IMAS) provides our students with access to some of the world's leading research facilities, giving you the best career foundation.
With an annual value to Australia of approximately $40 billion and growing, graduates from the University of Tasmania are highly sought-after in a range of fields. The commercial fishing and aquaculture industry directly employs 7,000 people in Australia, and Tasmania is the country's largest commercial operator in this area.
We have graduates working across the world in a variety of positions and organisations.
Quality & Recognition
Academic Regulator
TEQSA
Accreditation Status
AccreditedCourse Content
Research Methods in Marine and Antarctic Science
KSA405 is a dynamic unit designed to immerse you in the interdisciplinary realm of marine and Antarctic research practices, preparing you for both the scientific technical workforce and advanced research endeavours at the Honours/Masters level and beyond. Throughout this unit,…
Marine and Antarctic Environments and their Management
KSA726 offers an interdisciplinary exploration into the management of marine and Antarctic environments. You will be introduced to the core concepts of governance, policy and management and contemporary management practices with a focus on the science-policy interface. You will explore…
Quantitative Methods in Marine and Antarctic Science
Quantitative skills are fundamental tools for marine and Antarctic scientists. They are necessary to design studies, analyse data, and to assess and interpret published studies. This unit provides a solid grounding in appropriate ways to collect and analyse and present…
General Marine Systems
The unit covers fundamental building blocks (cell biology, biochemistry, genetics) and key processes (marine primary and secondary production, and marine microbial ecology) underpinning life in the ocean and introduces students to key organisms (marine algae, invertebrates, vertebrates) of local ecosystems.…
Fishing Technology
The unit will introduce the student to the factors that influence the design of a range of commercial fishing gears and methods as well as the fishing vessels that are required for their effective operation to produce high-quality seafood. Special…
Fisheries Biology and Population Dynamics
In this unit, you will study fisheries biology and population dynamics by exploring how age, growth, reproduction, and life history strategies affect the exploitation of fisheries species. The unit covers methods required for the biological investigation of population dynamics of…
Fisheries Assessment
In this unit, you will learn how to measure the abundance and biomass of fish populations to inform sustainable fisheries management. The unit will cover the theory of marine population dynamics and critically discuss the assumptions underpinning a diverse range…
Fisheries Management and Planning
This unit focusses on the application of strategic management and planning processes to fisheries case-studies. Students will critically appraise issues (biological, ecological, economic and social) for the management of a fishery under the principles of ecologically sustainable development, define fisheries…
Marine Protected Areas
In this unit, you will investigate the global role of marine protected areas (MPAs) in balancing biodiversity conservation and sustainable food production. Using examples worldwide, you will study various MPAs and other types of area-based management - from small fishery…
Global Environmental Governance
The unit explores environmental governance in the context of areas of global concern and shared international management – focusing on the polar regions, the oceans and the global climate. The concepts of sustainable development and the global commons are crucial…
Oceans Governance and Policy
This unit provide an introduction to the management of uses of the marine environment in arras beyond national jurisdiction. International Marine Management incorporates distinct yet interconnected themes: commercial resource exploitation (living and non-living); tourism, recreation and other non-extractive commercial uses…
Antarctic Governance and Policy in the 21st Century
Antarctica and the Southern Ocean are a unique biophysical region of the planet and similarly have unique governance arrangements. This unit provides an advanced analysis of the institutions, rules and power structures which govern the Antarctic region. The unit closely…
Molecular Marine Ecology
This unit explores the suite of molecular tools available to biologists and how they can be applied to questions concerning the biology, ecology, taxonomy, diversity, and evolution of marine organisms. Topics covered include theory and practice of key molecular tools…
Marine Conservation and Restoration
This unit introduces systematic methods of field and laboratory-based data collection, analysis, and reporting for practical applications in marine conservation. Lectures outline the quantitative nature of marine conservation research, the value of robust sampling strategies and experimental methods, assessment of…
Advanced Plankton Methods
Advanced Plankton Methods is a unit within the Marine Biology specialisation of the Master of Antarctic Science Course (S7Z). This unit forms a foundation for quantitative research methods and technology used in studying marine plankton physiology, ecology, and biogeochemistry. This…
Marine Predator Diversity and Ecology
From the poles to the tropics, marine predators influence marine ecosystem structure through top down and bottom-up processes. Marine predators including tuna, turtles, sharks, seabirds, and marine mammals, range widely across global oceans. Often feeding at the top of marine…
Aquaculture Production
This unit is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the practical and theoretical concepts involved in the production of commercially important aquatic species, including molluscs, crustaceans, finfish and plants. Throughout this unit, students will gain a detailed…
Aquaculture Hatchery Production
This unit will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of larval and early life history biology, as well as the practices and processes that underpin hatchery operations for algal, molluscan, crustacean and finfish production. By exploring various techniques and approaches…
Aquatic Molecular Diagnostics and Health
The unit provides students with the latest techniques in molecular biology and their application in health diagnostics, and molecular studies of aquatic animals and seaweeds. The unit introduces students to ubiquitous and pathogenic organisms, explores current techniques and health management,…
Aquatic Animal Nutrition and Physiology
The unit provides students with the fundamental basis of physiology and nutrition, and how they interact to control growth and metabolism, reproduction, osmoregulation and welfare of aquatic animals. The applied relationships between nutrition and feeding behaviour, feed formulation, physiology and…
Common Questions
The University of Tasmania's program is unique for its combination of marine science and Antarctic studies, offering a connection to Antarctic research that is not found in other marine science degrees in Australia.
The course offers a blended study option, with some units available on campus in Hobart and the remainder accessible online, which suits students who may have family or other commitments elsewhere.
Yes, the University of Tasmania offers a range of scholarships including the Support to Study Scholarship Package, which is determined by need and directly tailored to individual students. For example, students may qualify for a financial support scholarship and a relocation support scholarship, worth $3,000 each.
Graduates can pursue careers in marine biology and Antarctic science, with opportunities such as conducting whale research in Antarctica and undertaking fieldwork and research voyages at sea.
Yes, students who complete the undergraduate degree may consider continuing their studies at a postgraduate level, such as a Master's degree, to further specialise in areas like marine biology or Antarctic research.
Application
Three simple steps to get enrolled
Step 01
Enquire
Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.
Step 02
Submit Documents
Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.
Step 03
Get Enrolled
Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!
Honestly I was lost when I first started looking at Australian colleges. There are just too many options and every agent gives you different info. A friend told me about FindTheCourses and within a week I had shortlisted 3 programs that actually matched my budget and visa situation. My advisor Sanjay was super helpful — never felt like I was being pushed into anything.
Priya Sharma
India
Master of Nursing · Griffith University
