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Master of Marine Science and Management

Masters by Coursework

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Start Date

    View in availability

  • Duration

    2 years full-time; 4 years part-time
    Depending on unit availability, previous study or work experience, students may be able to complete their degree in a shorter duration than indicated.

  • Location

    View in availability

  • Placements

    NA

  • Course abbreviation

    MMarSc&Mgt

  • Course code

    1207305

  • Credit points

    192

  • Equivalent units

    16

  • Indicative Fee

    Fee paying

Overview

Keen to delve deeply into the study of ocean and marine sciences with leading researchers, in state-of-the-art facilities and in some of the most beautiful and fascinating marine ecosystems in the world? 

The Master of Marine Science and Management is delivered from the University’s National Marine Science Centre teaching and research facility in Coffs Harbour, on the shores of the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

The curriculum is strongly influenced by the needs of industry and potential employers. It has both a theoretical and a practical focus, with field studies in a range of coastal and marine environments and a focus on sustainability and management. You will move between the classroom and the water as you study marine management and ecology, conservation and biodiversity, and strategies towards environmental sustainability and pollution mitigation.

Graduates may go on to become scientists, science communicators, policy makers across the private and public sectors, or to consider other fields connected with the marine environment.

Course Learning Outcome

Exercise knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to investigating marine science and management

Make decisions and exercise informed judgement in relation to marine science and management issues

Apply knowledge and skills with initiative and creativity with new challenges or in new situations

Apply sustainability principles to relevant research and professional contexts

Demonstrate highly developed judgement and use of ethical framework(s) in scholarly, research and professional contexts

Demonstrate an advanced, integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge in marine science and management

Apply disciplinary knowledge and research skills of marine science and/or management in professional and community settings

Reflect on, assess and regulate their own learning and research capabilities and performance with personal autonomy and accountability

Locate, evaluate, manage and use information in order to create new information

Communicate arguments, theory, complex knowledge and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences in marine science and management contexts

Work collaboratively with individuals and teams to achieve research outcomes

Demonstrate cultural competence in local, Australia-wide and where applicable global settings

The course focuses on the sustainability and management of a range of marine ecosystems. Specialist marine units include ocean change biology, pollution of the marine environment, sustainable use of the marine environment and marine research projects that can be tailored to meet your needs or interests.

Students who have completed a relevant Bachelor degree may receive four units of advanced standing towards the Masters degree.

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour Session 1, Session 2 N/A N/A

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

Credit for prior learning

Students who have completed a Bachelor of Science Degree specialising in a field of Biology or Environmental Science will receive advanced standing for four (4) units in Part C of the Schedule of Units.

Students who have completed a Bachelor of Science Degree specialising in a field of Biology or Environmental Science and who also hold an Honours Degree in Marine or Environmental Science or 5-years relevant research experience in marine/environmental science will receive advanced standing for
four (4) units in Part C and four (4) units in Part B of the Schedule of Units.

Course requirements

  1. To be eligible for the award of Master of Marine Science and Management a candidate shall successfully complete sixteen (16) units (192 credit points) comprising:
    1. all four (4) units listed in Part A and
    2. eight (8) units from Part B and 
    3. four (4) units from Part C
  2. Students who have completed a Bachelor of Science Degree specialising in a field of Biology or Environmental Science will receive advanced standing for four (4) units in Part C.
  3. Students who have completed a Bachelor of Science Degree specialising in a field of Biology or Environmental Science and who also hold an Honours Degree in Marine or Environmental Science or 5-years relevant research experience in marine/environmental science will receive advanced standing for four (4) units in Part C and four (4) units in Part B.

Course structure

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes

Part A
BIO93010 Frontiers in Marine Science I - Biological Systems and Management Advanced
GLY93010 Frontiers in Marine Science II - Physical and Chemical Oceanography Advanced
BIO93015 Advanced Marine Ecology Advanced
ENV03398 Environment and Development Advanced

Part B

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
BIO03101 Survey Design Introductory
BIO03102 Sustainable Use of the Marine Environment Introductory
BIO03097 Marine Communities as Sentinels of Change Introductory
BIO03095 Coral Reefs on the Edge Advanced
BIO03202 Marine Mammals: Biology and Conservation Advanced
BIO03098 Marine Systems Science and Management Introductory
BIO03099 Marine Pollution Advanced
BIO03096 Ocean Change Biology Introductory
SCI03071 Research Project I Advanced
SCI91001 Advanced Coastal Biogeochemistry Intermediate
SCI03072 Research Project II Advanced
IST03301 Postgraduate Independent Study - Science I Advanced
BIO92005 Scientific Diving Intermediate
MNG00785 Project Management Introductory
GLY03113 Geographical Information Systems Intermediate
MNG03217 The Positive Leader Introductory
BIO03076 Protected Area Management Advanced
MNG03067 Strategic Knowledge Management Introductory

Part C

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
BIO00233 Fisheries Management Advanced
BIO01209 Aquaculture Management Intermediate
BIO00105 Fisheries Biology Advanced
BIO00232 Coastal Marine Ecosystems Intermediate
ENV10655 Coastlines - Diversity, Dynamics and Risks Intermediate
CHE00073 Environmental Chemistry Intermediate