Bachelor of Marine Science and Management

Imagine having a career that requires you to be in some of the most exotic, unique and beautiful marine environments in the world.

The Bachelor of Marine Science and Management prepares you with the know how to manage coastal and marine systems, with learning environments including the Great Barrier Reef, the Solitary Islands, and Cape Byron, on the East Coast of Australia. You will develop your skills in foundational sciences, and be taught by world-leading marine and environmental researchers in Southern Cross University’s National Marine Science Centre.

You will have the opportunity to explore global environmental issues including marine pollution, coral reef ecology and marine mammal conservation among other fascinating subjects, and to gain practical skills in the environment and our laboratories using cutting-edge instrumentation and techniques.

As a graduate of the Southern Cross Marine Science and Management degree, you will be able to establish a career in marine science at a time that the world is realizing that the health of our oceans is paramount to a sustainable future.

Career Opportunities

In public and private environmental sectors as a consultant, marine park planner, marine biologist and ecologist, marine reserve officer, aquaculturalist, fisheries manager, project officer, technical officer, state coordinator; and in marine research.

Professional Recognition

During the course, students will have the option to gain a nationally recognized qualification in scientific scuba diving.

Professional Placement

Students can complete an eight-week professional placement to gain industry experience. Interns can work with organizations across the marine science spectrum including local, state or federal government agencies; private consultancies; or business enterprises in Australia or overseas.

Major Areas of Study

While this course has no majors, it combines marine science with contemporary management concepts. The course includes the units Marine Mammals: Biology and Conservation, and Coral Reef on the Edge with a strong focus on conservation and management issues that challenge the marine environment. Additional specialist marine science units include Ocean Change Biology, Marine Pollution, Successful Sampling and Marine Systems Science and Management.

Assessment methods

Assessments vary for each unit and may comprise a mix of assessment types, including laboratory and readings-based assignments, seminar presentations, field and investigation reports, and formal practical and written examinations.

Teaching methods

On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, workshops, laboratory classes, field trips, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.

Our online study option is highly interactive and strives to promote collaboration and a sense of community. Students may receive a combination of a podcast or video-linked lectures, study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.

Please note:

Lismore students complete the final-year units at the National Marine Science Centre (NMSC) in Coffs Harbour, which is delivered in intensive mode. Intensive mode units at the NMSC are completed in three-week blocks with a compulsory six-day on-campus period being required for each unit.

Online students attend compulsory residential workshops at the Lismore campus and the final-year units at the National Marine Science Centre (NMSC) in Coffs Harbour, which is delivered in intensive mode. Intensive mode units at the NMSC are completed in three-week blocks with a compulsory six-day on-campus period being required for each unit.