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University of Canterbury

Christchurch , Christchurch ,New Zealand

Master of Antarctic Studies (Antarctica Field Trip)

This 180-point Master of Antarctic Studies (MAntaStud) 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 | Te Whare W?nanga o Waitaha in partnership with Antarctica New Zealand, with significant contributions from other Aotearoa New Zealand universities.

Antarctic research is represented in one of the 11 New Zealand National Science Challenges, highlighting the importance of understanding the role of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean in determining Aotearoa 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.

Campus Information

Ilam Campus

The University has a main campus of 76 hectares (190 acres) at Ilam, a suburb of Christchurch about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) from the centre of the city.

Intakes

  • Nov

Application Processing Time in Days: 20

Application Process

More Information Required 
14 Days
Possible Interview Call from Institution
0 Days
Provisional/Unconditional Offer 
20 Days
Visa Process
30 Days

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

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.

PSW Opportunity

  • During study, all students on a student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during semester and full time during vacations.
  • After completing Level 7 Bachelor’s Degree or Higher Qualification, a student will get a three years open post-study work visa.
  • After completing Level 8 Post Graduate courses of 1 year, students get 1 year PSW.

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

Academic entry requirements

A student interested in enrolling for the Master of Antarctic Studies must have a relevant postgraduate qualification in a suitable background to Antarctic Studies (eg, the Postgraduate Certificate in Antarctic Studies), and evidence of their ability to complete advanced-level academic study (normally a B Grade Point Average in 300-level, or equivalent, courses).