Physical Education teacher pathways

A girl plays indoor soccer as part of her PE course

UC offers a pathway for graduates of the Bachelor of Sport Coaching (BSpC) or the Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) to become secondary school Physical Education teachers with an additional  qualification

Secondary teachers work with young adults in Years 7-13 (ages 11-18) in intermediate, middle, area and secondary schools. As a secondary teacher you teach one or more subjects that you are passionate about, inspire your students, encourage them and give them the skills and enthusiasm they need to make a positive difference in the world.

Start with the Bachelor of Sport Coaching or the Bachelor of Health Sciences, major in Health Education and a selection of Sport Coaching courses (please see our student advice team to plan this pathway), three-year full-time or up to six years part-time qualifications that may be studied on campus or by distance, starting in February or July.

All majors in the BSpC are acceptable as study towards your New Zealand school curriculum subjects. You should include SPCO 204 and SPCO 309 in your enrolment (if these aren’t included in your major).

You should also include courses in a second teaching subject area. Health Education courses or courses in core subjects such as English, Maths, Science or Te Reo Māori are recommended. Your BSpC is then followed by one of our one-year intial teacher education pathways. See our Secondary Teacher education page for more information.

Applications for our intial teacher education programmes are open anytime. Applications for teacher education programmes will close on 1 December each year for domestic applicants (31 October each year for international applicants).

  • See the  for entry requirements and to choose your pathway/qualification.
  • Many qualifications have specific processes for enrolling and acceptance. See our enrolment guide for more information. In addition to online enrolment you may be required to complete additional forms required by the college.
  •  Our  can help you to plan your pathway.

For all enquiries about becoming a PE teacher

talk to the liaison office

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