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Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Bachelor

Do you want to work with young children? Study early childhood education and develop the skills and knowledge required to make a difference in the lives of children, their whanau, and society.

Key details

Degree Type

Bachelor

Intake Months

Feb, Jul

Domestic Fees

$7,000 per year

International Fees

$25,377 per year

About this course

In this practical, field-based programme, you will develop the skills required to become a competent, informed, and reflective early childhood teacher who is committed to young children and their learning and development.

You can earn while you learn, by working at least 12 hours a week in an early childhood centre from the beginning of your degree, plus spending 2 days a week on campus, where you will learn to relate your teaching practice to theory. Our staff are always on hand to provide pastoral care, and there are also numerous student support services available on campus.

You'll also experience a range of practicum placements through 10 week placements at your own early childhood centre and 12 week placements at our designated early childhood centre over three years. When you graduate, you'll be eligible to become a registered teacher in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Highlights

Become a qualified early childhood teacher: you will be able to apply for teacher registration with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand;
Emphasis on teaching practice: work (paid or voluntary) in a local licensed early childhood centre for at least 12 hours per week during the programme. This means that there will be a 50:50 ratio of theory to practice, ensuring our graduates are industry ready.
Experience teaching in a range of centres: each year you will also take part in a practicum, at an early childhood education centre for 37.5 hours per week;
Our graduates had an employment success rate of over 90% in the past years;
A focus on research: you will design an action research project in an area of interest, carry it out during your work experience, then reflect upon how it's impacted on your practice
A strong emphasis on matauranga Maori and the Aotearoa New Zealand early childhood curriculum document, Te Whariki, with a commitment to a bicultural and sociocultural learning approach

Professional Work Experience Requirement

You will complete at least 12 hours (paid or voluntary) work experience per week, over 22 weeks during term times. If you are not currently employed, we can guide you to locate an appropriate centre close to your home.

Practicum

Year One: You will complete one 2-week practicum in your first semester at the centre where you are on work experience. You will also complete one four-week practicum at the end of the year at another centre, chosen by Unitec in accordance with Teaching Council requirements.

Years Two and Three: You will complete two four week practicum per year, one in your home centre and one in another centre, as chosen by Unitec in accordance with Teaching Council requirements.

Entry requirements

What you will need to study this programme.

Domestic students Academic requirements

You must have completed the following:

NCEA entry requirements;
- 14 credits at NCEA Level 3 in three approved subjects;
- 10 credits at NCEA Level 2 or higher in English or Maori (5 in reading, 5 in writing)
- 10 credits at NCEA Level 1 or higher in Mathematics or Pangarau
- Complete and pass a short numeracy and literacy test
  (Note: Applies to applicants who do not meet the general admission requirements and who have not reached the age of 20 . You can find more information on special or discretionary)

And meet one of the English entry requirements;

University Entrance Literacy: 10 credits at Level 2 or above in English or Maori (5 in Reading, 5 in Writing); or
Evidence of English language proficiency as outlined in the NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students Web-page.

Don't meet these Academic requirements?

If you don't meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes and English Language programmes available can help you qualify. Apply online, and we'll be in touch about your next steps.
If you don't meet the above criteria, special or discretionary admission may apply; your eligibility will be determined at the interview.

Non-academic requirements

When you apply for this programme, you must provide proof of your certified identity (ID) and other documents, such as academic certificates. Please have these handy when you're ready to apply.

See what documents you may need to provide

As part of your application, you'll also need to consent to a Safety Check, which could involve providing:

Two forms of identification, including proof of any name changes
A self-declaration of medical conditions and criminal convictions
Contact details for two referees
Your curriculum vitae (CV)
Consent to an NZ Police Check
Attending an interview

In some instances, the information collected may be shared with workplace placement providers.

For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 481 KB)

International students Academic requirements

As a part of this requirement, you must be at least 17 years of age and meet one of the country-specific admission requirements;

And English entry requirements;

If English is not your first language, you will also need at least one of the following qualifications:

Evidence of an overall IELTS (Academic) band score of at least 7.0 in each band; or
University Entrance Literacy: 10 Credits at NCEA Level 2 or above in English or Maori (5 in reading, 5 in writing); or
Evidence of English language proficiency as outlined in the NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students Web-page.
*In exceptional cases, Unitec can request an exemption from the Teaching Council for students who can't provide standard English language evidence but demonstrate a high level of English proficiency through alternative means.

Check the Teaching Council Website for more information about ESOL requirements.