Online Learning
Start your journey towards a top 1% University Now!
UC’s flexible Start online, Finish on-campus pathway lets you start your degree now and transition on to campus once the New Zealand borders open to international students.
Get world-class, accessible, and future-focused education with our collaborative and supportive online learning environment.
Find a course
Choose from a range of our online courses for undergraduate and postgraduate study – from Business, Data Science, Civil Engineering and Sports Coaching. See below for the full list of courses on offer.
Start online
Start: Semester 1: 14th February 2022
We bring the classroom to you. We're at the forefront of digital technology, with a comprehensive online learning platform, interactive technologies, and support to help you get through your study every step of the way.
See you on campus
COVID-19 has altered the global landscape for education dramatically; but of all the places in the world, New Zealand is uniquely placed for a bounce back and is well worth the wait.
Our Start online, Finish on-campus courses offer the flexibility to begin your study online now, and transition on campus once border restrictions are lifted, and once you have received your student visa.
Online Learning Support
UC has a range of online student support services in place to help you with your online learning, including an online orientation programme, peer to peer mentoring, academic support and a range of e-learning resources.
For the complete list of online and distance learning courses (100 - 300 level)
What can I study?
Delivery: Start Online, Finish on-campus
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
UC recognises English Language Proficiency, including IELTS, TOEFL, and EAP tests completed online.
First-year students can start your programme by taking these online courses:
| Programme | Courses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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
Major/Minor in German
Major/Minor in Human Services Major/Minor in Linguistics/English Language
Major/Minor in Philosophy
Delivery: Major/minor/specialisation Start online, Finish on-campus Major/minor in Psychology
Major/minor in Political Science and International Relations
Major/minor in Media and Communication
Specialisation in Philosophy, Politics and Economics
Specialisation in International Affairs First year online pathway for language courses in Chinese, German and Russian.
Specialisation in Language, Brain and Behaviour
Specialisation in Creative Industries and Contemporary Practice
Specialisation in Global Societies and Cultures First year online pathway for language courses in Chinese, German and Russian.
Additional distance courses (but not a major or minor) are available in the following courses: Semester 1 2022
Semester 2 2022
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Bachelor of Commerce
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One semester or one year Start online, Finish on-campus for Majors in:
Semester 1 2022
Semester 2 2022
(15 point courses) |
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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 Semester 2 2022
Students need to choose four other courses at the first-year level, which can be from any degree. |
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Bachelor of Data ScienceMajor in Data Science |
Semester 1 2022 Semester 2 2022
(15 point courses) |
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Bachelor of Data ScienceMajor in Computational Linguistics |
Semester 1 2022 Semester 2 2022
(15 point courses) |
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Bachelor of Data ScienceMajor in Spatial Data Science
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Semester 1 2022
Semester 2 2022 |
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Bachelor of Engineering with Honours
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If you are interested in starting your First-Year Engineering studies online in 2022, please email engdegreeadvice@canterbury.ac.nz 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. First-Year Engineering studies is not available for full-time study online in Semester 1, 2022. Students have the option of completing an 18-month or 24-month study pathway outlined below:
Option 1: 18 Months (online S2 then in-person S1-S2):
Option 2: 24 Months (part-time online year 1, then in-person year 2):
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Bachelor of Science
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Semester 1 2022
Semester 2 2022
(15 point elective courses) |
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Bachelor of ScienceMajor in Chemistry
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The 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). |
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Bachelor of ScienceMajor in Medicinal Chemistry |
The 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). 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. We carefully selected first year courses, which offer flexibility to start your studies either in Semester 1 (February) or Semester 2 (July). |
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Bachelor of ScienceMajor in Astronomy |
The 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). 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! We carefully selected first year courses, which offer flexibility to start your studies either in Semester 1 (February) or Semester 2 (July). |
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Bachelor of ScienceMajor in Biochemistry |
The 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. We carefully selected first year courses, which offer flexibility to start your studies either in Semester 1 (February) or Semester 2 (July). |
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Bachelor of ScienceMajor in Computer Science
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Semester 1 2022
Semester 2 2022
(15 point courses) |
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Bachelor of ScienceMajor in Mathematics
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Semester 1 2022 Semester 2 2022 (15 point courses) |
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Bachelor of ScienceMajor in Physics
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The University of 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). |
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Bachelor of ScienceMajor in Psychology
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Semester 1 2022
Semester 2 2022 (15 point courses) |
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Bachelor of ScienceMajor in Statistics |
Semester 1 2022 Semester 2 2022 |
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Bachelor of Speech and Language Pathology |
Semester 1 2022
Semester 2 2022 |
Postgraduate study at UC offers a pathway to a more influential and interesting career, enabling you to develop the skills future employers are looking for.
From Data Science to Professional Accounting, UC offers a broad base of flexible online postgraduate qualifications to help balance study with your lifestyle.
Delivery:
- Start online, Finish on-campus
- Full degree offered online
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
UC recognises English Language Proficiency, including IELTS, TOEFL, and EAP tests completed online.
Please ensure that you check the post-study work rights applicable to your UC qualification on the Immigration New Zealand website, as these are periodically subject to review.
| Programme | Key Information |
|---|---|
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. |
Master of Business(180 points) |
Start online, Finish on-campus - students can take a maximum of 2 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.
NOTE: This pathway does not reduce the time required at UC. The on-campus portion of study is 16 months. |
Master of Business Information Systems(180 points) |
Start online, Finish on-campus - students can take a maximum of 2 courses online before coming to UC. Programme Intake: August 2022 No specific subject background required: apply with a degree in any subject. NOTE: This pathway does not reduce the time required at UC. The on-campus portion of study is 16 months. |
Master of Civil Engineering(unendorsed)(120 points) |
Semester 1 2022 |
Master of European Union Studies(180 points) |
Full degree offered online Semester 1 2022
Semester 2 2022 |
Master of Linguistics(180 points) |
Full degree offered online Semester 1 Semester 2 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 2 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. NOTE: This pathway does not reduce the time required at UC. The on-campus portion of study is 21 months.” |
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: |
Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MTESOL)(180 points)
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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) Semester 2 (July–November)
Summer session 1 and 2 (November–February) |
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
Semester 2
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:
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 |
Postgraduate Diploma in Business(120 points) |
Start online, Finish on-campus - students can take a maximum of 2 courses online before coming to UC. Programme Intake: August 2022 A minimum of two semesters on-campus are required to complete this qualification. NOTE: This pathway does not reduce the time required at UC. The on-campus portion of study is 1 year. |
Postgraduate Diploma in Business Information Systems(120 points) |
Start online, Finish on-campus - students can take a maximum of 2 courses online before coming to UC. Programme Intake: August 2022 A minimum of two semesters on-campus are required to complete this qualification. NOTE: This pathway does not reduce the time required at UC. The on-campus portion of study is 1 year. |
Please ensure that you check the post-study work rights applicable to your UC qualification on the Immigration New Zealand website, as these are periodically subject to review.
Undergraduate Certificates
An undergraduate certificate can be used as a stepping-stone to a Bachelor’s degree.
*Note: This certificate can be completed fully online. Immigration New Zealand will not approve student visas for certificate level programmes
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:
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. |
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:
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.
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.
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. |