University of Western Australia

What you'll study

The programme combines undergraduate foundations in marine science with postgraduate-level oceanography, blending coursework, field training and a substantial research component. Early units cover core topics such as marine ecology, marine chemistry, coastal processes, ocean physics, marine geology and quantitative methods (statistics and data analysis). At the postgraduate level you will study advanced oceanographic subjects including physical oceanography, biological oceanography, biogeochemical cycles, remote sensing and numerical modelling of ocean processes.

• Core undergraduate topics: introduction to marine systems, marine biodiversity, ecological methods, ocean-atmosphere interactions, coastal zone management and laboratory techniques.
• Advanced postgraduate topics: dynamics of the coastal and open ocean, tracer and nutrient dynamics, ecosystem modelling, acoustic and remote-sensing applications in oceanography, and advanced statistical analysis.
• Fieldwork and practical training: repeated field-based modules providing hands-on experience in sampling, instrumentation, CTD profiling, benthic surveys and vessel-based data collection along Western Australia’s coastline.
• Research project or thesis: a major independent research project supervised by academic staff in oceanography, which typically involves data collection, modelling or laboratory analysis and culminates in a substantive thesis.
• Electives and industry engagement: opportunities to take elective units in marine policy, fisheries science, environmental impact assessment and to engage with industry or government partner projects.

Entry requirements

Admission into the integrated pathway typically requires completion of secondary schooling for the undergraduate component, with appropriate prerequisites in mathematics and science. Progression to the Master of Oceanography component normally requires successful completion of the Bachelor of Marine Science with a suitable academic record and competencies in quantitative methods.

For direct entry to the master’s stage (if applying externally), applicants should hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in marine science, environmental science, physics, mathematics or another closely related discipline, and demonstrate relevant coursework in mathematics/statistics and basic chemistry/biology. Prospective research students are usually expected to identify or be matched with an academic supervisor and to provide a brief research proposal. International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme are well placed for careers in scientific research, government agencies, environmental consultancy and the marine industry. Typical roles include:

• Oceanographer or marine scientist with research institutions and universities.
• Environmental consultant specialising in coastal impact assessment, marine monitoring or habitat restoration.
• Fisheries scientist or stock assessment analyst with state and federal fisheries agencies.
• Marine data analyst or modeller in private sector organisations, NGOs or resource companies with offshore operations.
• Marine policy adviser, coastal planner or marine protected area manager within government and non-government organisations.
• Further doctoral research and academic careers in ocean sciences.

Why study at University of Western Australia

UWA offers this programme with strong research strengths in ocean and coastal science and close geographic access to a range of marine environments in the Indian Ocean, enabling extensive fieldwork and real-world study opportunities. The University hosts specialised research groups and interdisciplinary centres focused on marine science and oceanography, providing students with access to laboratory facilities, long-term monitoring datasets and collaborative projects with government and industry partners.

Students benefit from practical training, opportunities for vessel and field-based research along Western Australia’s diverse coastline, and supervision by academics active in contemporary oceanographic research. The combined degree structure is designed to build a firm undergraduate foundation and then elevate skills to meet the analytical, modelling and research demands of professional oceanography.