Master of Science

There are seven majors available within the Master of Science: Aquaculture Science and Technology, Environmental Earth Science, Environmental Management, Fisheries Science and Management, Geology, Global Change Biology, and Tropical Biology and Conservation. All majors are available at the Townsville campus, while students at the Cairns campus must select from Environmental Earth Science, Environmental Management, Global Change Biology, and Tropical Biology and Conservation.

The Master of Science at JCU takes 1 year and 1 trimester to complete as a full-time student, or 2 years and 2 trimesters if studied part-time.

For 2026, the estimated annual Commonwealth Supported fee is $9,870 AUD for a full-time study load, and the estimated annual tuition fee is $36,491 AUD for a full-time study load. A Student Services and Amenities fee is also required. Fee deferral options and scholarships are available if eligible.

The Master of Science commences in January and September at both the Townsville and Cairns campuses.

Graduates of the JCU Master of Science are highly employable and can find positions in the public or private sector in Australia or abroad, working for organisations in government, business, education, research, or non-profit. Typical roles include biologist, ecologist, conservation agent, environmental manager or specialist, or positions within academia as a researcher or teacher. Graduates also complete the Master's Employability Program, a structured co-curricular program aimed at employability skills and development.