Undergraduate
Marine Science (Extended Major)
Contact us
Address
Student Central
The University of Western Australia (M355), 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia 6009
Telephone
131 UWA (131 892)
International
(+61 8) 6488 1000
Hours
Frequently asked questions
Careers and further study
This course opens up a world of future study pathways and career opportunities.
Career Pathways
You might pursue career opportunities in the following areas:
- Marine environmental consulting
- State and local governments who manage coastal planning and infrastructure
- Government agencies that manage fisheries (e.g. DPRID), marine conservation (e.g. DBCA) or lead marine research projects (e.g. CSIRO,AIMS, Geoscience Australia)
- Resource industry
- Marine industry
- Marine renewables
- Aquaculture
- NGOs
- Academia
Fees and scholarships
Fees for this course are currently being finalised, refer back to this page in the coming weeks as more information will be made available then.
For fee type definitions and further assistance, see the Fee Calculator Help page.
You can also search our database for scholarships that are relevant to you or your desired course.
Domestic Student Fees
For Commonwealth-supported places, student contribution amounts are charged by unit, based on area of study. For a fee estimate, go to the Fee Calculator and select “I want to price my units”. Fees are subject to annual indexation. Refer to the Handbook to identify the units required. More information on how fees are calculated.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.
Cost of living
Admission requirements
The University of Western Australia welcomes applications from international and domestic school-leavers. If you’re interested in studying one of these majors, find out the admission details below.
Minimum entry requirements
- 3.3
- 79
- 270
- 330
- 300
- 66
- 1170
- 60
- 80
Admission requirements
Prerequisites
This major requires:
- Mathematics Methods ATAR; OR
- Mathematics Applications ATAR with a mathematics unit taken in the first year; OR
- Students without ATAR mathematics to take two mathematics units in their first year.
- Chemistry ATAR or an additional chemistry unit taken in the first year.
English competency
English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.
Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.
How to apply
The application process to this course is different for the assured and graduate entry pathways, and for international and domestic applicants.
Refer to the below regarding application processes for each of the pathways . More information regarding admission requirements and prerequisites for each pathway can be found on the 'Admission Requirements' tab.
Domestic Pathways
- Domestic Assured Pathway/School Leaver Entry: Applications are lodged via TISC. Refer to TISC Online for current course codes and application deadlines.
- Domestic Graduate Entry: Applications are lodged via GEMSAS, which open and close in accordance with the GEMSAS timeline. All domestic applicants must submit a valid GAMSAT score by the application closing date.
International Pathways
- International Assured Pathway/School Leaver Entry: Applications are lodged via UWA's online application system or via an authorised international education agent.
- International Graduate Entry: Applications are lodged via UWA's online application system or via an authorised international education agent.
Course details
About the course
Quick details
- Available
- Perth (Crawley campus)
- Albany (Regional campus)
- Full-time
- Part-time
- On-campus
- Semester 1, Semester 2
- Undergraduate
- MJD-MARDM
- 3 years (BMarSc), 4 years (BSc[Hons])
Why study this course
- UWA is ranked 1st in Australia for Biological Sciences (GRAS 2024) and has nationally unique facilities and resources that are used across our marine studies
- Learning is richly embedded with internationally recognised research, often led by UWA’s global experts, encouraging research-based inquiry through cutting-edge science
- This interdisciplinary major provides students with the knowledge required to develop solutions to the threats facing our marine and coastal environments
You'll learn to
- Demonstrate a profound understanding of the theoretical basis of biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics in animals, plants and microorganisms
- Gain technical competency and practical skills to master state-of-the-art molecular techniques
- Develop and demonstrate your skills in critical thinking, experimental design, data analysis and interpretation
Course Structure
Our undergraduate degrees offer you a broad range of options allowing you to combine subjects in a way that matches your career goals and personal interests.
Ashley Marino
Ashley Marino
Marine Science has no geographical limits. When I was in Year 12 living in Albany, a town spoilt with incredible coastal environments, I dreamt of travelling, snorkelling, and living by the sea for the rest of my life. This major opens that possibility, with the added aspect of environmental consideration. Everything biological and atmospheric can be linked to the vast oceans. Marine Science can be applied globally, from the open ocean to local rivers and the atmospheric influences of winds and climate.
Throughout my course, my perspective of the world has been broadened. The students in my class share my passion for protecting our environment and their belief in a better future is contagious; it’s easy to feel optimistic and determined when you’re surrounded by kind-hearted people.
Everyone’s aware of UWA’s prestigious reputation, but really it was the relocation services and pleasant atmosphere that allowed me to picture myself living as a student here.
Read more about Ashley's story.
Asha de Vos
Asha de Vos
Dr Asha de Vos
Marine biologist, ocean educator and pioneering blue whale researcher
My passion is changing the way the world sees and interacts with the ocean and helping people be the best version of themselves. We are incredibly privileged to be alive and to live on this planet – but we only inherit it, we never own it. I am well aware of this and my work is about leaving the planet a better place than I found it with a focus on saving our oceans. I choose to do this by nurturing and training the next generation of diverse ocean heroes, students from typically under-represented nations, and other unlikely heroes like fishermen. I also like to engage people in stories about the magic of our oceans because the more people know about the ocean, the more likely they are to care and become part of the army that we need to drive change. They will become part of the solution and not just part of the problem.
Read more about Asha's story here.
Work Integrated Learning
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) helps bridge the gap between theory and practice by providing opportunities for students to gain hands-on, practical industry relevant experience and for employers to help shape the graduates of tomorrow.
Your degree options
Bachelor of Marine Science
Bachelor of Philosophy
Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre
Purpose-built collaborative facility for marine science and ocean engineering research.
UWA Oceans Institute
The UWA Oceans Institute brings together the University’s multidisciplinary research strengths across areas including oceanography, ecology, engineering, resource management and governance to address key ocean challenges.
Research aims to preserve the future of Ningaloo Reef corals
