Delivery
Field trip
When
2027 dates TBC
Where
Maria Island
Capacity
24 students
Senior secondary
Cost
TBC
Applications for 2026 have now closed
Submit an expression of interest for 2027
Submitting form
Hi there,
Thank you for submitting an expression of interest for the University of Tasmania's UCP016: Maria Island marine biology experience.
Applications will be open in early 2027 and you will be notified via email.
If you haven’t already completed the Primer of Marine and Antarctic Science (UCP015) course, you might like to consider it. This fully online, 11-week unit fits easily around your schoolwork. Tuition fees are covered by a scholarship through the University Connections Program for eligible applicants, and if you choose to study marine science at the University, you’ll receive credit towards your degree.
If you have any questions, please email or call 13 8827 (13 UTAS) between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Best of luck!
By submitting this form you consent to the University collecting, using, storing and disclosing your personal information in accordance with the University’s Privacy Policy.
About the program
This predominately field-based unit consists of 5 days on picturesque Maria Island on the Tasmanian East Coast. The unit is open to 24 students and is designed to engage, challenge, excite and inspire you through a hands-on marine science program. It will encourage you to explore issues threatening biodiversity as well as the productivity of the marine system. Climate change, invasive species, pollution, debris and their associated social and economic impacts will be covered.
Get a head start in a career on the water
- Get credit for one unit towards your degree at the University of Tasmania
- Learn practical techniques normally taught on the job or at university
- Spend 5 days on Maria Island exploring the marine environment
- Day 6 is spent presenting your research findings in Hobart at the state-of-the-art Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS)
- This unit is offered via the University Connections Program at the University of Tasmania and is open to year 11 and 12 students.
This unit, A Practical Introduction to Temperate Marine Biology (UCP016), is an introduction to our Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science.
Before applying for this Maria Island unit, we encourage you to complete A Primer for Marine and Antarctic Science (UCP015). Taking A Primer for Marine and Antarctic Science helps you understand the subject better and also helps your chances of getting a place in the UCP016 unit.
What’s included*
The field trip contribution fee of $525 covers the following:
- Hobart airport transfers**
- Your accommodation in Hobart on the first and last night***
- Your transport from IMAS in Hobart to Maria Island and return
- Accommodation on Maria Island
- Hire of all required diving and survey gear
- All your meals
* The information and fee are based on the 2025 course. Please note that the fee and details may change for the 2026 course.
**For interstate students only.
***Accommodation on the first and last night is included only for students living 30 minutes or more by car from Hobart.
Additional camping information
- You'll stay in shared bunk-bed rooms (6-8 people) in the Maria Island Penitentiary.
- Rooms don’t have electricity, but power points are available in the dining room for charging devices.
- Flushing toilets are available, but there are no showers.
- Bring a sleeping bag and pillow (if you want one). A fitted single bed sheet is optional but recommended.
- We have the entire Penitentiary booked, but the dining room (Mess Hall) and bathrooms are shared with other campers.
- Mobile reception is available, but there’s no WiFi.
- The Chapel will be set up as a makeshift lab and lecture space, with power points for charging devices.
- Our catering team will prepare all meals and cater to dietary needs.
- You'll be asked to help with washing up after meals.
- Plenty of food and snacks will be available, but you can bring your own (keep packaging to a minimum as all rubbish must be taken off the island).
- Maria Island’s wildlife will steal unattended food - store it securely.
- Meals are prepared and eaten in the communal Mess Hall at the Penitentiary.
Links to the Australian Curriculum
Ethical understanding
General capability
Creative and critical thinking
General capability
Personal and Social
General capability
Sustainability
Cross-curriculum priorities
The University of Tasmania is committed to creating diverse, inclusive, and accessible educational experiences. When registering, please let us know how we can best support your needs.