Bachelor of Marine Biology and Climate Change

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Technology Sydney

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Marine Biology and Climate Change at UTS is designed for students passionate about understanding and protecting our oceans in the face of climate change. You’ll explore marine ecosystems, investigate environmental challenges, and gain practical skills through fieldwork, labs, and real-world research projects.

Curriculum Structure:
Year 1: You’ll build a solid foundation in science, exploring the fundamentals of biology, chemistry, and global environmental issues. Core units like Scientific Perspectives for Global Issues, Chemistry 1, and The Biosphere immerse you in both theory and hands-on laboratory work, helping you start thinking like a marine scientist.

Year 2: This year focuses on marine systems and climate science, with subjects such as Nature and Evolution, Cell Biology and Genetics, and Environmental Chemistry. You’ll deepen your understanding of marine life, coral reefs, and the biochemical processes that underpin ecosystem health, combining lectures with lab and field experiences.

Year 3: You’ll apply your skills in practical settings, tackling climate impacts and conservation strategies through units like Molecular Biology, Design, Data, and Decisions, and opportunities for internships or off-campus research. This final year emphasizes real-world problem solving, preparing you to contribute meaningfully to marine conservation and climate resilience.

Focus Areas: Marine ecosystems, climate change impacts, conservation strategies, fieldwork and laboratory techniques.
Learning Outcomes: Ability to assess, protect, and manage marine environments using scientific and analytical methods.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): Graduates leave ready for careers in environmental consulting, research, policy, or conservation, with skills recognized by leading industry and research institutions.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): UTS is highly regarded globally, consistently ranked in the top 200 by QS World University Rankings, known for producing graduates with strong employability and practical skills.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

If you’re looking to turn your passion for the ocean and climate into real-world skills, the Bachelor of Marine Biology and Climate Change at UTS is designed exactly for that. From day one, you’ll be working with both traditional and cutting-edge scientific methods to explore marine ecosystems, understand their response to climate change, and develop strategies to protect them. You’ll learn directly from experts involved in leading environmental research, gaining hands-on experience through fieldwork in NSW and even at the Great Barrier Reef. This program isn’t just about theory — it’s about getting your hands wet, your mind challenged, and your career ready:

Hands-on fieldwork in New South Wales and the Great Barrier Reef
Internship opportunities, on- or off-campus, for academic credit
Access to the Climate Change Cluster (C3) and leading environmental research initiatives
Practical experience with analytical and traditional scientific methods in marine biology
Study of coral reef and aquatic ecosystems, environmental protection, and management
Elective options in policy, law, tourism, and business to broaden real-world understanding

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this program leave with the skills to understand, protect, and manage marine ecosystems in the face of climate change. You’ll be prepared for roles such as marine biologist, environmental consultant, climate policy advisor, or research scientist. This degree equips you to make a real-world impact on environmental sustainability while working in diverse marine and policy environments.

Here’s what this means for you:

UTS Career Services & Support: UTS offers tailored career coaching, workshops, and networking events to connect you with potential employers in environmental and marine sectors.
Employment Outcomes: Graduates enter meaningful roles in government, research institutes, NGOs, and consultancy firms focused on climate change and marine management.
University–Industry Partnerships: You’ll benefit from UTS’s strong connections with leading institutions, including the Climate Change Cluster (C3) and marine research bodies, plus hands-on fieldwork opportunities in NSW and the Great Barrier Reef.
Accreditation & Recognition: The degree provides a solid foundation for roles that require scientific expertise in marine biology, environmental management, and climate change mitigation.
Graduation Impact: You’ll finish with practical, research-driven experience, giving you confidence and credibility in both scientific and policy-focused careers.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, you could pursue postgraduate studies at UTS or elsewhere, including Master’s programs in Marine Science, Environmental Management, or Climate Change. These pathways allow you to deepen your research skills or specialize in areas like coral reef conservation, marine policy, or environmental consultancy, opening doors to leadership roles in science and sustainability.