The Master of Science is for two distinct groups of students, namely the professional scientists wishing to update their industry-related skills for career advancement and students considering a research degree.

The course contains a compulsory core of professional subjects relevant to all science disciplines. The subjects in the core provide a backbone of skills important to a professional scientist; be they engaged in research, science businesses, industries or government organisations. These are the skills of communication, critical analysis, project management and innovation and commercialisation. The professional strand is complemented by a choice of major study in a specific science or mathematics discipline. Students may have the option of undertaking a small research project, subject to approval by the faculty. For students with suitable achievement levels, an opportunity to undertake a more substantial research project is available by transferring into the Master of Science (Honours) (C04267). For those considering a research degree, the Master of Science (Honours) provides a pathway to a PhD.

The No specified major option is suitable for students seeking scientific qualifications as entry into the field or wish to gain new specialised skills in a range of theoretical and practical applications to advance their area of expertise.

Students in the Marine Science and Management major are exposed to multi-disciplinary and cross-institutional coursework, with a capstone project taught at the Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS) and multiple lecture series and practical components using real-life data from the Australian Integrated Marine Observatory System.

The course is highly regarded by industry as providing in-demand, 'professionally excellent' graduates. Its focus on leadership, program management and governance increases the employability of graduates at senior levels in many local and international industries, including banking and finance, construction and engineering, event management, government, health and IT.