Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Primary)
BTchLn(Primary)
Duration
3 years full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 (February)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Master of Education
- Doctor of Education
Download Brochure
Duration
3 years full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 (February)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Master of Education
- Doctor of Education
Download Brochure
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.
- A UC teaching qualification is recognised nationally and internationally as being of high quality.
- Flexible study options as to how you study and where.
- Strong peer support model and dedicated staff.
- International study opportunities, for example in China, Japan, and Rarotonga.
Admission to UC with University Entrance (or equivalent) is required to enrol.
Students for whom English is an additional language are also required to meet the requirements set out by Matatū Aotearoa | Teaching Council of New Zealand.
For information on gaining admission to UC teacher education programmes please see the Guide to Applying.
Selection process
The BTchLn(Primary) has one intake each February. Selection for entry is based on:
- academic ability, involvement and interest in working with children, community involvement, communication skills, and other personal qualities as outlined in the Guide to Applying
- a police check, referees' reports, and an interview
- a short literacy and numeracy test.
How to apply
Applications are open throughout the year and close 1 December for domestic students or 31 October for international students.
For more details on entry requirements and the teacher education application process see the Guide to Applying.
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
You will be automatically enrolled in the required courses (indicated in the degree diagram above) each year of the degree.
In the final year of the degree, you will also be able to choose from one of the following optional courses:
- TECP 315 Language, Culture and Identity: Enhancing Educational Experiences and Outcomes for Diverse Learners
- TECP 316 Te Ao Māori/Mātauranga Māori: Teaching and Learning from Māori Worldviews
- TECP 317 e-Learning for Transformative Education
- TECP 318 Research and Inquiry in Action
- TECP 319 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.
Distance study option
Postgraduate qualifications
- Bachelor of Teaching and Learning with Honours
- 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 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
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2021 | 120 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $6,281 |
| 2022 | 120 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $6,388 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) | Fees (NZD) Excl GST |
| 2021 | 120 | This is an indicative fee - total tuition fee will be dependent on your course selection (banded) | $28,000 | $24,348 |
| 2022 | 120 | This is an indicative fee - total tuition fee will be dependent on your course selection (banded) | $28,800 | $25,043 |
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 Te Rōpū Takawaenga o UC | UC Liaison Office (new students) or a Te Rāngai Ako me te Hauora | College of Education, Health and Human Development Student Advisor (advancing students).
For more information on facilities, resources, and staff, see Te Rāngai Ako me te Hauora | College of Education, Health and Human Development.
For more general information, email info@canterbury.ac.nz or freephone 0800 VARSITY (827 748).