Natural Resources Engineering
Qualifications
Overview
Natural resources engineers protect, improve, and maintain the sustainability of the natural resources we depend on. These resources include land, soils, water, the air and atmosphere, renewable energy, and biological resources (including agriculture and horticulture).
Natural resources engineers consider the interconnectedness of human and natural systems. They work in interdisciplinary teams and partner with communities, including mana whenua, to come up with creative approaches to solve the complex and large-scale challenges facing our communities, like their development, food production, and the conservation and management of our natural resources.
Natural resources engineers are:
- planners, designers, constructors, and operators of the built environment (the spaces where people live and our communities’ infrastructure systems)
- kaitiaki (stewards of our natural environment)
- innovators and integrators of ideas, people, and technology
- managers of risk and uncertainty
- leaders in discussions and decisions shaping public policy pertaining to the built environment and our community.
- UC is the only university in the world that offers this programme.
- World-class, high-tech laboratories on campus.
- Strong mentorship opportunities.
- Ability to build and compete in fun and engaging programmes, such as the 3rd and 4th year South Island field trip, and the 2nd year camp.
- Close community of students and professors.
- The Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Natural Resources Engineering is fully accredited by Engineering New Zealand.
First year
The first year of the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours is made up of Six compulsory courses taken by all Engineering students, plus courses specific to Natural Resources Engineering:
You also need to complete one other 100-level optional course. Check with a Student Advisor for suggested options.
More information:
- To view what this degree will look like, see the degree diagram on the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours page.
- For guidance on how to structure your first year, visit the Engineering First Year webpage.
2nd–4th years
Once you have completed the first year and successfully applied for entry into Natural Resources Engineering, you will study that discipline within the next three years.
Communication skills are nurtured throughout, as all professional engineers need to be able to provide detailed engineering reports and effectively take part in presentations, public hearings, and inquiries.
Second year
- Complete the following list of courses
An external field camp also forms part of the second-year programme.
Third year
- Complete the following list of courses
An external site visit also forms part of the third-year programme.
Fourth year
- Complete the following list of courses
Plus four courses chosen from the optional list, or any approved 400-level Engineering courses.
Those with a GPA of 6 or more may take a 600-level course as one of their options, with approval.
Natural resources engineers are sought after for their unique expertise. They are scarce in the professional workplace and there are plenty of exciting careers, including research and academic opportunities in Aotearoa and all around the world.
Recent graduates have found positions with professional engineering consultancies, local and regional councils, primary industry companies, central government departments, and Crown Research Institutes.
Find out more about what you can do with a degree in Natural Resources Engineering.
Contact us
Te Tari Pūhanga Metarahi, Rawa Taiao | Department of Civil and Natural Resources Engineering
Phone +64 3 369 3113
Email engdegreeadvice@canterbury.ac.nz
Location
Level 4, Civil-Mechanical Engineering building – see campus maps
Postal address
Te Kaupeka Pūhanga | Faculty of Engineering
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
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