Duration
Full-time: 18 months
Next start date
2025 Semester One – 3 March
2025 Semester Two – 21 July
Available locations
City
Points
180
Programme type
Postgraduate
Taught & research options available

Programme overview

Learn about cross-disciplinary approaches to marine science, and develop your practical skills in research design, environmental management and field techniques.

Programme structure

The MMarineSt is an 18 month, 180-point programme. Students choose Option 1 or 2 and may begin their studies by enrolling in Semester One or Two for Option 1.

Option 1:

90 points of coursework (6 courses) and 90 point research thesis MARINE 794A/B.

Option 1A (for students starting in Semester One)

Semester One (year one)

and two courses from:

Semester Two (year one)

Final semester

  • MARINE 794B Thesis in Marine Studies

Option 1B (for students starting in Semester Two)

Semester Two (year one)

and two courses from

Semester One (year two)

Final semester

  • MARINE 794B - Thesis in Marine Studies

Option 2

120 points of coursework (8 courses) and 60 point dissertation MARINE 792.

Semester One

and two courses from:

Semester Two

and two courses from

Final semester

  • MARINE 792 - Dissertation

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

2025 entry requirements

My highest qualification is from:

Programme requirements

Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

  • Study option
    Taught 180 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

    Bachelor of Science

  • Study option
    Research 180 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

    Bachelor of Science

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further programme requirements

Select your study option:

You must have completed a BSc with a GPA of 5.0 in 60 points above Stage II.

Or, alternatively, have completd a Bachelors degree in a relevant major or specialisation, and have passed 60 points towards the Postgraduate Diploma in Science with a GPA of 4.0 in a relevant specialisation (provided the postgraduate diploma has not been awarded). 

In exceptional circumstances, these requirements may be waived by the Associate Dean Academic, or nominee, if it is determined that you have at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience. 

You must have completed a BSc with a GPA of 5.0 in 60 points above Stage II.

Or, alternatively, have completd a Bachelors degree in a relevant major or specialisation, and have passed 60 points towards the Postgraduate Diploma in Science with a GPA of 4.0 in a relevant specialisation (provided the postgraduate diploma has not been awarded). 

In exceptional circumstances, these requirements may be waived by the Associate Dean Academic, or nominee, if it is determined that you have at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience. 

Programme requirements

Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

  • Study option
    Taught 180 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    An undergraduate degree in science

  • Study option
    Research 180 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    An undergraduate degree in science

  • Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5

    No bands less than 6.0

    See alternative English language requirements

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

Further programme requirements

Select your study option:

You must have completed an undergraduate degree in science with a GPE of 5.0. Your study must have been in marine-related subjects and at a recognised university (or similar institution).

You must have completed an undergraduate degree in science with a GPE of 5.0. Your study must have been in marine-related subjects and at a recognised university (or similar institution).

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

How much does a Master of Marine Studies cost per year?

2025 fees

Domestic students
NZ$10,018.80 – $10,892.40*
International students
NZ$52,842*

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $9.24 per point, estimated at $1,108.80 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

See course fees for each faculty

Find out about financial support information

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Key dates

Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Application closing dates

Semester One 2025
8 December 2024
Semester Two 2025
4 July 2025

Start dates

Here are the start dates for the programme.

Other important dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

Graduates of the MMarineSt programme can look forward to employment opportunities in a wide variety of careers based in government agencies, research institutes and industry.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Aquaculture technician
  • Conservation ranger
  • Environmental consultant
  • Fishery analyst
  • Marine biologist
  • Marine technician
  • Researcher

Further study options

See all study options
Landscape

Mallory Sea

Using the Hauraki Gulf as her laboratory, Mallory is working towards her PhD in Marine Science. Postgraduate study helped her to combine her skills and make new connections.

Read More

Student career planning service

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Experience the University

Dr Alwyn Rees

Master of Marine Studies

Learn more about the programme from Marine Science Graduate Adviser Dr Alwyn Rees, Senior Lecturer in the Institute of Marine Science.

Do you need help?

AskAuckland

Your online help and support centre. Search our frequently asked questions.

Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?

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Need to speak to someone?

You can phone us directly.

Auckland
923 5025
Outside Auckland
0800 61 62 63
International
+64 9 373 7513