Diploma in Marine Science at Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Programme overview

The course equips students with the skills and knowledge to provide the technical and logistical support that is vital for the efficient running of research programmes, including the collection and processing of a wide variety of data both at sea and on land. Tasks can vary from basic collection of fish samples to complex processing of data from satellites. Duties include the operation of sophisticated electronic equipment and computers, the basic tools of modern oceanography. Offering type listed: FULLTIME - DISTRICT 6 CAMPUS.

Faculty: Faculty of Applied Sciences | Department: Conservation and Marine Sciences | Study mode: full-time | Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

What you will study

Subjects listed on the programme page include Communication Skills 1; Computer Skills 1; Biomathematics; Ecology 1; Ecology 2; Marine Biology 1.

Career pathways

Oceanographic technicians are employed in all sub-disciplines of oceanographic research, such as fisheries biology, biological oceanography and physical or chemical oceanography. They spend substantial periods at sea collecting data. The oceanographic technicianï¿½s scientific and technical skills also opens up employment opportunities in the private sector.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

National Senior Certificate (Grade 12) with: . English Home or First Additional Language (4) . Mathematics (4) or Technical Maths (5) . Physical Sciences (4) The department utilises an Admission Point Score (APS) as selection criteria once your minimum admission requirements are satisfied. You also have to score a minimum of 30 with Maths and 31 with Technical Maths for the mainstream course on APS

Tuition is charged per module, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Applications for the 2027 intake open on Monday, 11 May 2026. Diploma applications close on 30 September 2026 for South African citizens and 31 August 2026 for non-South African citizens (31 July 2026 for Emergency Medical Care and Somatology; 31 August 2026 for Grade R and Early Childhood Care and Education).

The application fee is R110 (non-refundable); the late application fee is R160. A deposit of R1,750 is payable on acceptance and a registration fee of R785 applies.

Apply through the official page: https://www.cput.ac.za/study-at-cput/undergraduate/apply

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