| Communications and Development |  |
Published by Communications and Development
On its 10 year anniversary, the Graduate Certificate in Antarctica Studies (GCAS) has signed a new memorandum enabling it to continue offering the unique graduate course for the next five years.
The agreement, signed with Antarctica New Zealand, is important as Antarctica New Zealand manages the logistical support for the field trip to Antarctica.
“We are very pleased that the good relationship that we have with Antarctica New Zealand continues,” said Professor Bryan Storey, Director of Gateway Antarctica.
“They see the course is a benefit for New Zealand and that the course is fulfilling all its objectives. The goals of the course are specific in that we are looking for graduates who will use the course in their profession — students on the course go on to postgraduate research or get involved in Antarctic activities in some way.
“In the 2003 report 52 per cent of graduates have had direct involvement with Antarctica and 23 have gone on to do postgraduate research.”
The GCAS has also undergone a rigorous academic review by the University that assessed the academic quality of the programme.
“The report exceeded our expectations with Gateway Antarctica being congratulated on the high quality of the programme and the very high degree of student satisfaction.
“As well as some positive recommendations that will enhance the experience for our students, the panel recommended that the course be upgraded from a graduate certificate to a postgraduate qualification recognising the academic value and quality of the existing package,” Professor Storey said.
The GCAS is a 14-week summer course which provides an interdisciplinary insight into the workings of Antarctica and its environment and includes a trip to the Ice, which makes it very unique.
“I am delighted that this endorsement of the programme and the graduates has been made,” Professor Storey said.
For further information please contact:
Professor Bryan Storey
Director
Gateway Antarctica
Ph: (03) 364 2136
bryan.storey@canterbury.ac.nz