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Undergraduate Certificate in Antarctic and Climate Science
Undergraduate | TAS-ACS-CTF | 2024
A foundation in climate science with an Antarctic focus
Developed by climate experts, this course introduces students to global climate change. Exploring the future of the Antarctic Region, you’ll build an understanding of marine science and the laws of the oceans.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Applications close
- No dates available
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 4
- Price from
- $5,400
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Undergraduate Certificate in Antarctic and Climate Science
About this degree
Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Describe the influence of climate change and climate variability on society and marine ecosystems
- Explain the drivers and processes of climate change on the Earth system
- Explain how international treaties and laws are used to manage resources and access to the Southern Ocean and Antarctica
- Discuss key concepts relevant to Antarctic and climate science to specialist and non-specialist audiences
Developed by researchers at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), and climate science experts at the University of Tasmania, your studies span cross-disciplinary themes with a strong focus on climate change, marine ecosystems and ocean and Antarctic governance.
The Undergraduate Certificate in Antarctic and Climate Science will introduce you to the study of global climate change, highlighting the challenges facing society due to human impact on our marine and Antarctic environments.
Tasmania is a global centre for scientific research, governance and logistical support for Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. This program leverages these strengths to provide you with essential knowledge and understanding of the treaties and laws that govern Antarctica, shaping the future of our oceans and the Antarctic Region.
Your studies can literally be the tip of the iceberg in this fascinating area of science, environment and law. You'll discover the values of marine ecosystems and their greatest threats, learn about current climate change impacts on biodiversity and human systems, and understand the effect of southern high-latitude regions on the Earth’s climate, oceans and weather.
After completing this program, you will understand and be able to communicate the drivers and influence of climate change on society, marine ecosystems and the Antarctic.
Recommended study pattern
For students undertaking full-time study the following study pattern is recommended.
Completion of 4 core subjects from the schedule below:
- TAS-KGA104 Introduction to the Science of Climate Change
- TAS-KSA102 Introduction to Marine and Antarctic Science B
- TAS-KSM101 A Primer of Marine and Antarctic Science
- TAS-LAW191 Law of the Oceans and the Antarctic
Award requirements
Satisfactory completion of 4 subjects, as required in the schedule, within 1 year from commencement.
Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.
This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.
Wherever you are, the University of Tasmania brings its island campus to you through a growing range of online programs across art and design, business, education, health, science, sustainability, technology, and more. It’s never too late to switch things up. Kickstart that career you’ve been dreaming about, or upskill for the one you’re in. You’ll also become a part of the world's leading university on climate action.
Learn more about UTAS.
Explore UTAS courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 20
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 19
Entry requirements
Completed at least one undergraduate subject (equivalent to 12.5 UTAS credit points)
Successful completion of any one OUA open access subject of study at the equivalent AQF level, unless otherwise specified
Completed the TCE (or equivalent).
Successful completion of Certificate III or higher.
If you have not successfully completed senior secondary, tertiary or TAFE/VET study, but have relevant work and life experience you can complete a personal competency statement. You may be eligible for an offer if you have work and life experiences that demonstrate a capacity to succeed in this program.
The University of Tasmania grants credit and recognition of prior learning that may include formal and/or informal prior learning. More information is available here.
Career opportunities
This program exposes you to key concepts and skills either as an initial overview of Antarctic and climate science, or as a foundation for further studies.
For those looking for professional development, this program can provide career advancement for local government employees, anyone in a planning role, and professionals working in fields that may be impacted by our changing climate.
Career outlook
- Environmental Managers:
- Over $120K
- Policy Analysts:
- $93K to $120K
- Policy and Planning Managers:
- Over $120K
Degree FAQs
That's up to you! Because we let you choose when to study online, you can actually pick up and pause study when it suits you. Many universities have a set time you need to complete your degree within. For some this is up to 10 years, and for others there is no limit.
There are some degrees that are stricter about when you can take breaks, and about how many years you can take to complete your degree. Please always check with your uni what the limits are.
As a general guide, Commonwealth supported place students have 10 years to finish their undergraduate degree through OUA, However, if you're studying with Griffith University, there's a limit of 8 years to complete your studies. If you want to take a break that lasts more than two study terms, you'll need to apply for a leave of absence. You can apply for a leave of absence for up to 12 months, as long as you complete your studies within the maximum time allowed for your degree.
If you're studying with Macquarie University, with the exception of certain degrees, there's no limit to how long you can take. But, please check with Macquarie Student Administration to be sure.
If you're studying with the University of Adelaide, you have up to 9 years to complete your undergraduate degree and graduate.
If you're studying with La Trobe University and want to take a break of minimum 1 study term, you must apply for leave of absence to avoid being inadvertently withdrawn from your degree.
Through OUA, you can study all year round, so it's possible to fast-track and finish up sooner than studying at a traditional uni would allow. That said, you need to spend around 12 hours a week on each undergraduate subject you do, so taking on extra work to finish ahead of time can be challenging.
You may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government, depending on your citizenship status and where you'll be living during your studies. You can also pay upfront with your credit card.
Payment options are explained in Fees, and you can contact a student advisor for more information.
You might find learning through OUA a little different to how you've studied in the past. It can take time to develop the skills you need for independent online study.
We connect you with subjects and degrees that are taught by leading Australian universities. You can complete single subjects, or follow a degree structure to work towards a specific qualification. Subjects are offered in several study terms throughout the year, so you can choose to study part-time or full-time, continuously or with breaks.
We help you find the subjects or degree that's right for you, and we handle your enrolment in uni and some administration. Your uni sends you your study materials and deals with all academic matters. They're also in charge of your assessment and graduation. If you go on to complete a degree, you'll graduate from the uni offering your degree, for example, RMIT University or Griffith University.
Before starting an enrolment, it's important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you're eligible to apply. If you don't quite meet the requirements, we can help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study. Chat with us to find out more.
Our close of enrolment times vary. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting Key dates.
There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.
You can enrol without entry requirements
We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don't meet the entry requirements for a degree, we'll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We'll introduce you to flexible study options you didn't even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.
You'll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
Once you enrol through us, you'll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you'll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.
We'll help you navigate the university world
Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.
Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.
When you've made your choice, click 'Apply now' on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We'll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to us and we'll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.