Bachelor of Marine Science and Master of Marine Biology

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Western Australia

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Marine Science and Master of Marine Biology at The University of Western Australia is built for students who are curious about the ocean and eager to work hands-on in the field. Over four years, you’ll explore life beneath the surface — from coastal habitats to deep-water systems — while learning how to collect data, solve scientific problems, and contribute to real environmental solutions. It’s a degree for people who want their work to matter, whether that’s in conservation, research, or environmental leadership.

Curriculum Structure

First Year
You’ll start with the essentials: Marine Biology Fundamentals, Ocean Processes, and Coastal Ecology. It’s a year of discovery — spending time in labs, heading out on field trips, and learning how to observe marine life up close. You’ll build a solid sense of how ocean systems work and get a taste of the scientific tools used to study them.

Second Year
As you move into your second year, you’ll deepen your understanding with units like Marine Biodiversity, Marine Chemistry and Data Analysis, and Field Methods in Marine Systems. You’ll begin working with real datasets and exploring how ecosystems respond to change. Field excursions step up a level too, helping you connect classroom ideas with what you’re seeing in the water.

Third Year
Your third year shifts into more advanced territory with topics such as Ecosystem Dynamics, Marine Conservation Strategies, and a postgraduate-level unit that eases you into your master’s studies. You’ll start applying higher-level analytical skills and often work alongside researchers using the world-class facilities at the Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre. By the end of the year, you’ll feel confident taking on more independent research.

Fourth Year (Master’s Level)
Your final year is dedicated to the Master of Marine Biology. Here, you’ll dive into units like Quantitative Marine Biology, Advanced Field Research, and Marine Resource Management. It’s a year of designing studies, using industry-standard tools, and learning how to turn scientific findings into practical solutions. This is the stage where your knowledge becomes professional-level — ready for the marine science workforce.

Focus Areas

You’ll build skills in marine ecosystems, field and lab techniques, data analysis, conservation planning, and applied resource management.

Learning Outcomes

By the time you graduate, you’ll understand how marine biological and physical systems work, know how to collect and analyse environmental data, and feel equipped to design, lead, and communicate solutions for coastal and ocean issues.

Professional Alignment

This combined degree is designed with real employer expectations in mind. You’ll spend plenty of time in the field, in the lab, and working on genuine research problems — the kind of practical experience that environmental agencies, research organisations, and industry partners actively look for.

Reputation

UWA has a strong global reputation in earth and marine sciences, consistently ranking in the world’s top 100 for these areas. That recognition reflects the quality of training you receive — and the confidence employers have in graduates from this program.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Marine Science and Master of Marine Biology at UWA isn’t just about ticking off units — it’s an entire education built around actually doing marine science. From your very first year, you’ll spend less time sitting in lecture theatres and more time out on the coast, in the lab, and working alongside researchers who do this work every day.

You’ll get your hands dirty (and salty) collecting real marine data, learning how to use the tools and technologies that scientists rely on, and figuring out how to apply what you learn to genuine environmental problems. By the time you move into the Master’s stage, you’ll be building advanced skills in fieldwork, lab techniques and data analysis — the kinds of abilities that employers and research teams genuinely look for.

Here’s how the program builds your confidence, your experience and your career readiness:

Real fieldwork, right from the start:
You won’t just study marine systems from a distance — you’ll be out there designing experiments, gathering samples and working in coastal and offshore environments.

Hands-on labs and data work:
Throughout the extended Marine Science major, you’ll spend a lot of time in labs and computer practicals, working with real datasets and learning to interpret biological and physical processes in the ocean.

Industry-connected learning:
Across both the Bachelor and Master components, you’ll have chances to engage with industry, apply your skills in real workplace contexts and start building meaningful professional networks.

Access to world-class facilities:
You’ll learn in environments like the Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre and collaborate with the UWA Oceans Institute — places where cutting-edge research and marine field tools are part of everyday life.

A Master’s built for real-world impact:
The postgraduate program goes deeper into applied skills, from advanced field data collection to industry-standard analytical software and practical approaches to conservation and marine management.

A collaborative research culture:
You’ll be surrounded by researchers and students working across disciplines, giving you insight into how real marine science projects come together and how teams tackle complex ocean challenges.

If you’re looking for a degree that doesn’t just teach you marine science but immerses you in it, this combined program gives you repeated opportunities to learn by doing — on the coastline, in the lab, and within a genuine research community.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Marine Science and Master of Marine Biology at UWA are equipped to step confidently into a wide range of marine-focused careers. You could find yourself working in marine environmental consulting, supporting government agencies in fisheries or conservation, or joining research teams at institutions like CSIRO or AIMS. Other possibilities include roles in aquaculture, marine renewables, or with NGOs focused on ocean health.

Here’s what this means for you:

UWA Career Services: Dedicated support through internships, work-integrated learning, and career mentoring to connect you with employers in the marine and environmental sectors.
University–Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with CSIRO, AIMS, Geoscience Australia, and various government and marine organizations ensure real-world exposure and research opportunities.
Employment Outcomes: Graduates are highly regarded in both public and private sectors, with many securing roles in environmental management, marine research, and policy development.
Accreditation and Recognition: This combined degree is recognised for its strong scientific and professional foundation, giving you credibility for regulatory, conservation, and research positions.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this program, you could pursue specialised research or postgraduate study, such as a PhD in marine biology or environmental science. UWA provides pathways into advanced research degrees, offering access to its marine research institutes and field stations, giving you the chance to deepen expertise in areas like marine ecology, conservation management, or marine resource policy.