Program Overview

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Introduction to the Bachelor of Science

The Bachelor of Science (BSc) is a highly flexible degree that allows students to explore a wide range of scientific disciplines. This degree is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the natural world, as well as the skills and knowledge required to pursue a career in science.

What Will My Study Involve?

As a Bachelor of Science student, you will have the opportunity to learn from a wide network of field stations, both within New Zealand and internationally. You will also have access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and equipment, allowing you to gain hands-on experience in your chosen field of study. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to participate in global study experiences, including exchanges to partner universities.

Entry Requirements

To enroll in the Bachelor of Science degree, you will need to meet the University's admission requirements, which include:

• University Entrance (or equivalent)
• If English is not your first language, you will also need to meet the University's language requirements

You may also be able to gain entry to the Bachelor of Science via the Diploma in University Studies or the Diploma in University Studies (International), which provide an alternative first year of study with additional support.

Degree Structure

The Bachelor of Science requires a minimum total of 360 points, which can be completed over three years of full-time study or up to 10 years of part-time study. The degree consists of:

• A compulsory 15-point Science course
• A 15-point quantitative literacy course (unless already taken as part of a major)
• A minimum of 255 points of Science courses
• The remaining 105 points can be from either Science courses or courses from other degrees

At least 225 points must be from courses above 100-level, with at least 90 points at 300-level.

Majors and Minors

As a Bachelor of Science student, you will have the opportunity to complete a major and/or a minor in a range of subjects, including:

• Astronomy
• Biochemistry
• Biological Sciences
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Economics
• Environmental Science
• Finance
• Financial Engineering
• Geography
• Geology
• Linguistics
• Mathematical Sciences Education
• Mathematics
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Philosophy
• Physics
• Psychology
• Statistics

You can also choose to complete a minor in a subject from another degree, such as Arts, Commerce, or Health.

Subjects and Courses

The Bachelor of Science offers a wide range of subjects and courses, including:

• Accounting
• Anthropology
• Art History and Theory
• Astronomy
• Biochemistry
• Biological Sciences
• Business Analytics
• Business and Sustainability
• Chemical Formulation Design
• Chemistry
• Chinese
• Cinema Studies
• Cinematic Arts
• Classics
• Community Music
• Computer Science
• Creative Writing
• Cultural Studies
• Digital Humanities
• Digital Product Design
• Economics
• Education
• English
• Entrepreneurship
• Environmental Science
• European and European Union Studies
• Exercise and Sport Nutrition
• Finance
• French
• Game Arts
• Game Development
• Gender and Sexuality Studies
• Geography
• Geology
• German
• Graphic Design
• Health Education
• Health Research
• Health Science
• Health Studies
• History
• Human Resource Management
• Human Services
• Indigenous Narrative
• Industrial Product Design
• Information Systems
• Innovation
• International Business
• Japanese
• Linguistics
• Mori and Indigenous Health
• Mori and Indigenous Studies
• Marketing
• Mathematics
• Media and Communication
• Music
• Nutrition
• Operations and Supply Chain Management
• Pacific Studies
• Performance Data Analysis
• Philosophy
• Physical Activity and Wellbeing
• Physics
• Political Science and International Relations
• Population Health Data Science
• Professional and Community Engagement
• Psychology
• Public Health
• Russian
• Screen Sound
• Screenwriting
• Sociology
• Spanish
• Sport Coaching
• Sport Management
• Sport Studies
• Statistics
• Strength and Conditioning
• Taxation
• Te Ao Hkinakina
• Te Reo Mori
• Tourism Marketing and Management
• Writing
• Youth and Community Leadership

Fees

The tuition fees for the Bachelor of Science degree vary depending on the subject area and course level. The estimated tuition fees for 2025 and 2026 are:

• Domestic students: $7,934 per 120 points (2025), $8,410 per 120 points (2026)
• International students: $41,460 per 120 points (2025), $43,080 per 120 points (2026), $44,980 per 120 points (2027)

Further Study

The University of Canterbury offers a range of graduate and postgraduate Science options, including:

• Graduate Diploma in Science
• Bachelor of Science with Honours
• Postgraduate Certificate in Antarctic Studies
• Postgraduate Certificate in Geospatial Data Science
• Postgraduate Certificate in Science
• Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Data Science
• Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology
• Postgraduate Diploma in Geospatial Data Science
• Postgraduate Diploma in Science
• Postgraduate Diploma of Water Resource Management
• Master of Antarctic Studies
• Master of Applied Data Science
• Master of Audiology
• Master of Disaster Risk and Resilience
• Master of Financial Engineering
• Master of Geospatial Data Science
• Master of Mathematical Sciences
• Master of Science
• Master of Speech and Language Pathology
• Master of Urban Resilience and Renewal
• Master of Water Resource Management
• Professional Master of Computer Science
• Professional Master of Engineering Geology
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Career Ready

The Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Canterbury provides students with a wide range of career opportunities, both within New Zealand and internationally. Graduates of this degree have gone on to pursue careers in fields such as:

• Marine biology
• Aerospace engineering
• Business
• Politics
• Medicine
• Finance
• Engineering

The skills and knowledge gained through this degree make graduates highly sought after by employers, and provide a strong foundation for further study or research.