About Natural Resources
The Natural Resources Engineering Programme is a four-year Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)(NatRes) degree offered through the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Canterbury.
This is the only University in New Zealand which offers the programme.
Academics from both Natural Resources Engineering and Civil Engineering, who have special interests in various applied science and engineering disciplines, bring interdisciplinary perspectives to the programme.
What are the job opportunities?
Our graduates are scarce in the professional workplace and there are plenty of exciting jobs, research and academic opportunities in New Zealand and overseas. Please check the Careers page for a list of possible employers.
Recent graduates have worked in the UK, USA, Australia, Eire, SE Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe and many other exciting places.
If applied sciences, engineering and the environment interest you, then you might like this programme. The programme addresses real-world environmental issues and provides insight into current ecological (sustainable) technologies available for solving such problems.
Programme overview
First Professional Year
Natural resources engineering is introduced and you take other subjects in common with Civil Engineering students. You also gain experience in surveying and computer use.
Second Professional Year
Knowledge of engineering principles is consolidated, and other subjects related to natural systems and land and water engineering provide a focus on sustainable engineering.
Third Professional Year
You develop your knowledge, skills, and attitudes about design, management, project appraisal, impact assessment, and appropriateness of technologies for the wise use of earth resources, environmental resources, water resources and bioresources. There is also the opportunity to follow areas of particular interest through alternative subject choice and selection of a personal project. This final year includes both individual and team projects. This emphasis develops skills in research, synthesis of information, and presentation of findings. Most projects are based on current or past engineering developments, making the course work both relevant and stimulating.
Besides the full-time university course, you must complete three periods of practical work, a period of workshop training, and a First Aid Certificate before graduating.