James Cook University
Bachelor of Marine Science
Townsville, Queensland, Australia
Level
Bachelor
Duration
3F or 6P
Campus
Townsville (QLD)
Intl. Tuition
Fee not confirmed
Intake
February 2027
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Course Overview
Bachelor of Marine Science at James Cook University in Townsville, Queensland, Australia is a bachelor programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.
- Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
- Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
- Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
- Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
- Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.
Career snapshot (indicative)
Marine biology graduates work in marine conservation, environmental impact assessment, fisheries management, oceanographic research and climate science, with key employers including CEFAS, Natural England and WWF.
Student life (indicative)
Townsville offers a great outdoor-focused student lifestyle with beaches, cafés and a welcoming community.
The University at a Glance
Student Population
19,807
Staff Ratio
16.0:1
International
39.0%
Career Prospects
Employment Rate
88.0%
of graduates employed
Avg Starting Salary
£33,970
First-year earnings
Placement Year
✓ Available
Work experience option
Costs & Living
Intl. Tuition
Fee not confirmed
Check the university's official fee page
City & Location
Small city (50k-199k inhabitants)
Course Curriculum
Year 1
- Foundations of Bachelor of Marine Science
- Academic and Research Skills
- Quantitative Methods
- Introduction to Theory and Practice
- Optional language or breadth module.
Year 2
- Intermediate Bachelor of Marine Science topics
- Applied Methods and Tools
- Group Project
- Two optional pathway modules
- Career and Industry Insights.
Year 3
- Advanced Bachelor of Marine Science
- Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
- Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
- Employability and Professional Development.
Entry Requirements
Subjects
Completion of Year 12 or attained age 18 years | For additional information about the admissions criteria for JCU and for this course, refer to the JCU website.
Source: CourseSeeker (Australian Government), retrieved September 2026. Always confirm the current requirements with the university.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.
Campus & City Life
Student Population
19,807
Total students
Staff Ratio
16:1
Students per staff
International Students
39%
Of student body
Campus at a Glance
City Size
Small city (50k-199k inhabitants)
Climate (indicative)
Mild coastal
Safety Index (indicative)
8.5/10
Transport
Good (close to station or regional airport)
Social Scene
Friendly community | Coastal lifestyle
Student Life & City (indicative)
Townsville offers a great outdoor-focused student lifestyle with beaches, cafés and a welcoming community.
- Townsville offers a great outdoor-focused student lifestyle with beaches, cafés and a welcoming community.
What Students Love
- Beach lifestyle
- Outdoor & nature activities
- Active pub & club scene
- Great café culture
University Stats
Career & Outcomes
Graduate Employment
88%
Employed after graduation
Avg Starting Salary
£33,970
Average first-year salary
Placement Year
✓ Available
Industry work experience
Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)
Marine biology graduates work in marine conservation, environmental impact assessment, fisheries management, oceanographic research and climate science, with key employers including CEFAS, Natural England and WWF.
- Marine biology graduates work in marine conservation, environmental impact assessment, fisheries management, oceanographic research and climate science, with key employers including CEFAS, Natural England and WWF.
Top Industries for Graduates
- Marine Science
- Healthcare
- Education
Study Abroad Opportunities
Y
- Y
Costs & Living Expenses
Intl. Tuition
Fee not confirmed
Check the university's official fee page
Overall Cost of Living (indicative)
MEDIUM
This location has moderate living costs. Standard student budget recommended.
Monthly Student Budget (indicative)
Cost Overview (indicative)
One of Australia's more affordable student cities — a $1,630/month budget (housing $910, food $400, transport $95) covers everything comfortably. Cairns and Townsville offer a relaxed tropical lifestyle at costs well below Australia's major cities.
- One of Australia's more affordable student cities — a $1,630/month budget (housing $910, food $400, transport $95) covers everything comfortably.
- Cairns and Townsville offer a relaxed tropical lifestyle at costs well below Australia's major cities.