Teacher Education

Early Childhood teachers work in kindergartens, preschools, kōhanga reo and early childhood centres inspiring imaginations and developing crucial skills in our tamariki.

Primary teachers work with tamariki in Years 1 to 8 (ages 5 to 13) in primary, intermediate, middle, and area schools. This is a very rewarding career in which you'll introduce tamariki to the world of learning and start them on their road to reading, writing, and mathematics. Find out more about Primary teaching at UC.

Secondary teachers work with young adults in Years 7 to 13 (ages 11-18) in intermediate, middle, area, and secondary schools. As a secondary teacher you teach one or more subjects you're passionate about and inspire your students to make a positive difference in the world. Find out about secondary teaching at UC.

The Mātauranga Māori Initial Teacher Education pathway will equip you to work in whare kōhungahunga | early childhood or kura tuatahi | primary. This pathway prioritises te reo Māori me ōna tikanga. It's founded on mātauranga Māori | Māori knowledge, Māori philosophies, and values. Learn more about Mātauranga Māori at UC.

Our Mātauranga Māori pathway is offered biennially, with the next intake scheduled for 2027.

UC offers an alternative entry pathway for anyone who wants to teach Technology or Te Reo Māori but doesn't have a level 7 qualification (bachelor’s degree). This pathway is only available for the Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Secondary). Find out more about this alternative entry into teaching.

UC's distance study programmes make university study possible for students who cannot access a local campus. Our distance learning students can study a range of programmes part-time or full-time while they work, care for family, or pursue other interests. Learn more about studying education by distance learning with UC.

Scholarships can help fund your studies during your time at UC. There are undergraduate, postgraduate, and degree-specific scholarship opportunities to eligible students through UC and other organisations. We also have an Associate Teacher course fees waiver.

UC offers postgraduate courses online and on campus that are ideal for teachers, educationalists, and professionals who want to extend their existing qualifications or expand their knowledge in educational studies. Learn more about postgraduate study and professional development in education at UC.