12 monthsProgramme duration
67,950 NZDTuition Fee/year
31 Mar, 2026Application Deadline
JulStarting Month
Programme overview
Main Subject
Earth and Marine Sciences
Degree
Other
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
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 Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury in partnership with Antarctica New Zealand, with significant contributions from other Aotearoa New Zealand business, government, industry, iwi, and non-profit organisations with an interest in protecting and preserving Antarctica.
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 you to:
Gateway Antarctica offers an internationally unique programme of study and inquiry that has been developed by staff at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury in partnership with Antarctica New Zealand, with significant contributions from other Aotearoa New Zealand business, government, industry, iwi, and non-profit organisations with an interest in protecting and preserving Antarctica.
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 you to:
- complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Antarctic Studies, which includes three courses focused on developing your Antarctic knowledge, connecting you with Antarctic organisations, and developing your research skills and initial research work on an Antarctic topic
- undertake further courses and a research dissertation related to your area of expertise and interest
- complete a master's level qualification within one year
- prepare for jobs requiring a solid background in Antarctic science or policy.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Earth and Marine Sciences
Degree
Other
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
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 Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury in partnership with Antarctica New Zealand, with significant contributions from other Aotearoa New Zealand business, government, industry, iwi, and non-profit organisations with an interest in protecting and preserving Antarctica.
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 you to:
Gateway Antarctica offers an internationally unique programme of study and inquiry that has been developed by staff at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury in partnership with Antarctica New Zealand, with significant contributions from other Aotearoa New Zealand business, government, industry, iwi, and non-profit organisations with an interest in protecting and preserving Antarctica.
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 you to:
- complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Antarctic Studies, which includes three courses focused on developing your Antarctic knowledge, connecting you with Antarctic organisations, and developing your research skills and initial research work on an Antarctic topic
- undertake further courses and a research dissertation related to your area of expertise and interest
- complete a master's level qualification within one year
- prepare for jobs requiring a solid background in Antarctic science or policy.
Admission Requirements
90+
176+
3.3+
58+
6.5+
120+
Anyone 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).
If English is not your first language, you are also required to meet UC's Postgraduate language requirements. See how to provide your English language evidence to UC. If you need help meeting these requirements, or would like to practise your English skills before studying, UC offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) language programmes.
The programme has limited places available and a special application is required (see below).
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Antarctic Studies or use the admission requirements checker.
If English is not your first language, you are also required to meet UC's Postgraduate language requirements. See how to provide your English language evidence to UC. If you need help meeting these requirements, or would like to practise your English skills before studying, UC offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) language programmes.
The programme has limited places available and a special application is required (see below).
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Antarctic Studies or use the admission requirements checker.
31 Mar 2026
1 Year
Jul
Tuition fees
Domestic
15,138 NZD
International
67,950 NZD
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
How to get a full scholarship
Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
By Sabrina Collier
Updated Aug 27, 2026
1.0M
2251
Scholarships to study abroad
Find scholarships to study abroad with our lists of international scholarships – categorized by country, by subject, and by type of student.
By Staff Writer
Updated Aug 21, 2024
516.9K
791
Scholarship Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all your questions about scholarship applications, including tips on how to find scholarships and chances of success.
By Laura Tucker
Updated Aug 14, 2021
229.7K
337
More programmes from the university
Postgrad Programmes
97
Get closer to your dream programme
Your consent preferences have been set.
Time to start exploring.
Your account has been removed.
You can still browse the site or sign up again once you have parental consent.
Get closer to your dream programme