Enter a profession where the demand for graduates is high in New Zealand and overseas. Gain an internationally-recognised degree from the only New Zealand University to rank in the top 50 in the world for Education as a subject.

Choose to specialise in teaching Primary, Early Childhood Education or Huarahi Māori. The university programme will equip you with the tools you need to teach in 21st century classrooms and education centres, where building strong relationships is vital, diversity is welcomed and digital learning is key.

You will be taught by academics who are experts in their fields of Education and passionate about supporting the next generation of teachers. Courses are taught through a range of methods including face-to-face lectures, tutorials and workshops, as well as online learning.

Over the three years, you’ll spend full-time practical placements (practicums) in a range of schools, kura or early childhood centres. You'll have the guidance of a dedicated teacher within the school or centre, as well as support by your university supervisors. 

This will help you to become a part of a community, establish connections to set you up in your career, and gain vital skills to prepare you for the transition into teaching.

What can you study in Early Childhood Education?

The Bachelor of Education (Teaching) Early Childhood Education is a three-year specialisation. It qualifies you to become an early childhood teacher in a range of settings, including kindergartens and early childhood centres (typically children from birth to five). Upon graduation, you will be eligible for provisional teacher certification.

The programme will develop your understanding of the teaching profession, theories of learning, the early childhood curriculum: Te Whāriki, te reo Māori, Māori and Pacific culture, literacy, numeracy and communication skills.

Secondary school qualifications

country or region not listed: You need to have one of the following:

• International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum total score of 24.
• General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level. You must have completed a minimum of three A-Level subjects with at least a ‘C’ grade (55%-59%) or higher. General Studies or similar general paper cannot be included.
• Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). You must have completed a minimum of three A-level subjects.

India: You need to have one of the following:

• 12 years of schooling and an overall average of 75% in the All-India Senior School Certificate (AISSC), Indian School Certificate (ISC), Karnataka, Maharashtra and West Bengal State Board Examinations with a minimum of 70%t in English.
• 12 years of schooling and an overall average of 80% in all other Higher Secondary State Board Examinations with a minimum of 75% in English.

China:

• The National College Entrance Examination (NCEE) otherwise known as Gaokao. (Have a high school diploma or equivalent, Be in good health…)

Further requirements

Admission is subject to a satisfactory interview, police check/s, safety checks* and referees’ reports.

*Read the Compliance with the Children's Act 2014. 

Other pathways to study

You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:

• Bridge your educational gap with a preparation and foundation programme.
• If you are 20 on or before the first day of semester, have no formal University Entrance (UE) qualification, and are a New Zealand or Australian citizen or permanent resident you can apply for special admission.