International Undergraduate Enrolment
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To undertake postgraduate studies in Marine & Tropical Biology at James Cook University, prospective international students must apply to the International Student Centre. Application forms can be found at the back of the Postgraduate International Prospectus. A minimum of three years full-time study is normally required to complete these undergraduate degrees. More details information on International Student Applications can be found at the International Students Centre Website. Information detailing the undergraduate courses in Marine & Tropical Biology at James Cook University can be found at Degrees and Awards or from the MTB Student Enquiriesemail. It is important to ensure that you include which discipline and which degree you would like to apply for, as well as your citizenship status, country of residency and your postal address. |
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Coursework and Research Degrees
There are two types of postgraduate courses offer through the School of Marine and Tropical Biology at James Cook University.
Postgraduate Coursework
Coursework study at postgraduate level is basically a continuation of the type of study usually found in a Bachelor degree, but at a more advanced level. Essentially, students complete a set course of postgraduate subjects, each worth a pre-determined number of credit points, in a combination of attending lectures, going to tutorials, handing in assignments, and sitting examinations. A small research project may form a part of the degree, students are offered the option after one semester of teaching dependent on the availability of a supervisor, relevant project and the GPA obtained from previous study. Students generally follow a structured study schedule, enrolling at the main start dates of Teaching Period (Semester) One, or Teaching Period (Semester) Two.
The types of coursework programs available at JCU include
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Masters of Applied Science
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Graduate Diplomas
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Graduate Certificates
Research
Research degrees are a program of supervised original research in a chosen discipline, culminating in the completion of a supervised thesis which shows detailed knowledge of the subject matter, independent thought and effective research skills (for a Masters), while to gain a PhD, candidates must also demonstrate the ability for critical analysis and research, and make a significant and original contribution to the knowledge and understanding of the field of study. Students wishing to undertake research programs must first confirm that JCU has an academic team available who can supervise their research, and that we can match up the student’s research interest with the expertise of our academic staff. Before applying for a research degree, students must make contact with a JCU academic/researcher in their chosen field and present a two-page research proposal specific to their topic. As applying for research studies is such a personalised process, there is flexibilty in terms of start dates, and in some cases even location, as students can negotiate with their supervisor to do part of their fieldwork in their home country. It is also possible to negotiate co-tutelle (conjoint degree) arrangements where your degree is jointly awarded by JCU and an institution in your home country. Such arrangements are negotiated on a case by case basis.
Higher research degrees in Marine and Tropical Biology at JCU include:
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Masters (by research)
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Doctors of Philosophy (PhD)
Stage 1: Check your eligibility
International students will need to check if the qualification obtained in a home country are equivalent to Australian standards. Country-specific assessment of eligibility can be obtained from the International Student Centrecourse Information.
Packaged offers may be available for student that do not meet requirements to enter a degree directly.’ For example, if an undergraduate qualification is deemed to be slightly lower than the academic requirement to enter a Master of Science, students may receive a “packaged offer” to study a Graduate Diploma of Research Methods, to help increase their coursework and research qualification. Packaged offers are dependent on achieving minimum GPA scores, while studying at JCU.
Stage 2: Application Procedures
International students can obtain application forms from International Student Centre, JCU. Application deadlines may vary by discipline, most applications are due for the full academic year by mid-December and mid-year applications must be received by mid-May.
Stage 3: Offer of Placement
Successful applicants will receive an offer of placement in the School of Marine and Tropical Biology at JCU from International Student Centre at JCU. You must formally accept the offer of placement and return it International Student Centre to confirm your place in Marine and Tropical Biology. International students must then apply for a student class visa from their nearest Australian Diplomatic Post. You will not be allowed to study anywhere in Australia without this visa.
Student Fees
International students are charged a fee set by the University. Details of the cost of courses are included in the Application Package sent to students by the International Student Centre. Please contact this office for any inquiries regarding possible financial assistance or other questions on fees.
Teaching period dates
New students are invited to attend an orientation week at either University campus prior to the commencement of their studies. Student Mentors will show new students around the campus and assist with the settling-in process. Additionally, Principal Student Advisers will be available at specific times to assist new students with subject selection. International students will be met on arrival in Townsville or Cairns by their Overseas Student Adviser.
