Course details

Summary

This 180-point Master of Antarctic Studies (MASt) is a one-year degree that kick starts with summer courses that are coordinated by Gateway Antarctica, a research centre based at UC.

Gateway Antarctica offers an internationally unique programme of study and inquiry that has been developed by staff at the University of Canterbury in partnership with Antarctica New Zealand, with significant contributions from other New Zealand universities.

Antarctic research is represented in one of the ten New Zealand National Science Challenges, highlighting the importance of understanding the role of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean in determining New Zealand's future climate and environment. It is also of interest internationally, especially to countries that make up the signatory states to the Antarctic Treaty and those that undertake national polar research programmes and institutes.

This master's degree allows students to:

• conduct fieldwork in Antarctica over the summer (as part of the Postgraduate Certificate in Antarctic Studies)
• undertake further courses and a research dissertation related to the student's area of expertise and interest
• complete a master's level qualification within one year
• prepare themselves for jobs requiring a solid background in Antarctic science or policy.

MASt students must complete the following:

• all courses required for the Postgraduate Certificate in Antarctic Studies
• approved courses to the value of 30 points at 400-level
• a dissertation: ANTA 691 Antarctic Studies Master's Dissertation.

Further study

Students can study a Doctor of Philosophy in Antarctic Studies at UC.

Career opportunities

Postgraduate study can bring many career benefits eg, specialist skills and enhanced knowledge, entry into specific occupations, higher starting salary/progression rates, research capability/achievement and evidence of high academic attainment/self-discipline.

Entry criteria

A candidate for the Master of Antarctic Studies shall have:

• either qualified for a Postgraduate Certificate in Antarctic Studies or
• given evidence of their ability to complete advanced-level academic study (normally a B average in 400-level, or equivalent, courses).

Other English language requirements: TOEFL PBT with a minimum score of 575 and TWE with a minimum score of 4.5; CCEL EAP Level 2 with a minimum B+ grade; CAE or CPE score of 176 with a minimum of 169 in reading, writing, listening and speaking; Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE with an overall score of 64 and no PTE communicative skills score below 58.