Online Learning

Bachelor of Arts

If you are interested in starting your Arts studies online, then register your interest below and we will contact you to arrange a customised study plan.

In 2022 we’re further developing our Bachelor of Arts. You will still be able to choose from more than 30 subjects for a major or minor, but we are also adding exciting new pathways called Specialisations. For more information, please visit here.

Delivery: Full major/minor online

Major/Minor in Education

• EDUC102 Child and Adolescent Development | Semester 1 2022
• EDUC101 Spark! How & What People Learn | Semester 2 2022
• EDUC103 Education, Culture & Society | Semester 2 2022

Major/Minor in German

• GRMN151 Elementary German Language A | Semester 1 2022
• GRMN152 Elementary German Language B | Semester 2 2022

Major/Minor in Human Services

• HSRV104 Youth Realities | Semester 1 2022
• HSRV103 Violence in Society | Semester 2 2022

Major/Minor in Linguistics/English Language

• LING101 The English Language | Semester 1 2022
• LING102 Language and Society in New Zealand and Beyond | Semester 2 2022

Major/Minor in Philosophy

• PHIL110 Science: Good, Bad & Bogus | Semester 1 2022
• PHIL139 Ethics, Politics & Justice | Semester 2 2022

Delivery: Major/minor/specialisation Start online, Finish on-campus

Major/minor in Psychology 

• PSYC105 Introductory Psychology – Brain, Behaviours and Cognition | Semester 1 2022
• PSYC106 Introductory Psychology – Social, Personality and Developmental | Semester 2 2022

Major/minor in Political Science and International Relations

• POLS102 Politics: An Introduction | Semester 1 2022
• POLS106 Plato to Nato: Introduction to Political Thought | Semester 2 2022

Major/minor in Media and Communication

• COMS101 Media and Society | Semester 1 2022
• COMS102 Introduction to News and Journalism | Semester 2 2022

Specialisation in Philosophy, Politics and Economics

• ECON104 Introduction to Microeconomics | Semester 1 2022
• PHIL139 Ethics, Politics and Justice | Semester 2 2022
• POLS102 Politics: An Introduction | Semester 1 2022

Specialisation in International Affairs

First year online pathway for language courses in Chinese, German and Russian.

• POLS104 Introduction to International Relations | Semester 1 2022

• or EURA101 Global Europe | Semester 1 2022

Specialisation in Language, Brain and Behaviour

• PSYC105 Introductory Psychology – Brain, Behaviours and Cognition | Semester 1 2022
• PSYC106 Introductory Psychology – Social, Personality and Developmental | Semester 2 2022
• LING101 The English Language | Semester 1 2022

Specialisation in Creative Industries and Contemporary Practice

• COMS101 Media and Society | Semester 1 2022
• COMS104 Introduction to Strategic Communication | Semester 2 2022
• CINE104 The Oscar for Best Picture: The Envelope Please! | Semester 2 2022
• ARTH103 ‘Picasso who?’ Introducing Modern Art | Semester 2 2022
• MGMT100 Fundamentals of Management | Semester 1 2022

Specialisation in Global Societies and Cultures

First year online pathway for language courses in Chinese, German and Russian.

• CLAS120 People, Places and Histories of the Graeco-Roman World | Semester 1 2022
• or ARTH103 ‘Picasso who?’ Introducing Modern Art | Semester 2 2022

Additional distance courses (but not a major or minor) are available in the following courses: 

Semester 1 2022

• ARTH103 ‘Picasso who?’ Introducing Modern Art
• COMS101 Media and Society
• CLAS120 People, Places and Histories of the Graeco-Roman World
• ENLA101 The English Language
• EURA101 Global Europe
• GRMN151 Elementary German Language A
• MAOR107 Aotearoa: Introduction to Traditional Maori Society
• POLS102 Politics: An Introduction
• PSYC105 Introductory Psychology - Brain, Behaviour and Cognition
• RUSS130 Elementary Russian Language A
• WRIT101 Writing for Academic Success
• ARTS102 Problems, questions and evidence
• CLAS151
• MAOR165 He Timatanga: Engaging with Māori
• POLS104 Introduction to International Relations

 Semester 2 2022

• CHIN155 Understanding China
• COMS102 Introduction to News and Journalism
• CINE104 The Oscar for Best Picture: The Envelope Please!
• CULT114 Aotearoa – Introduction to New Zealand Treaty Society
• CLAS145 Beginners’ Latin B
• GRMN152 Elementary German Language B
• MAOR108 Introduction to New Zealand Treaty Society
• POLS106 Plato to Nato: Introduction to Political Thought
• PSYC106 Introductory Psychology - Social, Personality and Developmental
• RUSS131 Elementary Russian Language B
• WRIT101 Writing for Academic Success
• ARTS102 Problems, questions and evidence
• MAOR165 He Timatanga: Engaging with Māori
• COMS104 Introduction to Strategic Communication

Bachelor of Commerce

One semester or one year Start online, Finish on-campus for Majors in:

• Accounting
• Economics 
• Finance
• Human Resource Management
• International Business
• Information Systems
• Management
• Marketing
• Operations and Supply Chain Management
• Strategy and Entrepreneurship 
• Tourism Marketing and Management

Semester 1 2022

• ACCT102 Accounting and Financial Information
• ACCT152 Law and Business
• MATH102 Mathematics 1A
• MGMT100 Fundamentals of Management
• STAT101 Statistics

Semester 2 2022

• ACCT103 Accounting and Taxation: An Introduction
• ECON104 Introduction to Microeconomics
• ECON105 Introduction to Macroeconomics
• MGMT170 Managerial Decision Making
• MKTG100 Principles of Marketing
• INFO123 Business Information Systems and Technology 
• STAT101 Statistics

(15 point courses)

Bachelor of Communication

If you are interested in starting your Communication studies online, then register your interest below and we will contact you to arrange a customised study plan.

Semester 1 2022

• COMS101 Media and Society 
• MGMT100 Fundamentals of Management
• WRIT101 Writing for Academic Success

Semester 2 2022

• COMS102 Introduction to News and Journalism
• COMS 104 Introduction to Strategic Communication
• WRIT101 Writing for Academic Success

Students need to choose four other courses at the first-year level, which can be from any degree. 

Bachelor of Data Science

Major in Data Science

Semester 1 2022

• COSC121 Introduction to Computer Programming
• MATH102 Mathematics 1A

Semester 2 2022

• COSC122 Introduction to Computer Science
• DATA101 Introduction to Data Science
• SCIE101 Science, Society and Me
• GISC101 Introduction to Spatial Data Science

(15 point courses)

Bachelor of Data Science

Major in Computational Linguistics 

Semester 1 2022

• COSC121 Introduction to Computer Programming
• MATH102 Mathematics 1A

Semester 2 2022

• COSC122 Introduction to Computer Science
• DATA101 Introduction to Data Science
• LING101 The English Language
• LING102 Language and Society in New Zealand and Beyond
• SCIE101 Science, Society and Me

(15 point courses)

Bachelor of Data Science

Major in Spatial Data Science

Semester 1 2022

• COSC121 Introduction to Computer Programming
• GEOG110 People, Places and Environments
• MATH102 Mathematics 1A

Semester 2 2022

• COSC122 Introduction to Computer Science
• DATA101 Introduction to Data Science
• ENVR101 Introduction to Environmental Science
• GISC101 Introduction to Spatial Data Science
• SCIE101 Science, Society and Me

Bachelor of Engineering with Honours

If you are interested in starting your First-Year Engineering studies online in 2022, then register your interest below and we will contact you with a customised study plan. The remainder of your BE (Hons) professional degree will be completed on campus in New Zealand. 

We have pathways for students currently overseas and for mature students currently in New Zealand with intakes in February and July each year. 

A selection of courses that may be in your customised study plan are:

• PHYS101 Engineering Physics A
• ENGR101 Foundations of Engineering
• COSC131 Introduction to Programming for Engineers
• EMTH118 Engineering Mathematics 1A
• PHYS111 Introductory Physics for Physical Sciences and Engineering
• CHEM111 Chemical Principles and Processes 

(15 point courses) 

Bachelor of Science

Semester 1 2022

• CHEM111 Chemical Principles and Processes
• CHEM114 Foundations of Chemistry
• COSC121 Introduction to Computer Engineering
• MATH102 Mathematics 1A
• GEOG110 People, Places and Environments
• PHYS101 Engineering Physics A
• PHYS111 Introductory Physics for Physical Sciences and Engineering
• PSYC105 Introductory Psychology – Brain, Behaviours and Cognition
• STAT101 Statistics

 Semester 2 2022

• CHEM112 Structure and Reactivity in Chemistry and Biochemistry
• DATA101 Introduction to Data Science
• MATH103 Mathematics 1B
• MATH120 Discrete Mathematics
• PHYS111 Introductory Physics for Physical Sciences and Engineering
• PHYS101 Engineering Physics A: Mechanics, Waves, Electromagnetism and Thermal Physics
• PHYS102 Engineering Physics B: Modern Physics and Electromagnetism
• PSYC106 Introductory Psychology – Social, Personality and Developmental
• SCIE101 Science, Society and Me
• ENVR101 Introduction to Environmental Science
• GISC101 Introduction to Spatial Data Science

(15 point elective courses) 

Flyer BE(Hons) BSc Online to on campus

Bachelor of Science

School of Physical and Chemical Sciences (SPCS) at the University of Canterbury is one of the best places to study Chemistry in New Zealand (在新西兰学习化学), including recently introduced SPCS online-to-campus pathway (新西兰本科留学, 新西兰大学学习).

Chemistry has an important role to play in solving the world's major problems in energy, food supply, health and the environment. Modern society relies on chemists for everything from medicine to materials.

We carefully selected first year courses, which offer flexibility to start your studies either in Semester 1 (February) or Semester 2 (July).

Bachelor of Science

School of Physical and Chemical Sciences (SPCS) at the University of Canterbury is one of the best places to study Medicinal Chemistry in New Zealand (在新西兰学习药物化学), including recently introduced SPCS online-to-campus pathway (新西兰本科留学, 新西兰大学学习).

Medicinal chemistry is the link between lab-based synthetic chemistry and the real world of health care, prescription medicines, and pharmaceuticals. Medicinal Chemistry explores the design and creation of new medicinal drugs for the treatment and prevention of illnesses. The pharmaceutical industry is growing globally, and there is a high demand for more medicinal chemists to create life-changing medicines.

Bachelor of Science

School of Physical and Chemical Sciences (SPCS) at the University of Canterbury is one of the best places to study Astronomy in New Zealand (在新西兰学习天文学), including recently introduced SPCS online-to-campus pathway (新西兰本科留学, 新西兰大学学习).

Astronomy and astrophysics are concerned with the study of the nature and distribution of matter and radiation throughout all time and space in the Universe. Astronomers have always been keen to harness the latest technological advances in their quest for ever more precise and revealing observations. Astronomy in recent years has been one of the most rapidly expanding of all physical sciences: you can make many exciting and unexpected discoveries!

Bachelor of Science

Major in Biochemistry

University of Canterbury is one of the best places to study Biochemistry in New Zealand (在新西兰学习生物化学), including recently introduced SPCS online-to-campus pathway (新西兰本科留学, 新西兰大学学习).

Biochemistry - the interface between Biology and Chemistry is the focus of some of the world’s most fascinating research. It is arguably having the greatest impact on our lives through understanding of how cells work at the molecular level.

Bachelor of Science 

Major in Computer Science

Semester 1 2022

• COSC121 Introduction to Computer Engineering
• INFO123 Business Information Systems and Technology
• MATH102 Mathematics 1A

Semester 2 2022

• COSC122 Introduction to Computer Science
• MATH120 Discrete Mathematics
• SCIE101 Science, Society and Me
• STAT101 Statistics

(15 point courses)

Bachelor of Science

Major in Mathematics

Semester 1 2022

• COSC121 Introduction to Computer Programming
• MATH102 Mathematics 1A
• STAT101 Statistics

Semester 2 2022

• COSC122 Introduction to Computer Science
• MATH103 Mathematics 1B
• MATH120 Discrete Mathematics
• SCIE101 Science, Society and Me

Bachelor of Science

Major in Physics

Canterbury is one of the best places to study Physics in New Zealand (在新西兰学习物理), including recently introduced SPCS online-to-campus pathway (新西兰本科留学, 新西兰大学学习).

Physics aims to understand the behaviour of matter and energy from the scale of subatomic particles to that of the Universe itself. From computers to communication systems, architecture to agriculture; modern life is overwhelmingly built using the understanding of nature that physics provides.

We carefully selected first year courses, which offer flexibility to start your studies either in Semester 1 (February) or Semester 2 (July).

Bachelor of Science

Major in Psychology

Semester 1 2022

• COSC121 Introduction to Computer Engineering
• HLTH101 Introduction to Health Studies
• MATH102 Mathematics 1A
• PSYC105 Introductory Psychology – Brain, Behaviours and Cognition

Semester 2 2022

• HSRV103 Violence in Society
• PSYC106 Introductory Psychology – Social, Personality and Developmental
• SCIE101 Science, Society and Me
• SPCO103 Sport Psychology

Bachelor of Science

Major in Statistics

Semester 1 2022

• STAT101 Statistics 1
• MATH102 Mathematics 1A
• Any 30 points of courses from the BSc course list

Semester 2 2022

• MATH103 Mathematics 1B
• SCIE101 Science, Society and Me
• Any 30 points of courses from the BSc course list

Bachelor of Speech and Language Pathology

Semester 1 2022

• SPSC114 The Science of Human Communication
• SPSC161 Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech, Hearing and Swallowing Mechanism
• PSYC105 Introductory Psychology - Brain, Behaviour and Cognition
• MAOR165 Tuakiri: Culture and Identity

Semester 2 2022

• SPSC113 Introduction to Communication Disorders
• STAT101 Statistics 1
• PSYC106 Introductory Psychology - Social, Personality and Developmental
• SCIE101 Science, Society and Me

Master of Applied Data Science 

(180 points)

Start online, finish on-campus.  Students are required to complete at least 3 courses on campus before they start the project, DATA601. DATA601 is for on-campus students only and runs from mid-November to mid-February.

• DATA401 Statistics
• DATA416 Contemporary Issues in Data Science
• STAT462 Data Mining
• DIGI405 Texts, Discourses and Data: the Humanities and Data Science

Master of Business

(180 points)

Start online, Finish on-campus - students can take a maximum of 3 courses online before coming to UC.

Programme Intake: August 2022

Study one of three majors for the Master of Business.

No specific subject background required: apply with a degree in any subject.

• Major in Management
• Major in Financial Management
• Major in Marketing

Master of Civil Engineering 

(unendorsed)

(120 points) 

Semester 1 2022

• ENCI601 Risk Management
• ENCM620 Construction Procurement and Contract Administration
• ENAE601 Whole Building Behaviour and Performance
• ENCI438Introduction to Structural Earthquake Engineering

Master of European Union Studies

(180 points)

Full degree offered online

Semester 1 2022

• EURO458 EU Development Policy
• EURO479 Navigating Research
• EURO457 European Foreign and Security Policy

Semester 2 2022

• EURO402 The EU in Europe and in the World
• EURO409 The EU and the "Europeanisation" of Europe
• EURO482 European Studies Internship Course
• EURO692 MEuro Thesis

Master of Linguistics

(180 points)

Full degree offered online

Semester 1 

• LING410 Variation and Theory
• LING615 World Englishes

Semester 2 

• LING412 Sociophonetic Research
• LING690 MA Thesis

Students may require LING400 English Structures before the start of Semester 1 2022

Master of Professional Accounting

(240 points)

Start online, Finish on-campus - students can take a maximum of 3 courses online before coming to UC.

Programme Intake: August 2022

The UC Master of Professional Accounting prepares students for registration with CAANZ (Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand).

No background in Accounting required: apply with a degree in any subject.

Master of Policy and Governance

(180 points)

Delivery: Start online, Finish on-campus

*If you are interested in starting online in semester 2 2022, please register your interest below and we will contact you to arrange a customised study plan.

Semester 1 online courses: 

• POLS440 Principles and Practice of Policy and Governance
• POLS446 Political Economy of Development or

Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MTESOL) 

(180 points)

The programme comprises 180 points made up of six courses (at 30 points each). Full-time and part-time MTESOL students can begin in February, July or November.

Semester 1 (February–June)

• EDEM631 Foundations of Language Acquisition and Learning
• LING615 World Englishes

Semester 2 (July–November)

• EDMM632 Issues in Language Acquisition and Learning
• EDEM633 Foundations of Technology-Enhanced Language Learning

Summer session 1 and 2 (November–February)

• EDEM615 Learning and Teaching Languages
• LING400 English Structures

Postgraduate Certificate in Business

  (60 points) 

Start online, Finish on-campus – students can take a maximum of 3 courses online before coming to UC’

*offshore International students will not be eligible for a student visa if undertaking this pathway

The Postgraduate Certificate in Business is made up of 60 points (four 15 point courses) at 600-level.

Students with a degree from any discipline may apply and no prior experience in commerce is required.

It equips graduates with general knowledge and skills applicable to business, which can then be applied in graduate positions across a wide range of industries, or used as a pathway into further postgraduate study.

Postgraduate Certificate in Education

The Postgraduate Certificate in Education is designed to give teachers, counsellors, and other educational professionals the opportunity to improve their professional practice and examine critically significant issues in education.

The course of study for the Postgraduate Certificate in Education comprises 60 points from courses listed in Schedule V to the Master of Education. Suggested courses include:

Semester 1

• EDEM607 Contemporary Issues in Literacy Education
• EDEM617 Enhancing Reading Development in Young Children at Risk
• EDEM620 Inclusive and Special Education
• EDEM624 Autism Spectrum Disorders
• EDEM637 Distributing Leadership Through Coaching and Mentoring
• EDEM668 The Learning Leader
• EDEM669 Leading and Managing Decision-Making in Organisations
• EDME601 Understanding and Using Research in Education (offered in both semesters)

Semester 2

• EDEM618 Dyslexia: Identification and Intervention
• EDEM638 Teachers as Leaders
• EDEM641 Educational Leadership and the Law in New Zealand
• EDEM653 Meeting the needs of students with literacy learning difficulties
• EDEM670 Leadership as Partnering: Moving Beyond Boundaries
• EDME601 Understanding and Using Research in Education

Students can transfer to the Master of Education (with appropriate grades) and continue their studies on campus at UC.

Please note this qualification is not a pathway to teacher registration, if you wish to study to become a registered teacher check out our Initial Teacher Education qualifications.

Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences

The Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences is a suitable introduction to the health science sector.

The Certificate is made up of courses equivalent to 60 points. Students complete any two 30-point courses from the Schedule V to the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences, and may have the option of transferring to a longer postgraduate programme if desired.

Suggested courses include:

• HLTH401 Health and Health Systems (Semester 1)
• HLTH460 Epidemiology and Critical Appraisal (Semester 1)
• HLTH402 Health Information Management (Semester 2)
• HLTH403 Environmental Health (Semester 2)
• HLTH469 Health Issues in the Community (Semester 2)

Students may be able to transfer to the Master of Health Sciences Professional Practice (MHealScProfPr) (with appropriate grades) and continue their studies on-campus.

Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Data Science

 (120 points) 

Full Degree offered online

• DATA401 Statistics
• DATA416 Contemporary Issues in Data Science
• STAT462 Data Mining
• DIGI405 Texts, Discourses and Data: the Humanities and Data Science

Certificate in Science (CertSc)    

The Certificate in Science (CertSc) is made up of 60 points (four 15 point courses) at 100 and/or 200-level from Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Engineering first year, and can be awarded online in one of the following subjects:

• Astronomy
• Computer Science
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Mathematics

The Certificate in Science offers the opportunity to begin your university degree online towards a Bachelor in Science or a Bachelor in Engineering with Honours.

Flyer - Certificate in Science

Certificate in Commerce

(CertCom)

The Certificate in Commerce (CertCom) is made up of 60 points (four 15 point courses) at 100, 200, and/or 300-level in Commerce.

Please note prerequisites for any courses above 100-level are required. 

The CertCom is good preparation and an opportunity to start online towards the full Bachelor of Commerce degree.

Certificate in Health Sciences

The Certificate in Health Sciences (CertHealSc) will prepare you with the practical and theoretical knowledge to make a positive contribution to the field of health promotion. You will learn about the key models and concepts in health promotion and what makes effective health policies and interventions. You will understand how the circumstances in which people live, work, and play affects their health and how we can create environments that support New Zealanders to live long and healthy lives regardless of their income or ethnicity.

The Certificate is made up of 60 points (four 15-point courses). There are four courses offered by distance study:

• HLTH101 Introduction to Health Sciences (Semester 1)
• HLTH106 Te Wero – Māori Health Issues and Opportunities (Semester 1)
• SOWK101 Introduction to Social Policy (Semester 2)
• SOWK102 Social Services in Aotearoa (Semester 1)

The Certificate is good preparation for getting a headstart in health studies. It provides an opportunity to begin your university degree online towards the full Bachelor of Health Sciences degree.

Certificate in Sport Coaching

Designed for working professionals and those interested in developing their skills and knowledge in the area of Sport Coaching.

The Certificate in Sport Coaching is made up of 60 points (four standard courses) at 100 and 200-level from Bachelor of Sport Coaching courses.

• SPCO101 Introduction to Sport Coaching (Semester 1) or SPCO102 Theoretical Foundations of Coaching and Teaching (Semester 2)
• SPCO201 Learner-Centred Teaching and Coaching (Semester 2)
• a further two courses at 100 and/or 200-level chosen from Sport Coaching courses

The Certificate in Sport Coaching provides opportunity to begin your university degree online and is good preparation for the full Bachelor of Sport Coaching degree. If you are interested in starting your Sport Coaching studies online, then register your interest below and we will contact you to arrange a customised study plan.

Certificate in Youth and Community Leadership

The Certificate in Youth and Community Leadership (CertYCL) builds on UC’s expertise and reputation for humanitarian work and social activism.

The CertYCL is a part-time programme and is made up of 60 points of compulsory courses.

• YACL101 Introduction to Youth Leadership: Leading the Self (Semester 1)
• CHCH101 Strengthening Communities through Social Innovation (Semester 1)
• EDUC101 Spark! How & What People Learn (Semester 2)
• YACL201 Social Leadership: Leading with Others (Semester 2)

NOTE: YACL 101 includes a noho marae based experience and an equivalent arrangement will need to be made for distance students studying offshore.

The Certificate is good preparation for the full Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership degree, or the Bachelor of Arts in a range of related subjects.