Bachelor of Education (Physical Education) BEd(PhysicalEducation)
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Introduction
The Bachelor of Education (Physical Education) is a four-year professional programme which allows you to gain a nationally and internationally recognised teaching qualification. The degree may be awarded with honours.
On successfully completing the programme, you can become a secondary school teacher with employment opportunities both within New Zealand and overseas.
The programme is offered full-time on campus in Christchurch and there is one intake per year in early February. Numbers are limited to 55 students.
Features of the BEd(PhysicalEducation) at UC
- Established, highly regarded four-year professional degree programme
- Balances theoretical study with professional study and practical experience
- Provides the opportunity to specialise in Physical Education and one other teaching subject
- Graduates are also qualified to teach health and/or outdoor education
Entry requirements
Selection for entry is competitive and places are limited. A separate Application for Programme Entry (APE) to the College of Education is required.
Selection for entry is based on academic ability, involvement and interest in working with young people and physical activity, community involvement, communication skills and other personal qualities. Applicants under 20 must have University Entrance. Applicants over 20 must provide evidence of recent, successful tertiary study.
The selection process includes a police check and may include an interview.
Students for whom English is an additional language must provide evidence of their English language ability as follows:
- IELTS (Academic) 7.0, with no individual score below 7.0; or
- At least two years of successful study in a New Zealand secondary school, with at least eight Level 2 NCEA credits in English (four reading and four writing).
As places are limited we strongly recommend that you apply for programme entry as early as possible (applications open in July). Applications close four weeks prior to the commencement of the programme in early February, or when places are filled (whichever comes first).
Apply for programme entry
Download an Application for Programme Entry (PDF, 321KB) or phone the Contact Centre on 0800 VARSITY (827 748). This includes the Application to Enrol. If your application is approved you will receive an offer of place letter.
Recommended preparation
PE, biology and english are recommended NCEA Level 3 subjects.
Programme structure
The BEd(PhysicalEducation) requires a total of 480 points made up of the following components:
- Professional Studies – skills for effective teaching professionals
- Professional Practice – undertaken in schools throughout New Zealand including intermediate, area and secondary schools
- Physical Education – academic courses in physical education
- Curriculum Studies – provides curriculum context for health, outdoor education and/or other teachable subject
- Education courses – selected courses in areas such as child development, learning, and social and cultural studies in education
- Other teachable subject – students choose courses from the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science or other degrees in areas they wish to teach.
In their first year students will enrol in 30 points of Education (two of EDUC 101, 102 and 103). Students are also able to take another course towards their other teaching subject in their first year. The rest of their first-year programme will consist of Professional Studies, Professional Practice and Physical Education.
For the full degree requirements see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Education (Physical Education) (University Regulations website).
Further study
Postgraduate options include:
- Master of Education MEd
- Doctor of Philosophy PhD.
Graduates are also eligible for postgraduate study in overseas institutions.
Career opportunities
In addition to teaching physical education in secondary schools, graduates specialising in Physical Education gain skills which will equip them for employment in a wide range of careers, including other areas of education, sport and recreation agencies, local government, the health and fitness industry, and sport coaching (note: some careers listed require further study). The degree is useful for any occupation where you deal with the education, development and needs of people.
Contact
For more information email info@canterbury.ac.nz or freephone in NZ 0800 VARSITY (827 748).
For assistance with planning your programme of study contact a College of Education Student Advisor (advancing students) Student Liaison (new students) or visit Student Liaison’s course planning page (new students).