Is Primary Teacher education for me?
As a primary teacher, you will engage tamariki in future-focused learning through a range of curriculum areas and through a commitment to bicultural practices in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will support tamariki to develop their skills and knowledge and prepare them for a changing world.
Primary teacher education students:
- Are interested in working with tamariki and their communities
- Want to teach all school subjects
- Are organised and well prepared
- Are nurturing and enjoy cultivating a love of learning in others
If that sounds like you, read on to find out more about taking these programmes at UC.
Which pathway is for me and what will I learn?
You'll learn about the theory, practice and management of teaching, including the place and role of education, the characteristics of learners and the teaching-learning process. You'll also learn about the curriculum taught in schools today to prepare you for the profession of teaching. This includes English, Māori language, mathematics, science, technology education, social studies, art, music, drama and dance, health and physical education and learning languages.
You will spend time working in a classroom where you can trial and refine your planning, teaching and management skills. By the end of your studies at UC you will have learnt and practised all the teaching skills required of teachers in New Zealand primary, intermediate, middle and area schools.
There are four qualification pathways for Primary Teaching at UC:
- As an initial degree through the three year Ako: Bachelor of Teaching and Learning programme. This is available either full-time or part-time on campus in Christchurch or by distance. If you are enrolled at the Whakatū Nelson regional campus and the Rotorua ITE Hapori, you will instead complete a blended model of online and face-to face courses. You can choose from the Primary or Mātauranga Māori endorsement.
- If you already have a Level 7 Bachelor degree or equivalent you can enrol in the one-year Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Primary) (GradDipTchLn). This programme can be undertaken full-time on campus in Christchurch and full-time or part-time or full-time by distance study. This option is suited to those looking for a well-respected pathway to teaching, including practice in schools and research-based coursework.
- If you already have a Level 7 Bachelor degree or equivalent with a B average at 300-level you can enrol in the one-year Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (PGDipTchgLn) or Master of Teaching and Learning (MTchgLn). The PGDipTchgLn is a pathway to the Master of Teaching and Learning (MTchgLn). By completing the PGDipTchgLn plus an additional 30-point course, students can achieve the MTchgLn. To transfer from the PGDipTchgLn to the MTchgLn, you must achieve a B average or better in the PGDipTchgLn. These pathways combine research-informed knowledge and critical inquiry with practice-based experiences in schools to prepare you for a career in teaching.
- Distance students are required to attend an On-site Intensives (OSI) in Ōtautahi Christchurch
Successful completion of any of these pathways lead to eligibility to apply for NZTC registration. However, there are differences in the duration, focus and qualification awarded. Specifically, the Ako:BTchLn is a three-year undergraduate programme whilst the GradDipTchLn, PGDipTchgLn and the MTchgLn are one-year programmes for those with a Bachelor degree. Below is a quick overview of the differences between our programmes.