Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Primary) BTchLn(Primary)
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Introduction
The Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Primary) is an internationally recognised three-year full-time professional qualification that prepares you for a teaching career in primary, intermediate, middle and area schools.
The BTchLn(Primary) runs from February to November and is available:
- full-time on campus in Christchurch
- full-time in Nelson by a mix of face-to-face and distance study
- full-time in Rotorua by a mix of face-to-face and distance study
- full-time or part-time through the distance Flexible Learning Option (FLO).
Features of the BTchLn(Primary) at UC
- Internationally recognised three-year teaching qualification
- Flexible delivery options, including part-time and distance
- Primary option offered on campus in Christchurch and Nelson, via a mix of on campus and distance in Rotorua, and throughout New Zealand by distance
- 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.
BTchLn(Primary) applicants under 20 must have University Entrance. In addition students will need to have a minimum of 12 credits in NCEA Level 2 English and 14 credits in mathematics at Level 1 or above or equivalent. Applicants over 20 must provide evidence of recent, successful tertiary study that preferably includes some of the following: literacy (a high priority is placed on this), numeracy, science, Māori or information and communication technology.
The selection process includes a police check and 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 in the BTchLn(Primary) programme are limited we strongly recommend that you apply for programme entry as early as possible. Applications close four weeks prior to the commencement of the programme in mid-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.
Degree structure
The BTchLn(Primary) requires a total of 360 points, made up as follows:
- Education: 60 points
- Professional Inquiry and Practice: 150 points
- Curriculum Studies: 150 points
For the full degree requirements see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Primary) (University Regulations website).
Education courses address areas such as the aims and purposes of education, child development, teaching and learning, classroom management, assessment, the New Zealand education system, and socio-political and cultural contexts.
Professional Studies courses introduce students to the observation, communication, interaction, management, planning, diagnostic and practical teaching skills required of teachers in New Zealand schools. The courses encompass the knowledge and skills required to implement a range of teaching and learning methods, knowledge of legal and community expectations of teachers and an individualised component which is responsive to each student’s professional needs.
Professional Practice is the time spent working in a classroom. It provides a supportive context in which students can trial and refine their planning, teaching and management skills. Professional Practice initiates students into the complexities of the teacher’s role within the classroom, the school and the wider community.
There is one block of Professional Practice in schools in Year 1 of the BTchLn and two blocks each year in Year 2 and Year 3. Part-time students have one block each year and usually take five years to complete the degree. During Professional Practice students will spend approximately eight hours a day working alongside an experienced teacher.
Curriculum Studies includes all curriculum subjects that a primary teacher is expected to teach. These include English, mātauraka Māori, mathematics, science, information and communication technology (ICT), technology education, social studies, art, music, drama and dance, health and physical education.
The optional course at 300-level allows students to specialise in an area of particular interest in their third year.
Primary Flexible Learning Option
The Primary Flexible Learning Option (FLO) enables students to complete the Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (BTchLn) via distance education.
All FLO Primary students must attend a residential school in the February of their first year of study. FLO BTchLn students are required to attend scheduled residential schools at the Christchurch campus or in Rotorua.
Courses are delivered on a semester-by-semester basis, integrating print and web-based material, CD and DVD resources, audio and video conferences, and email. For effective study, students need internet access, preferably broadband. Students have one professional practice placement per semester, normally in the greater Christchurch, Nelson, West Coast (South Island) or Rotorua areas.
In addition to the formal periods of professional practice, there will be occasions where access to a school or classroom is required in order to complete an observation or task relating to a particular course. Therefore, FLO students are strongly encouraged to foster a good relationship with a school in their area so that they can gain access to groups of children or resources, where appropriate, as a part of their studies.
Further study
Postgraduate options include:
- Bachelor of Teaching and Learning with Honours BTchLn(Hons)
- Master of Education MEd.
Career opportunities
Graduates have gained positions in primary, intermediate, middle and area schools in New Zealand and overseas.
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).