The National Marine Science Centre (NMSC) was conceived as part of Australia's Oceans Policy and constructed with a grant from the Commonwealth Government's Centenary of Federation Fund. The Centre was opened in 2002 as a joint entity of Southern Cross University and the University of New England. In 2010 Southern Cross University became the sole owner of the NMSC, a move that fitted the strategic directions of both universities. Organisationally, the NMSC is now a part of the School of Environmental Science and Management [www.scu.edu.au/enviroscience] within Southern Cross University's Faculty of Arts and Sciences.

The NMSC is based at Coffs Harbour on the East Australian seaboard, adjacent to the Solitary Islands Marine Park which provides students, academic and professional researchers practical opportunities in the study of marine science and management.

Students gain first hand experience in their chosen field, with an emphasis on utilising the protected marine environment around the Centre. Courses at the NMSC have been designed to meet a range of student needs, focusing on the expanding career opportunities in marine science and management in Australia and overseas.

Updated: 21 March 2011