Program Overview

Introduction to the Bachelor of Teaching Program

The University of Waikato offers a Bachelor of Teaching (BTchg) program, designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and values required to become a registered teacher in Aotearoa New Zealand. This program is available in both Early Childhood and Primary teaching streams.

Program Overview

The BTchg program is a three-year, 360-point qualification that can be completed full-time or part-time. The program is offered at the University's Hamilton and Tauranga campuses, as well as online.

Points and Duration

• The total number of points required to complete the qualification is 360.
• The expected duration of the program is three years when studied full-time.

Locations

• The qualification is offered at the University's Hamilton and Tauranga campuses.
• An online study option is also available, which involves attending on-campus classes in Hamilton for two one-week blocks per year.

Area of Study

• The BTchg program is offered under the School of Education.

Start Dates

• The qualification can be started in February (A Trimester).

Why Study the Bachelor of Teaching?

The BTchg program is designed to produce highly skilled and reflective teachers who are in high demand both in Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world. As a graduate of this program, you will be eligible to apply for a provisional practising certificate and, after two years of full-time teaching, a full practising certificate with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.

One of the Top Schools for Education

The University of Waikato's School of Education is consistently ranked among the top 300 education schools in the world, according to the QS subject rankings.

Program Structure

The BTchg program is structured over three years, with a range of compulsory and elective papers.

Year 1

• 100-level papers:
  • TEACH101 Ko te Reo me ngā Tikanga o ngā kura
  • TEACH102 Aotearoa Curriculum in Action
  • One of TEACH100 or TEACH111
  • TEACH112 Teaching and Learning Mathematics
  • TEEDU100 Concepts of Learning and Teaching 1
  • TEEDU102 Learning and Development Across the Lifespan
  • Elective

Year 2

• 200-level papers:
  • TEEDU200 Concepts of Learning and Teaching 2
  • TEEDU201 Te Hononga Tangata Cultural Dimensions of Education
  • Elective

Year 3

• 300-level papers:
  • TEEDU300 Concepts of Learning and Teaching 3
  • Elective

Entry Requirements

There are five ways to gain admission to the University of Waikato:

1. NCEA University Entrance
2. Admission at entrance level
3. Discretionary entrance
4. University Entrance prior to 2015
5. Special admission

All applicants are subject to an interview and selection process, which includes a literacy and numeracy test, as well as a police clearance check. Selection of applicants is based on academic background, communication skills, personal qualities, background experiences, and referee support.

Fees and Scholarships

• Estimated fees: $7,614 per year (domestic tuition fees)
• Scholarships: Available through the University's Scholarship finder

Graduate Outcomes

Graduates of the BTchg program can pursue a range of career paths, including:

• Corporate Trainer
• Curriculum Developer
• Educational Consultant
• Education Policy Analyst
• Learning Consultant
• Primary, Intermediate, or Secondary School Teacher
• Recruitment Adviser
• Social Worker
• School Counsellor
• Policy Advisor

Study Bachelor of Teaching Online

The University of Waikato offers a Pāpāho Rau (PPR) program, which allows students to study towards a Bachelor of Teaching online. This program is designed for students who live outside of Hamilton or Tauranga and is particularly well-suited to mature learners or those in regions where attending university in person is difficult.

Graduate Study Options

The University of Waikato also offers graduate study options in teaching, including the Graduate Diploma in Teaching, Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching, and Master of Teaching and Learning.

Qualifications for Teacher Upgrades

The University of Waikato offers a BTchg (Upgrade) program for qualified and registered early childhood and primary school teachers who wish to upgrade their current teaching qualification to a Bachelor of Teaching degree. This program is available for teachers who hold a New Zealand three-year teachers' college diploma or equivalent qualification. Qualified teachers may receive credit for their initial teaching qualification, leaving 120 points to complete the degree.