Tourism and the Antarctic Region

Tourism and the Antarctic Region: Challenges and Opportunities

Degree type

PhD

Closing date

1 February 2025

Campus

Hobart

Citizenship requirement

Domestic

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; accessibility of tourism; 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 social media and tourism in Antarctica.

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.

Explore more Antarctic and Southern Ocean projects

Primary Supervisor

Meet A/Prof Anne Hardy

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

  • a living allowance stipend of $33,511 per annum (2025 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.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit Scholarships and fees.

Eligibility

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

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

  • Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus
  • Applications are open to domestic students only

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 social science or humanities 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

  1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
  2. Contact A/Prof Anne Hardy to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
  3. In your application:
    • 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.
    • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
  4. Apply prior to 1 February 2025.

Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section at Research degrees.

Following the 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.

Apply now Explore other projects

Why the University of Tasmania?

Worldwide reputation for research excellence

Quality supervision and support

Tasmania offers a unique study lifestyle experience