When established in 1873, Canterbury College was only the second university in New Zealand. For most of its first 100 years the University of Canterbury was situated in the centre of Christchurch (now the Arts Centre). The University of Canterbury is a truly holistic place of learning, made up of 7 outstanding dimensions that will prepare you to change the world. Explore UC7 further about the 7 dimensions.
1. UC Learn | Ako
UC is ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide and our graduates help shape the world we live in. Ako is a part of the DVCA team, comprising of Academic Quality and Evaluation & Student Insights (ESI). We were formerly known as Academic Services.
2. UC Innovate | Auaha
Many UC courses offer hands-on experience in the workplace, helping you to make connections that count in the real world. UC actively nurtures innovators and entrepreneurs. As a UC student you will test your knowledge through practical application in our state-of-the-art labs and classrooms, throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, and around the world.
3. UC Connect | Tauhere
UC students are heavily involved in the community and are playing a vital role in Christchurch’s resurgence. The city of Christchurch is a growing hotbed of opportunity. Developments and initiatives are popping up at a rapid pace and our graduates are perfectly poised to access these opportunities. Over the last few years our students have earned an international reputation for their community involvement.
4. UC Bicultural | Kākanorua
UC is committed to biculturalism, demonstrated through the building of strong, meaningful relationships with mana whenua and evident in course content and curriculum that values mātauranga Māori and bicultural perspectives.
5. UC Global Citizen | Ira Matatū
UC has exchanges with over 50 universities worldwide in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. The unique Erskine Fellowship programme brings 75 international academics each year to teach at UC.
6. UC Wellbeing | Oranga
What are your strengths? Your interests? Your learning style? At UC you’ll have a dedicated support system to help you find your way and make the most of uni life. From your first week you can pair up with a second or third-year student mentor who will show you the ropes and make sure all your questions are covered.
7. UC Explore | Tūhura
From the sea to the mountains and everything in between, UC sits on the doorstep of a massive outdoor ‘playground’. On campus you’ll have your choice of high-end accommodation and all the amenities of a fully equipped student village. At its heart, UC features a thriving student association plus over 130 student-led clubs.
Moreover, The University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha will give students an excellent educational foundation that you will be able to turn into an amazing career. At UC you have the opportunity to turn theory into practice. Apply and build your skills in research, analysis, writing, and presentation in real-world contexts with an internship or placement. Internships and placements are offered in many subjects including Arts, Education, Engineering, and Commerce.
UC gives you the chance to develop a global perspective through a number of short-term international study opportunities. These short study tours actively encourage students to make international connections. Additionally, the UC Exchange Programme has more than 60 exchange agreements with universities in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, where you can actively engage with other cultures while continuing your study for one or two semesters.
Location
Christchurch, New Zealand
Situated on 76 hectares in the leafy Christchurch suburb of Ilam, the UC campus is a beautiful space to learn in.
- Expansive green spaces
The Ilam campus is the central hub where learning and living are combined. It houses teaching and learning facilities, accommodation and leisure activities all together.
With expansive green spaces and gardens, UC builds off the natural beauty by which it is surrounded. This includes Christchurch’s iconic Avon river which meanders alongside University Drive through the campus.
- Modern learning facilities
The campus contains four libraries as well as computer suites with 24-hour access, lecture theatres, laboratories and studios.
- Sports and fitness
The RecCentre is the primary fitness facility on campus. It offers a gym with cardio and weight equipment. It also includes a boxing training area, climbing wall, squash and sport courts. A busy class timetable offers lessons in everything from yoga and pump to spin and circuit classes.
- Arts and culture on campus
There are a number of public spaces used by UC for a range of exhibitions, performances and cultural events throughout the year. This includes two art galleries, a theatre and numerous events spaces. See the events guide to find out what’s going on.
- Getting around campus
The campus is easy to stroll, cycle or skate around and is linked together by shared walkways. For those cycling and running to UC there are secure bike stands, lockers and showers available on campus.
School and Faculty
Flexible yet focused, UC’s bachelor’s degree qualifications equip you to solve the problems of the future. Whether you already have your career path mapped out, or are open to new possibilities, you can tailor your studies to suit your interests and goals.
You can focus on a particular career from day one, or follow new and exciting options as you discover them. Some qualifications are specialised, with most of your first-year courses already set into a programme, such as the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours or Bachelor of Laws. Others allow much more flexibility, and even give you the chance to choose minors from other programmes, such as a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Commerce. This means you can study diverse combinations of subjects and still complete your degree in three years.
Studying towards a bachelor’s degree, you’ll develop a deep understanding of a particular study area from first to final year. This core subject area is called your ‘major’. With nearly 100 major subjects to choose from at undergraduate level, you can select a major that fits with your career aspirations and allows you to develop in-depth knowledge.
Bachelor’s degree:
- Arts
- Commerce
- Communication
- Criminal Justice
- Data Science
- Engineering with Honours
- Environmental Science with Honours
- Fine Arts
- Forestry Science
- Health Sciences
- Laws
- Music
- Product Design
- Science
- Social Work with Honours
- Speech and Language Pathology with Honours
- Sport Coaching
- Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)
- Teaching and Learning (Primary)
- Youth and Community Leadership
Conjoint Bachelor’s degree:
- Arts and Commerce
- Arts and Science
- Commerce and Science
- Product Design and Commerce
- Product Design and Science
