About this honours subject area

Marine science investigates the oceans and coastal environments that cover over 70% of our planet, exploring the physical, chemical, biological, and ecological processes that shape them. It brings together disciplines such as oceanography, marine ecology, fisheries science, conservation, and environmental management to understand how marine systems function and respond to change. With pressures from climate change, habitat loss, pollution, and resource use, marine science plays a vital role in guiding sustainable ocean stewardship. As part of the MARS/LIFE honours course, you’ll undertake an original project under the guidance of expert academic supervisors, developing advanced technical, analytical, and critical thinking skills. The MARS/LIFE honours course is strongly recommended for any student wishing to enter a research career or undertake further work leading to a higher degree.

Note that marine science honours can be completed in the School of Life and Environmental Science (LIFE) or the School of Geoscience (MARS). Marine Science honours projects are available to any student graduated with a major in Marine Science, or >12 credit points of Marine Science units plus a major in a related area of life science.

For further details about Marine Science honours in the School of Life and Environmental Science, please get in touch with the honours coordinator, Dr. Sandro Fernandes Ataide. For more information on Marine Science you may also contact Professor Will Figueira.

For further details about Marine Science Honours in the School of Geosciences, please get in touch with the honours coordinator, Associate Professor Jo Gillespie.

Applying for Honours in Marine Science

Application to Honours is a two-step process. You first submit an Expression of Interest for a supervisor and project to the School of Life and Environmental Sciences, then apply for admission through the Faculty of Science.

1. You can search for a supervisor and browse available projects on the EoI portal link
2. If your Expression of Interest (EoI) is accepted by the supervisor, you will receive an email and PDF confirmation of supervision for your nominated Honours project.
3. After your EoI is approved by your supervisor, you will receive an acknowledgment email which you should attach to your application - see applying for honours.
4. You will be notified of your confirmed supervisor shortly after EoI’s close. Late applications for available supervisors will be considered in the order received.