Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Primary) BTchLn(Primary)
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BTchLn(Primary)
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 either in Nelson or 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 may be 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.
The selection process includes a police check as well as an interview and short literacy and numeracy test.
BTchLn(Primary) applicants must have University Entrance or be over 20 years of age. For applicants over 20 years of age, recent tertiary study is desirable. For example, applicants may want to consider the Certificate in Learning Support (CertLS) which is available by distance or the Certificate in University Preparation (CUP).
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.
Primary Flexible Learning Option
The Primary Flexible Learning Option (FLO) enables students to complete the BTchLn via distance education.
All FLO Primary students must attend an on-site intensive in the February of their first year of study. FLO BTchLn students are required to attend scheduled on-site intensives at the Christchurch campus or in Rotorua.
Courses are delivered on a semester-by-semester basis, integrating 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.
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).
The optional course at 300-level allows students to specialise in an area of particular interest in their third year.
Further study
The Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Primary) is a qualification for university graduates with a degree. It can be undertaken full-time on campus in Christchurch or by distance (FLO). Students who successfully complete the programme will be eligible for provisional registration as a teacher.
Postgraduate options include:
- Bachelor of Teaching and Learning with Honours BTchLn(Hons)
- Master of Education MEd.
Career opportunities
For further career information, please go to www.canterbury.ac.nz/careers/subjects/primary.shtml
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), the Liaison Office (new students) or visit the Liaison Office’s course planning page (new students).