Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Primary)
BTchLn(Primary)
Overview
If you are inspired by the world around you and wish to make a positive difference in the lives of young people, then a career in teaching or education could be for you.
You will introduce children to the world of learning, and start them on their road to reading, writing, and mathematics. It’s a very rewarding and satisfying career in which you can make a real difference in children’s lives. Primary teachers work with children in Years 1 to 8 (ages 5 to 13) in primary, intermediate, middle, and area schools.
The BTchLn(Primary) is a professional qualification that prepares you for a rewarding career as a primary school teacher. There are a number of study options available to students including:
- on campus in Ōtautahi Christchurch
- in Whakatū Nelson or Rotorua by a mix of face-to-face and distance study
- by distance.
Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Primary) – example degree structure
-
Education
-
Professional Inquiry
-
Professional Practice
-
Curriculum Studies
-
Option
Each small block represents a 15-point course. However, some courses may be 30 points or more.
This diagram is an example only – other combinations are possible. For specific course requirements, see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Primary).
The Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Primary) requires a total of 360 points:
- 60 points from Education courses
- 90 points from Professional Inquiry
- 45 points from Professional Practice
- 165 points from Curriculum Studies
In the final year of the degree, you will also be able to choose from one of the following optional courses:
- TECP315 Language, Culture and Identity: Enhancing Educational Experiences and Outcomes for Diverse Learners
- TECP316 Te Ao Māori/Mātauranga Māori: Teaching and Learning from Māori Worldviews
- TECP317 e-Learning for Transformative Education
- TECP318 Research and Inquiry in Action
- TECP319 Sustainability and Social Justice
Courses integrate online resources such as discussion forums, recorded lectures, and video tutorials. You will undertake a community engagement course, as well as attend professional practice placements in schools for up to ten weeks per year.
If you would like to study by distance you will typically need to attend up to two on-site intensives in Ōtautahi Christchurch, one of which is a two-week on-site intensive at the beginning of the programme. If you are enrolled at the Whakatū Nelson and Rotorua ITE Hapori regional campus, you will instead complete a blended model of online and face-to face courses held at your regional campus.
The degree takes 3 years of full-time study.
Postgraduate qualifications
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education
- Postgraduate Certificate in Specialist Teaching
- Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
- Postgraduate Diploma in Education
- Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching
- Master of Computer-Assisted Language Learning
- Master of Education
- Master of Education (Thesis)
- Master of Specialist Teaching
- Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
- Doctor of Education
- Doctor of Philosophy
Successful graduates meet the requirements for provisional teacher registration with Matatū Aotearoa | Teaching Council of New Zealand.
Primary teaching graduates are employed in teaching and management positions in primary, intermediate, middle, and area schools in Aotearoa New Zealand. Internationally recognised, many BTchLn(Primary) graduates also find work abroad.
Teaching skills of management, communication, coordination, responsibility, and organisation are prized by many professions such as management, policy and advocacy, publishing, politics, and business.
Find out more about what you can do with a degree from UC.
See Tuition Fee Structure for more information
Contact us
See more information about our Initial Teacher Education programmes.
For the full degree requirements, see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Primary).
For study planning help, contact a Student Advisor.
For more information on facilities, resources, and staff, see Te Kaupeka Ako | Faculty of Education.
For more general information, email info@canterbury.ac.nz or freephone 0800 VARSITY (827 748).