Canterbury Foundation

Foundation Studies at University of Canterbury

The Certificate in Foundation Studies will enable you to meet the academic and English language entry requirements for most of the undergraduate degree programmes offered by the University of Canterbury. As a Foundation Studies student you will develop your English language and study skills as well as gain an introduction to subjects in your chosen academic field.

The programme has three streams that you can choose from - Arts (Humanities and Social Sciences), Business and Science (Physical and Biological) that will help you prepare you for your chosen degree.

As the Foundation Studies programme encourages students to become independent learners you will be able to choose some of the courses you undertake from a wide range of electives so you can study what interests you. The three intake dates per year ensure that there is a suitable pathway for everyone.

When you successfully complete the programme you will be awarded the Certificate in Foundation Studies. This certificate is accepted as an entry qualification for the University of Canterbury and other New Zealand universities. However, in New Zealand all universities reserve the right to require students to meet their own English language entry criteria.

You will be treated as a University student from the day you arrive with access to all the University’s facilities and resources and will have the opportunity to study alongside New Zealand students in class. The Foundation Studies programme offers you the best preparation for university study as you will be encouraged to learn independently in a supportive and friendly environment.

Subject streams

When you apply to the programme, you must choose one subject stream. The subject streams lead to degrees in the following subjects:

The Commerce Stream is designed for students who wish to major in:

Accountancy, Finance, Information Systems, Economics, Management (including Human Resource Management and Strategic Management), Marketing and Management Science.

The Physical Science Stream is designed for students who wish to major in:

Astronomy, Chemistry, Physics, Chemical and Process Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, Forestry Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering and Natural Resources Engineering (Engineering students normally complete an intermediate year and then seek entry to the School of Engineering).

The Biological Science Stream is designed for students who wish to major in:

Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computer Science, Forestry, Geography, Geology, Psychology and Statistics.

The Arts Stream is designed for students who wish to major in:

Linguistics, Law, History, Cultural Studies, Education, Geography, Media and Communication, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, Political Science, Classics and Statistics.

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