Graduate Diploma in Physical Oceanography

Science

Join one of Australia's top science faculties

International

You have reached the maximum of 6 degrees.

The Graduate Diploma Physical Oceanography from a faculty ranked #4 in Australia and #36 globally in marine science will give you specialist skills for the Blue Economy. Developed alongside the Royal Australian Navy, this course offers industry-relevant training, including environmental data statistics, modelling and more.

Commencing Terms: Term 1, 2 & 3
Duration: 1 - 1 Year(s)
Delivery Mode: Distance (online with some face-to-face), Face-to-face (includes blended)
Campus: Kensington
Codes: Program code 5518; CRICOS code 106117F

ATAR/2025 lowest selection rank
2025 Indicative first year full fee: $38,000*
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree: $38,000*
2025 Indicative first year full fee: $56,000*
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree: $57,000*

Students learning in the Science facilities at the UNSW Kensington campus

Employability skills
Expert educators
Industry-relevant training

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Overview

The Graduate Diploma Physical Oceanography will give you the specialist skills to step into Australia's growing Blue Economy. Developed in close consultation with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), you will gain industry-relevant training in physical oceanography theory, practice and technology, qualifying you for specialised roles in Blue Economy industries.

The Graduate Diploma Physical Oceanography covers quantitative skills with a focus on the ocean and marine environment, ranging from simulation to data acquisition and advanced statistical and computational analysis. You will also develop deep knowledge of the physical processes of the ocean.

Core courses include:��

Fluids, Oceans and Climate��
Physical Oceanography
Prediction and Inverse Modelling
Environmental Data Science and Statistics

Program Code

5518

CRICOS Code

106117F

Campus

Kensington

Total Units of Credit (UOC)

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Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirement is a Bachelor (Pass) degree with a minimum WAM of 70% or equivalent in a cognate discipline (oceanography, meteorology, physics, science, mathematics, statistics, engineering) from a recognised tertiary institution. Students must have a minimum of 12 UOC in Level 2 mathematics (equivalent to UNSW's MATH2018/9 and MATH2089, for example). Exceptions can be made in cases where students have received equivalent industry training or experience.

English language requirements

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You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

English language tests and university English courses
Prior study in the medium of English
Other qualifications

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

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Full program structure

In this postgraduate degree, you'll study up to 30 UOC of advanced disciplinary courses that reflect current practices in the field of Physical Oceanography.

Advanced courses include:��

Data Analysis: Environmental Science and Management
Climate Systems Science
Fundamentals of Data Science
Computational Mathematics for Science and Engineering
Topics in Marine Biology and Ecology
Topics in Australian Marine Science

You'll be able to choose between Principles of Geographic Information Systems and Science or Advanced Geographic Information Systems and Science.��

Foundational courses in this Graduate Diploma include:

Prediction and Inverse Modelling��
Fluids, Oceans and Climate
Environmental Data Science and Statistics
Oceanographic Processes

Potential careers

Anthropologist��
Environmental consultant
Human resources manager
Community-development worker
Field biologist
Life scientist

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through our��portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date.��.

Ready to start your application?

For most international students, applications are submitted via��our  service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement��date. For��more information visit��our .

Ready to start your application?

Fees & Scholarships

2025 Indicative First Year Full Fee

$38,000*

2025 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree

$38,000*

*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.

Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the program. The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).

You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the .

2025 Indicative First Year Fee

$56,000*

2025 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree

$57,000*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the��.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit��.

Scholarships

At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.