Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Bachelor of Forestry Science (BForSc) is a professional degree designed to prepare students to manage forest resources by combining science with management, commerce, engineering/technology and related disciplines.
• The programme is strongly interdisciplinary, giving students knowledge in environmental science, biology, economics, policy, forestry management and technology. Current UC information specifically highlights technologies such as drones, GIS mapping and remote sensing.
• Practical learning is a major feature. Students complete 90 days of practical work experience in forestry, conservation or the forest industry during the summer periods of the degree.
• UC has forestry field stations near Arthur's Pass and at Kawatiri Westport, supporting forestry teaching and research.
• UC states that strong employer links mean the majority of forestry graduates are employed before finishing the degree.
• Students can participate in exchange opportunities with leading forestry schools in Canada and the United States.
• Forestry is particularly relevant to sustainability, climate change, carbon sequestration, conservation and sustainable land-resource management. UC identifies the BForSc as relevant to the climate-change and resilience priority area for Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme begins with a strong pure-science foundation and then applies that knowledge to forestry management, forest resources and the forest industry.

Year 1 compulsory courses include:

• FORE111 Trees, Forests and the Environment
• FORE131 Trees in the Landscape
• FORE137 Wood-based Bioeconomy
• FORE141 Forest Growth and Measurements
• FORE151 Commercial Aspects of Forestry
• BIOL112 Ecology, Evolution and Conservation
• STAT101 Statistics 1
• One 100-level elective from any UC degree.

Year 2 includes:

• FORE200 BForSc Practical Requirements
• FORE203 Soils and Site Quality
• FORE205 Introduction to Forest Engineering
• FORE215 Introduction to Forest Economics
• FORE219 Introduction to Silviculture
• FORE223 Wood Science
• FORE224 Regression Modelling
• FORE225 Forest Biology
• FORE242 Geospatial Science and Forest Monitoring and Management.

Year 3 includes:

• FORE316 Forest Management
• FORE323 Wood Processing
• FORE325 Forest Ecology and Invasion Biology
• FORE331 Plantation Silviculture
• FORE422 Forest Harvest Planning
• Forestry Science electives.

Year 4 includes:

• FORE419 Management Case Study
• FORE449 Environmental Forestry
• Five Forestry Science elective courses.

Examples of advanced elective topics include:

• Forest Transportation and Road Design
• Forest Products Marketing and International Trade
• Forest Economics 2
• Forest Tree Breeding
• Advanced Wood Products Processing
• Biosecurity Risk Management
• Advanced Remote Sensing in Forestry and Natural Resource Management
• Independent Course of Study, subject to approval.

Disciplines / Specialisations

There is not a formal named major/specialisation structure listed for the BForSc.

Instead, the programme provides broad competence across multiple forestry-related disciplines. UC describes the degree as management-oriented and interdisciplinary, incorporating:

• Forestry science
• Biology and ecology
• Environmental science
• Forest management
• Silviculture
• Forest engineering
• Wood science and processing
• Forest economics
• Commerce and marketing
• Statistics and regression modelling
• Geospatial science
• GIS and remote sensing
• Forest health and biosecurity
• Conservation
• Environmental forestry
• Forest policy and planning.

Programme Highlights

• Four-year professional forestry qualification.
• NZQF Level 7.
• 480 credits.
• Strong combination of science, management, commerce and technology.
• 90 days of practical forestry/conservation/industry experience.
• Field trips and practical learning.
• Access to UC forestry field stations.
• Training in GIS, geospatial science and remote sensing.
• Exposure to forest economics, wood science, silviculture and forest engineering.
• Opportunities for exchange with forestry schools in Canada and the United States.
• Strong links with the forestry industry.
• Broad preparation rather than a narrowly defined specialisation.

Career Outcomes

UC identifies career opportunities in areas including:

• Forest management
• Forest consulting
• Conservation
• Forest policy and planning
• Sustainable land management
• Forest harvesting
• Wood processing
• Biosecurity
• Forestry research
• Forest economics
• Sustainability
• Iwi advisory
• Land management.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current 2026 UC programme information confirms:

• February and July entry points.
• 480-point structure.
• Four-year full-time duration.
• 90 days of practical work.
• Current international tuition estimates through 2028.
• Updated curriculum incorporating technologies such as drones, GIS mapping and remote sensing.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students normally need a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa for full-time study at UC.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for tuition, or an eligible scholarship.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for living costs or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Evidence that the applicant genuinely intends to study and comply with visa conditions.
• Evidence of onward travel or sufficient funds to purchase it, as applicable.