Applications for Marine Sciences, an official school subject for Grades 10–12, are now open

Between August and October, thousands of Grade 9 learners across South Africa choose the subjects they'll take through to Matric. For learners with a curiosity about the natural world, a passion for the ocean, or an interest in solving environmental challenges, Marine Sciences is a unique and exciting choice. 

Offered by Ocean Campus at the Two Oceans Aquarium, Marine Sciences combines scientific knowledge with practical experiences, helping learners develop skills that prepare them for university, future careers, and informed citizenship.

What is Marine Sciences?

Marine Sciences is an official National Senior Certificate (NSC) subject for Grades 10 – 12, developed by the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Ocean Campus educators and approved by Umalusi and the Department of Basic Education.

The curriculum combines marine biology, oceanography, ecology, and the relationship between people and the ocean. Designed in response to gaps identified in tertiary marine science education, it provides learners with a strong multidisciplinary foundation while fostering scientific thinking, environmental awareness, and practical problem-solving skills.

Through engaging online lessons, expert guidance, and practical experiences, learners gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills that prepare them for university studies and careers across the marine and environmental sectors.

What will I learn in Marine Sciences? 

What sets Marine Sciences apart is its emphasis on learning by doing. Alongside engaging online lessons, learners participate in weekly live tutorials and regular in-person practical sessions where classroom concepts come to life. Our combination of theoretical and practical learning makes for an invaluable and unforgettable learning experience. 

Throughout the course, learners develop valuable transferable skills, including critical thinking, scientific communication, research, collaboration, data analysis, and problem-solving. Through essays, debates, presentations, group discussions, and practical activities, they learn to evaluate scientific research, analyse current marine issues, and form evidence-based opinions on topics affecting our oceans. By applying classroom knowledge to real-world environmental challenges and current events, learners gain a deeper, more practical understanding of the marine environment while building the confidence to think and communicate like scientists.

How will Marine Sciences help my future?

The ocean economy is growing rapidly, creating opportunities in the fields of science, conservation, engineering, education, tourism, technology, policy, communications, and many other fields. Marine Sciences helps learners discover where their interests lie while building the knowledge and transferable skills needed for a wide range of future careers.

The skills learners gain from Marine Sciences are valued across countless professions while also providing a strong foundation for tertiary studies in fields such as marine biology, oceanography, zoology, environmental science, conservation, environmental journalism, and environmental law.

Beyond skills development, Marine Sciences nurtures learners’ sense of belonging and commitment to the marine environment. By the end of the course, learners understand how ocean systems function, how people influence marine ecosystems, and how science can help solve environmental challenges. They leave with greater confidence in scientific thinking, stronger research skills, and a deeper appreciation for the role healthy oceans play in sustaining life on Earth.

Regardless of the career path they choose, most learners find that Marine Sciences shapes the way they understand and value the ocean. By fostering an appreciation of marine ecosystems and the life they support, the subject encourages learners to become more conscious of their own actions, take responsibility for protecting our ocean, and inspire others to do the same. This is the heart of the Marine Sciences curriculum: Nurturing scientifically informed, environmentally conscious citizens who are inspired to act for our ocean.

Whether you dream of becoming a marine biologist, environmental lawyer, science communicator, conservationist, or simply want to better understand the world around you, Marine Sciences offers knowledge and skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

Applications for Grade 10 Marine Sciences are open from August to October. If you're a Grade 9 learner looking for a subject that combines science, curiosity, and real-world impact, Marine Sciences could be the perfect choice.