Red X iconGreen tick iconYellow tick icon

Otago offers an ocean of opportunities for people who are interested in studying the sea. From life scientists to mathematical modellers, there is a marine option for you.

Marine Science and Aquaculture degree options booklet (PDF)

Undergraduate papers available in Marine Science

The Department of Marine Science currently offers two different undergraduate options.

Marine Science

In our multidisciplinary degree in Marine Science  you will concentrate on marine biology, chemistry, geology or physics. This degree will lead to jobs in research, education, management, navigation, consulting, local government – anything to do with the sea.

Marine Science information sheet (PDF)

Subjects at high school

In high school, you'll have at least two science subjects and either Calculus or Statistics.

How to enrol

You will need to enrol in the BSc in Marine Science. You may add a minor in a relevant scientific discipline if you want (e.g. Ecology, Zoology, Botany, Geology, or Math).

Marine Science subject page

Aquaculture and Fisheries

Aquaculture and Fisheries is the study of marine farming and fishing, both improving production and measuring/reducing impacts. Jobs in aquaculture farms, fisheries management, government, science.

Aquaculture and Fisheries infosheet (PDF)

Subjects at high school

In high school, you'll have done Biology, Statistics, and maybe Chemistry or Geography.

How to enrol

You will need to enrol in the BSc in Aquaculture and Fisheries. Then you must add a minor or a second major in business, management, or another science.

Aquaculture and Fisheries subject page

Other options

Alongside any science (or BASc) degree, you can minor in Marine Biology (MARI) or Aquaculture and Fisheries (AQFI). A minor degree is 5–6 papers in a second discipline to complement your major. You cannot, however, do a major/minor combination of AQFI with MARI.

Marine Science minor subject requirements

Aquaculture and Fisheries minor subject requirements

If you are not really sure which option is for you, then enrol in EAOS 111 and MARI 112 in your first year to find out. It's very common for students to change their major and/or minor as they discover more about what's really involved.

Majors and minors are pretty fluid, students change them all the time. Employers are interested in your qualifications, but tend to dig into the transcript to see what you studied, and they are more interested in the quality of your marks. The same is true of getting into a postgraduate programme – it's papers and marks rather than the particular combination (major/minor) that matters.

Getting ready for your degree

Suitable students for Marine Science have a broad science background (at least two of biology, chemistry, physics, geography, earth science) and statistics and/or calculus.

For more information watch the Ask Abby videos

Frequently asked questions

How do I apply?

Use the “Apply Now” button on the relevant qualification page.

When do I need to apply by?

Applications are due on 10 December.

How much will it cost?

Visit the fees page for more information

I need to ask a more specific question, who should I contact?

Please contact us with questions about your study options and degree structure.

Email marine.courseadvice@otago.ac.nz

Back to top