Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood) BTchLn(EarlyChildhood)
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Introduction
The Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood) is an internationally recognised three-year full-time professional qualification that prepares you for a teaching career in the early childhood sector.
The BTchLn(EarlyChildhood) is available full-time or part-time on campus in Christchurch, or by distance through the Flexible Learning Option (FLO). There is an intake each February. The degree will also be offered in New Plymouth in 2012.
If you hold a Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood) and wish to upgrade to a degree please see Upgrade to a bachelor's degree on the College of Education website.
Features of the BTchLn(EarlyChildhood) at UC
- Internationally recognised three-year teaching qualification
- Flexible delivery options, including part-time and distance
- Early Childhood option offered on campus in Christchurch, New Plymouth and Nelson (numbers permitting)
- Scholarships are available, including $10,000 TeachNZ Scholarships (see the TeachNZ website).
Entry requirements
A separate Application for Programme Entry (APE) to the College of Education is required.
Selection for entry is not automatic and is based on academic ability, involvement and interest in working with children, 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) or equivalent.
As places are limited we strongly recommend that you apply for programme entry as early as possible. Applications are due four weeks prior to the commencement of the programme 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.
Degree structure
The BTchLn(EarlyChildhood) requires a total of 360 points, made up as follows:
- Education: 105 points
- Professional Inquiry: 90 points
- Professional Practice: 60 points
- Curriculum Studies: 105 points.
For the full degree requirements see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood) (University Regulations website).
In Education you will learn about the aims and purposes of education, child development, teaching and learning, assessment, the New Zealand education system, socio-political and cultural contexts, communication skills, information skills, and contemporary issues in education.
In Professional Studies and Professional Practice you will learn practical teaching skills and spend time working in a classroom alongside an experienced teacher. You will also be visited by your College tutor who will observe and discuss your progress. The degree includes one four-week block of professional practice in Year 1 and two blocks of up to five weeks in each of Year 2 and Year 3.
In Curriculum Studies you will learn about Te Whāriki – the Early Childhood Curriculum. Students gain pedagogical knowledge (knowledge about the theory of teaching), and skills required to teach effectively in each curriculum area.
Flexible Learning Option
The Early Childhood Flexible Learning Option (FLO) is available to BTchLn students throughout the country. Students must be able to attend up to two residential schools per semester on campus. Classes are supplemented with print-based materials, audiovisual resources, audio conferences and email links. Students also attend professional practice placements in early childhood education centres for up to ten weeks per year.
Further study
Postgraduate options include:
- Bachelor of Teaching and Learning with Honours BTchLn(Hons)
- Master of Education MEd.
Career opportunities
Working in early childhood means you will:
- join an interactive and collaborative teaching profession
- become a skilled professional who works alongside infants, toddlers and young children and their families/whānau in a range of early childhood settings
- play a vital role in supporting the development and learning of infants, toddlers and young children in their formative years.
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).