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 undergraduate and research degrees in this fascinating and important field. Our Bachelor of Science with a specialisation in Marine is taught at the National Marine Science Centre (NMSC) in Coffs Harbour or online, combining both marine science with contemporary management concepts and a strong focus on conservation in coastal and marine ecosystems.  

Students gain hands-on experience through fieldwork in the Solitary Islands Marine Park, learning sampling techniques across diverse marine and coastal habitats, as well as developing skills in drone and spatial mapping. The NMSC is also a hub of innovative research spanning marine ecology, species preservation, climate change mitigation, ocean plastics and pollution removal, and aquaculture, supported by advanced facilities including a flow-through seawater system, hatchery and public aquarium. 

Explore where your passion for marine science can take you with our top 10 careers in Marine Science

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.

Open Day

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From courses to campus life, discover what university 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.

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.

Our projects

Coral IVF

Our innovative Coral IVF technique is giving nature a helping hand to bolster reef systems.

Led by Distinguished Professor Peter Harrison, the Coral Larval Restoration Team harnesses the natural reproductive cycle of corals. The Coral IVF process involves collecting many millions of egg and sperm bundles released during coral spawning, then nurturing the larvae in floating nursery pools for several days before releasing millions of coral larvae directly onto areas of depleted or damaged reefs to restore and repopulate colonies.

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Marine Cloud Brightening

Our Marine Cloud Brightening research team is pioneering a new way to help coral reefs withstand a warming climate.

Led by Associate Professor Daniel Harrison and his team at the National Marine Science Centre, the program builds on a natural process that involves spraying a fine mist of seawater into the air. As the mist rises, sea salt particles interact with low-lying ocean clouds, making them brighter. Brighter clouds are more reflective and send more sunlight back into space, reducing the amount of heat that reaches the ocean below.

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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.

More information
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Scholarships

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

View our scholarships
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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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