Master of Marine Science and Management

The Master of Marine Science and Management can be completed in 12 to 18 months of full-time study. The length of your program will depend on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). The program is made up of 12 courses, including four core courses and eight elective courses.

Core courses

• Oceanographic Processes

• Topics in Marine Biology and Ecology

• Topics in Australian Marine Science

• Conservation in Aquatic Ecosystems

Elective courses

You’ll choose eight courses from the following list of electives. You may also complete up to 18 units of credit (normally three courses) from at least two of the three Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS) partner universities; University of Technology Sydney, the University of Sydney and Macquarie University.

• Big Data in the Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences

• Data Analysis: Environmental Science & Management

• The Science of Science Communication

• Animal Behaviour

• Plant Ecology

• Biodiversity and Conservation of Natural Resources

• Conservation in Practice

• Research Internship in Marine Terrestrial Conservation

• Climate Systems Science

• Advanced Water Engineering

• Coastal Processes and Hazards

• Environmental Change

• Coastal Resource Management

• Environmental Geophysics

• Environmental Impact Assessment

• Remote Sensing Applications

• Principles of Geographic Information Systems and Science

• Advanced Geographic Information Systems and Science

• Frameworks of Environmental Relations & Leadership

• Large-Scale Conservation in Practice

• Remaking Worlds: Creative & Critical Paradigm Shifts in Environment & Society

• Climate Crisis & Action

• Living Cities: Promises & Risks of Urban Environments

• Demystifying Environmental Law: From Regulation to Rights of Nature

• Environmental Technologies: Challenges & Opportunities

• Indigenous Knowledge Partnerships in Conservation & Caring for Country

• Law of the Sea

• Environmental Markets

• Fluids, Oceans and Climate

• Marine Microbiology

For entry into this degree, you must have one of the following:

• Bachelor of Science degree (in any science discipline) with a weighted average mark (WAM) of 65 or greater

• Bachelor of Science Honours degree in any science discipline

• Bachelor of Science degree with a WAM of 50-65 plus at least 5 years’ professional experience in a relevant field to marine or environmental science


• any degree with an appropriate science major with numerical or data handing skills plus at least five years’ professional experience in a relevant field to marine or environmental science. You are expected to have completed undergraduate level statistical analysis before commencing this program. Students who do not have this knowledge will be required to enrol into BEES5041 Data Analysis for Environmental Science and Management as one of their directed electives.

Applicants with other relevant qualifications and experience not listed above may apply for admission to this program. You will need to demonstrate that you have achieved the same knowledge and skills through your formal or informal learning as the qualifications listed for entry into this program.

Advanced standing

If you have an honours degree (AQF Level 8) in science, you may be eligible for up to 24 units of credit of advanced standing, depending on your numerical literacy and background in marine science. This means that you’ll take a further 48 units of credit to complete the program. Advanced standing will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the program coordinator.

Indicative First Year Fee

AU $45,925

Environmental issues such as climate change and sustainability are at the forefront of modern world challenges. UNSW Science is home to globally recognised researchers and educators in these areas. Our cross-disciplinary research influences important government and industry policies.

Environmental careers are often multidisciplinary and can integrate many fields such as physical, biological and information sciences. Professionals not only study the environment and human impact - they also explore solutions like natural resource management and sustainable development. This degree can lead to a rewarding career as a field biologist, field officer or marine scientist, as well as careers in marine science policy, teaching or research.