Teaching and Learning Primary

‌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.

The BTchLn(Primary) is a professional qualification that prepares you for a rewarding career as a primary school teacher. Courses are available to study in a number of ways including:

• full-time or part-time on campus in Christchurch
• full-time either in Nelson or Rotorua by a mix of face-to-face and distance study
• full-time or part-time by distance through the Flexible Learning Option (FLO).

Features of the Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Primary) at UC

• 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.

The Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Primary) requires a total of 360 points:

• 60 points from Education courses
• 90 points from Professional Inquiry
• 60 points from Professional Practice
• 150 points from Curriculum Studies.

The optional course at 300-level allows students to specialise in an area of particular interest in their third year.

Flexible Learning Options

The Primary Flexible Learning Option (FLO) enables you to complete the BTchLn(Primary) by distance. Courses integrate web-based material, audiovisual resources, video conferences and email (students need good internet access).

If you would like to study by distance-only you will need to attend up to two on-site intensives in Christchurch each year of full-time study, with the first in February.

Students enrolled in the Nelson or Rotorua regional campus option do not attend the on-site intensives in Christchurch. They complete a blended model of online coursework and face-to-face courses and curriculum components held at their regional campus.

Placements and learning in schools

You will attend two professional practice placements per year, one each semester. Placements are arranged by the College of Education, Health and Human Development.

Entry requirements

Admission to UC with University Entrance, or equivalent, is required to enrol for a Bachelor's degree. Domestic applicants over 20 who do not hold University Entrance, or equivalent, may gain admission by providing evidence of their ability to complete tertiary study successfully. For example, applicants may want to consider the Certificate in Learning Support (CertLS) which is available by distance or the Certificate in University Preparation (CUP). For information on gaining admission to UC please see how to apply for undergraduate qualifications.

You are also required to meet UC’s English language requirements.

Qualification specific requirements

Selection process

The BTchLn(Primary) has one intake each February. Selection for entry is based on:

• your academic ability, involvement and interest in working with children, community involvement, communication skills and other personal qualities
• a police check, referees' reports and an interview
• a short literacy and numeracy test.

English language requirements

Students for whom English is an additional language must provide evidence of their English language ability as follows:

• IELTS (Academic) 7.0, with no individual score below 7.0; or
• at least two years of successful study in a New Zealand secondary school, with at least ten Level 2 NCEA credits in Literacy (five reading and five writing) or equivalent.