Undergraduate + Postgraduate

Bachelor of Earth Sciences and Master of Oceanography

Challenge yourself with a Bachelor of Earth Science and Australia’s only Master of Oceanography while gaining a unique experience at UWA.
90
ATAR
4
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

Careers and further study

This course opens up a world of future study pathways and career opportunities.

Career Pathways

There are diverse career opportunities in government, industry, consultancies and research institutions. The need for marine and coastal management, marine renewable energy, safe use of the ocean and aquaculture will require graduates with interdisciplinary knowledge of oceanography.

Career opportunities include:

  • Oceanographer

  • Coastal Officer

  • Marine Consultant

  • Geologist

  • Geochemist

  • Geophysicist



There are diverse career opportunities in government, industry, consultancies and research institutions. The need for marine and coastal management, marine renewable energy, safe use of the ocean and aquaculture will require graduates with interdisciplinary knowledge of oceanography.

Career opportunities include:

  • Oceanographer

  • Coastal Officer

  • Marine Consultant

  • Geologist

  • Geochemist

  • Geophysicist



Fees and scholarships

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

Domestic Student Fees

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

Eligible Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) students can use the HECS-HELP loan program to pay their tuition fees. For Full-Fee Paying (FFP) places, students are charged an annual course fee.

Find out more information about tuition fees, or visit the fee calculator for a more accurate cost.

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
$46,700.00
2025
$49,300.00

Eligible Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) students can use the HECS-HELP loan program to pay their tuition fees. For Full-Fee Paying (FFP) places, students are charged an annual course fee.

Find out more information about tuition fees, or visit the fee calculator for a more accurate cost.

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

The University of Western Australia welcomes applications from international and domestic school-leavers. If you’re interested in studying this major, find out the admission details below.

Admission requirements

For applicants with recent secondary education, information on admission criteria is available on our entry requirements page or on the UWA Handbook for course specific requirements and prerequisites.

Minimum entry requirements

Below you’ll find a list of admission equivalencies for this course's Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).
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

Mathematics requirement

This major requires a certain level of Mathematics. If you do not meet this level, you may be able to take additional Mathematics units in your first year to satisfy this requirement.

WACE prerequisite: Mathematics Methods ATAR

How to apply

Group of smiling students wearing UWA shirts 

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 combined bachelor's and master's (CBM) is a four-year accelerated program for those with an ATAR of 90 or above. The Bachelor of Earth Sciences is ideal for students who are curious about the complex system that comprises the solid Earth, its oceans and atmosphere, and the place of Earth in the solar system and beyond. The Master of Oceanography emphasises learning through practical work to gain knowledge and skills in oceanography encompassing scientific and engineering elements of dynamic coastal zones and seafloor geology.

About the course

The Bachelor of Earth Sciences is ideal for students who are curious about the complex system that comprises the solid Earth, its oceans and atmosphere, and the place of Earth in the solar system and beyond. The Master of Oceanography emphasises learning through practical work to gain knowledge and skills in oceanography encompassing scientific and engineering elements of dynamic coastal zones and seafloor geology.

Fieldwork in Science

Students on a boat in Elizabeth Quay

Course structure

In your first three years, you will complete the Integrated Earth and Marine Sciences (extended major) and a semester of postgraduate study. You will then complete your selected specialisation in the Master of Oceanography. Refer to the example study plan for more information.

Why study this course?

  • An Earth Sciences degree from UWA will provide you with knowledge and skills that are highly valued by employers of geoscientists. 
  • Emphasis is placed on practical skills gained in the laboratory and through fieldwork, and can be applied to a diverse range of employment opportunities in industry, consultancies and government. 
  • The Master of Oceanography is the only course of its kind in Australia and will leverage Western Australia's position on the Indian Ocean and unique marine environment including pristine coastal areas and ocean processes shaped by the Indian and Southern Oceans.
 

You'll learn to

  • Critically analyse the physical, chemical, geological and biological processes operating in coastal to deep marine environments
  • Apply practical skills needed for management of coastal and marine zones with critical social, economic and cultural value that are increasingly impacted by climatic changes
  • Use key knowledge and practical skills in the collection and interpretation of scientific data in both terrestrial and marine settings as well as data analysis and synthesis techniques
  • Develop strong interdisciplinary knowledge and technical skills to take advantage of diverse career opportunities in government, industry, consultancies and research institutions.
 

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

Ranked 1st in Australia and 17th in the world for Marine/Ocean Engineering (GRAS 2023)

Master of Oceanography

Centre

Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre

Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre

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

Centre
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