Graduate Diploma in Physical Oceanography

Students learning in the Science facilities at the UNSW Kensington campus

The Graduate Diploma in Physical Oceanography caters to graduates in science, engineering and cognate disciplines seeking advanced training in the theory and understanding of physical processes in the ocean. Graduates will be prepared for a career in specialised roles within the Blue Economy industry.

Faculty

Faculty of Science

Delivery Mode

Distance (online with some face-to-face), Face-to-face (includes blended)

Award

Graduate Diploma in Physical Oceanography

Commencing Terms

Term 1, Term 2, Term 3

Duration (Full Time)

1 - 1 Year(s)

Overview

The Graduate Diploma Physical Oceanography will give you the specialist skills to step into Australia's growing Blue Economy. Developed in close consultation with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), you will gain industry-relevant training in physical oceanography theory, practice and technology, qualifying you for specialised roles in Blue Economy industries.

The Graduate Diploma Physical Oceanography covers quantitative skills with a focus on the ocean and marine environment, ranging from simulation to data acquisition and advanced statistical and computational analysis. You will also develop deep knowledge of the physical processes of the ocean.

Core courses include:

Fluids, Oceans and Climate
Physical Oceanography
Prediction and Inverse Modelling
Environmental Data Science and Statistics

Program Code

5518

CRICOS Code

106117F

Campus

Kensington

Total Units of Credit (UOC)

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Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirement is a Bachelor (Pass) degree with a minimum WAM of 70% or equivalent in a cognate discipline (oceanography, meteorology, physics, science, mathematics, statistics, engineering) from a recognised tertiary institution. Students must have a minimum of 12 UOC in Level 2 mathematics (equivalent to UNSW's MATH2018/9 and MATH2089, for example). Exceptions can be made in cases where students have received equivalent industry training or experience.

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

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Potential careers

Anthropologist
Environmental consultant
Human resources manager
Community-development worker
Field biologist
Life scientist

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.

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Apply now

For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.

Ready to start your application?

Apply now

Fees & Scholarships

2023 Indicative First Year Full Fee

$32,245*

2023 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree

$32,245*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

2023 Indicative First Year Fee

$45,325*

2023 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree

$45,325*

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.

Scholarships

At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.