Antarctic Studies courses are coordinated by Gateway Antarctica, the Centre for Antarctic Studies and Research at the University of Canterbury. Gateway Antarctica plays a leading role in the quest for knowledge in a diverse range of national and international Antarctic research projects, in areas including engineering in extreme environments, Antarctica as driver of, and responder to, climate change, connections between Antarctica and New Zealand, and human influences in/on Antarctica.

An in-depth knowledge of Antarctic issues can form a useful part of many careers in science, politics, tourism, education and law. There are a large number of people who visit the Antarctic every year, many of whom are scientists specialising in areas such as geology, glaciology, biology, astronomy and environmental management. To make their day-to-day operations run smoothly a range of staff are employed by national Antarctic programmes – from electricians, engineers, mechanical services technicians, vehicle mechanics, meteorologists, plant technicians, and finance personnel to chefs, boat handlers, diving officers, communication managers and field assistants. Having a degree and some background knowledge in Antarctic Studies will give you a greater opportunity to visit and work in Antarctica. It provides you with information on global systems that is becoming fundamentally important in many non-Antarctic jobs. It might also be important for science technicians, IT specialists and law or policymakers. The important role the polar regions play as drivers of the world's climate will be a major consideration in many careers in the coming decade.