Teaching and Learning Early Childhood

The Bachelor of Teaching and Learning in Early Childhood at the University of Canterbury is a comprehensive and innovative programme designed to prepare future educators for working with young children in various early childhood settings. This programme emphasizes the importance of fostering holistic development, including social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth, in children from birth to five years old. Students will engage in a rich combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, ensuring they are well-equipped to support children's learning and development in diverse contexts such as early childhood centres, kindergartens, and family-focused services.

Throughout the programme, students explore contemporary pedagogical approaches, curriculum design, and inclusive education practices tailored to early childhood education. They gain an understanding of child development theories and applying these principles in real-world settings through supervised practicum placements. These placements provide invaluable hands-on experience, allowing students to implement their learning, observe children's behaviour, and develop effective teaching strategies under the guidance of experienced educators.

The curriculum also emphasizes the importance of cultural competence, recognizing the diverse backgrounds of children and their families. Students are encouraged to develop respectful and responsive teaching practices that promote tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles, aligning with New Zealand’s commitment to biculturalism. The programme fosters critical thinking, reflective practice, and lifelong learning, preparing graduates to adapt to the evolving landscape of early childhood education.

Faculty members are experts in child development, pedagogy, and inclusive education, providing mentorship and support throughout the course. The programme collaborates closely with early childhood communities and stakeholders to ensure that graduates are responsive to current trends and policies in early childhood care and education.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Teaching and Learning in Early Childhood will be qualified to register as early childhood teachers in New Zealand and are prepared for a rewarding career shaping the developmental pathways of young children. They will emerge as confident, competent, and compassionate educators committed to fostering positive learning environments that celebrate diversity and promote equitable outcomes for all children.

The Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood) requires 360 points as follows:

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

Flexible Learning Option

If you would like to study by distance you will need to attend up to two on-site intensives, one of which is a two week on-site intensive at the beginning of the programme. This will be held in Christchurch unless you are enrolled in the regional programme in New Plymouth.

Courses integrate web-based material, audiovisual resources, video conferences and email. You will also attend professional practice placements in early childhood education centres for up to ten weeks per year.

Duration

The BTchLn(EarlyChildhood) can be completed in three years by full-time study or up to six years by part-time study.

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 of 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.

For the full degree entry requirements see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood).

Qualification specific requirements

Selection process

The BTchLn(EarlyChildhood) 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 as outlined in the Application for Programme Entry
• 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.

Funding for the Teaching and Learning Early Childhood programme at the University of Canterbury is primarily available through a variety of sources designed to support domestic and international students throughout their studies. Domestic students can access government-subsidized student loan schemes and allowances, which help cover tuition fees and living expenses. The New Zealand Government offers student loans for eligible students enrolled full-time or part-time in approved programmes, including those at the University of Canterbury, which can be repaid once the graduate earns above a certain income threshold. Additionally, government grants and scholarships are available for students demonstrating academic excellence, financial need, or belonging to specific groups such as Māori or Pasifika students. These scholarships are typically awarded based on academic merit, leadership potential, or community involvement and are applicable toward tuition fees or living costs.

International students pursuing the Teaching and Learning Early Childhood programme are responsible for paying international tuition fees, which are generally higher than domestic rates. The university offers various scholarship opportunities aimed at international students, including merit-based scholarships that can significantly offset the cost of tuition. Some students opt to secure external funding through scholarships provided by their home governments, international agencies, or private organizations that promote international education and capacity building in early childhood education.

Apart from scholarships and government support, students often explore other financial aid options such as student work opportunities available on campus. The university’s employment services assist students in finding part-time work suited to their study schedules, providing supplemental income and practical experience. Additionally, students may consider alternative financing options including private loans or family support, but these are less common due to the availability of government and university-based funding sources.

To support students in planning their finances, the University of Canterbury provides detailed guidance and resources on budgeting, financial planning, and applying for various funding schemes through their official student support pages. It is recommended that prospective students thoroughly research the specific eligibility criteria and application deadlines for each funding opportunity to optimize their chances of securing financial assistance.

Overall, the combination of government loans, grants, scholarships, and employment support forms a comprehensive financing framework that enables students to pursue their educational goals in Teaching and Learning Early Childhood at the University of Canterbury with manageable financial planning.

The Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood) at the University of Canterbury is a comprehensive qualification designed to prepare graduates for a career in early childhood education. This programme emphasizes the development of pedagogical skills, understanding of child development, and the ability to create inclusive and engaging learning environments for young children. Through a combination of theoretical coursework, practical teaching placements, and research opportunities, students gain a holistic understanding of early childhood education principles and practices. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including child psychology, learning theories, curriculum design, and assessment methods tailored to early childhood settings. The programme also places significant focus on cultural responsiveness and inclusivity, ensuring that graduates can effectively work within diverse communities and support the unique needs of all children. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, including dedicated early childhood education labs and community partnerships that facilitate hands-on experience. Graduates of this programme are well-prepared to work in a variety of settings, such as preschools, kindergartens, and early learning centers across New Zealand and beyond. The programme aligns with national educational standards and aims to foster reflective practitioners capable of continuous professional development. The University of Canterbury supports students through experienced faculty, mentorship, and opportunities to engage with leading researchers and practitioners in early childhood education. Completion of the degree qualifies graduates to register with the New Zealand Teaching Council as licensed early childhood teachers, enabling them to contribute positively to the development and learning of young children during their formative years.