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
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 course 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 course, you will understand and be able to communicate the drivers and influence of climate change on society, marine ecosystems, and the Antarctic.
- 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
This course 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 course 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.
Continue your studies in this field by enrolling in the Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science and receive course credit for the relevant units completed in this Undergraduate Certificate.
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.
Course year 2027
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