The University of Canterbury has it all: Superb programmes, a brilliant location deep in the South Pacific, competitive fees and a moderate cost of living. The University is in Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island, which lies on the coast of the Canterbury Plains close to both the sea and the mountains.

Established in 1873 by scholars from Oxford and Cambridge, UC is one of New Zealand's top research universities and has an international reputation for academic excellence. It offers first degrees in the arts (humanities and social sciences), science, commerce, education, engineering, fine art, forestry, law, music, speech and language therapy, social work and sport coaching. Postgraduate courses include masters degrees with fascinating specialities, and PhDs are available in every discipline.

While studying at UC, you will be taught by academic staff who are at the forefront of knowledge in their subject. As part of their job, all lecturers are expected to be active in research and publishing and the University's teaching strength flows out of this. Our staff are passionate about their subjects and love to share their knowledge with you.

The University has links of many kinds with prestigious universities internationally, including semester- or year-long student exchange programmes that you can choose to participate in if you wish. We also have a special endowment that makes it possible for staff from top universities overseas to visit and teach at UC. Around 70 such academic visitors each year enrich our teaching, and among the visitors in the last few years have been two Nobel Prize winners. 

Canterbury's spacious grounds are a self-contained study centre with world-class resources and facilities. The University campus boasts six libraries, 24-hour computer suites, and well-equipped laboratories. There is easy access to the centre of Christchurch and its cultural and recreational facilities. The Students' Association hosts over 100 clubs and societies so there is always something happening on campus, whether it's a band playing during lunch or a play being performed in the on-campus theatre. There's also a recreation centre with a weights room, squash courts, climbing wall and a wide array of classes on offer.

If, however, you prefer to spend time outdoors, then Canterbury's location is perfect for you. Known as the 'Garden City', Christchurch has beaches, parks, reserves and golf courses, all close to campus. There are also several ski-fields within an hour and a half's drive from the city. It is easy to travel to lakes and mountains, as well as to tourist centres such as Mount Cook and Queenstown. Our low fees and Christchurch's relatively low cost of living will enable you to participate in activities you would not usually be able to afford as a student studying elsewhere.

There are several fully catered halls of residence within five minutes walk of the University. In-house academic tutoring is provided and a variety of social, cultural and sporting activities are organised. The halls are a great place to make friends, so are an excellent choice for first-years. For returning students, UC's modern self-catering Ilam Village is a popular option; others choose to rent a house close to campus and share with friends. Accommodation Office staff will help you find accommodation before you arrive and will arrange transport to pick you up from the airport to take you there. 

The University of Canterbury has been host to thousands of international students over a period of more than 40 years. There are currently over 2,000 international students from over 70 countries enrolled in a wide variety of programmes. This makes for a lively, interesting and cosmopolitan university community.

Dedicated International Student Support staff provide orientation, advice and emergency support if required. We aim to make your experience at the University a fun and rewarding one: we look forward to welcoming you to our campus!

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES AT CANTERBURY

In the first year of a Canterbury Bachelors degree you have the opportunity to include not only papers in your chosen majoring subject but also a range of other supporting subjects of your choice. The strength of this approach is to give you a broad-based foundation for further study. It also gives you the chance to explore subjects that are different to those you have studied at school, and even to change your major to a different subject in the second year. 

Bachelor of Arts

Students can study what they love, and learn skills of clear thinking, research, creativity and persuasion that will prepare them for a wide range of job opportunities. Majors include anthropology, philosophy, history, English, classics, modern languages, linguistics, psychology, sociology and political science, among many others.

Bachelor of Commerce

Students can graduate in one of 13 specialisations, including human resource development, strategic management, accounting and taxation, computer systems and networks, marketing and international business. 

Bachelor of Science

The South Island's unique landscapes, distinctive biology, clear night skies and close proximity to both the sea and the mountains make it a natural laboratory for field sciences. Majors available include biological sciences, chemistry, geography, geological sciences, physics and astronomy, psychology, health sciences and communication disorders.

Bachelor of Engineering

This four-year professional degree is designed to produce engineers who can handle the challenges of today, but who also have the skills to design the products and tackle the problems of the future. Specialisations include earthquake engineering and nanotechnology.

Bachelor of Teaching and Learning

Students can train to become an early childhood or primary teacher at one of New Zealand's top teacher training institutions. Combining theoretical knowledge and practical experience, the degree is recognised around the world.

Other options include the Bachelor of Fine Arts, which offers majors in film, graphic design, painting, photography, printmaking or sculpture; Bachelor of Music, which can be taken in composition, digital music, music education, music history, musicianship and performance. The Bachelor of Social Work is a four year professional degree involving two years of specialised social work courses and practical fieldwork. Specialist Bachelors degrees in Forestry Science and Speech and Language Therapy are also offered.

Bachelor of Sport Coaching at Canterbury

The University of Canterbury Bachelor of Sport Coaching (BSpC) is an internationally recognised, three year, full time qualification for people who wish to enhance their coaching knowledge and practice. Studying in New Zealand allows you to share the passion Kiwis have for a wide variety of internationally recognised sports and the University provides the ideal environment for students to develop their skills in sport coaching and related fields. In 2011 New Zealand will host the Rugby World Cup, which provides the perfect backdrop for students passionate about lifelong involvement and learning in sport and coaching.

This qualification is a unique blend of practical application and theory that immerses students into the sociology, science, pedagogy and practice of sport and sport coaching. In response to contemporary evidence-based research, courses are designed and delivered in a way that resonates with contemporary twenty-first century learners. Class sizes are smaller and less formal than many standard university lectures which allows for individualised feedback and a supportive environment.

During each year of study students undertake a coaching practicum that provides links between theory and practice. The practicum course enables students to apply and develop their practical coaching skills within school and sport club environments. In their final year, they have a workplace internship which is designed to apply their knowledge and also to help them enter their chosen sport-related work environment.

The BSpC provides graduates with career opportunities in many areas of sport and related fields. These include roles in regional and national sporting organisations such as sport and coaching development and management positions, sports trainers, sport and exercise science, school sport coordination and community education. Graduates can also seek postgraduate courses in sport and education related to their fields of study, or can apply for a further year of study in order to qualify to teach physical education in secondary schools.

Places on this course are limited and do fill quickly, so early applications are recommended. Please contact Study Options for further details.

Click here to request a free prospectus, an application form, or to talk to a student advisor about your options