University of Canterbury
About the University of Canterbury
Basic information and contact details for the University of Canterbury
Immersed in the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand’s second largest city, Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) provides an experience unlike any other university. Nestled between Kā Tiritiri o te Moana, the majestic Southern Alps, and Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa, the abundant Pacific Ocean, UC offers students endless opportunities for education, exploration and recreation, with all the conveniences of a modern city.
Outside traditional learning, we provide students the chance to find themselves, to connect with others and to positively contribute to a changing world. Our students are innovative and caring, and we are proud to support them to grow as individuals alongside the University of Canterbury Students’ Association, nurturing our warm and vibrant community. The global impact of the University’s highly skilled, industry-ready graduates is visible through a whānau (family) of more than 140,000 strong; a cohort of engaged and empowered alumni affecting change around the world.
Our vision for the University of Canterbury is a contemporary university, a place of learning that is grounded in our shared history, values our differences, and aspires towards research and tertiary education that is equitable and accessible to all. We are determined to remain agile, responsive and pioneering, pushing boundaries to meet the evolving needs of our students. Since the Canterbury Collegiate Union was founded with Henry John Tancred’s inaugural address in 1872, the University of Canterbury has stood for the encouragement of talent without barriers. In 2023, we celebrated our 150th anniversary by reflecting on our successes and learning opportunities, setting our aspirations for the next 50 years. We achieved record enrolments in 2024 which is evidence of our status as a future focused, engaging university.
We pride ourselves on delivering a high standard of education and facilitating creative and innovative research for the benefit of both local and global communities. The international networks paved by teaching and research excellence, provide opportunities for partnerships, research collaborations and student exchanges. Our academic leaders are encouraged to be courageous, forward-thinking and generous with their knowledge. They explore their fields of expertise with integrity and vigour, encourage conversations and challenges, and share their learnings with the intent of creating better outcomes for everyone.
People come first at the University of Canterbury, reflecting our intrinsic values: whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and tiakitanga. These values are rooted in trust, care and reciprocity, and were embedded over generations by the presence of the regions iwi (tribe)
In-Confidence
Ngāi Tahu, and hapū (sub-tribe),Ngāi Tūāhuriri. In fact, in 1861 Pita Te Hori, the first Upoko (tribal leader) of Ngāi Tūāhuriri, instructed the founders of Ōtautahi Christchurch: “kia atawhai ki te iwi – be kind to your people.” Today, these words underpin the relationships we foster amongst our students, staff and community. We are proud to open our doors to students and staff throughout Aotearoa New Zealand and the world, welcoming everyone to learn from one another and contribute to our diverse and flourishing community. The University of Canterbury is a place for everyone.
Our relationships with mana whenua (indigenous people of this land) are integral to these aspirations, as we strive to ensure that Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi) is the bedrock of the University of Canterbury. As we continue to strengthen our partnership and grow our understanding of mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge systems), we are creating a programme of collaborative knowledge creation that sets the University of Canterbury apart. In doing so, we also acknowledge New Zealand as an integral Pacific nation and embrace the shared whakapapa (genealogical connections) and reciprocal relationships with our Pacific neighbours.
We seek to cultivate a spirit of curiosity that honours those who have gone before us, while contributing to the pool of diverse knowledge that we will in turn pass on to the next generation. In this, we are inspired by the Ngāi Tahu whakataukī (proverb): mō tātou, ā, mō ngā uri ā muri ake nei – for us and our children after us. We know that our students are our future, and we believe in empowering them to overcome the challenges of the changing world, and to create a more sustainable, equitable and inclusive future for us all.
The University of Canterbury provides a learning and research gateway, from the vast expanse of the galaxy to the depths of the Antarctic continent—offering the connection, understanding and opportunities that will enable us to overcome the challenges facing our society.
Our people are powered by resilience and determination, using our combined knowledge and experience to chart a course into the future – aukahatia tō waka, he hekenga tai roa. We stand with our community in times of need, mobilising our networks to provide solutions, resources and simple kindness.
There is a place for you at the University of Canterbury – nau mai, tauti mai – come join us.
Rankings
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Impact Rankings
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Key Student Statistics
A breakdown of student statistics at the University of Canterbury
- Student gender ratio
- 50 F : 50 M (1)
- International student percentage
- 18% (1)
- Students per staff
- 19.1 (1)
- Student total
- 14857 (1)
Based on data collected for the (1) World University Rankings 2026
Jobs at the University of Canterbury
Open positions for academics and staff at the University of Canterbury
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Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Chemical and Process Engineering
University of Canterbury
New Zealand, Christchurch
University of Canterbury
New Zealand, Christchurch
Kia hiwa rā, kia hiwa rā! He hiahia, he pūkenga nōu ki te mahi a te Pūkenga / Pūkenga Matua? Nāia te pōwhiri nā Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha kia tono mai i te tūranga nei. Āu mahi - What you will do Applications are invited for a continuing (permanent) position in the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering at Lecturer/Senior Lecturer level. The level of appointment will depend on the successful candidate's relevant experience. You will contribute to teaching across the undergraduate chemical engineering curriculum. Your research will complement the present research activities of the Department in any area. You will be encouraged to develop a strong, externally funded research programme as well as be expected to collaborate with other academics in the Department's teaching and research activities. The appointee will also be expected to develop links with and connect to the wider engineering profession at local, national and international levels. Mōu - Who you are We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and encourage applications from people with a variety of research interests and specialisations. The department values cooperative staff who will nurture our students to become world-class engineers. Applicants must hold or be about to complete a PhD degree in Chemical and Process Engineering (or a closely aligned discipline, e.g. physics, chemistry, biotechnology, materials science), and have a demonstrated record of published research in internationally recognised journals appropriate to your career stage. You will have a commitment to excellence in teaching of core courses in Chemical and Process Engineering at the undergraduate level, delivering effective teaching methods that enable a wide range of learners to succeed. You will demonstrate the ability to collaborate with others in the University and throughout the wider research community. You will also be expected to show an interest in contributing to Faculty, Departmental, and University activities. The appointee will also ideally demonstrate a background in supervising final year undergraduate projects, Masters and PhD students. If you are passionate about advancing the field of Chemical and Process Engineering and contributing to research and teaching, we encourage you to apply and join us in shaping the future of Chemical and Process Engineering education. For more information about the Department and our team, please visit our website and take a virtual tour of our Engineering facilities. Mea e tukua nei - What we offer The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment, this includes: Relocation support Conveniently located, onsite childcare facilities Parenting rooms available across campus, including in Rātā the main Engineering building Five weeks annual leave and five days university holidays UC parental leave (up to nine weeks paid) plus 26 weeks Government paid parental leave and onsite childcare facility Widely accessible sabbatical provision Generous employer contribution to superannuation (up to 6.75%) University and faculty scholarship support for postgraduate students A unique bequest funded endowment (Erskine Fund) that supports an extensive visiting fellowship programme Flexible working arrangements, including flexible hours and some work from home opportunities Supportive working environment, including active health, safety and wellbeing committee, initiatives to encourage social interactions between staff Professional development and study opportunities Living in revitalised Ōtautahi - Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand A working environment in a beautiful campus with access to UC facilities such as the recreation centre and Staff Club at discounted rates, plus onsite cafés, eateries, and more For more information on our benefits, please visit: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/joinus/benefits/ This role sits within the Academic Staff, Associated Staff and Support Staff Collective Agreement and the following salary scale applies: Lecturer $94,181 - $113,616; Senior Lecturer $119,586 - $135,630 The closing date for this position is Sunday, 03 May 2026 (midnight NZ time). Please note, applications will be reviewed after the close date. Pēhea te tono mai - How you apply Applications for this position must be submitted on our careers website and should include the following: A one-page cover letter, a one-page research statement outlining your research interests and goals, and a one-page teaching philosophy statement (combined document) A resume which includes a list of relevant research publications (combined document) Please note, only two documents can be uploaded in the application process. We value inclusivity and diversity at the University of Canterbury. We know that candidates from underrepresented backgrounds often only apply for roles if they meet all of the criteria, so if you're keen to apply but are not sure you meet all of the requirements or need additional support please let us know (academic contact: Daniel Holland). We do not accept applications by email, however, we are happy to answer any queries at WorkatUC@canterbury.ac.nz For further information specifically about the role, please contact: Daniel Holland Daniel.holland@canterbury.ac.nz. For overseas applicants, please visit the Immigration New Zealand website to review the latest health and visa requirements for visiting and working in Aotearoa - New Zealand. To apply for this job, please click here or go to our job site and enter the job code 31232HL
Salary
$94,181 - $135,630
Posted
17 Apr 2026
Subjects Taught at the University of Canterbury
See below for a range of subjects taught at the University of Canterbury
Arts and Humanities
- Archaeology
- Architecture
- Art, Performing Art and Design
- History, Philosophy and Theology
- Languages, Literature and Linguistics
Business and Economics
- Accounting and Finance
- Business and Management
- Economics and Econometrics
Computer Science
- Computer Science
Education Studies
- Education
Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- General Engineering
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Law
- Law
Life Sciences
- Agriculture and Forestry
- Biological Sciences
- Sport Science
- Veterinary Science
Medical and Health
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Other Health
Physical Sciences
- Chemistry
- Geology, Environmental, Earth and Marine Sciences
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Physics and Astronomy
Psychology
- Psychology
Social Sciences
- Communication and Media Studies
- Geography
- Politics and International Studies
- Sociology
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