Overview (2027)
Key Information
Duration
Minimum 0.5 years, up to a maximum of 2 years.
Location
This course may not be available to international students. Please see the list of distance courses (i.e. online and taken outside Australia) that are offered to international students
Climate change is one of the defining challenges facing our world. Its impacts are already shaping our environment, economies, industries, and communities, with some of the most significant changes occurring in the world's oceans and polar regions.
The Undergraduate Certificate in Antarctic and Climate Science provides an accessible introduction to the science, policy, and governance of climate change through the lens of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. Developed by researchers from the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) and climate experts from across the University of Tasmania, the course reflects the University's internationally recognised strengths in climate, marine, and Antarctic research.
Studying fully online, you will explore the drivers and impacts of climate change, the role of oceans and polar regions in the Earth system, and the international agreements that govern Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. You'll gain a broad understanding of how climate change affects society, biodiversity, and marine ecosystems, while developing the ability to communicate climate and Antarctic science to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Tasmania is Australia's gateway to Antarctica and home to one of the world's leading concentrations of Antarctic, marine, and Southern Ocean expertise. Through this course, you'll learn from academics and researchers working at the forefront of these globally important fields.
Whether you're looking to build professional knowledge, explore a personal interest in climate and environmental issues, or take the first step towards further study, this certificate provides a flexible and practical foundation. Graduates can continue into the Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science with credit for completed units.
Study without tuition fees in 2026
For domestic students, the Undergraduate Certificate in Antarctic and Climate Science is offered with 100% tuition fee scholarship for students commencing in 2026. This means you pay NO tuition fees!
- 1 Describe the influence of climate change and climate variability on society and marine ecosystems.
- 2 Explain the drivers and processes of climate change on the Earth system
- 3 Explain how international treaties and laws are used to manage resources and access to the Southern Ocean and Antarctica
- 4 Discuss key concepts relevant to Antarctic and climate science to specialist and non-specialist audiences
Career outcomes
Climate literacy is becoming increasingly valuable across government, industry, environmental management, education, policy, and community organisations.
This course is designed for people who want to better understand the causes and consequences of climate change, the role of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean in the global climate system, and the policy frameworks that shape environmental decision-making.
The Undergraduate Certificate in Antarctic and Climate Science can support professional development for roles in:
- Local and state government
- Environmental and natural resource management
- Sustainability and climate-related planning
- Community and not-for-profit organisations
- Education and science communication
- Tourism, marine, and environmental industries
It also provides a pathway into further study. Graduates can continue into the Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science and receive credit for relevant units completed in this course.
Course structure
The Undergraduate Certificate in Antarctic and Climate Science (UGCertAntClimSci) is a four unit course.
Human-induced climate change is the most serious problem currently facing our planet - a global problem with increasingly obvious local impacts. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has said that the next 10 years will be critical to averting…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 1 |  |  |  | |
| Semester 2 | | | | ||
- Key:
On-campus- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
View all details for KGA104 Introduction to the Science of Climate Change
This unit introduces students to the science disciplines underpinning the study of marine and Antarctic environments and the application of science to solve problems in marine and Antarctic disciplines. It provides the foundational skills and knowledge for students in the…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | | | | |
| Online | Semester 2 | | | | |
- Key:
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
View all details for KSA102 Introduction to Marine and Antarctic Science B
Seventy percent of the planet is covered by ocean. This unit introduces students to Planet Ocean through four modules, covering key topics on marine life and the ecology of temperate and high latitude marine ecosystems (Module 1); the ocean system…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Block 2 | | | | |
| Block 4 | | | | ||
| Summer | | | | ||
- Key:
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
View all details for KSM101 A Primer of Marine and Antarctic Science
The ‘blue economy’ of oceans related industries is set for significant expansion in the first half of twenty first century. Australia has one of the largest areas of ocean estate in the world. Tasmania is also are a global centre…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | | | | |
| Online | Semester 2 | | | | |
- Key:
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
View all details for LAW191 Law of the Oceans and the Antarctic
Entry requirements
This Undergraduate Certificate is open to applicants from a broad range of backgrounds.
Domestic Applicants who have recently completed secondary education
Completed the TCE (or equivalent)
Domestic Applicants with higher education study
Completed at least one undergraduate unit (equivalent to 12.5 UTAS credit points).
Domestic Applicants with VET / TAFE study
A completed VET Certificate III or higher,
Domestic Applicants with work and life experience
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 course.
Prerequisites
Nil
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION
If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors for special consideration, including economic hardship, a serious medical condition or disability.
We can only approve applications for special consideration where we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course. Special consideration is not available for international applicants.
How to apply for a credit transfer
Applications for credit can be made in your course application. Find out more information about how to apply for a credit transfer/advanced standing at Recognition of Prior Learning.
Talk to us on 13 8827 or enquire online about your credit transfer.
Students completing the Undergraduate Certificate in Antarctic and Climate Science can receive advanced standing for four 12.5 credit point units of the Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science.
Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
Commonwealth supported places (CSP) are available for this course. For eligible domestic students, this means your fees will be subsidised by the Australian Government. You’ll only need to pay the student contribution amount for each unit you study within the course.
Commonwealth Supported Place indicative annual fee: $5,744
How is this calculated?
This is an estimate. The calculation is based on the average full-time enrolment for this course in 2026. All figures are indicative only for 2027. Actual tuition fees will depend on specific unit enrolment, and are subject to annual increases each year. You can find the complete fee details for each unit of study on the individual unit pages. The units for this course are found in the course structure section of this page.
These figures do not include other costs such as the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). For further information, please visit Scholarships, fees and costs.
HECS-HELP loans
You may be able to defer payment of the student contribution amount by accessing a HECS-HELP loan from the Government. If eligible, you’ll only have to pay your tuition fees once you start earning above a specific amount.
Further information on student loans and a CSP eligibility checker can be found at Australian Government Study Assist.
Domestic scholarships
Each year, the University offers more than 900 awards to students from all walks of life, including: those who have achieved high academic results, those from low socio-economic backgrounds, students with sporting ability, students undertaking overseas study, and students with a disability.
For information on all scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please refer to scholarships.
Applications for most awards commencing in Semester 1 open at the beginning of August and close strictly on 31 October in the year prior to study.
Continuing students
If you are a continuing student, please contact UniConnect for fee scholarship information relevant to your enrolment.
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