Key information
- Duration: Full-time 36 months (3–4 years); Part-time 72 months (up to 6 years)
- Start dates & application deadlines: You can apply for and start this programme anytime. First day of any month.
Overview
The Ecology programme at University of Canterbury places a strong emphasis on field based research so you learn practical skills in a real world environment.
Ecology is the scientific study of the interactions between organisms and the environment. In reality, modern ecology is much broader than this, encompassing studies on individuals, species, populations, communities, and ecosystems, and includes behaviour, evolution, physiology, and increasingly molecular biology. Visit the programme website for more information
In Aotearoa New Zealand, the study of Ecology is especially important. As a small group of islands separated from larger land masses, Aotearoa's flora and fauna evolved unique characteristics in the absence of mammals. The invasion of Aotearoa by humans and the organisms (including mammals) that they introduced has dramatically altered its ecology, leading to drastic reductions in numbers, or even extinctions, of the original animals and plants.
In addition, global climate change is affecting the ecology of Aotearoa, altering the distribution of both native and introduced organisms.
Career
Ecologists can take up a wide range of careers working for organisations such as Te Papa Atawhai | Department of Conservation, city or regional councils, universities, and Crown Research Institutes, as well as with private companies such as environmental consulting agencies.
Their work can take them to a wide range of beautiful and unique areas in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.
Programme Structure
Courses include:
- Behaviour
- Research Preparation
- Research Proposal
- Special Topic: Field Research Project
- Community Ecology
- Freshwater Ecology
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
GPA: Upper Second Class
English requirements
- Duolingo English Test: 120
- TOEFL iBT: 90
- PTE Academic: 58
- IELTS: 6.5
Other requirements
General requirements
- Enrolment in a PhD requires completion of a research-focused honours or master’s degree, at First or Second Class (Division I) Honours or Distinction level (or equivalent qualifications).
- Applicants with qualifications from outside Aotearoa New Zealand must have been granted admission to the University. Our admissions team, in consultation with the host department, look at your qualifications and transcripts to ensure that you have the background required to complete a PhD. It is possible that you may be required to complete preparatory courses prior to or after admission into a PhD programme.
- In exceptional circumstances applicants without the typical academic background, but who can demonstrate the ability to pursue a PhD, may be admitted at the discretion of the Dean of Postgraduate Research.
Make sure you meet all requirements
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
- International (Non-residents): 7,092 AUD / year (≈ 8,570 NZD / year)
- Domestic (Citizens or residents): 7,092 AUD / year (≈ 8,570 NZD / year)
Additional Details
- The ‘Tuition fee total’ is an estimate only. Your total study cost will depend on the courses you choose, and will include additional costs such as student levies, insurance, retakes, and other course-related costs.
- International and national students: $8,570 - $10,321 (subject-dependent) per 120 points
Living costs
Christchurch, New Zealand: 1,076-1,655 AUD / month
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
Scholarships are available. Available scholarships include:
- Brian Mason Doctoral Scholarship - 25,000 NZD - Deadline: Not specified
- UC Economics and Finance PhD Fees Scholarship - Various benefits - Deadline: Anytime
- Geospatial Research Institute Toi Hangarau PhD Scholarship - 7,000 EUR - Deadline: Not specified
- UC Doctoral Scholarship - 32,000 AUD - Deadline: Not specified
- Brownlie Scholarship - 5,000 NZD - Deadline: Not specified
- UC Master's Scholarship - 14,000 NZD - Deadline: Not specified
- UC Master's Scholarship for Students with Disabilities - 14,000 NZD - Deadline: Not specified
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