Bachelor of Forestry Science
Forestry
A course by
University of Canterbury
A four-year professional degree preparing students to manage forest resources by combining core sciences with management, commerce, and technology for rewarding careers in forestry.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Ilam, Christchurch
It will take a total of 4 years
Core skills this course teaches
Professional forest resource management
Be able to manage forest resources scientifically and sustainably for conservation and commercial use.
Combine science with management and technology
Apply principles of biology, ecology, and statistics alongside forestry business, economics, and new technologies.
Field and practical skills
Undertake significant hands-on learning through laboratory sessions, field trips, and industry-linked work placements.
What You're Signing Up For
The Bachelor of Forestry Science (BForSc) at the University of Canterbury prepares graduates for the sustainable management of forest resources, blending science with business and technology. Students engage in core sciences, forest management, economics, ecology, and hands-on practical work. Graduates are highly sought after, with links to industry, and develop the skills needed for management, conservation, harvesting, wood processing, and related fields.
Course Content
- Year 1: Introduction to forestry, trees and environment, forest growth and measurement, commercial aspects of forestry, ecology, statistics.
- Year 2: Practical requirements, forest engineering, forest economics, forestry biology, silviculture, biometry, soil fertility.
- Year 3: Plantation silviculture, forest management, wood science, geospatial science, elective in Forestry Science.
- Year 4: Management case study, forest harvest planning, environmental forestry, further electives in advanced forestry topics.
- Electives: Forest transportation and road design, forest products marketing, forest economics, tree breeding, wood products processing, biosecurity risk, remote sensing, independent study (with approval).
- 90 days of practical work placement in forestry or environmental industry.
- Optional honours year for eligible students includes a research dissertation.
What you need to know first
University Entrance (or equivalent)
Recommended: NCEA Level 3 biology and maths (statistics/probability) or IB/Cambridge equivalent
If English is not first language, UC's English language requirements
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Forestry
Conservation
Environmental Management
Wood Processing
Forest Economics
Future employment opportunities might be
Forest manager
Conservation officer
Harvest planner
Wood processing manager
Biosecurity manager
Policy advisor
Iwi forestry advisor