If you are inspired by the world around you and wish to make a positive difference in the lives of young people, then a career in teaching or education could be for you.
You will introduce children to the world of learning, and start them on their road to reading, writing, and mathematics. It’s a very rewarding and satisfying career in which you can make a real difference in children’s lives. Primary teachers work with children in Years 1 to 8 (ages 5 to 13) in primary, intermediate, middle, and area schools.
The BTchLn(Primary) is a professional qualification that prepares you for a rewarding career as a primary school teacher. There are a number of study options available to students including:
- full-time or part-time study on campus in Ōtautahi Christchurch
- full-time in Whakatū Nelson by a mix of face-to-face and distance study
- full-time or part-time study by distance.
The Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Primary) requires a total of 360 points:
- 60 points from Education courses
- 90 points from Professional Inquiry
- 45 points from Professional Practice
- 165 points from Curriculum Studies
Students will be automatically enrolled in the required courses (indicated in the degree diagram above) each year of the degree.
Courses integrate web-based material, audiovisual resources, video conferences, and email. Students will undertake a community engagement course, as well as attend professional practice placements in schools for up to ten weeks per year.
The optional course at 300-level allows students to specialise in an area of particular interest in their third year:
- TECP 315 Language, Culture and Identity: Enhancing Educational Experiences and Outcomes for Diverse Learners
- TECP 316 Te Ao Māori/Mātauranga Māori: Teaching and Learning from Māori Worldviews
- TECP 317 e-Learning for Transformative Education
- TECP 318 Research and Inquiry in Action
- TECP 319 Sustainability and Social Justice
The degree takes 3 years of full-time study, or can be studied part-time for up to 6 years.
For study planning help, contact the UC Liaison Office | Te Rōpū Takawaenga o UC (new students) or a College of Education, Health and Human Development | Te Rāngai Ako me te Hauora Student Advisor (advancing students).
Distance study option
If you would like to study by distance you will typically need to attend up to two on-site intensives per year, one of which is a two week on-site intensive at the beginning of the programme. This will be held in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Students enrolled at the Whakatū Nelson regional campus do not attend the on-site intensives in Ōtautahi. They complete a blended model of online course work and face-to face courses and curriculum components held at their regional campus.
Courses integrate web-based material, audiovisual resources, video conferences, and email. Students also attend professional practice placements in early childhood education centres for up to ten weeks per year.
Placements and learning in schools
You will attend two professional practice placements per year, one each semester, as well as undertake a community engagement course. Placements are arranged by the College of Education, Health and Human Development | Te Rāngai Ako me te Hauora.