Master of Marine Science and Management
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1 & 3
- Duration
- 1.7 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
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Kensington
- Codes
- Program code 8271
- CRICOS code 085467F
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2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $37,500*
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2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $57,000*
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2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $55,000*
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2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $85,000*
Entry Requirements
Fees
Fees
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Interdisciplinary program
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Cross-institutional links
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Research-led
UNSW is introducing a new academic calendar from 2028.
What does this mean for my studies? UNSW is moving to a new ‘flex-semester’ calendar.
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
Go beyond traditional courses to examine new approaches to marine science. The Master of Marine Science and Management is multidisciplinary and cross-institutional, giving you access to a comprehensive set of approaches and methods unique to the field.
Your study will explore information systems and remotely sensed data analysis. It also covers the impact and use of marine science on legislation and management in marine and coastal zones. You’ll learn about coastal management and engineering, climate change, marine ecology and conservation, physical oceanography and modelling.
Key features
- Cross-institutional degree
This program is jointly offered by UNSW and three Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS) partner universities. Our SIMS partnership is enhanced by collaborations with several state and federal government departments and the Australian Museum. SIMS is a unique focal point for collaborative marine research and innovation, provision of marine research for policy makers and managers, and research training and teaching in the marine sciences.
- Advanced interdisciplinary program
If you’re interested in marine science, management and conservation, this program will improve your numerical skills in statistics and data management using excel, R and matlab. You’ll also expand your knowledge in cutting-edge areas of climate change, ocean observing, plankton, fish, fisheries and marine mammals.
- Wide range of career opportunities
This program 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.
Why study at UNSW?
Learn with the best
UNSW Science is at the forefront of many new scientific developments, teaching and innovation. We’re responsive to the needs of industry, adaptive to change and take an innovative approach to teaching and learning. This program is taught by the UNSW School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES). BEES is one of the largest schools at UNSW, which has a national and international reputation for quality education and research.
- We’re ranked #3 in Australia and =#37 globally for earth and marine science (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025)
- We're ranked #38 globally for environmental science (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025)
- We’re ranked #2 in Australia for research output in Earth & Environmental Sciences. (Nature Index Institution Outputs, 2024)
Build connections across multiple institutions
Founded in 2005, the Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS) is a world-leading marine science institute and the principal marine research facility in New South Wales. This degree is jointly offered by UNSW and three SIMS universities: The University of Sydney, Macquarie University and the University of Technology, Sydney. You’ll receive exposure to leading research across a number of institutions and build valuable career networks.
Learn in a dedicated facility
The core courses in this program are taught at the SIMS facility at Chowder Bay. This location is ideal for marine research with high quality seawater available to service the SIMS research aquarium. It also sits on a coastline that is bathed by the East Australian Current, making Sydney and the coast of New South Wales a global hotspot for ocean warming. SIMS’ unique location makes it the ideal place from which to address the combined impacts of urbanisation and climate change, two of the central challenges facing coastal sustainability today.
Want to see more from UNSW Science?
Entry requirements
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.
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:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
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.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
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.
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:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
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.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
What will I study?
Program structure
This degree addresses new approaches to marine science by using information systems and remotely sensed data analysis. It also covers the impact and use of marine science on legislation and management in marine and coastal zones. You’ll learn about coastal management and engineering, climate change, marine ecology and conservation, physical oceanography and modelling.
Full program structure
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.
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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
Future careers
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.
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.
Ready to start your application?
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?
Fees & Scholarships
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the program. The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).
You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
*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.
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.
QS World University Rankings, 2025
AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020-2025
Crunchbase venture capital start-up data, 2021
UNSW has a strong focus on industry collaborations with opportunities for students to network.
