The University of Tasmania has been named #2 in the world's top universities for marine and freshwater biology for 2024-2025 – with our oceanography education partners, the Ocean University of China (OUC), taking first place.
The US News Best Global Universities subject-specific rankings are based on academic research performance in that subject. This is measured by publications and citations, as well as indicators for global and regional reputation in the specific subject.
Marine and freshwater biology is one of four new subject-area rankings introduced in this latest round.
It covers many aquatic sciences, including marine ecology and environmental research, aquatic biology, marine pollution and toxicology, aquatic botany and plant management, estuarine and coastal research, diseases of aquatic organisms, molluscan and shellfish research, fish biology, and biofouling.
“We are so proud to have achieved this ranking, which really is a tribute to the important research we do here at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Science (IMAS), and the exceptional learning opportunities we create for the next generation of scientists,” IMAS Director, Professor Nicole Webster said.
“We also congratulate the OUC for their #1 ranking, and we are really pleased that the successful educational partnership we’ve built together has strengthened each of our global reputations for excellence in marine and Antarctic research.”
UTAS has been offering a 2+2 Collaborative Articulation Program with OUC since 2014.
In this program, students can complete their first two years of OUC’s Bachelor of Science (Marine Sciences) and transfer into the third year of the IMAS Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science with Honours (Specialisation) in Tasmania. When completed, they receive bachelor's degrees from both institutions.
The partnership has been highly successful, with participating students ranked among the best in China – and has led to the recent expansion of the program.
A 3+2 offering now means students can enter the IMAS Master of Marine and Antarctic Science after only 3 years at OUC, and complete both their bachelor's and master's programs in an accelerated timeframe.
“In a highly competitive university market, it can be difficult for students to decide on the best university to study with – so these subject rankings can help them in that decision making process and put them on a pathway to success,” Professor Webster said.