Study coastal and marine science

Is the ocean and coast part of your lifestyle? Are you wanting to learn about the marine environment?

The coastal and marine environment provides recreation, food, energy, and other resources, and needs to be sustainably managed in the face of an uncertain future. Australia is home to some of the most unique and diverse coastlines and marine ecosystems in the world.

By understanding the ecological, physical, conservation, societal and management issues they face – such as climate change, pollution, urbanisation and conflicting users – we can help find solutions to these problems. When you study a Bachelor of Coastal and Marine Science you’ll be learning from experts in marine, coastal and ecological fields – giving you practical skills to make a difference to our world.

Why Study with us?

Take advantage of our unique access to marine and coastal environments – conduct fieldwork in key coastal and marine landscapes from pristine estuaries to urban developments, and major waterways and coastal zones. You may also have the opportunity to conduct field work on coral reefs in Vanuatu.
Learn from leading academics – and engage with key figures in industry, government and the not-for-profit organisations.
Design your degree to suit your interests – build upon traditional science learning with courses in marine and coastal environmental studies to compliment a number specialisations to increase employability.
Access to world-class facilities as well as novel technologies, and participate in field and laboratory work to help develop your analytical, research and communication skills.
Engage in work-integrated learning and gain recognised certifications such as a boat license, radio operator license, and drone and remotely operated vehicle operation.
We're globally recognised for excellence in scientific research – we ranked ERA 5, well above world standards in nine of our science disciplines including Environmental Science and Management (Excellence in Research 2018).

Structural components

Laboratory training

Practical/Field work

Research Project

Application procedure

Apply to study this degree through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

You can select up to five preferences in your UAC application, so have a look around and select some back-up options. Put the degree you are most interested in first.

Grant opportunities

Scholarships

The University offers a range of scholarships to help you with the costs of study. These include scholarships for students experiencing financial hardship, scholarships for academic and sporting excellence, as well as scholarships specifically for Indigenous and international students.

Learning outcomes

Program learning outcomes

On successful completion of the program students will have:

A broad and coherent knowledge of the key goods and services that coastal and marine ecosystems provide for the environment and human society from the local to global scale.
A critical understanding of evidence based scientific method, in particular with reference to coastal and marine ecosystems.
the skills to design, undertake, analyse, integrate and critically self-evaluate laboratory and/or field experiments, in relation to the wider scientific literature using appropriate techniques and approaches.
Effective communication, and be able to articulate scientific content to a diverse audience in a variety of ways including oral, written and visual means.
A clear understanding of the important role science communication plays in informing the general public, environmental managers and policy makers and how this can shape humans impact on the coastal and marine environment.
The ability to effectively perform tasks in a culturally diverse, multidisciplinary workplace.
Integrity. Graduates will understand and respect their own and others’ values, knowledge, ethics and opinions.
Professionalism. Graduates will perform in an ethical manner in a professional environment, considering societies cultural and legislative norms and requirements.

Prerequisites

Admission to this program is available to Australian students, residents and international students. Admission information for Australian students and residents is available online. Admission information for international students can be found online as well. During the admission process adjustment factors may be applied to your Selection Rank. Please visit our website to see if you are eligible.