Antarctic Governance and Policy in the 21st Century unit (KSM715)

Hobart, Online

Introduction

Antarctica and the Southern Ocean are a unique biophysical region of the planet and similarly have unique governance arrangements. This unit provides an advanced analysis of the institutions, rules and power structures which govern the Antarctic region. The unit closely examines the Antarctic Treaty System, but also other important institutions that play a governance role in the region, including the International Whaling Commission and International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators. Drawing on theories of law, governance and geopolitics, this unit explores the following thematic challenges relating to human activity in the Antarctic region: Antarctic Resources, Antarctic Science, Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics, Strategic issues in Antarctica, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change. The unit explores the interactions between nation states, non-state actors and international organisations and the intersection of interests, rights and rules in the development of Antarctic governance institutions. Completing the unit will equip students from a wide variety of academic disciplines with the ability to view governance of Antarctica from a more holistic perspective. This will assist students to understand and critically assess the basis for international policy decisions relating to Antarctic and the Southern Ocean, a region of key national interest for Australia, and of vital importance for global ecosystems and the international political system.

Summary

Unit name	Antarctic Governance and Policy in the 21st Century
Unit code	KSM715
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies
Discipline	Oceans Ice and Climate
Coordinator	Professor Jeffrey McGee
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Postgraduate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 1
Online	Semester 1

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	22/2/2026	16/3/2026	19/4/2026	13/6/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse the Antarctic Treaty System from historical, legal, geopolitical and scientific perspectives.
• Analyse the intersections between the Antarctic Treaty System and other governance institutions in the area to further policy choices
• Appraise the effectiveness of Antarctic governance institutions to inform policy debate and choice
• Critically assess the key challenges for Antarctic governance in the early 21st century

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
090909	$2,174.00	$1,703.00	not applicable	$2,249.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

KSA201

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Students in this unit will participate in a weekly 2 hour face to face lectures which will also be available online for online students. These lectures will be common with the undegraduate cohort in KSA201 Governing Antarctica. Students will also attend a weekly Masters level seminar, which will be face to face for Hobart students, and synchonous online through Zoom Conferencing for students outside Hobart.
Assessment	Multiple Choice Test (20%)|Critical Analysis of Antarctic Literature (40%)|Group Report: Drafting and Presenting an Antarctic Policy Document (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	See resources in MyLo
Recommended	See resources in MyLo

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.