Course Overview

About This Course

The Master of Fisheries Policy degree is designed specifically for fisheries or environmental policy officers and mid-level managers or enforcement officers, or for those wanting to pursue a career in fisheries and marine resources management. This degree provides a broad understanding of the law of the sea and the issues facing the fisheries sector, including fisheries management; monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS); fish trade; and regulatory compliance. You will look at the relationships between fisheries law, policy, science, economics and trade in the management of fisheries resources and analyse the legal, political and operational factors that make sustainable fisheries management so difficult and devise solutions to the problems. One of the benefits for students of the Master of Fisheries Policy 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. International students located offshore are able to enrol and study this course online Fee subsidised places available

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): $25781 (2026) total course fee

Intakes

Autumn 2026 | Spring 2026

Study Mode

On Campus

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic Students

A recognised Bachelor Honours degree, or a recognised bachelor’s degree plus a Graduate Certificate in a relevant area,
OR
A recognised bachelor’s degree and appropriate professional experience (e.g., the ability to demonstrate several years of employment in a maritime-related field, such as naval officers, public servants, or enforcement personnel). Supporting evidence should include a statement of service or an employment reference. Consideration will be given to aspects such as the length and field of professional experience.

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 recognised 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 Honours degree, or a recognised bachelor’s degree plus a Graduate Certificate in a relevant area,
OR
A recognised bachelor’s degree and appropriate professional experience (e.g., the ability to demonstrate several years of employment in a maritime-related field, such as naval officers, public servants, or enforcement personnel). Supporting evidence should include a statement of service or an employment reference. Consideration will be given to aspects such as the length and field of professional experience.

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

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units13 units

SEA 919

Social Dimensions of Fisheries Management and Policy

Electives — 6 credit points

SEA 921

Governance of Coastal Fisheries

Electives — 6 credit points

SEA 917

Integrated Monitoring, Control and Surveillance

Electives — 6 credit points

SEA 916

Fisheries and Development

Electives — 6 credit points

SEA 918

International Fish Trade

Electives — 6 credit points

SEA 924

Fisheries Economics

Electives — 6 credit points

SEA 925

Australian Fisheries Law and Policy

Electives — 6 credit points

SEA 913

The Blue Economy and Integrated Ocean Management

Electives — 6 credit points

SEA 920

Ocean Law and Policy Capstone

Core — 6 credit points

SEA 901

Foundations of Ocean Law and Policy

Core — 6 credit points

SEA 914

International Fisheries Law

Core — 6 credit points

SEA 915

Fisheries Management

Core — 6 credit points

SEA 902

Law of the Sea

Core — 6 credit points

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the Master of Fisheries Policy designed for?

Can international students study this course online?

Yes, international students located offshore are able to enrol and study this course online.

What are the entry requirements for the Master of Fisheries Policy?

Entry requires a recognised Bachelor Honours degree, or a recognised bachelor's degree plus a Graduate Certificate in a relevant area, OR a recognised bachelor's degree and appropriate professional experience (e.g., several years of employment in a maritime-related field, such as naval officers, public servants, or enforcement personnel). Supporting evidence should include a statement of service or an employment reference.

How much does the Master of Fisheries Policy cost for domestic students in 2026?

The indicative full-fee paying course fee for domestic students in 2026 is $25,781. However, in 2026, domestic students may be eligible for either a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a UOW-subsidised fee reduction of up to 75% off the fees listed.

What industry connections does the program offer?

One of the benefits for students of the Master of Fisheries Policy 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.

Application

How to Apply

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!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $65,000 to $80,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $80,000 to $100,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $100,000 to $125,000 per year

Career Paths

Fisheries Policy OfficerFisheries ManagerFisheries Compliance OfficerSenior Fisheries OfficerMarine Policy Analyst

Key Skills

Fisheries law and international maritime law analysisPolicy development and regulatory design for fisheries managementMonitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) operations and strategyStakeholder engagement and consultation facilitationFisheries economics and trade analysis

Full Course Overview

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Master of Fisheries Policy

About This Course

Available Locations

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Entry Requirements

Domestic Students

International Students

Where this takes you

Accreditation & Migration

Units of Competency

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

Hear From the Students