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yellow shirts (primary)

We offer teaching programmes for people who want to teach in primary and intermediate schools in New Zealand and overseas. Graduates will be qualified primary school teachers.

Choose from the following qualifications

Primary Education is an endorsement for the Bachelor of Teaching and for the Master of Teaching and Learning.

Bachelor of Teaching (Primary Education)

A three-year undergraduate degree programme for those who do not hold a degree.

The Bachelor of Teaching endorsed in Primary Education features contemporary theory, curriculum knowledge and in-class experience, enabling graduates to teach in primary and intermediate schools.

Offered in Dunedin and Invercargill.

Catechetical Studies

An additional study option for those who want to teach in Catholic or other schools where Religious Education is taught.

Catechetical Studies includes taking a Theology paper (or papers) during your undergraduate study, concurrently with your teaching degree.

It is recommended that you contact the Programme Coordinator at the College of Education about taking this option.

Master of Teaching and Learning (Primary Education)

This intensive postgraduate (Level 9) qualification is aimed at people who have already graduated with a university degree.

For admission to the Master of Teaching and Learning degree endorsed in Primary Education, applicants must have an average grade of at least a B in the final year major subject requirements for a Level 7 bachelor's degree (requiring papers worth at least 360 points) or in the course components for a postgraduate qualification; or acceptable alternative qualifications or experience (i.e. proven postgraduate study).

Over an extended academic year (January to December), student teachers are required to complete six compulsory papers addressing education and pedagogy (including diversity and inclusion), curriculum, and professional experience (school-based practical teaching experience). A Noho Marae, literacy, mathematics and Te Reo Māori assessments are also required.

Offered in Dunedin only.

How to apply for a teaching programme

Application dates and information on how to apply

Contact us

For questions about our teaching programmes

Email collegeofeducation.askotago@otago.ac.nz
Tel 0800 TO TEACH (0800 868 3224)

For support with the online application process

AskOtago Service Portal
Tel 0800 80 80 98

This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.

Regulations on this page are taken from the 2023 Calendar and supplementary material.

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