Overview
In this three-year undergraduate degree programme, you’ll gain the educational theory, curriculum knowledge and professional experience needed to become an outstanding teacher. Graduates will be eligible to apply for teacher registration and provisional certification in New Zealand.
Upon completion of the programme, graduates will be eligible to apply for teacher registration and provisional certification in New Zealand.
Choose one of three endorsements, which will prepare you for teaching in a specific setting of the New Zealand education system:
- Early Childhood Education
- Primary Education
- Te Pōkai Mātauranga o te Ao Rua (Primary Bicultural Education) – Invercargill campus only
Applying
Applications open on 1 May.
You must apply for and be offered a place in the programme.
We encourage applications before 31 July.
Applications close 30 November.
For details about what you need for your application please refer to:
Application process for the Bachelor of Teaching
Student-centred, innovative teaching
We’re committed to developing effective, inclusive and responsive kaiako/teachers. You’ll complete a minimum of 120 days supervised professional experience as you develop the knowledge and skills needed to enter the teaching profession.
Ready to apply?
If this is the qualification for you, get started with your application today.
Programme details
Regulations for the Degree of Bachelor of Teaching (BTchg)
Admission to the Programme
Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities), on the advice of the Dean, College of Education, who must be satisfied that, in accordance with Education and Training Act 2020 Section 255(5) (a) and (b), the applicant satisfies the minimum requirements for admission to an initial teacher education programme as specified by the relevant professional body.
Note: At the time of selection a disposition to teach coupled with a proven academic record, appropriate levels of literacy, numeracy, and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi including te reo Māori proficiency will be sought. Applicants' suitability for the programme will be assessed by an interview.Structure of the Programme
Every programme of study must satisfy the requirements for one of the endorsements listed above.
Duration of the Programme
- A candidate who has not been granted credit or exemptions from papers on the basis of previous study shall normally follow a programme of full-time study for three years.
- A candidate shall satisfy the requirements for the degree within six years of admission to the programme.
Prerequisites, Corequisites and Restrictions
- Every programme of study shall satisfy the requirements for prerequisites, corequisites, and restrictions set out in the Prescriptions (published in the Guide to Enrolment).
Credits
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities) may grant such credits or exemptions as are deemed appropriate for work previously completed by a candidate.
Cross Credits
A candidate who is enrolled for the degree concurrently with another degree, or who has completed one degree and is proceeding with the other, may cross credit 100- and 200-level papers which are common to both degrees up to a maximum of 126 points where the other degree is a three-year degree and up to a maximum of 180 points where the other degree is longer than a three-year degree.
Exclusion from the Programme
A candidate may be excluded from further study towards the degree by the Associate Dean Initial Teacher Education, College of Education (clauses (a), (b) and (d)), or the Dean, College of Education (clause (c)), if the candidate:
- fails to make satisfactory academic progress (as defined by the Academic Progress Policy);
- fails to pass a professional experience paper for a second time:
- fails a component of the professional experience programme due to unprofessional or unethical behaviour, under which circumstances the student may be excluded from the professional component of the qualification.
- fails to pass any other compulsory paper in three attempts.
Examinations
- A candidate, who is enrolled for the Primary option or Primary Bicultural option for the degree and who has satisfied the internal assessment requirements for a compulsory curriculum studies paper but who has obtained a D grade in the final examination, may be permitted to sit a special examination for the paper or papers concerned, provided that the candidate has not failed more than half the total points for the year. In this event, the candidate will be required to repeat all the failed papers.
- Any candidate who is repeating a paper shall not normally be admitted to a special examination for that paper.
Withdrawal from and Readmission to the Programme
- A candidate who withdraws from the programme at any time and wishes to be readmitted to the programme at a later date shall be required to apply to the Associate Dean Initial Teacher Education, College of Education, for readmission.
- The period of temporary withdrawal from the programme shall not normally exceed one year following the year of withdrawal.
- Applications for readmission should normally be received by the Associate Dean Initial Teacher Education, College of Education, no later than 1 November in the year preceding desired readmission.
Variations
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities) may in exceptional circumstances approve a course of study which does not comply with these regulations.
Explore more in Te Pōkai Mātauranga o Te Ao Rua (Primary Bicultural Education)
Learn where this subject can take you and discover the full range of study options, from undergraduate programmes to postgraduate pathways.
Study Te Pōkai Mātauranga o Te Ao Rua (Primary Bicultural Education) at Otago
University jargon
Starting to research your study options and already feeling lost in the jargon? Here are some handy links for common terms you’re likely to come across.
- What’s a degree and how does it work?
- What’s a double degree?
- What’s a combined degree?
- Explore all terminology
Further study
We offer postgraduate opportunities tailored to your interests at Honours, Master's and PhD level.
More information
Have a question or need support? AskOtago can connect you with the right team for personalised help.