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
Language
English
English requirements
- Duolingo English Test: 120
- TOEFL iBT: 90
- PTE Academic: 58
- IELTS: 6.5
Credits
360 alternative credits
Delivered
On Campus
Campus Location
Christchurch, New Zealand
Disciplines
- Earth Sciences
- Environmental Sciences
Overview
The Earthquake Engineering programme at University of Canterbury includes:
- assessing the tectonic and fault mechanisms that generate earthquakes to estimate when they will occur and how large they will be
- understanding how the earthquake energy transmits through the ground
- quantifying the likely ground surface responses at a specific site throughout the life of a structure
- assessing the liquefaction potential of soils at specific sites
- designing structures and lifeline services (electricity, gas, transport, water, and wastewater) to minimise the damage and disruption during and after an earthquake
- planning for emergency response and post-earthquake recovery
- preparing communities for earthquakes.
Careers
Engineers specialising in earthquake assessment, strengthening, and repairs are in high demand throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, and overseas regions that are often prone to earthquake disasters.
Programme Structure
Courses include:
- Seismic Hazard and Risk Analysis
- Advanced Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering
- Finite Element Analysis
- Nonlinear Structural Analysis and Dynamics
- Displacement-based Design of Low Damage Buildings
- Advanced Steel and Composite Structures
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
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.
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): 6,954 AUD / year (≈ 8,570 NZD / year)
Domestic (citizens or residents): 6,954 AUD / year (≈ 8,570 NZD / year)
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: 1,055-1,623 AUD / month
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
