Bachelor of Marine Science

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Deakin University

Program Overview

Deakin’s Bachelor of Marine Science (International) invites you to explore the oceans like never before, combining hands-on fieldwork with cutting-edge lab research. Perfect for curious minds passionate about marine life, conservation, and ocean systems, this program equips you with the skills to protect and manage marine environments while gaining real-world experience along Australia’s stunning southern coastline.

Curriculum Structure:
In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in marine science through units like Marine Environments, Cells and Genes, and Chemistry in Our World, while exploring ocean processes and climate interactions. Practical fieldwork and lab-based learning let you observe and analyse marine life firsthand.

Your second year deepens your expertise with units such as Marine Biology, Marine Ecology, and Marine Geographic Information Systems, where you’ll conduct research projects, track ecosystems, and map coastal habitats. Field trips to reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves provide immersive, hands-on experience.

In your final year, you focus on professional practice and advanced research with units like Professional Practice, Transdisciplinary Marine Research, and major-specific units, preparing you for real-world marine science challenges. Opportunities for placements, collaborative projects, and applied research help you graduate ready to make an impact in the marine sector.

Focus Areas: Oceanography, marine biology, conservation, fisheries, aquaculture, marine management.

Learning Outcomes: Apply scientific methods, conduct research, and manage marine ecosystems sustainably.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): This program aligns with Australia’s National Marine Science Plan, giving you a skill set sought by employers in research, policy, and applied marine science.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Deakin is the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment, offering world-class facilities and strong industry connections that help you stand out in the global marine science community.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

If you’re passionate about oceans and want a degree that takes you straight into real-world marine science, Deakin’s Bachelor of Marine Science is built for you. From the Great Southern Reef to iconic surf beaches, your classroom stretches across spectacular marine environments rich in biodiversity. You’ll learn in cutting-edge labs and field settings, gaining hands-on experience in marine biology, ecology, oceanography, and more, guided by expert marine scientists. By combining classroom knowledge with practical application, this program ensures you graduate ready to make a tangible impact on marine conservation and management:

Experiential learning opportunities include:

Hands-on fieldwork along the Great Southern Reef, including rocky shores, seagrass beds, and mangroves
Laboratory investigations exploring biological, chemical, and physical marine processes
Use of marine technologies for research and data analysis
Professional Practice unit providing real-world marine science experience
Research projects through the Transdisciplinary Marine Research unit
Marine Geographic Information Systems (GIS) training for mapping and spatial analysis
Opportunities for study tours, placements, and collaborative research depending on elective or major choices

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Deakin’s Bachelor of Marine Science are well-prepared to step into a dynamic range of careers that protect and manage the world’s oceans. You could find yourself working in biodiversity conservation, fisheries and aquaculture, marine biology and ecology, or oceanography, applying innovative marine technologies and sustainable management practices.

Here’s what this means for you:

University support for employability: Deakin offers the STP010 Career Tools for Employability unit, along with lifetime career support and hands-on placements in marine science, giving you real-world experience before you graduate.
Industry connections: You’ll learn alongside leading Australian marine research organisations, gaining access to professional networks and collaborative projects that make you job-ready.
Graduate outcomes: Deakin is ranked the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment, reflecting strong industry recognition and a high success rate for students moving into relevant roles.
Accreditation value: Your degree is recognised at AQF Level 7, providing a solid foundation for professional and regulatory recognition in marine science careers.
Practical experience: Fieldwork and lab training at the Great Southern Reef and other marine environments ensure you graduate with hands-on skills in conservation, aquaculture, and coastal management.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, you can continue into specialised postgraduate studies, including research-focused master’s programs in marine science or related disciplines. Deakin offers pathways to advanced research, sustainable marine management, and applied sciences, allowing you to deepen expertise in areas like oceanography, marine biotechnology, or conservation policy. These pathways equip you for leadership roles in research institutions, government agencies, or global marine initiatives.