See Also

Bachelor of Forestry Science BForSc

Introduction

The Bachelor of Forestry Science is a four-year professional degree offered by the School of Forestry, New Zealand's only university Forestry school. The BForSc combines core science papers with commerce and management, with a focus on natural resources. Graduates are employed in the plantation forestry industry both in New Zealand and overseas, and in the management of natural resources.

Features of the BForSc at UC

• Four-year professional degree unique in New Zealand
• Only university School of Forestry in New Zealand
• Very wide variety of topics taught
• Exchange programmes to Canada and the United States
• Small class sizes, friendly and social programme
• Great job opportunities in New Zealand and overseas

Recommended preparation

The Bachelor of Forestry Science is open to all students who gain entry to the University. You may be able to fast-track your degree and gain direct entry to the second year if you have excellent NCEA Level 3 results or a New Zealand Certificate in Science with outstanding merit. Direct entry to the third year may be possible with a Bachelor of Science or New Zealand Diploma in Forestry with outstanding merit.

Students who have not studied NCEA Level 3 biology, chemistry or mathematics with statistics, or who feel they have a weak background in these subjects, should consider enrolling in a Science Headstart preparatory course run by the University in January and February.

Degree structure

The Bachelor of Forestry Science requires a total of 480 points. The first year of the BForSc provides a substantial base in pure science which is necessary for the professional study of Forestry Science.

Bachelor of Forestry Science – first-year courses:

It is possible to study the first year of the BForSc at other New Zealand universities. Students considering this option should consult the School of Forestry for their course selection, which would include FORE 102 Forests and Societies (available by distance).

In the second, third and fourth years you will then apply your knowledge to the forest situation. In the third and fourth years, in addition to the compulsory courses, students take elective courses in subjects of particular interest to them.

For the full degree requirements see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Forestry Science (University Regulations website).

Bachelor of Forestry Science with Honours

Students with a good grade average across 200 and 300-level courses may be invited to undertake honours as part of the fourth year of the degree. Honours involves the completion of an extra elective course, FORE 414 Dissertation, which requires students to undertake research and report on their findings.

Double degrees

You can combine the Forestry Science degree with a Commerce, Science or other degree. The double degree programme allows students to do both degrees in a shorter time than if they completed one degree before beginning the next. The BForSc and BCom, and BForSc and BSc degree combinations can each be completed in five years. It is also possible to complete a Commerce degree with a strong Forestry emphasis. Students interested in these double degree options should contact the School of Forestry before enrolling.

Further study

The Master of Forestry Science (MForSc) and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Forestry involve advanced study and research in specialised areas of Forestry. There are also one-year graduate and postgraduate diplomas for graduates looking to update or retrain.

Career opportunities

Forestry offers exciting and rewarding career paths for skilled graduates, both in New Zealand and overseas, in jobs as diverse as tree breeding, road engineering, timber processing, marketing, planning, policy, biosecurity, biodiversity, conservation and sustainable land management. There are also jobs in plantation management, where UC Forestry graduates work as professional foresters, managing those with hard hats and chainsaws.

With forestry being one of New Zealand's biggest export earners and a major industry worldwide, our graduates are in high demand, both in New Zealand and overseas. They currently have a 96% employment rate with their base starting salaries in the $45–55,000 range and typically a vehicle and/or laptop and cellphone included in the package.

UC Forestry students may be eligible for forestry industry scholarships. For more information visit the School of Forestry website or contact the School via the UC Contact Centre.

Contact

For more information email info@canterbury.ac.nz or freephone in NZ 0800 VARSITY (827 748).

For assistance with planning your programme of study contact a College of Engineering Student Advisor (advancing students) or Student Liaison (new students) or visit Student Liaison’s course planning page (new students).