Aims
The primary aim of the programme is to foster the interdisciplinary study of Antarctica and the surrounding Southern Ocean, to stimulate an interest in research in Antarctic Studies by New Zealand and international students, and to enable the student to carry out individual research. Whilst originality of contribution is not essential, its presence is appreciated.
Pathway of study
Entry to the Masters degree programme is normally through an undergraduate degree in Arts, Education, Commerce, Law, Science, or Engineering in an approved discipline. Applicants are required to produce evidence to the satisfaction of the Chair of the Board of Studies: Antarctic Studies, of adequate training and ability to proceed with the proposed course of study. As part of the innovative nature of this programme, and in keeping with the cooperative nature of the Antarctic Treaty, students from other universities can enrol in:
- ANTA 401 and ANTA 402 courses and, with approval of their host university, cross credit the courses to existing Masters or Postgraduate Diploma at their host university, or
- Masters of Antarctic Studies or Postgraduate Diploma in Antarctic Studies at the University of Canterbury but complete the discipline based courses and thesis at another New Zealand university. In this case the Director of Antarctic Studies will work closely with their Faculty Deans or their equivalent to ensure the student is following an approved course of study for credit only to the Canterbury degree, and complete at least 50% of the total degree requirements at the University of Canterbury . This can include extramural thesis research performed according to the University of Canterbury. regulations and having a senior supervisor who is a continuing member of the University of Canterbury academic staff.
The Master of Antarctic Studies will provide a fast track option for graduates of the University of Canterbury Post Graduate Certificate in Antarctic Studies to continue their Antarctic research interests. Graduates who qualified with a Distinction will be exempt from the core paper ANTA 401 in the proposed Masters Degree and Postgraduate Diploma.
Contents
The Masters Programme consists of two parts equivalent to two academic years for full time students.
Part One
Full time students undertake two compulsory core courses in Antarctic Studies (ANTA 401 and ANTA 402) equivalent to 0.5 course weight in the first year.
ANTA 401 Antarctic Global Connections Whole year CW 0.375
A discussion of the current and future issues surrounding Antarctica and the Southern Ocean and their global relevance. Students who have completed the Graduate Certificate in Antarctic Studies with Distinction will be exempt from this course.
ANTA 402 Antarctic Legal System Semester 1 CW 0.125
An examination of the international legal system that governs Antarctica.
As well as the above two compulsory courses, students will in their first year undertake existing university courses (equivalent to 0.5 course weight) within their specialist area of interest to continue to develop their own specialist skills within their proposed discipline. Below are a few examples of what you could do - however, there are many choices:
International Law and Policy
- ILAP601 Principles of Public International Law
- ILAP607 Problems in International Law
- ILAP612 International Environmental Law
Biology
Ice and climate
Similar courses and combinations are offered in all New Zealand universities and will be available for students who undertake the degree from universities other than Canterbury.
In appropriate disciplines the proposed courses will include an established Research Methods course.
The Postgraduate Diploma is equivalent to Part 1 of the Masters Degree.
Part Two
In the second academic year (Part 2), full time students will complete a thesis on an Antarctic related topic (ANTA 690). In some, but not all cases, this will be based on research carried out in Antarctica.
ANTA 690 Antarctic Studies Masters Thesis CW 1.00
This is the thesis component of the Master of Antarctic studies. It provides the opportunity for graduate students to engage in specialised research areas related to Antarctica . Approval of topics is subject to approval by the course coordinator and suitable provision for academic supervision. The thesis will be in keeping with standard university regulations .
Goals
The thesis aims to
- Develop an advanced understanding of an Antarctic research topic
- Prepare students for further research opportunities at a post graduate level
- Produce a thesis based on primary research of an Antarctic related topic
- Develop independent research skills
- The Masters thesis is primarily an educational exercise in research. Students are expected to show competence in all phases of the research and whilst originality is not expected, its presence is appreciated.
Resources
Enrolment in this course is dependent on suitable supervision of selected topics, and in some, but not all cases of access to Antarctica for field studies. Many staff at the University of Canterbury has expertise in supervising Antarctic related Masters theses, and there are many people within the Antarctic community in New Zealand who have expressed a willingness to support and supervise Masters students. Access to Antarctica is dependent on collaboration with research projects approved by Antarctica New Zealand. Antarctica New Zealand has expressed a willingness to include Masters Students as an integral part of approved research projects. Students will either be attached to approved UC projects or with other New Zealand or international projects following consultation and agreement with the Principle investigators.
New Zealand-based research thesis . In this case, research will be undertaken entirely within New Zealand and will not involve an Antarctic visit. Throughout Part 1 of the Masters of Antarctic Studies, students should be alert for ideas that they can take into a Master's thesis. Indeed, such ideas can, and should, be explored in your coursework.
Antarctic-based research thesis
Undertaking Antarctic-based research as Part 2 of the Masters in Antarctic Studies requires a long lead in time to enable required logistics to be arranged through government agencies. To allow this to happen, prospective candidates should discuss their plans with the Director of Gateway Antarctica before embarking on the Masters Degree. Following consultation, a full proposal must be prepared by the end of the first week in March and submitted to the course coordinator. If logistic support is required through Antarctica New Zealand, the proposal will be submitted through the annual scholarship round (Details on Antarctica New Zealand and GA website). Logistic support may also be available through a reciprocal agreement with the Australian Antarctic Division, University of Tasmania, and the International Antarctic Institute or through collaboration with existing UC or New Zealand based Antarctic projects. In all cases, a full proposal is required. Every effort will be made to enable Antarctic field work to be undertaken but this cannot be guaranteed.
Timeline
February (year 1): Consultation with course coordinator
End of February: Enrol part 1 Masters Degree
Early March: Submit project proposal to course coordinator
Mid March: Forward project proposals to Scholarship support agencies
End October: Complete Part 1 Masters degree
Nov-Jan: Complete Antarctic field research (where applicable).
January (year 2): Enrol ANTA 690 Part 2 Masters degree
Mid June: Masters Symposium, presentation by thesis students
March (year 3): Submit Masters Thesis.
Some students may wish to submit a field-based thesis proposal after completing year 1. If this is the case, field work will be delayed for one year and undertaken during the summer of Yr 2. The thesis would then be written up during Yr 3.