Bachelor of Environmental Science with Honours
BEnvSci(Hons)
Duration
4 years full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Master of Science
- Master of Disaster Risk and Resilience
- Master of Urban Resilience and Renewal
- Master of Water Resource Management
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Duration
4 years full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Master of Science
- Master of Disaster Risk and Resilience
- Master of Urban Resilience and Renewal
- Master of Water Resource Management
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Overview
Do you want to do your part for the environment? This degree will give you skills and the practical learning you’ll need to address the pressing environmental issues we face — in Aotearoa New Zealand and globally.
Various disciplines of science intersect in this programme to create a layered understanding of complex sustainability challenges we face — for example in freshwater resources, marine contamination, coastal erosion, biosecurity, natural disasters, and climate change. You will assess impact resulting from disasters, ecological change, and historical and current human activity.
The Bachelor of Environmental Science with Honours is accredited by the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ) to deliver environmental practitioners for roles in industry, government, education and research, and the community.
Through classroom, lab, and field studies, you will learn research, data analysis, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills. This degree also combines mātauranga Māori with environmental research to unlock the potential of indigenous knowledge.
- Only accredited degree in environmental sciences in Aotearoa New Zealand, with eligibility for semi-professional accreditation from the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ).
- Extensive lab and field work-based learning, with a final-year work experience component credited to degree.
- Unique focus on merging Mātauranga Māori and scientific knowledge to broaden your understanding and approach to environmental issues and future developments, using Ki Uta Ki Tai | From the Mountains to the Sea — the full journey and interconnectedness of the natural world.
Admission to UC with University Entrance (or equivalent) is required to enrol.
If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
For information on gaining admission to UC please see how to apply for undergraduate qualifications.
Recommended preparation
The BEnvSci(Hons) is open to all students with entry to the University.
While no particular background is required, secondary school subjects such as biology, chemistry, geography, and sustainability are good preparation. Most important is a passion for the environment and our role as kaitiaki protectors of our natural world.
Bachelor of Environmental Science with Honours – example degree structure
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Zero-points, zero-fees courses
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Compulsory courses
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Major courses
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Optional courses
30 points of optional courses must be chosen from Schedule E: Group 1, with any remaining points chosen from Group 2.
Each small block represents a 15-point course. However, some courses may be 30 points or more.
This diagram is an example only – other combinations are possible. For specific course requirements, see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Environmental Science with Honours.
The Bachelor of Environmental Science with Honours requires a minimum total of 480 points:
- 270 points of compulsory Environmental Science core courses
- a minimum of 135 points of courses towards a major
- a minimum of 60 points of elective courses.
You will also complete 400 hours of practical work placement through ENVR300 Environmental Science Work Experience (0 points, 0 fees).
The degree takes 4 years of full-time study, or can be studied part-time for up to 8 years.
Limited entry into fourth year
All 300-level courses in the degree must be completed before proceeding to the final year. ENVR302 and ENVR304 must also both be completed with a B Grade Point Average.
If you are not successful in gaining a place, you may instead be awarded the Bachelor of Environmental Science, or you can normally credit completed courses to the Bachelor of Science or other UC degrees.
The Bachelor of Environmental Science with Honours is a highly flexible degree, including introductory courses, hands-on fieldwork and internship placements, and courses towards a major subject from the second year.
See ‘How do I plan my degree?’ above for an example degree structure diagram.
Major subjects
Compulsory courses
100-level
- ENVR101 Introduction to Environmental Science
- BIOL112 Ecology, Evolution and Conservation
- GEOG106 Global Environmental Change
- SCIE101 Science, Society and Me
- STAT101 Statistics 1
- CHEM111 Chemical Principles and Processes OR CHEM114 Foundations of Chemistry
CHEM114 is recommended if you have not taken Year 13 chemistry (or equivalent) at secondary school.
200-level
- ENVR209 Environmental Science and Resource Management
- ENVR210 Practical Environmental Science and Management
- BIOL274 Principles of Ecology
- One course chosen from these options
300-level
- ENVR302 Professional and Field Skills for Environmental Scientists
- ENVR304 Challenges in Environmental Science
- PSYC341 Environmental Psychology
ENVR302 and ENVR304 must both be completed with a B Grade Point Average to move onto the next year (or may instead be awarded the Bachelor of Environmental Science).
400-level
Work placement course
You will also complete 400 hours of practical work placement arranged through UC with ENVR300 Environmental Science Work Experience (0 points, 0 fees).
You can choose to take this course during the summer months (November-February) in either year 2 or 3 of the degree.
Optional courses
Another 60 points (up to 75 depending on your chosen major) need to be chosen from the below.
Group 1
Choose 30 points from the following course options, or any language courses:
Group 2
Choose your remaining points from the following course options, or courses at any level chosen from:
UC offers postgraduate studies in Environmental Science:
- Bachelor of Science with Honours
- Postgraduate Certificate in Science
- Master of Science
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Graduates may also study a variety of related subjects in these programmes, such as Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Disaster Risk and Resilience, Geography, or Water Resource Management.
You may also consider specialist studies available:
There are several opportunities for Environmental Science graduates, such as within regional, local, and central government agencies (for instance Manatū Mō Te Taiao | Ministry for the Environment, Hīkina Whakatutuki | Ministry for Business Innovation and Employment, and Te Papa Atawhai | Department of Conservation), Crown research institutes, private organisations, or consultancies.
In this degree, you will develop culturally responsive knowledge that will inform your scientific knowledge. You can work in advisory roles, to ensure your community’s voice is reflected in public policy and research.
Find out more about what you can do with a degree from UC.
See Tuition Fee Structure for more information
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2021 | 120 | $7,001 | |
| 2022 | 120 | $7,120 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) | Fees (NZD) Excl GST |
| 2021 | 120 | This is an indicative fee - total tuition fee will be dependent on your course selection | $34,563 | $30,055 |
| 2022 | 120 | This is an indicative fee - total tuition fee will be dependent on your course selection | $35,538 | $30,903 |
Contact us
For the full degree requirements, see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Environmental Science with Honours.
For study planning help, contact Te Rōpū Takawaenga o UC | UC Liaison Office (new students) or a Student Advisor (advancing students).
For more information on facilities, resources, and staff, see Te Kaupeka Pūtaiao | Faculty of Science.
For more general information, email info@canterbury.ac.nz or freephone 0800 VARSITY (827 748).