Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Master of Forestry Science (MForSc) provides advanced preparation for careers in forest management, forest governance and forestry research.
• UC offers a flexible master's structure, allowing students to select a pathway based on their academic background and career objectives.
• Students can choose a coursework-and-report pathway, coursework-and-thesis pathway, or thesis-only pathway.
• The programme combines theoretical study with practical forestry education.
• Forestry postgraduate students benefit from small classes and a wide selection of specialist subjects.
• UC's postgraduate Forestry Science teaching includes classroom, laboratory and field-based learning.
• The subject range extends from silviculture and forest management to forest economics, harvesting, transportation, international trade and advanced information technology applications in forestry.
• UC describes forestry career prospects for graduates trained in Aotearoa New Zealand as excellent both domestically and internationally.
• The degree can also provide preparation for further research study, including a PhD in Forestry.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The MForSc is deliberately flexible. Students choose a structure according to their previous academic preparation and intended career.

The three principal structures are:

• Coursework + report: 240 points of approved courses, including FORE679 MForSc Report
• Coursework + thesis: 120 points of approved courses plus FORE690 MForSc Thesis
• Thesis only: FORE690 MForSc Thesis, subject to the required prior postgraduate study

Disciplines / Specialisations

The MForSc is not presented by UC as a set of fixed named specialisations in the same way as some other master's degrees.

Instead, students can build their study around areas such as:

• Forest management
• Silviculture
• Forest operations
• Forest harvesting
• Forest transportation and road design
• Forest economics
• Forest products marketing
• International forest-products trade
• Forest governance and policy
• Conservation
• Forest protection
• Biosecurity
• Forestry information technology
• Forestry research

Programme Highlights

• 240-point Level 9 master's degree
• February and July intakes
• Flexible full-time and part-time study
• Coursework/report, coursework/thesis and thesis-only pathways
• Small postgraduate forestry classes
• Classroom, laboratory and field-based teaching
• Strong practical component
• Broad range of forestry subjects
• Forest management and governance preparation
• Research pathway available
• Internationally relevant forestry qualification
• Opportunities to progress to a PhD in Forestry
• Strong career relevance across forestry, conservation, government and environmental sectors.

Career Outcomes

UC identifies a broad range of potential forestry career areas.

Graduates may work in:

• Forestry consultancies
• Forest management companies
• Government departments
• Environmental agencies
• Conservation
• Forest protection
• Biosecurity
• Forest management
• Forestry operations
• Forestry policy
• Forest products and related industries
• Research organisations
• Secondary or tertiary education

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current UC qualification remains a 240-point MForSc.
• UC's current international tuition estimate for 2027 is NZ$49,100 per 120 points.
• The programme has three principal completion structures, so the exact duration depends on the chosen pathway.
• The thesis-only option requires prior postgraduate-level study of at least 120 points, or equivalent, in an appropriate discipline.
• Up to 30 points may be taken from courses outside the MForSc elective lists, subject to the programme regulations.
• Students transferring from the Postgraduate Diploma in Forestry to the MForSc require a suitable GPA.
• Forestry study includes field-based learning, so students should be prepared for practical/field activities.
• Course prerequisites and semester availability apply to individual subjects.
• Students pursuing research/thesis options will need an appropriate research topic and supervisory approval under UC's applicable regulations.
• The current UC programme page should be treated as the primary source because older calendars can contain previous course structures.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students normally need a Fee Paying Student Visa to study the MForSc in New Zealand.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• Visa: Fee Paying Student Visa
• Cost: from NZD $850
• Maximum visa duration: up to 4 years
• Processing: Immigration New Zealand currently states 80% are processed within 8 weeks
• An Offer of Place from an approved education provider is required
• Students must demonstrate that they can pay their tuition fees or have an acceptable scholarship
• Students must demonstrate sufficient funds for living expenses or have an acceptable sponsor
• Acceptable health/travel insurance is required
• Applicants must satisfy health, character and genuine-intention requirements.