Graduate Certificate in Antarctic Studies

The qualification

Canterbury University's Graduate Certificate in Antarctic Studies is, like the great, frozen, southern continent, a rare thing.

The course that has run since 1999 is the only one like it in the world, says Michelle Rogan-Finnemore, centre manager of Gateway Antarctica, the Centre for Antarctic Studies and Research.

"The purpose of the GCAS is to provide an intensive, interdisciplinary, educational programme for graduates who have an interest in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, and who would be able to make a significant contribution to their profession and the community."

In a recent survey of graduates, 52 per cent had been or were still involved in Antarctic-related employment.

The 14-week course, which costs New Zealanders $5000 and international students $12,000 is limited to 20 students. It includes 10 to 14 days in Antarctica, sponsored by Antarctica New Zealand and operated through Scott Base.

Participants, who must have a degree or equivalent, are selected from backgrounds including science, arts, humanities, law, policy, commerce, engineering, social sciences and technology.

The course is studied fulltime - 35 hours a week for the first four weeks followed by the Antarctic field trip. Back in Christchurch, students resume their 35-hour study weeks for three weeks and work on projects for the final four weeks.

The course aims to give students sufficient background in different disciplines to enable them to understand a range of issues related to Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, including the scientific, environmental, social and political debates.

Outside the classroom, the practical field studies in the Antarctic environment show students the constraints of working in such extreme conditions.

Assessment is made of individual projects on topics that can range over the history of Antarctic exploration, soil analysis or the prospect of Antarctic tourism. Literature reviews and small reports on field projects on topics such as a seal census, geology, art or the weather are also assessed as are reports by syndicates, or groups of five students, on current issues including bio-prospecting, illegal fishing, and tourism.

Forty per cent of the course graduates go on to further study, primarily for a Masters degree or a doctorate.

Graduates have been employed by a range of organisations both directly and indirectly involved with Antarctic and Southern Ocean issues, including Antarctica New Zealand, the Antarctic Attraction at the International Antarctic Centre, the Antarctic Heritage Trust, the Students on Ice programme, tourism organisations, the diplomatic service, government departments, Crown research institutes, universities, and the British Antarctic Survey. They have also been employed in educational and environmental fields.

Applications for the next course starting in November will be called in May.

The student

* Jana Newman, 25

* Environmental adviser, Christchurch

I was an under-graduate at Canterbury [University] in the geography department when I heard about the course. I had an interest in physical geography - alpine environments, weather, glaciers - and I'm a keen skier, tramper and climber. My dad has also worked in Antarctica. I put my Masters [degree] studying glaciers on hold to do the course in the summer of 2001-2002. I was really inspired by the academic content. It was really broad - law, policy, science, art - and the students were from all walks of life. It was really structured in the lecture programme but you could follow your particular interest in the individual project. I mapped the environmental footprint of Scott Base. I followed up with a Masters thesis on a small glacier next to Scott Base which was receding quickly. I worked at DoC [Department of Conservation] for a few years and I'm now in Antarctica New Zealand's environmental team. I'd absolutely recommend the course. It set me up for a range of disciplines.

The employer

* Neil Gilbert,

* Environmental manager, Antarctica New Zealand, Christchurch

From a national and international perspective the course is unique. New Zealand needs to bear that in mind because in terms of the ability of students to study across the board - science, politics, logistics, operations and environment - nobody else offers that. It's tremendous and gives the course a lot of credibility. There is a lot of interest, you could say envy, internationally. It also helps New Zealand fulfil its commitments under the Antarctic Treaty to provide education and appreciation of Antarctica. Students who do the course get the background and often a deep sense of interest and understanding of Antarctica. We've employed several students. It's a big tick in the box. The quality is excellent and the speakers are top level, often leaders in their fields.

Gateway Antarctica, Centre for Antarctic Studies and Research

Canterbury University

Phone: 0800 827 748