How do I plan my degree?

The Bachelor of Forestry Science (BForSc) is a professional degree offered by Te Kura Ngahere | School of Forestry. It is an interdisciplinary degree that prepares graduates for managing forest resources by combining core science courses with management, commerce, and technology.



Small classes and field trips make for an engaging and rewarding learning experience at UC. Forestry Science graduates are highly sought after by employers and follow exciting and rewarding career paths.

How do I plan my degree?

Typical degree structure for Bachelor of Forestry Science

For full course requirements, see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Forestry Science.

The BForSc requires a total of 480 points:

  • 390 points of compulsory Forestry Science courses
  • 60 points of optional Forestry Science courses
  • 30 points from Science courses or courses from other degrees.

The first year is made up of 90 points in compulsory courses providing a strong base in pure science, which is necessary for the professional study of Forestry Science.

The following years of the degree is made up of 300 points in compulsory courses. During the third and fourth year, students will also complete 45 points of 400-level elective forestry courses.

All students must also complete 90 days of practical work placement in forestry, conversation, or forest industry during the summer months of the degree.

The degree takes 4 years of full-time study, or can be studied part-time for up to 10 years.

For study planning help, contact the UC Liaison Office | Te Rōpū Takawaenga o UC (new students) or a College of Engineering | Te Rāngai Pūkaha Student Advisor (advancing students).

Studying at other Aotearoa New Zealand universities

It is possible to study the first year of the Bachelor of Forestry Science at other Aotearoa New Zealand universities. If you are considering this option you should consult Te Kura Ngahere | School of Forestry for your course selection, which would include FORE 102 Forests and Societies or FORE 105 Forests of the World (available by distance).



Bachelor of Forestry Science with Honours

If you have a good grade average across your 200 and 300-level courses, you may be invited to undertake honours as part of the fourth year of your degree. Honours involves the completion of the research course FORE 414 Dissertation.

See the Regulations for the Bachelor of Forestry Science for more information.

Double degrees

It is possible to combine a Forestry degree with the study of another degree, such as a Bachelor of Science. It is also possible to complete a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a strong Forestry emphasis.



There is also a Forest Engineering programme within the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours at UC.

Contact us

For the full degree requirements, see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Forestry Science.

For study planning help, contact the UC Liaison Office | Te Rōpū Takawaenga o UC (new students) or a College of Engineering | Te Rāngai Pūkaha Student Advisor (advancing students).

For more information on facilities, resources, and staff, see Te Rāngai Pūkaha | College of Engineering.

For more general information, email [email protected] or freephone 0800 VARSITY (827 748).