Bachelor of Education (Teaching) - Primary

Summary

Lead learning and inspire new generations with a rewarding career in education.

Programme overview

Enter a profession where the demand for graduates is high in New Zealand and overseas. Gain an internationally-recognised degree from the only New Zealand University to rank in the top 50 in the world for Education as a subject.

For Primary teaching, you can choose between our English or Huarahi Maori streams. Our hands-on programmes will equip you with the tools you need to teach in 21st century classrooms where building strong relationships is vital, diversity is welcomed and digital learning is key.

Over the three years, you'll have dedicated blocks of time - up to a total of 24 weeks - that you'll spend full-time in a range of schools or kura. These placements are called practicum and allow you to gain a full picture of school life as you gradually take over full classroom responsibilities. While on practicum, you'll have the guidance of a dedicated teacher within the school, as well as support by your university supervisors. This will help you to become a part of a community, establish connections to set you up in your career, and gain vital skills to prepare you for the transition into teaching.

The programme is shaped by a commitment to fairness and social justice. It is underpinned by the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a commitment to ensure equitable outcomes in learning. You will learn alongside a diverse range of students and be taught basic proficiency in te reo Maori.

You will be taught by academics who are experts in their fields of Education and passionate about supporting the next generation of teachers. Courses are taught through a range of methods including face-to-face lectures, tutorials and workshops, as well as online learning. Our tutorials are hands-on and provide a range of practical ideas and resources you can take onto practicum with you.

Bachelor of Education (Teaching) students are eligible for the external TeachNZ Scholarships. Applications are now open for the TeachNZ Career Changer scholarships. Find out more and apply.

Before you begin your teaching journey, there are a few key steps you need to complete, so we recommend applying early. Read about the process on our Info for applicants page.

Programme structure

Our Bachelor of Education (Teaching) programme has two specialisations – Primary and Huarahi Maori.

Each specialisation has the same overall structure – comprising 360 points of coursework and a 22-week (approx.) practicum element where you will spend time observing and teaching in a range of settings. See below for examples.

Where could this programme take you?

We are the highest ranked university in New Zealand for Education as a subject. This means our graduates are in high demand. While many of our graduates go on to teach in a range of settings in New Zealand and overseas, this programme also equips you with a range of transferable skills that can be applied in many professions. Graduates of the Huarahi Maori specialisation is equipped to teach in Maori medium, bilingual and English medium primary and intermediate schools.

Jobs related to this programme

• Curriculum developer
• Early childhood/primary teacher
• Education consultant
• Educational researcher
• Human Rights education coordinator
• Maori medium teacher
• Policy adviser
• Special Needs specialist

Further study options

• Master of Education
• Bachelor of Education (Teaching) (Honours)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Theory
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education