Study Marine Science

Marine Science graduate and manager of Australia Seabird rescue, Olly Pitt cares for injured turtles at the wildlife rescue centre in Ballina.

Be the future of our underwater world

Southern Cross University is a world leader in marine science teaching and research, offering both undergraduate and research degrees in this fascinating and important field. 

Our Bachelor of Science with a specialisation in Marine Systems is taught at the National Marine Science Centre (NMSC) in Coffs Harbour or online. It combines marine science with contemporary management concepts and has a focus on conservation issues in coastal and marine ecosystems.  

There is also a strong practical component, enabling students to learn sampling techniques in different marine and coastal habitats in the Solitary Islands Marine Park, as well as gain experience with drone technology and spatial mapping. 

Postgraduate studies are also offered at the NMSC, a centre of significant and diverse research activity ranging from marine ecology and species preservation to climate change mitigation, ocean plastics and pollution removal, and aquaculture. The NMSC has advanced facilities for marine research including a flow-through seawater system, hatchery and a public aquarium. 

Girl standing in ocean looking out to sea

“It's nice to be working in a field where you can see things shifting, and Southern Cross helped me to achieve this goal. ”

Why choose Marine Science at Southern Cross University?

5-star ratings for Environmental Studies

We're rated 5-stars for undergraduate Skills Development and Teaching Quality.

(Good Universities Guide 2025)

Living labs on our doorstep

Develop skills in the labs and out in the field including the Solitary Islands, Cape Byron and Great Barrier Reef marine parks.

Subtropical marine experts

Learn in state-of-the-art facilities and from world-leading marine scientists at the National Marine Science Centre in Coffs Harbour

Pathway to science

Guaranteed entry with Diploma of Science into our Bachelor of Science with a choice of specialisations.

Start uni this July

Thinking about studying soon? We have a number of study options starting in July, explore them along with the full range of available courses.

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From courses to campus life, discover what uni could look like for you.

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Get uni ready. Choose your best pathway

Preparing for Success Program

Over 18? This free 12-week pathway program will develop the study skills necessary for succss at university.

Transition to Uni

Graduating school and worried you might not get the ATAR you need? This free 6-week course will develop your academic skills to prepare you for uni.

Diplomas

Not ready to commit to Bachelor-level study? Start with a Diploma and build your pathway. Our Diplomas can fast‑track you into the second year of a range of Bachelor degrees if you choose to continue your studies.

English language programs

Choose a English language pathway program to suit your needs and work with our team to prepare yourself for your future.

Marine science research

Coral IVF

Distinguished Professor Peter Harrison has pioneered a solution to mitigate the impacts of climate change on coral reefs. Coral IVF – the use of naturally occurring coral spawning to restore damaged reef systems – has proven to be effective for restoring breeding corals on badly damaged reefs in the Philippines, and the challenge now is to scale this success to larger reef areas including the Great Barrier Reef.

More about Coral IVF
Collecting corals ready for spawning - COPYRIGHT Gary Cranitch

Humpback dolphin strand feeding

Researchers have for the first time documented the unique risky feeding behaviour known as ‘strand feeding’ in Australian dolphins. Southern Cross University researcher Dr Daniele Cagnazzi used drones to film a pod of humpback dolphins in the Fitzroy River – one of Queensland’s largest catchments – to document young and adult dolphins ‘stranding’ or ‘beaching’ themselves to catch their next meal.

More about dolphins
Humpback dolphin strand feeding

Sea Cucumber Manual

A Southern Cross University manual for postharvest processing of small-scale fishery products is available in eight languages. The Sea Cucumber Manual, produced by the Southern Cross University's Dr Steven Purcell and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community with the financial support of ACIAR, is designed for sea cucumber fishers in the Pacific islands. It provides best-practice processing methods that can be applied by fishers using resources in their own villages.

More on sea cucumbers
Sea cucumber at Heron Island

Cloud brightening

Led by Southern Cross researcher Dr Daniel Harrison, marine cloud brightening is a world-first technique which sees microscopic sea water droplets sprayed into the air, creating a plume of salt crystals. This interacts with cloud to reflect solar energy away from the reef waters when heat stress is at its maximum. Researchers aim to apply this technology over the Great Barrier Reef to reduce the severity of coral bleaching during marine heat waves, cooling and shading the corals below.

More about cloud brightening
Seawater sprayer jets close up 15 Cloud Brightening

Spotlight story

Diving into study: Todd Thimios’ global career in marine science

From freediving with Arctic orcas to escaping a pack of Pacific reef sharks, see where studying marine science at Southern Cross University can take you.

Read more
Todd Thimios underwater

Top 10 careers for studying Marine Science

Studies marine organisms and ecosystems, conducts field research, and advises on biodiversity conservation and sustainable ocean use.

Develops and implements programs to protect threatened species, restore habitats, and manage marine reserves and national parks.

Monitors fish stocks, sets sustainable harvest limits, and manages aquaculture operations such as hatcheries and seafood production facilities.

Plans and oversees the sustainable use of coastlines and marine parks, balancing tourism, development, and habitat protection.

Provides environmental impact assessments, water-quality testing, and compliance advice to governments, developers, and industry.

Works for state or federal agencies on marine legislation, fisheries management, maritime safety, and climate adaptation policy.

Designs and delivers marine education programs for schools, aquariums, science centres, or community groups.

Investigates ocean currents, chemistry, and climate interactions using field data, satellite imagery, and modelling.

Collects and analyses samples, maintains equipment, and supports scientific surveys and monitoring programs at sea or in laboratories.

Uses geographic information systems, satellite imagery, and oceanographic data to map habitats, track marine species, and model changes in coastal and ocean environments for research, conservation, and planning.

A better way to learn

We’re always looking for a better way to do things. That’s why we’re delivering our courses in six-week terms.

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Scholarships

The University offers a wide range of scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

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Come visit

Get a taste of the Southern Cross University experience through our webinars, campus tours and info sessions.

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Your future starts here

Take a closer look at Southern Cross and explore study options tailored to help you choose your path with confidence.

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