Gain the interdisciplinary knowledge and practical skills you need for a career in marine science. Through fieldwork and engaging interactions with discipline experts, you will develop advanced knowledge of coastal and marine ecology, explore the critical issues facing global marine environments, and develop specialist knowledge of the strategies and partnerships required to sustainably manage marine resources. You will learn how to design research projects to investigate complex problems, collect and interpret data, participate in scientific peer review processes, formulate solutions, and communicate outcomes to diverse audiences. You will plan and implement a substantive hands-on marine research project under the supervision of senior academics. Your interactions with experts from different disciplines will broaden your understanding of the various dimensions of marine science and enable you to identify a research topic and supervisor that best meets your career interests. The program is also an ideal starting point for a marine science career in government or industry or as a pathway to a research career through the Master of Science.  

A defining feature of the Graduate Certificate in Marine Science is its use of an extended coursework training component to build breadth of discipline knowledge followed by an advanced hands-on research project to develop depth of expertise. The program is designed as an in-depth and intensive primer for rapid career progression in marine science based on authentic learning experiences, extensive fieldwork activities, and interactions with industry partners.  

Fees for short courses

As part of the Federal Government's Job-ready Graduates package, USC is offering a limited number of Commonwealth supported places in the Graduate Certificate in Marine Science in 2021. To be eligible for a Commonwealth supported place you must be a domestic student, and meet the citizenship and residency requirements. For more information visit Commonwealth supported places. Eligible students are able to defer payment through HECS‑HELP.

Commonwealth supported places for this short course initiative are only available for 2021. Any remaining short course units that are commenced in 2022 would not be Commonwealth supported, and would be charged at the cost of a full fee paying place, payable upfront.*

Admission requirements

Completion of an undergraduate degree (AQF 7 or equivalent) from a recognised higher education institution or equivalent.

How to apply

To apply for the Graduate Certificate in Marine Science, submit the completed online application form via Apply USC. Commonwealth supported places will be allocated to eligible students who meet the entry requirements in order of application date, so apply as soon as possible.

*Note: The information provided above is correct as at 23 December 2020 and may be subject to change without notice.