Postgraduate

In the rapidly changing COVID-19 environment the priority of the University of Canterbury Postgraduate Research Office is the health, safety and wellbeing of our postgraduate research student community and supervisors. The Postgraduate Research Office has established an FAQ section on the UC COVID-19 information site. The FAQs are updated as they change. If staff or students have any further questions about research supervision and COVID-19, please do not hesitate to contact the Postgraduate Research Office or Professor Megan McAuliffe, Dean of Postgraduate Research (deanpgresearch@canterbury.ac.nz).

UC 17 — Information about Postgraduate Study at UC

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Female researcher with dropper. shutterstock_518586535 — Find a supervisor

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What can I study?

The University of Canterbury offers a wide range of postgraduate and graduate qualifications through world-class resources and exciting, hands-on research opportunities.

What kind of graduate or postgraduate student am I?

There are many options at UC for postgraduate and graduate students. Browse our programmes to see which best suit your study needs.

Thinking about your next step?

Completing your study and wondering what next year holds for you? Professor Ekant Veer talks about postgraduate pathways at UC.

Why study at a higher level?

Graduate and postgraduate study provides you with specialist skills and applied experience. It can also open up a new career direction.

Change direction

What are Progression and Conversion degrees? Check out our postgraduate qualifications that help you change direction into a new area.

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Honours degrees

An honours degree brings the opportunity to go deeper with a personalised study programme and to further explore and develop areas of interest in your chosen field. Students who complete an honours degree may be permitted to proceed to a PhD.

Graduate qualifications

Graduate diplomas and certificates can increase the value of your undergraduate degree in the job market or be a first step to a new career.

Taught postgraduate study

Taught postgraduate study is most similar to an undergraduate degree where the coursework is delivered in lectures and tutorial style classes or laboratories.

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Business Taught Masters

Our range of qualifications offer flexibility, different specialties and features that enable you to choose a programme that fits your career goals.

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Master's by research

A master’s degree is a way of advancing your understanding and skill in your undergraduate major, undertaking study in a new professional area, building on the general skills acquired in an undergraduate degree, and progressing to a PhD.

PhD and doctoral degrees

A doctoral degree is the highest academic degree offered at UC. It is a research-only degree which can be completed in over 80 disciplines, carried out under academic supervision and using world class facilities.

Fees and funding

Find out what your studies will cost and what options are available to help fund them. Learn about scholarships, financial aid, awards and other funding grants.

Being a postgraduate student

As a postgraduate student you will be surrounded with facilities and care that can assist and support you through your studies at UC.

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Childcare on campus

Studying with children has never been easier. There are a wide range of childcare options at UC to suit any parent's needs.

UC PGSA

The Postgraduate Students' Association is a UCSA-affiliated club to improve the postgraduate experience at UC.

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Support for postgraduate students

Student support offer practical guidance and advice on your wellbeing and success.

Further information

Accommodation

UC has accommodation options to support success in your postgraduate studies.

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Entry requirements

Entry requirements for postgraduate study include academic and English language requirements.

When can I start?

Research programmes begin at any time of the year. Most courses are available on a full or part-time basis. Please check the prospectus for the start dates of taught courses.

If you are interested in beginning your postgraduate journey at UC or simply want to find out more information, please get in touch with us