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Study Marine Science at Otago

    Take the plunge

    Stretching over 30° of latitude, New Zealand’s coastline is more than 15,000km long, and its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) is one of the largest in the world. And yet our understanding of our own big blue backyard, and our impact on it, is extremely limited.

    The physical and biological processes that power the Earth system unite in the ocean, determining Earth’s climate, supporting life and sparking our curiosity. Whether it’s finding new species, protecting sensitive habitats or solving our climate change problems, the University of Otago is uniquely placed to study these interlinked processes, and their effects on our lives.

    Understanding our ocean planet is essential for meeting the challenges of our collective future.

    Why study Marine Science?

    The world is waking up to just how important the marine environment is to the survival of our planet. And when your office extends to the seashore and beyond, every day is a new challenge! A qualification in Marine Science from the University of Otago is internationally recognised, and its multidisciplinary nature opens up an ocean of opportunities.

    Career opportunities

    Marine scientists are valued, not only in learning institutions, but also by governments and large corporations. Many organisations need people with analytical minds on their team. Over 90 per cent of Marine Science postgraduates from Otago go on to find marine-related jobs.

    Graduates with a Marine Science qualification find employment in a wide variety of areas, including:

    • Academic/Research
    • Government agencies
    • Teaching/Community
    • Applied/Industry research
    • Consulting
    • NGO/Advocacy
    • Tourism

    Marine research can take you from the poles to the tropics, Antarctica to Fiji and from regional councils to government agencies, such as the Department of Conservation, NIWA and the Ministry for Primary Industries.

    Careers have also been launched in private consultancy firms, within the IT industry, the media (e.g. Dunedin's Natural History New Zealand Ltd) and government science policy groups. Other graduates continue their marine science careers within the educational system, through teaching, community engagement, or research.

    What will I learn?

    Marine Science (MARI) is a highly flexible study option with a group of core papers that provide a solid background in the marine sciences, allowing students to add other science papers according to their interests (from subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Ecology and Geology).

    You start by enrolling in:

    • EAOS 111 Earth and Ocean Science
    • MARI 112 The Living Ocean

    Health Science students may enrol in MARI 112 as their optional eighth paper, allowing them to continue in Marine Science if they wish to do so.

    Common pathways

    Marine Biology

    Study of marine animals and plants, conservation, and management strategies.

    BSc in Marine Science, minor in Zoology, Botany, or Ecology.

    Aquaculture and Fisheries

    Study of marine farming and fishing, learning both how to conserve, manage and improve sustainable production and practices.

    BAppSc in Aquaculture and Fisheries. A minor or second major is essential from an approved list.

    Marine Physics and Modelling

    Study the sea and how it moves: waves and tides, energy, climate, and global physical processes.

    BSc in Marine Science, minor in Maths, Physics or Computational Modelling.

    Marine Geology and/or Geography

    Study the whole planet! Understanding the past helps us to plan for the future. This is where climate research really hits the road.

    BSc in Marine Science, minor in Geology or Geography.

    Marine Chemistry

    Study the complex chemical soup of elements, nutrients, and compounds that is the sea.

    BSc in Marine Science, minor in Chemistry.

    How will I study?

    Marine Science is very much a hands-on discipline. Apart from attending lectures and tutorials, you will also have practical laboratories and field trips at sea. The Department of Marine Science has research and teaching facilities on the main campus in Dunedin, a major research laboratory at Portobello on the Otago Peninsula and field stations on Stewart Island and in Doubtful Sound. A fleet of research vessels, including the expedition vessel RV Polaris II, provides access to all the local marine habitats.

    Can I combine my Marine Science study with other subjects?

    Students majoring in Marine Science can include a minor from a different subject. It is most easily combined with other sciences (e.g Ecology, Botany, Zoology, Chemistry and Geology) but adding it to other disciplines (e.g Education, Law, Geography or Tourism) would lead to interesting job opportunities.

    Marine Science is also available as a minor in any undergraduate degree from Business, Humanities or Sciences.

    What about further study?

    The Department of Marine Science offers research opportunities in diverse fields, including: behavioural ecology, ocean physics, Antarctic science, coastal processes, ocean acidification, climate change, remote sensing, marine geology, and marine mammal biology and conservation.

    You may also be interested in

    Recommended high school subjects for undergraduate study

    Students from a wide range of backgrounds are welcome to study Marine Science. You will need an interest in the marine environment and a solid foundation in science to Year 13 level. We particularly recommend Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Statistics or Calculus.

    Choose a study option

    Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.

    Undergraduate qualifications

    For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.

    Note: this subject can also be studied as a minor.

    Ready to apply?

    Take the first step towards your future in this subject.

    Further study opportunities

    Whether you are looking to bridge your undergraduate studies to advanced knowledge or aiming to specialise in a specific field, Otago offers a range of graduate and postgraduate options to suit your aspirations.

    testimonial-image
    Over the summer Preston worked on a project which looked at the global state of involvement of indigenous knowledge in ecosystem restoration.

    Preston Maluafiti

    Marine Science

    Programme details

    Compare programmes for this subject.

    LevelPapersPoints
    100-levelEAOS 111 Earth and Ocean Science18
    MARI 112 Marine Biology: The Living Ocean18
    One of
    COMO 101 Modelling and Computation
    MATH 120 Mathematics for Scientists
    MATH 130 Fundamentals of Modern Mathematics 1
    MATH 140 Fundamentals of Modern Mathematics 2
    STAT 110 Statistical Methods
    STAT 115 Introduction to Biostatistics
    18
    200-levelMARI 201 Oceanography: The Physical Ocean18
    MARI 202 Ecology and Biology of Marine Invertebrates18
    300-levelAQFI 301 Field Methods in Applied Marine Science18
    Two of:
    AQFI 352 Fisheries Ecology
    MARI 301 Marine Ecology and Ecosystems
    MARI 302 Biology and Behaviour of Marine Vertebrates
    MARI 322 Coastal and Shelf Seas Oceanography
    36
    One additional paper in AQFI, BTNY, CHEM, COMO, ECOL, EMAN, ENVI, GEOG, GEOL, MARI, MATH, NAUT, PHSI, SCOM, STAT, or ZOOL18
    Plus198 further points; must include 72 points at 200-level or above

    Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Science

    Notes:
    (i) Students should check the prerequisites for 300-level papers when selecting 200-level papers.
    (ii) Students majoring in Marine Science will not be permitted to major or minor in Aquaculture and Fisheries.
    198
    Total 360

    A minor subject can be included in many of our undergraduate degrees. To earn a minor, you typically must complete a minimum of 90 points in that subject, with at least 18 points at the 300-level.

    Your minor can be a subject more commonly taken for a different degree. For example, a BCom majoring in Marketing can include Japanese as a minor subject. To include this subject as a minor in your application, first find a major subject through our Subject Search or Study Match.

    You can check what’s required to receive the minor accreditation in the programme details below.

    Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree

    LevelPapersPoints
    100-level

    EAOS 111 Earth and Ocean Science
    MARI 112 Marine Biology: The Living Ocean
    One of:
    COMO 101 Modelling and Computation
    MATH 120 Mathematics for Scientists
    MATH 130 Fundamentals of Modern Mathematics 1            
    MATH 140 Fundamentals of Modern Mathematics 2              
    STAT 110 Statistical Methods
    STAT 115 Introduction to Biostatistics

    18
    18
    18

    200-level

    MARI 201 Oceanography: The Physical Ocean
    MARI 202 Ecology and Biology of Marine Invertebrates

    18
    18

    300-level

    One 300-level paper in AQFI or MARI

    Note: Students who have passed at least one of COMO 101, MATH 120, MATH 130, MATH 140, STAT 110 or STAT 115 as part of another subject's requirements do not need to pass another one of these papers to fulfil the Marine Science minor subject requirements.
    Note: Students should check the prerequisites for 300-level papers when selecting 200-level papers.
    Note: Students majoring in Aquaculture and Fisheries will not be permitted to take a Marine Science minor.

    18

     
    Total 108

    Papers

    View a list of all related papers below.

    MARI papers

    Paper Code Year Title Points Teaching period
    MARI112 2025 Marine Biology: The Living Ocean 18 points Semester 2
    MARI201 2025 Oceanography: The Physical Ocean 18 points Semester 1
    MARI202 2025 Ecology and Biology of Marine Invertebrates 18 points Semester 2
    MARI250 2025 Special Topic 18 points Not offered in 2025
    MARI301 2025 Marine Ecology and Ecosystems 18 points Semester 1
    MARI302 2025 Biology and Behaviour of Marine Vertebrates 18 points Semester 1
    MARI322 2025 Coastal and Shelf Seas Oceanography 18 points Semester 2
    MARI350 2025 Speciall Topic 18 points Not offered in 2025
    MARI401 2025 Advanced Methods in Marine Science 20 points Semester 1
    MARI403 2025 Critical Thinking for Environmental Scientists 20 points Semester 1
    MARI429 2025 Coastal Marine Environment 20 points Full Year
    MARI431 2025 Antarctic and Southern Ocean Science 20 points Semester 2
    MARI450 2025 Special Topic 20 points Not offered in 2025
    MARI451 2025 Advanced Topics in Marine Science 20 points Not offered in 2025
    MARI480 2025 Independent Project 40 points 1st Non standard period (17 February 2025 - 7 November 2025)
    MARI490 2025 Dissertation 60 points 2nd Non standard period (17 February 2025 - 7 November 2025)
    MARI495 2025 Master's Thesis Preparation 40 points 1st Non standard period (17 February 2025 - 7 November 2025)

    More information

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