Forestry Study at UC
What is Foresty?
Forestry is broadly defined as the science and practice of developing, managing or cultivating trees and forests for human benefit.
Forestry is a growth industry worth millions of dollars each year to the New Zealand economy. For this reason, forestry science graduates are currently in high demand and as the industry expands this demand will increase.
The University of Canterbury's four-year Bachelor of Forestry Science (BForSc) degree offers opportunities for study in the areas of management, science, commerce and engineering.
The degree produces graduates that can work in forestry and natural resource management of native and plantation forests in New Zealand and overseas, the processing and marketing of wood and wood products and the extension of tree planting in rural and urban areas.
Why study Forestry at UC?
The University of Canterbury is the only New Zealand university with a dedicated forestry department. Also known as the New Zealand School of Forestry, it offers students a unique opportunity to train for a career in forestry, while the strong links with engineering, commerce and science faculties ensure that students have the widest possible range of options for their forestry education. Internationally recognised, it leads to a wide range of exciting careers in forest management, conservation and recreation, and the production, processing and marketing of forest products. Graduates have a 83% employment rate.
The New Zealand School of Forestry has excellent teaching and research facilities on campus. Staff are actively engaged in several areas of research, including forest management, conservation, biology silviculture, biosecurity, tree and stand modelling, tree physiology, economics, harvesting, timber processing and marketing.
The University of Canterbury has the most extensive network of field stations of any New Zealand university, ensuring that field work opportunities are maximised. The School has its own field station at Harihari in Westland which is used for practical courses and as a research centre, and other University field stations located near Arthurs Pass, in Kaikoura and in Westport are also used for Forestry teaching and research.
The Forestry Students' Society is active on campus, and classes are smaller making it a friendly and social programme.