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Bachelor of
Science (Marine Biology)
Entry requirements
Key information
VIEWING DOMESTIC
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Start dates
March
July
Delivery mode
In person
(Bedford Park)
IELTS Overall
6.0
Speaking: 6.0
Writing: 6.0
Pearson Overall
50
CRICOS code
033068G
Duration
3 years full-time
Delivery mode
In person (on campus)
Bedford Park
Start dates
March
July
Annual fee
$43,500 (2026)
About these fees
Dive into the depths of marine biology
There’s a whole world beneath the waves - and with a degree in marine biology, you’ll help us understand and protect it. The Bachelor of Science (Marine Biology) at Flinders takes you into the field, the lab and the ocean to study marine life, ecosystems, and the effects of climate change and human activity.
Whether you’re tagging fish, monitoring reefs, or analysing ocean data, this degree helps you turn a love of the sea into a meaningful science career.
Work with animals and the ocean and discover a career with impact
Marine biology offers a wide range of career opportunities. With the increasing focus on marine conservation and sustainability, the demand for skilled marine biologists is on the rise.
Salary
$78K
typical salary in Australia
Marine Biologist
Marine biologists study ocean life and the ecosystems it depends on - from coral reefs and coastal zones to deep-sea habitats.
You might research species behaviour, assess ecosystem health, or evaluate the impacts of climate change and pollution.
Your work will contribute to conservation policy, reef restoration or marine sustainability, and might find yourself employed in research organisations, government departments, marine parks and universities.
Aquaculture Technician
Aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing food sectors worldwide, and Australia is a leader in farming tuna, oysters, prawns and seaweed. Aquaculture Technicians support the sustainable production of seafood by monitoring water quality, maintaining farm systems, and caring for aquatic species.
This role combines hands-on husbandry with environmental science. You could be checking oxygen levels in fish pens, managing breeding programs, or working with researchers to reduce disease outbreaks. Flinders equips you with expertise in marine biology, fisheries, and aquaculture systems - preparing you to contribute to this booming industry.
Salary
$80K
typical salary in Australia
Sources: Seek, 2025 | Jora, 2025
Environmental Consultant (Marine Focus)
Environmental Consultants advise on the ecological impacts of coastal projects such as ports, aquaculture farms or marine parks. You’ll conduct field surveys, write impact reports and provide recommendations to government or industry.
Science Communicator / Marine Educator
Marine Educators and Communicators share scientific knowledge with schools, aquariums, tourism operators and the public. You might run outreach programs, develop exhibits or design marine education resources.
Fisheries Officer
Fisheries Officers work for state and federal agencies to manage fish stocks and enforce sustainability regulations. Duties include inspections, patrolling coastal waters, and community education.
Research Scientist
Research Scientists investigate marine ecosystems, species and climate impacts through field studies, lab experiments and data modelling. You might study coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef, restore seagrass meadows in Gulf St Vincent, or trial sustainable aquaculture practices. Research roles often involve publishing findings, securing grants and collaborating with government or industry.
What will you study to start your career in Marine Biology?
This degree builds strong foundations in biology, chemistry, maths and earth sciences before diving into marine systems, ecology, aquaculture, conservation and climate science. You’ll take part in field trips across South Australia, work with marine research experts, and finish with a research project in your final year.
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
In your first year, you'll study core topics and gain a solid foundation for marine science.
Year 1 - Core topics
Your first year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
- Introduction to Marine Biology
- Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Geospatial Information Systems
- Biostatistics
- Molecular Basis of Life
In your second year, you'll study core topics and your choice of two minors.
Year 2 - Core topics
Your second year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
In your third year, you'll study core topics, continue your minor, and your choice of one option topic, including research projects or a 6-week industry-based placement.
Year 3 - Core topics
Your third year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
Get inspired.
Discover more about Flinders University’s Bachelor of Science (Marine Biology)
Marine Biology at Flinders
Hear from Cassie Hoepner who is a Marine Biology graduate and has a PhD in Coral Reef Ecology
Tour Flinders' Tonsley Campus with Mike
Tour of our state-of-the-art Tonsley campus, an innovation hub home to the university's IT, Engineering, Mathematics, AI, and more!
Flinders offers a vibrant, fun, supportive uni experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Need support?
From cultural, health and wellbeing services, to study and financial support, enrolment advice and more, we’re here to help.
Student clubs
Flinders University Student Association (FUSA) is the heart of the Flinders Experience. FUSA is where you’ll find out about events, club memberships and extracurricular activities.
Campus facilities
Flinders’ campuses are hubs of activity, with retail and food outlets, library spaces, study and chill spaces and more.
Learn from the experts.
Our incredible teaching and professional staff are experts in their fields and well-connected to the industry.
Course Coordinator
Associate Professor Luciana Moller
Luciana is a marine biologist and conservation geneticist specialising in the social behaviour, ecology and evolution of whales and dolphins. Her research helps uncover how marine mammals live, interact and adapt — combining fieldwork with genetic analysis to better understand and protect these species in a changing ocean.
Luciana has worked on marine mammal populations across Australia and the world, and is a key researcher in cetacean conservation. At Flinders, she supervises student research in marine biology and teaches into courses that explore the complex lives of marine animals. She’s passionate about training the next generation of scientists to study and safeguard ocean biodiversity.
Concerned about your ATAR? If it doesn't meet the course requirement, or if you don't receive one, we offer alternative pathways to admission. Contact us to discuss your options—we're here to help.
- Entry requirements
- Application options
If you don’t meet our English language entry requirements and need to improve your English language proficiency, you can do so through Flinders University Academy – or our approved English Language Instruction Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) providers.
This means that you can attend the required English language tuition at approved ELICOS providers and gain direct entry into university without an IELTS or TOEFL test.
If you don’t meet our academic entry requirements, you can still gain entry to Flinders University through Flinders University Academy. With a range of diplomas, foundation and English language courses, students can find a direct pathway into the destination degree of their choice.
How to apply
Select your course.
Check entry requirements.
Check your eligibility for credit.
Obtain certified documents.
Submit your application and documents.
Application options.
Apply online
Follow up our step-by-step guide to help you with your application to study at Flinders.
Find an agent
Our registered education agents around the world understand the university system and will guide you through the application process.
Contact us
Get in touch with our team to discuss your preferences, career options, pathways, and course and entry requirements. We are here to ensure you have everything you need to choose the right degree for you.
Don't meet academic requirements? Don't worry. We'll help you get there.
Preparatory courses
If you lack required English proficiency, improve through Flinders University Academy or approved ELICOS providers for direct university entry without IELTS/TOEFL tests.
Flinders University Academy
If you do not meet entry requirements for your desired degree, Flinders University Academy will provide you with a direct pathway into the destination degree of your choice.
Frequently asked questions.
Over the years, many questions have been asked by students before. For the quickest answers view our frequently asked questions or browse the full list @ Ask Flinders.
No, but field trips and practical marine studies will often involve time in boats or on the coast. Scuba diving is a bonus but not required.
You could! Many graduates go on to work in marine research involving large animals, especially if you pursue honours or postgraduate study.
You might conduct coastal surveys, water quality assessments, biodiversity monitoring, or participate in ecological restoration activities.
Yes - this degree is tailored specifically to marine systems and ocean life, while environmental science has a broader focus across air, land, and water.
You’ll study introductory chemistry and maths in first year to support your understanding of marine systems - but support is available if you need it.
Yes! Field trips often involve working from boats to collect data, take samples, or observe marine life in their natural environments.
Definitely. Climate change and human activity are major themes in marine biology—and you’ll explore their effects on ocean ecosystems, biodiversity, and sustainability..
Yes - you can tailor your degree with a minor in Geospatial Information Systems, Aquaculture, Coasts and Oceans, Environmental Restoration, Microbiology and many more. It depends on what interests you most.
While you don’t need to be an expert swimmer, you should be comfortable around water for many fieldwork activities. You’ll always be supported by staff and safety procedures.
Yes - your third year includes the option to complete a placement or a research project, giving you real-world experience before you graduate.
A lot! You’ll be in labs, on boats, and in the field from early on in the degree. It’s a science course built around real experience—not just theory.
Absolutely. Marine biology is a global field, and your skills will be transferable to roles across research, conservation and industry worldwide.
- Applications are completed via SATAC
- Visit: satac.edu.au
The table below shows ATAR and Selection Rank data for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR commencing in Semester 1, 2024. It is limited to applicants that have recently completed secondary education (within the last two years). Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.
Notes:
<5 – less than 5 ATAR based offers made
N/A – This course uses additional selection criteria and therefore Selection Rank is not published
| ATAR-based offers only across all offer rounds | ATAR - Excluding adjustment factors | Selection Rank - ATAR plus any adjustment factors |
|---|---|---|
| Highest rank to receive an offer | 99.40 | 99.95 |
| Median rank to receive an offer | 73.35 | 77.78 |
| Lowest rank to receive an offer | 57.75 | 65.50 |
The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students who commenced study in this course in Semester 1, 2024 including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia. Applicant background groupings are based on educational background, not basis of admission. Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.
Notes:
<5 – the number of students is less than 5
N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students
| Applicant background (Semester 1, 2024) | Number of students | Percentage of all students |
|---|---|---|
| Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | 46 | 34% |
| Vocational education and training (VET) study | <5 | <5 |
| Work and life experience | 11 | 8% |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | 37 | 28% |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test) | <5 | 2 |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration pathways) | 17 | 13% |
| International Students | 18 | 13% |
| All students | 134 | 100% |
Sturt Rd, Bedford Park
South Australia 5042
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CRICOS Provider: 00114A TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12097 TEQSA category: Australian University