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Murdoch University

  • 37% international / 63% domestic

Marine Biology

  • Non-Award

Turn your passion for the ocean into a fulfilling career by exploring its depths, and how to preserve them, with a major in Marine Biology. 

Key details

Degree Type
Non-Award
Course Code
MJ-MB

About this course

Overview

It is estimated that up to 80% of all life on earth exists in the ocean - it could be even more considering less than 10% of the ocean has been explored by humans.

Forget swimming with dolphins and looking at coral - although there's every chance you'll get to do that at some point in your degree - a major in Marine Biology will ensure you develop a detailed understanding of the marine biota and ecological processes of marine environments. Gain an appreciation of the diversity of marine life, the interactions between species and biota, and the physical environment.

With a strong emphasis on fundamental biological principles and how these underpin successful marine conservation and management, you'll cover topics including marine botany, fish biology, marine wildlife populations, marine ecology, aquaculture and human impacts and management, supported by extensive field work and practical learning.

3 reasons to study Marine Biology at Murdoch

  1. Participate in field research camps, including to Point Peron or Coral Bay.
  2. Become job-ready with every unit you study comprising laboratory sessions or fieldwork.
  3. Put theory into context on local and global scales with real-life examples and a holistic approach to learning.

What you'll learn

Learn in industry-standard laboratories, equipped with world-class research instruments where you'll build essential skills and knowledge to meet your career or study goals. Topics you'll cover include:

  • The diversity of marine life and the ecological processes of marine environments
  • Adaptations of marine life to the physical environment, and their responses to climate change
  • Animal diversity, marine botany, marine ecology, oceanography, aquaculture, fish and wildlife populations

Your career

You'll be qualified to work as a scientist in a range of marine-based professions, including marine environmental management, marine industries, marine biodiversity conservation, marine-based tourism and marine ecology. Career options could include:

  • Coastal Manager
  • Fisheries Officer
  • Marine Environmental Consultant
  • Biological Oceanographer
  • Marine Park Ranger
  • Aquatic Ecologist
  • Aquaculturist
  • Marine Policy and Planning Officer
  • Marine Biologist in marine-based tourism

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Entry requirements

Entry requirements
I have completed studies in
Australia

Select which option best describes your path to university :

Higher Education

You have completed university study in Australia, including a bridging or enabling course.

Recent Secondary Education

You are finishing high school this year or have done so in the last two years.

Vocational Education & Training

You have completed an apprenticeship or a VET course at TAFE or another private training provider.

Work & Life Experience

You have completed an aptitude test or spent time away from study for work.
Means of admission Minimum academic requirement Minimum English requirement
Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject
  • MUPC (1 Trimester)
  • Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch University Preparation Course
  • Introduction to Academic Communication unit
  • Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
Enabling courses (after Year 12)

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University.
  • Murdoch FlexiTrack High program in year 12 and the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)
  • TLC - Learning for Tomorrow, the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) and achievement of a scaled score of 50+ in ATAR English or a grade of 'C' or better in General English
  • an enabling or bridging course at another Australian University.

Successful completion of the course.
University study
Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Enabling courses (in Year 12)

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12
  • TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12
  • An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university
Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR

A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)
Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses
Minimum academic requirement

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject
  • MUPC (1 Trimester)
  • Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
Minimum English requirement

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch University Preparation Course
  • Introduction to Academic Communication unit
  • Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
Enabling courses (after Year 12)
Minimum academic requirement

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University.
  • Murdoch FlexiTrack High program in year 12 and the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)
  • TLC - Learning for Tomorrow, the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) and achievement of a scaled score of 50+ in ATAR English or a grade of 'C' or better in General English
  • an enabling or bridging course at another Australian University.

Minimum English requirement
Successful completion of the course.
University study
Minimum academic requirement
Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Minimum English requirement
Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Enabling courses (in Year 12)
Minimum academic requirement

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12
  • TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12
  • An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university
Minimum English requirement
Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR

A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)
Means of admission Minimum academic requirement Minimum English requirement
Overseas Year 12
Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)
70

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent):

  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR

Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.

Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only).

Enabling courses (in Year 12)

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12
  • TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12
  • An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university
Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR
Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR
A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR
Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)
Portfolio entry

A successful portfolio application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Portfolio Entry Pathway.

Extenuating circumstances

We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course. Find out more.

Case-by-case assessment.
VET course studied at school
Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:

  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR

or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.


International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
Total score of 24 or higher.

Higher level (HL): 3 or better.

Standard Level (SL): 4 or better.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).


Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)
CPS 54 or higher.
50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).
GCE A Levels

Aggregate of 6 points from:
  • A maximum of the best three A-level subjects; OR
  • A combination of A-level and AS-level subjects

At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation

AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included

A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1)

AS-level grades (A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)

A Levels: D in one of the following:

  • English Language
  • English Literature
  • Knowledge and Inquiry.

AS Level: C in one of the following:

  • English Language
  • English Literature

Knowledge and Inquiry.

Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)
Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.

Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following:

  • English
  • English Extension (Literature)
  • English for ESL Learners.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).


Overseas Year 12
Minimum academic requirement
Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Minimum English requirement
Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)
Minimum academic requirement
70
Minimum English requirement

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent):

  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR

Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.

Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only).

Enabling courses (in Year 12)
Minimum academic requirement

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12
  • TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12
  • An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university
Minimum English requirement
Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR
Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR
A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR
Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)
Portfolio entry
Minimum academic requirement

A successful portfolio application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Portfolio Entry Pathway.

Extenuating circumstances
Minimum academic requirement

We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course. Find out more.

Minimum English requirement
Case-by-case assessment.
VET course studied at school
Minimum academic requirement
Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.
Minimum English requirement

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:

  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR

or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.


International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
Minimum academic requirement
Total score of 24 or higher.
Minimum English requirement

Higher level (HL): 3 or better.

Standard Level (SL): 4 or better.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).


Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)
Minimum academic requirement
CPS 54 or higher.
Minimum English requirement
50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).
GCE A Levels
Minimum academic requirement

Aggregate of 6 points from:

  • A maximum of the best three A-level subjects; OR
  • A combination of A-level and AS-level subjects

At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation

AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included

A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1)

AS-level grades (A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)

Minimum English requirement

A Levels: D in one of the following:

  • English Language
  • English Literature
  • Knowledge and Inquiry.

AS Level: C in one of the following:

  • English Language
  • English Literature

Knowledge and Inquiry.

Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)

Minimum academic requirement

Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.

Minimum English requirement

Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following:

  • English
  • English Extension (Literature)
  • English for ESL Learners.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).


Means of admission Minimum academic requirement Minimum English requirement
Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6
Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
Certificate IV AQF level 4
Successful completion of a Certificate IV.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only), OR

STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010).


Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6

Minimum academic requirement

Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.

Minimum English requirement

Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
Certificate IV AQF level 4

Minimum academic requirement

Successful completion of a Certificate IV.

Minimum English requirement

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only), OR

STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010).


Means of admission Minimum academic requirement Minimum English requirement
Mature Age Pathway (MAP)

MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only).

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.


Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only).

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).


Portfolio entry

A successful portfolio application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Portfolio Entry Pathway.

Mature Age Pathway (MAP)

Minimum academic requirement

MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information.

Minimum English requirement

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only).

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.


Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

Minimum academic requirement

Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).

Minimum English requirement

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only).

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).


Portfolio entry

Minimum academic requirement

A successful portfolio application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Portfolio Entry Pathway.

As per normal undergraduate admission requirements.
English Requirements

You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.

Advanced Standing

Everyone has a different path to university so if you've already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.

Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.

Find out more

Adjustment for Murdoch RISE

Murdoch RISE is a selection rank adjustment, as part of our commitment to helping students from regional, Indigenous and low socio-economic backgrounds gain university entry.

If you achieve an ATAR of 60.00 - 89.95, a Murdoch RISE adjustment factor of up to 10.00 points may help you get into your preferred course. Murdoch RISE can increase your selection rank up to a maximum of 90.00.

There's no application or need to register. If you are eligible, the adjustment factor is automatically added to your raw ATAR score when you apply.

Advanced Standing

Everyone has a different path to university so if you've already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.

Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.

Find out more

This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.

Progress to fees and scholarships

Study locations

Perth

How to apply

How to apply

Please indicate above whether you're a domestic or international student intending to study at a Western Australian campus.

Your Document Checklist

Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have some or all of the following documentation ready for a quick application.

  • Completed official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion
  • ATAR results
  • STAT Test results

Your Document Checklist

Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have some or all of the following documentation ready for a quick application.

  • Complete or incomplete official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion - both original and English translated versions
  • English Language Proficiency Document (if available)

Graduate outcomes

Graduate satisfaction and employment outcomes for Science & Mathematics courses at Murdoch University.
90.2%
Overall satisfaction
89.7%
Skill scale
79.8%
Teaching scale
51.4%
Employed full-time
$60k
Average salary