Post Graduate Diploma in Antactic Studies (PGDipAntaStud)
This programme is currently under review so this information may be out of date.
Aims
The primary aim of this programme is to foster the interdisciplinary study of Antarctica and the surrounding Southern Ocean.
Contents
The Diploma programme consists of one academic year for full time students. It is equivalent to Part 1 of the Masters of Antarctic Studies.
Students undertake two compulsory core courses in Antarctic Studies (ANTA401 and ANTA402) equivalent to 0.5 course weight.
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 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, for example:
International Law and Policy
- ILAP 601 Principles of Public International Law
- ILAP 607 Problems in International Law
- ILAP 607 International Environmental Law
Microbiology
- BIOL403 Global Change Biology
- BIOL432 Cell Biology
- BIOL434 Molecular Biology
Ice and climate
- GEOG435 The Atmospheric Environment
- GEOG439 Snow and Ice Processes
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.
Pathway of study
Entry to the Diploma programme is normally through an undergraduate degree in Arts, 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:
- ANTA401 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
- Postgraduate Diploma in Antarctic Studies at the University of Canterbury but complete the discipline based courses 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 that at least 50% of the total degree requirements must be completed at the University of Canterbury .