Postgraduate

Master of Marine Biology (coursework or coursework and dissertation)

Seek the answers to global climatic and environmental challenges that impact important coastal ecosystems.
1.5-2
Years Full Time

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

8.30am - 5pm AWST, Monday - Friday

Frequently asked questions

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Careers and further study

Explore the career opportunities available to you.

Career Pathways

Specific job titles could include:

- Marine Biologist (researcher)

- Marine Consultant

- Marine Natural Resource Manager

Marine Conservation Specialist

- Marine Science Communicator

- Environmental Scientist

- Fisheries Scientist

 

You might pursue a career in the following industries:

- Marine environmental consulting

- Government agencies

- Resource industry

- Marine renewables

- Aquaculture

- NGOs

- Academia

Specific job titles could include:

- Marine Biologist (researcher)

- Marine Consultant

- Marine Natural Resource Manager

Marine Conservation Specialist

- Marine Science Communicator

- Environmental Scientist

- Fisheries Scientist

 

You might pursue a career in the following industries:

- Marine environmental consulting

- Government agencies

- Resource industry

- Marine renewables

- Aquaculture

- NGOs

- Academia

Fees and scholarships

Learn more about the fees that apply to you for this course.

Domestic Student Fees

Indicative annual course fee
2025
Commonwealth Supported Place $10,248.76

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

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

International Student Fees

Indicative first year fee
2024
$48,000.00
2025
$50,600.00

Find out more about tuition fees or visit the fee calculator for the estimated total course fee.

Note, tuition fees are reviewed annually and are subject to increase up to 7.5 per cent per annum.

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

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

Admission requirements

If you’re interested in furthering your career by studying this postgraduate course, find out the admission details below

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have—
(a) a Bachelor of Science, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA;
and
(b) the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 50 per cent;
and
(c) successfully completed prior tertiary study in —marine science or marine biology; or in a related cognate discipline as recognised by UWA.

Ranking and Selection Process

Where relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on the relevant requirements.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

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.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

How to apply

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Ready for the next step?

Find out how to apply through our simple online application process. 

We'll guide you through our entry requirements, admission pathways available to you and application deadlines for your chosen course. 

We can’t wait for you to join us!  

Apply now

Course details

This course is designed to prepare you for a meaningful marine biology career in industry or as a researcher. This is achieved through a focus on both the quantitative elements of marine biology and processes in marine environments, as well as the application and translation of marine science into industry practice and management.

About the course

In WA, with its extensive coastline, there is an unmet need to generate graduates with the knowledge and skills to contribute to marine and coastal science and management. This course is designed to prepare you for a meaningful marine biology career in industry or as a researcher. This is achieved through a focus on both the quantitative elements of marine biology and processes in marine environments, as well as the application and translation of marine science into industry practice and management.
Master of Marine Biology

Quick details

Status
  • Available
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
Attendance
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Delivery
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • Semester 1, Semester 2
Level of study
  • Postgraduate
Course Code
  • 74540
CRICOS code
  • 107725G
Master of Marine Biology
Status
  • Available
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
Attendance
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Delivery
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • Semester 1, Semester 2
Level of study
  • Postgraduate
Course Code
  • 74540
CRICOS code
  • 107725G
Full time/part time duration
  • 1.5-2 years

Work Integrated Learning

network

Gain industry knowledge, develop career-ready skills, and network with industry professionals

Course structure

Postgraduate coursework degrees and combined (coursework and research) degrees comprise a number of units. Refer to the course structure for more information.

Conversion
Students who have not completed a bachelor's degree with a major in Marine Biology or equivalent as recognised by the School. must complete relevant conversion units up to the value of 24 points from this group, as advised by the School(s):
Core
Take all units (30 points):
Core
Students in the course by coursework only take 12 points. Students must complete SCIE5004 and choose another six points from the remaining units.
Option
Students in the course by coursework only take 30 points of which 12 must be at Level 5. Students in the course by coursework and dissertation take 6 points.
Option
Students in the course by coursework and dissertation take 36 points.

Why study this course

  1. UWA is the only university to offer a master's level Marine Biology degree, with both 'coursework + research' and coursework only' pathways. 
  2. You will have access to world-leading facilities at the Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre (IOMRC) and will be learning from internationally recognised experts to help give you the best opportunities to kick start your career. 
  3. We’ll provide you the environment to build technical skills and valuable connections through hands-on learning and exposure to modern analytical tools.
 

You'll learn:

  • knowledge across physical, chemical, geological and biological interactions applied to coastal and ocean systems as well as important practical and problem-solving skills
  • to become proficient in marine field data collection, data analysis techniques, including the use of industry-standard software
  • a theoretical and practical understanding to apply to the challenges associated with managing our biodiversity and other marine resources. 
 

Our academics

We have a team of academics that are passionate about our oceans and have extensive knowledge on how we can both protect and use our rich marine environments. We cover the fields of marine biology, ecology, spatial ecology, fisheries science, as well as conservation and management. They are all members of the UWA Oceans Institute and sit within the Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, which is a purpose-built facility for marine science and ocean engineering research that includes government agencies like CSIRO, AIMS and DPIRD.
Ranked 1st in Australia and 17th in the world for Marine/Ocean Engineering (GRAS 2023)
Ranked 3rd in Australia and 26th in the world for Oceanography (GRAS 2023)
Ranked 4th in Australia and 45th in the world for Earth & Marine Sciences (QS 2024)
Institute

UWA Oceans Institute

Research boat on the ocean

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.

Institute
Centre

Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre

Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre

Purpose-built collaborative facility for marine science and ocean engineering research.

Centre