Tourism and the Antarctic Region

Tourism and the Antarctic Region: Challenges and Opportunities

Degree type

PhD

Closing date

27 March 2023

Campus

Hobart

Citizenship requirement

Domestic/International

Scholarship

$31,500pa for 3.5 years

About the research project

The rapid expansion of tourism in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean region has raised concerns about global environmental, geopolitical, economic and even social impact, as well as opportunities to encourage an increasingly large and diverse range of people to engage with the region and its current challenges. We invite proposals for postgraduate projects from humanities and social science perspectives focused on tourism in the region. We are particularly interested in projects looking at the following aspects of Antarctic tourism: tourist experience; tourist mediation; cultural diversity; the 'ambassador' effect; low-latitude and 'gateway' tourism; virtual tourism; the visual and textual representation of the continent in tourism-related materials; subantarctic tourism; tourism work in Antarctica; responsible Antarctic tourism; the impact of specific Antarctic tourism activities; 'Seventh Continent' tourism; wildlife tourism; and photography tourism.

This project draws on the University of Tasmania's strengths in the human dimensions of Antarctic research, as well as its expertise in tourism studies. The UTAS Antarctic tourism research team is currently undertaking fieldwork in the Antarctic Peninsula with the support of tourist operators and the successful applicant will have access to the qualitative data generated, as well as the benefit of working within a cohesive team of researchers with strong links to industry and government.

Primary Supervisor

Meet Prof Elizabeth Leane

Funding

The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:

  • a living allowance stipend of $31,500 per annum (2023 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
  • a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
  • a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

  • Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus

Selection Criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded.  Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

  • First-class Honours or equivalent in a humanities or social science discipline relevant to the project

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

  • Background and knowledge in tourism studies and/or Antarctic studies

Application process

There is a three-step application process:

  1. Select your project, and check you meet the eligibility and selection criteria;
  2. Contact the Primary Supervisor, Prof Elizabeth Leane to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
  3. Submit an application by the closing date listed above.
    • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
    • As part of your application, you will be required to submit a covering letter, a CV including 2 x referees and your project research proposal.

Following the application closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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