Graduate Diploma in Physical Oceanography
- 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
-
2024 Indicative first year full fee
- $38,000*
-
2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $38,000*
-
2024 Indicative first year full fee
- $52,500*
-
2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $53,500*
Fees
Fees
-
Employability skills
-
Expert educators
-
Industry-relevant training
International application pause for 2025 intakes
Applications for international students to study at UNSW in 2025 are currently paused. Please submit your expression of interest to join our application waitlist so we can contact you.
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
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
Want to see more from UNSW Science?
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
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, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
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
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:
- 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, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
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 Apply Online 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. Find out more.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online 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 international applicant information page.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
*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 UNSW fees website.
*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 UNSW fees website.
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 UNSW International.
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.
QS World University Rankings, 2025.
AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
UNSW has a strong focus on industry collaborations with opportunities for students to network.
