Teaching and Learning Early Childhood

As an early childhood teacher you have the chance to teach infants, toddlers and young children when they are most open to learning. The rapid rate of development in children of this age and their natural desire to learn makes for a hugely gratifying environment in which to work.

The Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood) (BTchLn(EarlyChildhood) is an internationally recognised qualification that prepares you for a teaching career in different early childhood settings. This degree is available to study full-time or part-time:

• on campus in Christchurch
• in New Plymouth by a mix of face-to-face and distance study
• by distance through the Flexible Learning Option (FLO).

Features of the BTchLn(EarlyChildhood) at UC

• A UC teaching qualification is recognised nationally and internationally as being of high quality
• Flexible learning options in the way you study and where
• International study opportunities, for example Rarotonga, Samoa and China
• Students get to know their lecturers and classmates well
• Scholarships may be available, including $10,000 TeachNZ Scholarships 

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.