Physical Education

Qualifications

BEd(PhysicalEducation)

Introduction

The Bachelor of Education (Physical Education) has built up an international reputation as being an innovative qualification, with high-quality graduates taught by well-qualified staff who are leaders in the field of physical education. The programme balances theoretical study, professional study and practical experience.

Physical Education students benefit from the resources of the Exercise and Sport Science Centre, which provides support that includes exercise physiology and biomechanics testing.

Recommended background

NCEA Level 3 PE, biology and English.

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 their ability to complete tertiary study successfully.

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).

As places are limited we strongly recommend that you apply for programme entry as early as possible (applications open in June). 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.

100-level courses

• See all 100-level Physical Education courses

The BEd(PhysicalEducation) is 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.

For information on the required courses for the degree see the Bachelor of Education (Physical Education) page.

200-level and beyond

• See all Physical Education courses

Further study

Graduates can continue on to master’s degrees and other postgraduate qualifications in Education and related areas at the University of Canterbury, and in other New Zealand and 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.

For further career information, please go to www.canterbury.ac.nz/careers

Contact

College of Education
Telephone: +64 3 343 9606
Email: education@canterbury.ac.nz