New Zealand Earth Systems - Environmental Sciences

Owned by Heather Thompson
Last updated: Dec 06, 2022
2 min read

The New Zealand Earth Systems Programme at the University of Canterbury combines Environmental Sciences, hydrology, and geosciences to provide students the tools to analyze current New Zealand environmental issues.  During field camp we introduce basic geologic,  surface hydrology and environmental science field  techniques. We explore how these techniques are currently used to solve New Zealand environmental challenges. In addition,  students learn  how both indigenous knowledge and western science are utilized to manage natural resources through field based education and scientific observation. The four-week field camp takes students to  both the North Island and South Island of New Zealand. Students will explore the Mt. Ruapehu, Waitomo Caves,  Banks Peninsula,  and the Southern Alps. Following field camp, students transition to University of Canterbury , where they enroll in four courses, one of which is a research methods course. Research projects range from environmental geochemistry projects to working with local Iwi (tribes) on habitat restoration projects.  Research projects are team focused and can be built upon data collected at field camp or part of ongoing data sets collected by Canterbury scientists. 


During the semester you may take up to 4 courses.

The required Semester Courses are:

  1. ENVR 356 Field Focused Research methods (Please note: on the transcript you receive from Skidmore college this courses will be JNGE351D – Research Methods in Geology)
  2. One course within the Department of Geological Sciences

Elective Courses

  • Two courses of your choosing

Popular Courses at UC (based upon past student enrollment):

To view ES courses (Semester 1 is Spring):


In total you can receive up to 21 credits from Skidmore College. 5 for field camp and up to 16 for the Semester at UC.


For additional information: Max@frontiersabroad.com