UC offers five qualifications for anyone wishing to become a Primary school teacher:
Successful completion of any of these pathways lead to eligibility to apply for Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand registration. However, there are differences in the duration, focus and qualification awarded.
Which pathway is for me?
The Ako:BTchLn is a three-year undergraduate programme.
Already have a degree? You can choose from one of our one year programmes GradDipTchLn, PGDipTchgLn and the MTchgLn.
Ako: Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Primary)
The Ako: Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Primary) is a professional qualification that prepares you for a rewarding career as a primary school teacher.The degree takes three years of full-time study, or can be studied part-time for up to six years. This pathway is available on campus in Ōtautahi Christchurch by or distance study. If you would like to study our initial teacher education (ITE) qualifications by distance you will need to reside in Aotearoa New Zealand.
You will need to: attend on-site intensives (OSI) in Ōtautahi Christchurch, one of which is an OSI at the beginning of the programme; undertake a community engagement course; and undertake professional practice placements in schools in Aotearoa New Zealand. If you are enrolled at the Whakatū Nelson Campus, you will complete a blended model of online and face-to face courses.
Ako: Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Mātauranga Māori)
The Ako: Bachelor of Teaching and Learning Mātauranga Māori endorsement prepares you for a teaching career in different primary settings. The degree takes three years of full-time study, or can be studied part-time for up to six years. This pathway prioritises te reo Māori me ōna tikanga, and is founded on mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge), Māori philosophies, and values.
The Mātauranga Māori Initial Teacher Education pathway will equip you to work in whare kōhungahunga (early childhood) and/or kura tuatahi (primary) settings working at level 2 (51–80% te reo Māori immersion) or higher. A graduate of the Mātauranga Māori programme has the ability to work in bilingual English medium educational settings, where knowledge of te reo Māori me ōna tikanga, bicultural practice, and culturally empowering pedagogies are valued as a means to support child development.
- He ako ā-rorohiko, ā-kanohi kitea hoki te momo ako, nā reira, ka taea te ako mai tawhiti. Heoi anō me matua tae ā-tinana mō ētahi wāhanga o ia tau, he noho marae ki te hau kāinga o Kāi Tahu ia tau.
This is a mixed method style of delivery with content being available online, therefore there is the ability to learn from anywhere. Kanohi ki te kanohi (face to face) delivery will also be included in the programme through scheduled block wānanga each year and one noho marae each year.
For more information kōrero with a Student Advisor
Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Primary Education)
If you already have a Level 7 bachelor's degree or equivalent you can enrol in the one-year Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Primary Education) (GradDipTchLn). This programme can be undertaken full-time in one year, on campus in Christchurch and full-time or part-time or full-time by distance study. Distance students are required to attend an On-site Intensive (OSI) in Ōtautahi Christchurch at the beginning of the programme. This option is suited to those looking for a well-respected pathway into teaching, including 80 days of professional practice in schools and research-based coursework.
Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning
If you already have a Level 7 bachelor's degree or equivalent with a B average at 300-level you can enrol in the Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (PGDipTchgLn). This pathway combines research-informed knowledge and critical inquiry with practice-based experiences in schools to prepare you for a career in teaching.
The programme can be studied full-time in one year either on-campus or by distance study (Primary Education only). Distance students are required to attend an On-site Intensive (OSI) in Ōtautahi Christchurch at the beginning of the programme.
The PGDipTchgLn is a pathway to the Master of Teaching and Learning (MTchgLn). To transfer from the PGDipTchgLn to the MTchgLn, you must achieve a B average or better in the PGDipTchgLn. By completing the PGDipTchgLn plus an additional 30-point course, students can achieve the MTchgLn.
Master of Teaching and Learning
If you already have a Level 7 bachelor's degree or equivalent with a B average at 300-level you can enrol in the one-year Master of Teaching and Learning (MTchgLn). The MTchgLn will equip you with enhanced research-based knowledge and inquiry skills, experiences of contemporary educational theory and professional practice so you can become a teacher with the expertise essential to schools in the 21st century.
