Programme overview
In this practical, field-based programme, you will develop the skills required to become a competent, informed, and reflective early childhood teacher who is committed to young children and their learning and development.
You can earn while you learn, by working at least 12 hours a week in an early childhood centre from semester 2 of your degree, plus spending 2 days a week on campus where you will learn to relate your teaching practice to theory. Teaching staff are always on hand to provide pastoral care, and there are also numerous student support services available on campus.
You will also experience a range of practicum placements at other early childhood centres for 22 weeks over three years. When you graduate, you'll be eligible to become a registered teacher in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Highlights
- Become a qualified early childhood teacher: you will be able to apply for teacher registration with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand;
- Emphasis on teaching practice: work (paid or voluntary) in a local licensed early childhood centre for at least 12 hours per week during the programme. This means that there will be a 50:50 ratio of theory to practice, ensuring our graduates are industry ready.
- Blended learning is available. Some classes will be available online;
- Experience teaching in a range of centres: each year you will also take part in a practicum, at an early childhood education centre for 37.5 hours per week;
- Our graduates had an employment success rate of over 90% in 2020;
- A focus on research: you will design an action research project in an area of interest, carry it out during your work experience, then reflect upon how it’s impacted on your practice
- A strong emphasis on mātauranga Māori and the Aotearoa New Zealand early childhood curriculum document, Te Whāriki, with a commitment to a bicultural and sociocultural learning approach;
- Acknowledgement of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, which prepares you to implement te reo me ngā tikanga Māori in your teaching practice.
- Kaupapa Maori courses, taught by Maori Kaiako, are woven throughout this degree to ensure Te Tiriti is at the heart of our work.
Work Experience
You will complete at least 12 hours (paid or voluntary) work experience per week, over 22 weeks during term times. If you are not currently employed, we can guide you to locate an appropriate centre close to your home.
Practicums
Year One: You will complete one 2-week practicum in your first semester at the centre where you are on work experience. You will also complete one four-week practicum at the end of the year at another centre, chosen by Unitec in accordance with Teaching Council requirements.
Years Two and Three: You will complete two four week practicum per year, one in your home centre and one in another centre, as chosen by Unitec in accordance with Teaching Council requirements.
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
For this programme, the application process depends on your age:
If you are at least 20 years old, you need to:
- Be able to work for a minimum of 12 hours per week for the duration of the programme in a licensed early childhood centre;
- Complete a self-declaration of criminal convictions and medical conditions form;
- Consent to a Safety Check which meets the requirements of the Children Act 2014 (formerly known as the Vulnerable Children's Act) and will be shared with a host institution as part of your practicum placement. This includes:
- Provide two forms of verified ID and evidence of any name changes;
- Consent to a police vet check;
- Provide the names of two referees who Unitec or your placement provider can contact;
- Pass a mandatory interview process which includes a group and individual interview plus a short numeracy and literacy test;
- If required, provide a Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing a chronological summary of your work history for the past 5 years and the name of any professional organisations, licensing authorities and registration authorities that you have been or are a member of.
Please note: If you're 20 or over, you don't need to have any NCEA credits (or equivalent), however there is a short numeracy and literacy test during your interview process.
If you are under 20 years old:
In addition to the above requirements, you will need the following:
- Be at least 17 years old by the time the programme begins;
- University Entrance which requires NCEA Level 3 including:
- 14 credits at NCEA Level 3 in three different approved subjects;
- 10 credits at NCEA Level 2 or higher in English or Maori (5 in reading, 5 in writing);
- 10 credits at NCEA Level 1 or higher in Mathematics or Pangarau;
If you don’t meet the academic criteria above, we have a range of Bridging Education programmes which will help you prepare for further academic study.
English requirements
If English is not your first language you will also need one or more of the following:
- University Entrance literacy - 10 credits at NCEA Level 2 or higher in English or Maori (5 in reading, 5 in writing), or;
- Evidence of achieving an overall IELTS (Academic) band score of no less than 7.0 in each band of the test. For alternative requirements, please see the Teaching Council website.
If you don’t meet the English criteria above, we also have a range of English Language programmes available, depending on your current level of ability.
If you don’t meet these requirements, you may still apply under special or discretionary entrance.
For more information download the programme regulations:
Courses and timetables
For more details on the courses including timetables, please click on the course names below.
| Courses | Credits | Aim |
|---|---|---|
| Hauora (EDUC5000) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | This course examines models of health and well-being to develop the skills and knowledge of effective practices to promote holistic health and well-being for self and others within the learning community. |
| Introduction to Te Whariki (EDUC5001) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | This course introduces Te Whariki as an integrated curriculum to underpin the facilitation of learning and development. |
| Human Development (EDUC5002) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | This course explores theories of human development and analyses the implications for practice in early childhood contexts in Aotearoa. |
| Integrated Curriculum (EDUC5003) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | This course develops knowledge and understanding of play-based learning within an integrated curriculum. |
| Partnership, Perspectives and Policy (EDUC5004) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | This course examines historical and socio-cultural contexts of early childhood education in Aotearoa, introducing the policy and legislation, and the importance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi based practices in early childhood education. |
| Te Kete Manaaki Tangata (EDUC5005) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | This course develops understandings of te reo me nga tikanga Māori in relation to manaaki tangata. |
| Teachers as Partners (EDUC5006) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | This course develops knowledge, skills and attitudes required for early childhood kaiako to work in professional partnership with kaiako, whānau and community. |
| Introduction to Professional Experience (EDUC5007) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | This course supports students in partnership with an early childhood service to demonstrate teaching and professional practices that recognise the integrated nature of the learning of tamariki. |
Unitec is part of Te Pūkenga
On 1 October 2022 Unitec became part of Te Pūkenga. Find out more about Te Pūkenga and what this means for you.
