Why Study / Key Benefits

• This is an internationally distinctive Antarctic-focused programme developed by UC with government, industry, iwi, business and non-profit organisations involved in Antarctica.
• Students study Antarctica from multiple perspectives rather than from a single scientific discipline.
• The curriculum covers scientific and environmental issues as well as contemporary social, political and legal questions.
• Students work with Antarctic organisations through community placements, allowing them to apply their existing disciplinary skills in an Antarctic context.
• The programme provides opportunities to interact with experienced Antarctic researchers and people working across the Antarctic community.
• Gateway Antarctica has research strengths including extreme-environment engineering, climate change, connections between Antarctica and Aotearoa New Zealand, and human impacts on Antarctica.
• The qualification can be transferred into the Master of Antarctic Studies, subject to admission and approval requirements.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The current programme page requires three courses:

• ANTA601 – Antarctica: Contemporary Issues, Perspectives
  • 15 points.
  • Examines contemporary Antarctic issues and perspectives.
• ANTA607 – Introduction to Antarctic Studies and Research
  • 30 points.
  • Provides an interdisciplinary introduction to Antarctic Studies and develops research knowledge and skills.
• ANTA608 – Antarctic Community Placements
  • 15 points.
  • Gives students the opportunity to work with an Antarctic organisation and apply their discipline-specific knowledge and developing Antarctic expertise.

The programme examines themes including:

• Antarctic science.
• Environmental change.
• Climate and the Southern Ocean.
• Antarctic ecosystems.
• Human impacts.
• Social issues.
• Antarctic governance.
• Political issues.
• Legal and policy frameworks.
• Research methods.
• Antarctic organisations and operations.
• Interdisciplinary approaches to Antarctic problems.

Disciplines / Specialisations

There are no formal majors, minors or endorsements in the Postgraduate Certificate in Antarctic Studies.

The programme is deliberately interdisciplinary and can be relevant to graduates from areas such as:

• Environmental science.
• Earth sciences.
• Geography.
• Geology.
• Biology.
• Climate science.
• Engineering.
• Law.
• Politics and international relations.
• Public policy.
• Tourism.
• Education.
• Communications.
• Business and management.

Programme Highlights

• 60-point postgraduate qualification.
• One-semester full-time study.
• July/Semester 2 intake.
• Only 16 places available.
• Competitive selection.
• Special application process.
• Two academic/professional references required.
• CV and additional information form required.
• Interdisciplinary Antarctic curriculum.
• Three compulsory courses.
• Antarctic community placement.
• Access to Gateway Antarctica's interdisciplinary Antarctic research environment.
• Opportunity to progress into the Master of Antarctic Studies.
• No part-time study under the current qualification regulations.

Career Outcomes

UC indicates that Antarctic knowledge can contribute to careers across a wide range of sectors rather than leading to one single occupation.

Potential career areas include:

• Antarctic and Southern Ocean research.
• Environmental science.
• Climate and environmental policy.
• Government and public policy.
• Antarctic programme administration.
• Science communication.
• Education.
• Tourism.
• Law and international policy.
• Environmental management.
• Engineering and technical roles associated with Antarctic programmes.
• Logistics and operations.
• Research organisations and universities.
• NGOs and organisations involved in environmental protection.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The 2027 application cycle is currently open.
• The current programme has only 16 places, making admission competitive.
• Applications for the July/Semester 2 intake must be submitted by 31 March.
• Two referee reports are required.
• A CV directly connecting the applicant's education/work history to Antarctic Studies is required.
• The programme requires a medical examination prescribed by Antarctica New Zealand under the current UC qualification regulations.
• Part-time study is not permitted under the current regulations.
• The qualification has a 12-month maximum completion period.
• Courses cannot be repeated if a student fails a component; the regulations state that failure of any component results in failure of the qualification.
• The programme can be transferred into the Master of Antarctic Studies after completion, subject to the Master's admission requirements and UC approval.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student undertaking the programme in New Zealand, the usual route is the New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Sufficient funds to pay tuition fees or evidence of an acceptable scholarship.
• Sufficient funds for living costs or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Genuine intention to study.
• Evidence of outward/return travel arrangements or sufficient funds for this.
• Satisfaction of applicable health and character requirements.