Relevant qualifications

From financial markets to the latest management practices and the rapidly expanding world of online commerce, a Bachelor of Commerce at UC gives you the knowledge and skills to succeed in a global business environment.

The aim of promoting the sustainable management of forests, halting deforestation, restoring degraded forests and substantially increasing afforestation and reforestation sits at the centre of Sustainable Development Goal 15. An important reason for this is that forests play a crucial role in mitigating climate change through carbon sequestration. They also help to reduce the risk of natural disasters, including floods, drought and landslides (United Nations a, United Nations b).

The Bachelor of Forestry Science an interdisciplinary, professional degree that prepares graduates for managing forest resources by combining core science courses with management, commerce, and technology. Small classes and field trips make for an engaging and rewarding learning experience at UC, with gradautes highly sought after by employers.

A Bachelor of Science at UC is about understanding and improving the natural world through observation, experimentation, modelling, and calculation. It is a hugely flexible degree that allows you to mix and match subjects across a range of disciplines. In total, there are 18 major subjects and 32 disciplines to choose from including a number of subjects relevant to the theme of Climate Change and Resilience such as Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Physics. As well as the major subjects and endorsements on offer, you can also study courses in Antarctic studies, freshwater management, and health sciences. Graduates go on to work in a wide range of careers from business, politics and medicine to finance and engineering.

The UC Doctor of Philosophy is a research-only degree, carried out under expert supervision and using world-class facilities. UC offers the opportunity to undertake a Doctor of Philosophy in over 70 subjects, many of which are relevant to the theme of Climate Change and Resilience.

This Master’s is a practice-focused degree for students with engineering or architecture backgrounds to gain professional, work-ready building design skills.       

The Master of Arts consists of one year of coursework followed by an independent thesis in a wide variety of Arts subjects. It provides the opportunity to make a contribution to knowledge in the field and critically examine current practices, while also demonstrating understanding of the principles of research.

There are numerous major subjects to choose from, including . Political Science is often called the study of who gets what, where, how, and why. It is the independent and informed study of our communities and how we make decisions collectively as governments, why we behave as we do as citizens, and how we make public policy choices for the future.

Political scientists use a variety of theories, ideas, tools, and methods to: examine local, national, regional, and global processes, institutions, and relationships; to consider how we ought to live as political communities; and how we can create change.

This programme includes endorsements in Construction Management, Earthquake Engineering, Renewable Energy and Transportation Engineering. Earthquake Engineering is particularly relevant to the theme of climate change and resilience. Earthquake Engineering encompasses a broad range of activities that seek to minimise the damage and disruption communities suffer when hit by an earthquake. 

Transportation Engineering is also relevant because over the years, extreme weather events such storms and floods have become both more frequent and more severe. Aging transportation systems are often subjected to severe damage under such events. A challenging task is to assist transportation engineers to develop more resilient transportation systems that can withstand disruptive events caused by climate change. As such, great efforts are being expended to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events and to adapt to adverse situations through effective traffic management. In addition, knowledge is needed to develop operational plans for quick recovery after disruption. Moreover, the wide use of recyclable materials, the development of warm mix asphalts to reduce production energy has become a critical necessity to achieve environmental friendly green pavements. The Master of Civil Engineering programme with an endorsement in Transportation offers a wide range of subjects covering these important aspects. 

Global efforts to reduce the impacts of disasters over the last decade have failed to keep up with growing exposure of people and assets to natural and other hazards, which is generating new risks and a steady rise in disaster-related losses. To reverse this trend, UN member nations ratified the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction in 2015.

The Sendai Framework calls for a broader, more people-centred, preventative approach to disaster risk reduction, in which communities, government and private sectors, civil society organisations, academia, and research institutions work together to build resilience and develop collaborative disaster risk reduction practices.

The Master of Disaster, Risk and Resilience prepares you for a career in the challenging, exciting and rewarding field of disaster risk management. The degree is designed to meet global demand for disaster specialists.

You’ll develop skills in risk communication, disaster reduction and resilience strategies, be exposed to cutting-edge science and professional best-practice; and learn how to help communities and organisations become stronger, more resilient and able to recover in the face of adversity. This programme has won awards for its innovative content and delivery modes, including from the International Association of Emergency Managers.

The Master of Engineering is completed by coursework and a thesis. It aims to provide a research-focused learning environment in which students can develop their independent problem solving skills through supervised research. Relevant endoresements to the theme of Climate Change and Resilience include Chemical and Process Engineering, Civil Engineering, Earthquake Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Construction Management.

enewable Energy is transforming the world from reliance on fossil fuels to sustainable energy systems. Students learn about the variety of renewable energy resources and conversion technologies, system modelling techniques, challenges to sustainability and practical solutions to common issues.

The aim of promoting the sustainable management of forests, halting deforestation, restoring degraded forests and substantially increasing afforestation and reforestation sits at the centre of Sustainable Development Goal 15. An important reason for this is that forests play a crucial role in mitigating climate change through carbon sequestration. They also help to reduce the risk of natural disasters, including floods, drought and landslides (United Nations a, United Nations b).

The Master of Forestry Science combines coursework with research, providing an ideal preparation for a career in forest management, governance and research. With the support of the School’s academic staff and home-based expertise, New Zealand Scholarship recipients have the opportunity to undertake research fieldwork in their home country. Recent examples include research on the influences that drive afforestation and deforestation practices with a view to providing sustainable management of resources that benefit the community and the environment. Our graduates typically return home to work within forestry companies, government departments and research agencies with roles that can range from forest management to policy development.

Geospatial science uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technologies to gain location-based insights into people’s behaviour, decision-making and actions. This degree is designed to meet the worldwide demand for geospatial specialists. It equips current and future geospatial professionals with the advanced skills required for geospatial leadership roles in government, industry and research. You’ll gain skills in programming, research analysis, database management and using and applying geospatial technology and communication. You’ll also use disruptive technologies to create real-world solutions for health, remote workforces, urban planning and earthquake recovery.

The Master of Laws is a flexible programme, offering participants the ability to study by thesis alone, or by combining short research paper courses and a dissertation. The degree offers a choice of over 40 topics, allowing students to develop in-depth expertise in particular fields of legal specialisation or to broaden their knowledge in a range of legal subjects, as well as to combine law study with related disciplines.

The Masters of Policy and Governance builds on the strong presence of UC’s Political Science and International Relations department in the area of public governance, public policy, science and technology policy, as well as sustainable development. Graduates are prepared to work effectively in the policy environment – governmental and non-governmental – by being trained in both theoretical and empirical approaches to the study of policy and governance. The programme is unique amongst New Zealand universities as it offers students the opportunity to do courses in the emerging area of science and technology policy, climate change and the politics of sustainable development, as well as the political economy of development. Students also have the opportunity to participate in research by the department’s academic staff to hone their analytical and communications skill which are necessary in today’s policy environment.

A Master of Science offers the chance to go deep in an area you’re interested in. Students conduct independent, in-depth and original research in a specific area of interest within a relevant science subject. There are over 25 postgraduate science subjects to choose from at UC including a number of subjects relevant to the theme of Climate Change and Resilience such as Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Physics, Disaster Risk & Resilience, Engineering Geology. This qualification usually consists of two parts: coursework and a thesis. It is an ideal pathway into more advanced study.

In the 21st century, cities and urban areas are facing increasing challenges associated with flood risk, coastal erosion, and sea level rises. In many growing areas these are coupled with challenges of demographic growth and urban spread.

While there are many university postgraduate degrees that focus on local planning legislation, there are no other identifiable programmes that focus specifically on how communities respond to challenges that cities are facing today. This programme will be of interest to students wishing to address broader urban issues and engage with communities

It will prepare you for a career in the emerging and rapidly developing field of urban resilience and renewal. It is the only degree of its kind in the world. As a student, you’ll learn how to help communities and governments shape, respond to and address the challenges facing their cities – now and in the future.

Course content focuses on the urban renewal of Christchurch following the 2010 and 2011 earthquake sequence here and includes engagement with community groups and local government. Graduates go on to work in community engagement, local and regional government, natural hazard management, disaster risk reduction and more.

Most countries around the world are experiencing elements of water shortage, quality decline and/or water-related conflict; climate change is likely to increase water demand while shrinking water supplies. Globally, water conflicts sow the seeds of war – >15% of the population lack access to safe drinking water.  Addressing these water issues requires water managers to have multidisciplinary knowledge and an integrated approach, involving scientific, political, hydrological, economic and planning skills.  Operating from the University of Canterbury and Lincoln University, the Waterways Centre for Freshwater Management offers the Masters in Water Resource Management and the Postgraduate Diploma in Water Resource Management, to prepare students for a professional career in water resource management. If you want to make a difference and improve the way we share, use and manage water — this is the programme for you. 

Demand for graduates in this field, with associated science, engineering and environment management skills, has never been greater. Graduates go on to work as water resource managers, researchers, advisors or consultants in many different fields, all over the world.

Engineering Geology is a multidisciplinary area applying geological sciences to engineering work, identifying and mitigating geological hazards, and aspects of land-use planning. The Professional Master of Engineering Geology is the only programme of its kind in Australasia. It is a strongly applied degree, concentrating on professional training for practitioners.

The Bachelor of Criminal Justice is a three-year degree which has both February and July intakes. It is the first degree of its kind in New Zealand, combining multidisciplinary academic study with a strong vocational focus. The degree draws together UC’s expertise in criminology, sociology, developmental and abnormal psychology, policing, criminal law and procedure, and human services to take a 360-degree look at the whole criminal justice system and its processes, including governance, enforcement, rehabilitation and improvement.

The Bachelor of Health Sciences is a three-year, non-clinical degree designed to address gaps in the health workforce by producing graduates with multidisciplinary skills and an understanding of important health issues. Students can specialise in one of six majors, including Environmental Health, Health Education, and Society and Policy. Environmental Health enables students to develop an understanding of risk factors in the natural and built environment, underlying biological processes, and the scientific methods used to investigate, monitor, and assess the effects of environmental hazards – such as pollution, unsafe food, and infectious diseases – on people's health and well-being. The Public Health major produces graduates with knowledge and skills in science and health, experience in critical appraisal and scientific investigation, an understanding of values and ethics in health, and the ability to apply these to improving health and well-being through disease prevention, health promotion, and health service planning, delivery, and evaluation. The Society and Policy major focusses on the relationship between health science, health governance, bioethics, and society. It comprises an interdisciplinary core based in sociology of health, policy issues in health technology, and health delivery at the local, national, and global levels, together with research training in qualitative and quantitative social science research methods.

The Bachelor of Laws allows students to gain a professional degree of outstanding quality in four years. Students deal with real people with real problems as part of this innovatinve programme, helping the community and gaining critical practical skills in the process.

The UC Doctor of Philosophy is a research-only degree, carried out under expert supervision and using world-class facilities. UC offers the opportunity to undertake a Doctor of Philosophy in over 70 subjects, many of which are relevant to the theme of Good Governance.

The Master of Applied Data Science is a conversion Master's programme that is designed to accommodate students from a range of backgrounds (not just those with Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science majors), who want to enhance or build their data science capabilities and combine these with the skills and knowledge they bring from their previous studies.

Data science is a new profession in high demand in today’s world where everything from education to commerce, communication to transport, involves large-scale data collection and digitalisation. A data scientist provides insight into future trends from looking at past and current data, and supports good governance by enabling “more agile, efficient and evidence-based decision-making,” (United Nations).

Work-integrated learning is a big component of the degree and students will work on an industry data science project. If you are data-hungry and industry-aware, this degree can add to your employability and career prospects.

The Master of Applied Finance and Economics is a joint master's degree in Finance and Economics that can be completed in 12–13 months. Students take two semesters of advanced coursework in both subjects, followed by a practical applications course from November–February.

The Master of Arts consists of one year of coursework followed by an independent thesis in a wide variety of Arts subjects. It provides the opportunity to make a contribution to knowledge in the field and critically examine current practices, while also demonstrating understanding of the principles of research.

There are numerous major subjects to choose from, including Political Science and International Relations. Political Science is often called the study of who gets what, where, how, and why. It is the independent and informed study of our communities and how we make decisions collectively as governments, why we behave as we do as citizens, and how we make public policy choices for the future.

Political scientists use a variety of theories, ideas, tools, and methods to: examine local, national, regional, and global processes, institutions, and relationships; to consider how we ought to live as political communities; and how we can create change.

The Master of Business Management is a generalist taught master's qualification that extensively develops the skills necessary for strategic business management within a global economy. It guides students through an understanding of business management structures and commercial practices, laying the foundation to understand, respond to, and lead change.

A Master of Commerce degree will allow you to learn more about your chosen subject area, critically view the world, and carry out an independent piece of research. These knowledge, skills, and competencies mean graduates are well-prepared for professional roles and business consulting. Students can major in one of seven subjects: Accounting, Economics, Finance, Information Systems, Management, Marketing, Taxation.

The Master of Health Sciences is a research-inclusive qualification that focuses on the functioning of the health system, from the management of health information, to health in communities. The increasing focus on prevention and lifestyle change provides enormous potential for a refocusing of health strategies and allied areas such as education, sport and recreation, and local government. Students can specialise in one of six areas, including Environment and Health, Health Behaviour Change, Health and Community, Health Information Management.

The Master of International Relations and Diplomacy builds on the strength and reputation of the UC’s Political Science and International Relations department in international relations and comparative politics. It equips graduates with a strong background in international relations, international affairs, development studies, and regional politics. Students are trained in theoretical and empirical analysis as well as strong communication skills in order to work effectively in the field of international affairs and beyond. This is the only programme in Australasia where students are trained in various aspects of the political economy of development – both political and economic – as well as a strong background in international relations, humanitarian assistance and intervention and the politics of the Asia-Pacific region. Students also have the opportunity to participate in research by the department’s academic staff to hone their analytical and communications skill, which are necessary in today’s policy environment.

The Master of Laws is a flexible programme, offering participants the ability to study by thesis alone, or by combining short research paper courses and a dissertation. The degree offers a choice of over 40 topics, allowing students to develop in-depth expertise in particular fields of legal specialisation or to broaden their knowledge in a range of legal subjects, as well as to combine law study with related disciplines.

The specialist Master of Laws (International Law and Politics) is a degree designed for students who have a basic knowledge of Law and wish to develop their specialist knowledge in international law and politics. Students take courses in international law and international politics plus a dissertation. The degree prepares students for careers in the diplomatic service, specialised legal practice, government, international organisations and non-governmental organisations.

The Masters of Policy and Governance builds on the strong presence of UC’s Political Science and International Relations department in the area of public governance, public policy, science and technology policy, as well as sustainable development. Graduates are prepared to work effectively in the policy environment – governmental and non-governmental – by being trained in both theoretical and empirical approaches to the study of policy and governance. The programme is unique amongst New Zealand universities as it offers students the opportunity to do courses in the emerging area of science and technology policy, climate change and the politics of sustainable development, as well as the political economy of development. Students also have the opportunity to participate in research by the department’s academic staff to hone their analytical and communications skill which are necessary in today’s policy environment.

The Master of Professional Accounting is a conversion taught master's qualification that provides graduates with the skills, knowledge, and competencies to be a highly effective accountant. Through applied research, students will gain an understanding of the theoretical considerations facing the Accounting profession, while developing the confidence to challenge existing practices, and develop innovative new ways to solve issues in the field.

A Master of Science offers the chance to go deep in an area you're interested in.  Students conduct independent, in-depth and original research in a specific area of interest within a relevant science subject.  There are over 25 postgraduate science subjects to choos from at UC including a number of subjects relevant to the theme of Good Governance such as Biochemistry, Psychology, and Statistics.  This qualification usually consists of two parts: coursework ande a thesis.  It is an ideal pathway into more advanced study.