Postgraduate study in Marine Science lets you investigate the ocean on your own terms. We offer opportunities for people who want to pursue research in the sea or who are interested in marine management. Choose the degree that works for you!
Please note that Postgraduate Research students must have a project and a supervisor arranged before they can be admitted. This booklet is designed to help you find the perfect match:
2025 Marine Science postgraduate opportunities booklet (PDF)
One-year 400-level postgraduate qualifications
Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci) in Marine Science
The PGDipSci in Marine Science is a one-year degree that allows you the choice between desktop and field research. Students can do a small desktop research project (20 points) and take five 400-level papers, or they can do a larger field-based research project (40 points) and take four 400-level papers. Students must have a supervisor and a project organised prior to enrolment. In general this degree does not lead on to further postgraduate study.
PGDipSci general information and programme requirements
Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons)) in Marine Science
The BSc(Hons) in Marine Science is a one-year degree that allows you to carry out a field or lab-based research project while studying advanced marine science. Students must have a supervisor and a project organised prior to enrolment. Admission to this programme is limited.
BSc(Hons) general information and programme requirements
Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons)) in Aquaculture and Fisheries
The BSc(Hons) in Aquaculture and Fisheries is a one-year degree that allows you to carry out a field or lab-based research project while studying advanced aquaculture and fisheries topics. Students must have a supervisor and a project organised prior to enrolment. Admission to this programme is limited.
BSc(Hons) general information and programme requirements
Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad) in Marine Science
The DipGrad in Marine Science is a one-year degree that allows students who did not do much marine science in their bachelor's degree to catch up in Marine Science. Students set up their own programme of seven undergraduate papers which must include at least four at 300-level. This degree, if completed well, allows you to apply for postgrad in Marine Science.
DipGrad in AQFI or MARI programme requirements (PDF)
Master of Science (MSc) in Marine Science
The MSc in Marine Science is a two-year research degree. In the first year, students take four 400-level papers, and prepare a research proposal based on a field pilot study. In the summer and through the second year, students carry out independent research, leading to production of a research thesis. Students must have a supervisor and a project organised prior to enrolment.
If you already have a PGDipSc or Honours degree, you may be eligible to apply for MSc thesis-only, a one-year research-only degree programme.
MSc general information and programme requirements
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the University's highest-level supervised research degree. It requires three (or more) years of dedicated research. We normally accept only the very best students into this programme. You must have a supervisor and a project organised prior to applying.
PhD general information and programme requirements
Applying for postgraduate study
Who can apply?
Marine Science welcomes good students from around the world to come explore the southern oceans with us. Applicants must have a BSc (or equivalent) in an area of study related to Marine Science (such as Marine Science, Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Biology, Botany, Physics, Chemistry, Geology, Geography). Generally, we require a B+ average in the final year. All students must have a research project and a supervisor in order to be admitted.
Where will I study?
Our postgraduate teaching occurs in and near Dunedin, southern New Zealand. We do not offer any remote or distance teaching at postgraduate level.
How can I apply?
Use the “Apply Now” button on the relevant qualification page.
When do I need to apply?
Applications for taught postgraduate degrees (PGDipSci, BSc(Hons) and MSc) should be made before 10 December. It is sensible to apply as early as possible, so that you can make the necessary arrangements for visas, travel, work, etc.
International students please note: our teaching year begins in late February.
Applications for the MSc thesis-only and PhD can be submitted at any time.
How much does it cost?
Contact us
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