Early Childhood Teacher Education
Course Groups, Orientation and Timetables
Working in Early Childhood education and care will offer you a challenging and rewarding career, enhancing the lives of infants, toddlers and young children, and providing support for families/whanau in their important task of parenting/caregiving.
If you hold a Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) and wish to upgrade to a degree please visit Upgrade to Bachelor's Degree.
Why study Early Childhood at UC
- You get an internationally recognised Degree (not a diploma)
- Degrees offer opportunities for a wide range of careers and further study
- A UC qualification is recognised internationally
- University services and lifestyle
- Halls or residence, orientation activities, student clubs and societies
- A huge library and student support
- Friendly learning environment with small study groups
- Get to know your classmates as you stay with them throughout your qualification
- Make lifelong friends who have similar interests and career goals as you
- All this plus supportive staff and a great atmosphere to help you achieve your goals.
Scholarships
There are many scholarships available to students enrolling in Early Childhood Teacher Education programmes. For more information visit www.teachnz.govt.nz or call 0800 TEACHNZ.
Features
Early Childhood courses can be studied- full or part-time
- On campus in Christchurch
- By distance through 'FLO', our Flexible Learning Option.
- At our regional campuses in Tauranga and New Plymouth
- At our Nelson campus through FLO (Bachelor of Teaching and Learning)
Bachelor of Teaching and Learning degree (Early Childhood)
Features of the BTchLn (Early Childhood)- On campus in Christchurch and New Plymouthor by distance (FLO).
- Three years full-time or six years part-time (maximum length)
- Classes run between 8.30am and 5pm.
- 16 and 22 hours of lectures per week (full time), plus an equivalent number of hours for personal study, research and assignment preparation.
- Up to ten weeks of professional practice in each year of training.
- Download a 2012 brochure on the BTchLn (Early Childhood) (PDF, 224KB).
Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Teaching
Features of the GradDipECT (Early Childhood)- 1 year course of study.
- Full time.
- 15 weeks of professional practice placements each year in early childhood centres.
Diploma in Teaching and Learning - Centre based (Early Childhood)
No new enrolments. Please refer to the Bachelor of Teaching and Learning degree (Early Childhood)
- 3 year full time teaching qualification for students working at least 15 hours per week in a licensed early childhood centre.
- Available as a part time option over a maximum of 6 years.
- Face to face teaching on campus for one day per week during the College year.
- Some block courses may be scheduled
- Two teaching practices in centres, other than your work place, each year of training.
- Available in New Plymouth.
Flexible Learning Option (FLO)
Features of the Flexible Learning Option (FLO)- Provides access to the three-year Bachelor of Teaching and Learning degree for students who wish to study by distance
- Full or part-time
- Offered in Christchurch
- Print-based materials and on-line support
- Face to face contact is available at Intensive courses at the start of each semester. Additional face to face contact may be scheduled.
Study commitments
- Attending face-to-face regional teaching sessions,
- Full attendance at block courses and professional practices
- Course assignments
- Reading tasks
- Individual preparation
Assessment Guidelines
Assessment Guidelines for Students (PDF, 108KB)
More Information
For more information email education@canterbury.ac.nz or Freephone in NZ 0800 VARSITY (827 748).