Education overview

Turn your passion for educating children into a career in teaching. Engage in an informed way with these young people as they enthusiastically explore learning. As a graduate of this programme you'll have the understanding, skills and academic requirements to be an early childhood or primary teacher. You'll be eligible to apply for provisional registration with the Education Council of Aotearoa New Zealand (EDUCANZ).

• Specialise in Primary Teaching or Early Childhood Teaching from Year 1.
• Further specialise in Mainstream or Pasifika teaching in Year 3.
• Learn practical teaching strategies based on sound research.
• Gain invaluable workplace experience while you study with regular teaching placements.
• Develop a holistic view of the child, and an understanding of the role of family, culture and New Zealand society on human development.
• Be responsive to the learning needs of the next generation and help shape the future.

Career opportunities

The qualification equips students with the skills, knowledge and attitudes they need to be effective teachers in:

• Early childhood centres
• Primary schools
• Intermediate schools

Duration: 3 years full-time / up to 6 years part-time

Start date: 27 February 

Specialisations

When you enter the Bachelor of Education, you choose to specialise in Early Childhood Teaching, or Primary Teaching:

In Year 3, you will further specialise in Mainstream or Pasifika teaching.

Early Childhood Teaching specialisations:

• Early Childhood Teaching Mainstream
• Pasifika Early Childhood Teaching

Primary Teaching specialisations:

• Mainstream Primary Teaching
• Pasifika Primary Teaching

Content and structure

Each semester students complete a teaching placement for three, four or five weeks.

Year 1

Students specialising in early childhood teaching will study from a range of areas:

• Early childhood education in Aotearoa New Zealand
• Health and safety
• Human development and learning
• Infants, toddlers and young children
• Professional Inquiry and Practice
• Whānau/family and society.

Students specialising in Primary Teaching will study from the following areas:

• English
• Mathematics
• Professional Inquiry and Practice
• Whānau/family and society.

Plus
Two other curriculum areas taught in primary school

Year 2

In the second year, students who have chosen an Early Childhood specialisation will learn about the principles of Te Whāriki (the Ministry of Education's early childhood curriculum policy statement), along with the concept of inclusive education.

Human development is further explained and the psychological wellbeing of a child is explored as a critical issue of early childhood education.

Students who have elected to study primary teaching will take a range of subjects that are taught in primary schools, from Mathematics and Technology to Arts and Reading.

Students will learn about critical issues in education and inclusive education principles.

Year 3

In the final year students specialise in an area of their choice (Early Childhood or Primary, Pasifika). ECE students will take one special topic paper and an elective paper or two special topic papers.

Entry requirements

• University Entrance
• All applicants must ensure they meet the Education Council of Aotearoa New Zealand (EDUCANZ) for English Language Competency prior to admission to the programme. The IELTS test score (academic version) required is 7.0 (or above) in all bands.
• You also need to meet all EDUCANZ requirements of good character, which is assessed in the application process below.
• A safety check will be completed to ensure you meet all the requirements as set out in section 31 of the Vulnerable Children Act 2014. Here is a statement from the School of Education regarding the Vulnerable Children Act (1 July 2015 update).
• Note: Pre-degree programmes such as the Certificate in Introduction to Early Childhood Education will not be deemed equivalent to UE for the purpose of entering an initial teacher education programme.

Academic entry requirements for the Certificate in [Specialty] Education and Bachelor of Education[Specialty] Teaching programmes at AUT
For the purposes of entering an Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programme, applicants (both Domestic and International) must have gained UE through one of the following:

• NCEA via Level 3 requirements in 3 subjects from the approved list
• University of Cambridge International examinations
• International Baccalaureate examinations.

All applicants who have English as their second language will need to provide evidence of their English language proficiency.

Application process

1. Apply to enrol at AUT.
2. Provide additional information to the School of Education through the following supplementary forms:
   • Disclosure form/personal declaration. Note: Overseas Police Certificates must be less than 12 months old at the time the application is lodged.
   • Complete a police clearance authorisation form.
   • Two referee reports
3. You will be required to sit a basic numeracy and literacy assessment. Selected applicants will be invited to attend an interview.

Study abroad fees at AUT University: what you'll pay

2016 fees per semester in NZ dollars

• Tuition fee for Study Abroad: NZ$12,500 per semester
• Enrolment fee: NZ$150
• Learner services levy: NZ$320.08 per 60 points
• Placement fee (internship option only): NZ$800
• AUT Insurance Premium: NZ$294.50 per semester

Other compulsory fees (in addition to tuition fees)

• 2016 Compulsory Student Services Fee - $573.30 for 120 points or $4.77 per academic point (GST incl)
• 2016 Building Levy- $66.85 for 120 points or $0.56 per academic point (GST incl)