Bachelor of Science (BSc) Majoring in Marine Science

Summary

Why study Marine Science?

The world is waking up to just how important the marine environment is to the survival of our planet. And when your office extends to the seashore and beyond, every day is a new challenge! A qualification in Marine Science from the University of Otago is internationally recognised, and its multidisciplinary nature opens up an ocean of opportunities.

Career possibilities

Marine scientists are valued, not only in learning institutions, but also by governments and large corporations. Many organisations need people with analytical minds on their team. Over 90 per cent of Marine Science postgraduates from Otago go on to find marine-related jobs.

Graduates with a Marine Science qualification find employment in a wide variety of areas, including:

Academic/Research

Government agencies

Teaching/Community

Applied/Industry research

Consulting

NGO/Advocacy

Tourism

Marine research can take you from the poles to the tropics, Antarctica to Fiji and from regional councils to government agencies, such as the Department of Conservation, NIWA and the Ministry for Primary Industries.

Careers have also been launched in private consultancy firms, within the IT industry, the media (e.g. Dunedin’s Natural History New Zealand Ltd) and government science policy groups. Other graduates continue their marine science careers within the educational system, through teaching, community engagement, or research.

Common pathways

Marine Biology

Study of marine animals and plants, conservation, and management strategies.

BSc in Marine Science, minor in Zoology, Botany, or Ecology.

Aquaculture and Fisheries

Study of marine farming and fishing, learning both how to conserve, manage and improve sustainable production and practices.

BAppSc in Aquaculture and Fisheries. A minor or second major is essential from an approved list.

Marine Physics and Modelling

Study the sea and how it moves: waves and tides, energy, climate, and global physical processes.

BSc in Marine Science, minor in Maths, Physics or Computational Modelling.

Marine Geology and/or Geography

Study the whole planet! Understanding the past helps us to plan for the future. This is where climate research really hits the road.

BSc in Marine Science, minor in Geology or Geography.

Marine Chemistry

Study the complex chemical soup of elements, nutrients, and compounds that is the sea.

BSc in Marine Science, minor in Chemistry.

What about further study?

The Department of Marine Science offers research opportunities in diverse fields, including: behavioural ecology, ocean physics, Antarctic science, coastal processes, ocean acidification, climate change, remote sensing, marine geology, and marine mammal biology and conservation.

Note: July commencement may be possible, although the duration of the qualification may be longer, or paper selection may be limited.