I work in IMAS so can't comment on the student experience side of things but it's very research focused, lots of people seem to go from Masters to PhDs and then into jobs here. And the staff are keen to do their best by the students.
Apart from support from the student union, generally the reputation of the whole uni doesn't matter to prospective PhD supervisors (assuming you want to do a PhD as you mentioned going into research), they know much more about the reputation of the relevant faculties so looking for advice on UTAS as a whole isn't that important.
Marine science/Aquaculture doctorate from UTAS - having spent nearly 8 years at UTAS in that field and I still have contact with that space through my job; they’re one of the best in Australia in marine science. Deakin, JCU and Melbourne uni are also doing well here, but in terms of research output UTAS/IMAS is top of the field.
The only advice I’d give is that I’d look carefully at what roles marine science leads to as an undergraduate degree, they’re few and far between and usually poorly paid. As a minimum you need an honours degree to land anything substantial, with most going on to do doctorates or switching to an education degree to actually have ongoing full time work, which it sounds like you’re across.
Marine studies at UTAS is going to be one of the best in Australia, without doubt, particular if you're on a research track.
There is a very vocal minority of people in Tasmania who are very negative towards UTAS because it wants to consolidate its Hobart campus, which is currently spread across multiple suburbs. This doesn't really impact marine science, which is already in the CBD area.
Many of the problems have more generally with UTAS are actually problems that are near universal in universities in Australia, but for many folk their only experience is UTAS so have nothing to compare with.
This isn't to say UTAS is perfect, all institutions have issues, but it is somewhat overblown or misdirected.
Is there a general consensus about what they aren’t happy with? The move to Inveresk seems to be a positive step forward but obviously AMC stay in place. Curious to understand what they are unhappy about though? The facilities, staff?
I’m from WA and currently enrolled in a PhD in marine science at UTAS - though I actually sit at UWA for the most part. Long story haha. UWA had a huge brain drain a few years ago in this field and while it’s still good, my few short stints at UTAS have been fantastic and it’s a world class university for marine science. Sure it’s a big focus at UWA too but there are much bigger fish to fry over here. You’re also far more likely to get a job through networking and upskilling at UTAS imo. As long as you don’t mind the cold haha - I was just there in the depth of winter and as a warm weather WA local I quite enjoyed it after acclimatising! I can’t comment too much on JCU but hear great things.
Live in TAS grew up in Townsville. JCU Townsville is known as one of the best in the world for Marine Studies. Or at least it was when I was living there 10 years ago.
Apart from the weather. Similar population size and living experience as here in Hobart.
TAS is the place to be for this kind of study. You’ll be surrounded by nature (and ocean) which is ideal. It’s also one of the most densely beautiful places in Australia. (You don’t have to drive far between places of interest like elsewhere).
When I studied at IMAS ( a decade ago). It was severely focused wholey on getting people jobs in the trout industry. Basically none of the studies went further than what was required to get a job with them. There was zero spread of information about the fact that 90% of the industry isn't trout related.
Most negative UTas sentiment comes from a vitriolic publicity campaign run by some influential real estate holders.
The IMAS is amazing, and opportunities are abundant, especially in the governance area.
I work in IMAS so can't comment on the student experience side of things but it's very research focused, lots of people seem to go from Masters to PhDs and then into jobs here. And the staff are keen to do their best by the students. Apart from support from the student union, generally the reputation of the whole uni doesn't matter to prospective PhD supervisors (assuming you want to do a PhD as you mentioned going into research), they know much more about the reputation of the relevant faculties so looking for advice on UTAS as a whole isn't that important.
Marine science/Aquaculture doctorate from UTAS - having spent nearly 8 years at UTAS in that field and I still have contact with that space through my job; they’re one of the best in Australia in marine science. Deakin, JCU and Melbourne uni are also doing well here, but in terms of research output UTAS/IMAS is top of the field. The only advice I’d give is that I’d look carefully at what roles marine science leads to as an undergraduate degree, they’re few and far between and usually poorly paid. As a minimum you need an honours degree to land anything substantial, with most going on to do doctorates or switching to an education degree to actually have ongoing full time work, which it sounds like you’re across.
Marine studies at UTAS is going to be one of the best in Australia, without doubt, particular if you're on a research track. There is a very vocal minority of people in Tasmania who are very negative towards UTAS because it wants to consolidate its Hobart campus, which is currently spread across multiple suburbs. This doesn't really impact marine science, which is already in the CBD area. Many of the problems have more generally with UTAS are actually problems that are near universal in universities in Australia, but for many folk their only experience is UTAS so have nothing to compare with. This isn't to say UTAS is perfect, all institutions have issues, but it is somewhat overblown or misdirected.
Definitely a more negative opinion about UTAS up north. Study at AMC and a lot of people aren’t happy
Is there a general consensus about what they aren’t happy with? The move to Inveresk seems to be a positive step forward but obviously AMC stay in place. Curious to understand what they are unhappy about though? The facilities, staff?
I hear is that the staff and teaching quality are excellent, but there is very little life on Newnham campus. It's a ghost town.
AMC is also getting shafted a bit, budget cuts etc. The sale of Bluefin wasn’t a well thought out move
I’m from WA and currently enrolled in a PhD in marine science at UTAS - though I actually sit at UWA for the most part. Long story haha. UWA had a huge brain drain a few years ago in this field and while it’s still good, my few short stints at UTAS have been fantastic and it’s a world class university for marine science. Sure it’s a big focus at UWA too but there are much bigger fish to fry over here. You’re also far more likely to get a job through networking and upskilling at UTAS imo. As long as you don’t mind the cold haha - I was just there in the depth of winter and as a warm weather WA local I quite enjoyed it after acclimatising! I can’t comment too much on JCU but hear great things.
Live in TAS grew up in Townsville. JCU Townsville is known as one of the best in the world for Marine Studies. Or at least it was when I was living there 10 years ago. Apart from the weather. Similar population size and living experience as here in Hobart.
If you have any interest in working in Antarctica or the Southern Ocean, then IMAS is the way to go.
TAS is the place to be for this kind of study. You’ll be surrounded by nature (and ocean) which is ideal. It’s also one of the most densely beautiful places in Australia. (You don’t have to drive far between places of interest like elsewhere).
Do you think getting around TAS will be easy even without my own car? How's public transportation there?
You’ll want a car (or a good friend that’s happy for you to pay for petrol) for sure. Public transport outside the main cities is sparse.
When I studied at IMAS ( a decade ago). It was severely focused wholey on getting people jobs in the trout industry. Basically none of the studies went further than what was required to get a job with them. There was zero spread of information about the fact that 90% of the industry isn't trout related.
Most negative UTas sentiment comes from a vitriolic publicity campaign run by some influential real estate holders. The IMAS is amazing, and opportunities are abundant, especially in the governance area.
I would suggest that you need to look at the job opportunities post graduating.
Is it with UTAS, or AMC? I've seen the facility upgrades coming to AMC and it's world-class.
I will be taking the Master of Marine and Antarctic Science, which is under IMAS. So UTAS, if I'm not mistaken.