#1 Victorian university for science facilities
#1 Victorian university for marine and freshwater biology
#1 Victorian university for course satisfaction
Why choose marine science at Deakin
Marine science at Deakin is the state of Victoria’s only dedicated marine science degree where you will have access to spectacular marine environments teeming with rich biodiversity on your doorstep. Become an expert in ocean systems by exploring a broad range of disciplines, including marine biology and ecology, oceanography, marine mapping, conservation, aquaculture, fisheries, and marine and coastal management. The Bachelor of Marine Science equips you with the skills needed to create a sustainable future for the world’s oceans.
The course runs across two coastal locations – our Queenscliff Marine Science Centre, where you can observe living marine animals and plants, learn in a state-of-the-art aquarium and enjoy access to the marine and coastal ecosystem on Queenscliff’s doorstep, and our Warrnambool campus, home to cutting-edge labs and facilities. You will graduate ready to make a real contribution to how we understand and protect our oceans.
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Degrees shaped by employers
Study a course informed by marine and environmental practice, aligned with current ocean and coastal challenges.
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WIL access for every student
Apply your learning through practical experiences connected to real marine and environmental contexts.
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Field-based marine learning
Build hands-on skills through fieldwork that reflects marine research, monitoring and ecosystem assessment at Deakin’s Queenscliff Marine Science Centre.
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Specialised marine science focus
Develop expertise in marine systems while building strong scientific and analytical capability.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Develop multidisciplinary skills for careers across marine research, conservation and environmental management. You may also pursue further study towards a research career in a specialised area of marine science.
Marine biologist
Study marine organisms and their habitats, behaviours and environmental impacts. Collect and analyse samples, monitor marine species and contribute to conservation, fisheries and sustainable marine management.
- $97k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 10%
Projected job growth in 5 years
Microbiologist
Study microorganisms and their interactions with living systems and the environment. Conduct laboratory research, analyse samples and investigate how microorganisms affect ecosystems and biological processes.
- $90k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 10%
Projected job growth in 5 years
Professional areas
- Oceanography
- Marine biotechnology
- Fisheries
- Remote sensing
- Marine ecology
- Microbiology and genomics
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
VTAC
FAQs
Yes – every Deakin student can access work-integrated learning (WIL) in their degree. Each year, more than 30,000+ students complete a placement or internship with partners including Microsoft, KPMG, EY and the National Australia Bank. You can access WIL through placements, industry projects, field-based experiences, simulations and global programs, helping you apply your skills and graduate with the experience and confidence employers value.
DeakinTALENT is Deakin's award-winning career service, and you can access it for life – not just while you're studying. From personalised career coaching sessions and AI-enhanced resume support to a jobs and internships board with employment opportunities, it’s designed to give you the career management skills and connections you need to stand out. Every Deakin degree is built with input from employers, so your course is designed around real workplace needs, now and into the future.
Entry requirements and the minimum ATAR vary by degree and are detailed on the degree page, but if your ATAR is below the cut-off, you still have options. Use the pathway finder tool to find the opportunities available to you, including associate degrees and Deakin Guaranteed ATAR, which offers eligible students a guaranteed entry score that's on average 10 points below the lowest selection rank. If you don't have an ATAR, Deakin Uni Ready is a free, supported program designed to build your skills and confidence and open doors to degrees in arts, health, science and business. Access programs and equity schemes are also available.
At Deakin, employability isn't an add-on – it's built in. Our degrees are designed with industry input, so your skills are aligned to what employers actually need. Every Deakin student can access work-integrated learning through opportunities such as placements, internships and industry projects, helping you build your professional network and practical experience before you even graduate. It's an approach that works: nine out of 10 Deakin graduates get a job within four to six months of finishing their degree.
Yes. Most eligible undergraduate students are offered a Commonwealth Supported Place meaning the government subsidises part of your tuition fees. If eligible, you can pay your student contribution using a HECS-HELP loan that you only start repaying once your income is above the repayment threshold. Deakin has scholarships that cater to our diverse student community, ranging from $5,000 per year for high ATAR achievers to $10,000 per year for students facing financial or personal hardship. The University also offers support services including financial counselling, budgeting help and access to short-term, interest-free loans to help you stay on track.
Deakin is the #1 Victorian university for student support and that starts the moment you accept your offer. Orientation is designed to help you feel welcome and get to know your community of classmates and teachers from day one. Across all campuses, there's a vibrant student community with clubs, events and opportunities to build real friendships. Deakin offers a range of services to help students stay healthy and safe, including sport and fitness facilities, free counselling, on-campus medical services and around-the-clock security.
Yes, and it's straightforward. You can transfer to Deakin in a few steps and apply for credit through recognition of prior learning (RPL), so you won't necessarily repeat subjects you've already completed. If you're coming from a TAFE partner, you may get guaranteed entry into second year with guaranteed RPL. Deakin's three-trimester system also means you may be able to start mid-year rather than waiting until March.
Most Deakin courses run across three trimesters per year instead of the traditional two semesters. Trimester 1 begins around March, Trimester 2 around July and Trimester 3 around November, each with roughly 12 weeks of teaching followed by an exam period. This means you can usually start your degree at three different points in the year and have more flexibility to manage your study load. Check the intakes by location section on the course page for details.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
What will I study in the Bachelor of Marine Science?
The Bachelor of Marine Science is a three-year degree. You will explore ocean systems and marine environments while building practical skills to study and protect marine ecosystems.
Foundations in marine and environmental science
Explore marine and environmental systems
Learn how ocean ecosystems function and how physical and biological processes interact.
Understand human impacts on oceans
Examine key challenges affecting marine environments and the science behind sustainable management.
Develop core scientific capabilities
Build skills in data analysis, observation and communication for marine research.
Develop marine science expertise
Advance marine science understanding
Strengthen your knowledge of marine biology, ecology and ocean processes.
Apply skills through field experiences
Engage in practical activities that reflect marine monitoring and environmental assessment.
Broaden your studies with electives
Select complementary study areas to support your interests and career direction.
Advanced application and career preparation
Undertake advanced marine analysis
Engage with complex marine issues using scientific and analytical approaches.
Apply learning through real-world projects
Complete projects that reflect contemporary marine and coastal challenges.
Strengthen career-ready capabilities
Build teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills for marine science careers.
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Marine Science, you must pass 24 credit points.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
You are required to complete 12 core units (these are essential units for this degree)
In your first trimester you must also complete three 0-credit point units which are compulsory for this degree.
Level 1 - Trimester 1
Plus one elective unit (one credit point) or one minor unit (one credit point)
Level 1 - Trimester 2
Marine Science Major unit (one credit point)
Plus one elective unit (one credit point) or one minor unit (one credit point)
Level 2 - Trimester 1
Marine Science Major unit (one credit point)
Plus one elective unit (one credit point) or one minor unit (one credit point)
Level 2 - Trimester 2
Marine Science Major unit (one credit point)
Plus one elective unit (one credit point) or one minor unit (one credit point)
Level 2 - Trimester 3
Level 3 - Trimester 1
Marine Science Major unit (1 credit point)
Plus one elective unit (one credit point) or one minor unit (one credit point)
Level 3 - Trimester 2
2 x Marine Science Major units (2 credit points)
Plus one elective unit (one credit point) or one minor unit (one credit point)
# Must have successfully completed STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0 credit point unit)
You must complete one of these major sequences.
Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability.
Marine Science Majors:
Each major is comprised of six (6) credit points - one credit point per unit
Ocean, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (Geelong)
Sustainable Marine Management (Warrnambool)
Choose six open elective units from across the University, including from a completely different study area (subject to meeting unit prerequisites) or you have the option to complete one minor sequence from the list below* (this will use four of your six open electives).
It is important to note that some elective units may include compulsory placement, study tours, work-based training or collaborative research training arrangements.
Minors*:
*Each minor is comprised of 4 credit points
What to expect while studying
In addition to student contribution fees, students should be aware that they may be required to meet their own expenses in connection with travel, food and accommodation while on fieldwork.
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
Students can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, field trips, practicals and online interaction. Individual unit details in the course structure provide specific information relating to teaching activities in each unit. Students also need to study and complete assessment tasks in their own time.
Students are required to complete units in Trimester 3.
Students enrolled at the Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus will be required to undertake some of their practical learning experiences at the Queenscliff Marine Science Centre.
Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.
Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
You’ll gain practical experience through a placement of at least 80 hours at a course-related host organisation. This provides you with opportunities for workplace visits, field trips and industry learning, helping you build valuable professional networks and gain insight into your potential career outcomes. Explore the SEBE WIL program .
Elective units may also provide additional opportunities for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Contribute scientific predictions, observations, innovation and knowledge towards a world-wide, sustainable blue economy by integrating and applying well-developed, multidisciplinary knowledge in the marine science field. Apply technical capabilities, including emerging marine technology and innovation and use them in a range of problem solving activities in a professional and/or academic setting within the field of marine science. |
| Use appropriate scientific language and formats including written, visual, oral and graphical forms to communicate and engage with a broad spectrum of society, such as those in industry, policy, regulation and the community. Generate, analyse and present key information in a professional manner with evidence from local and global contributions and contexts. |
| Use well developed technical skills and judgement to retrieve, analyse, synthesise and evaluate information using a variety of tools and techniques. Apply quantitative skills in marine science using software programs associated with computational science and system dynamics. |
| Critically evaluate scientific information from multiple sources and use scientific methods and frameworks to structure and plan observations, experimentation, fieldwork investigations. Use analytical thinking and judgement to evaluate, synthesise and generate an integrated knowledge, formulate hypotheses and test them against evidence-based scientific concepts and principles in the field of marine science. |
| Apply traditional, emerging and innovative approaches and information to scope and solve real world (authentic) problems in marine science. Evaluate scientific methodologies, hypotheses, laws, facts and principles to create solutions for authentic marine science issues taking in account human dimensions of conservation management. |
| Take personal, professional and social responsibility within changing professional science contexts to develop autonomy as learners and evaluate own performance. Work autonomously, responsibly and safely to solve unstructured problems and actively apply knowledge of regulatory frameworks and scientific methodologies to make informed choices. |
| Work in various team roles and also work collaboratively in a team to contribute towards achieving team goals. Apply interpersonal skills to interact and collaborate effectively to enhance outcomes in diverse professional, social and cultural contexts. |
| Recognise the role, relevance and ethical implications of marine science in society and apply cultural, economic and social awareness, including those of indigenous people. Adopt, appreciate and respect scientific morals and ethics, including working with animals. |
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Marine Science
- Year
2027 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400310631 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400710631 - Warrnambool, Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) - Deakin code
- S337
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$10,466
for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
The estimated tuition (student contribution) fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your student contribution is determined by the units you enrol in and will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a HECS-HELP loan to defer payment of all or part of your student contribution.
Check your eligibility or learn more about CSP or HECS-HELP.
Scholarships
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Applications for 2027 are open
Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin and get ready for what’s next.
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
VTAC
Apply now
Apply direct
Simply create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal and educational details, upload your supporting documents and submit your application.
Apply through VTAC
Applications are open. Apply through VTAC if you're:
- currently in Year 12 and applying for Trimester 1 or Semester 1
- applying for multiple undergraduate courses
Need help? Follow our step-by-step undergraduate guide to prepare and submit your application.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
Not sure if you'll meet entry requirements?
Deakin offers a range of pathways into the Bachelor of Marine Science to suit your background and goals. Explore the pathways finder to see how previous study, diplomas or alternative qualifications can lead you into the course.