Te Tohu Paetahi Akoranga: Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Note: As a business division of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, UCOL is committed to providing the best learning outcome for you. As part of this, all programmes are currently being reviewed to make them portable, consistent, and closely aligned with the needs of the industry. When published, this course information is correct, but the courses offered may change over time. If you have any questions call an Enrolment Advisor on 0800 468 265.

Year 1

Year 2

Infants and Toddlers: First 1000 days (15 Credits)
This course will critically examine the requirements for providing education and care for infants and toddlers in early childhood settings.

Equity & Diversity (15 Credits)
This course will help you understand historical and social issues connected to diversity and the achievement of educational equity for infants, toddlers, young children, and their families in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Professional Inquiry in Practice 3: Assessment for Learning and Teaching (15 Credits)
This programme will provide you with the skills and knowledge to assess learning in early childhood settings. 

Professional Inquiry in Practice 4: Personal and Professional Identity (15 Credits)
This course will help you develop a reflective practitioner's professional knowledge, skills, and attitudes within early childhood settings.

Year 3

• New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 4)
• New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5)

To be eligible to enter this programme, you must be 17 years of age at the start of the programme, and provide evidence that you meet Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Entry to the Programme requirements.

Non-Academic Requirements

Learners must authorise UCOL to obtain a background check from the New Zealand Police Licensing and Vetting Agency. If a conviction and/or a matter of concern is identified, the decision for accepting the applicant’s enrolment into the programme is at the discretion of the Academic Portfolio Manager.

For more information about NCEA Credits see the UCOL NCEA explained page.

In addition to the Domestic Entry Requirements, the following applies to international learner applicants.

The minimum requirements are: 
An IELTS score of at least 7.0 (Academic) in all bands (or equivalent including TOEFL, NZ Certificate in English Language (Academic) L5), achieved in one sitting authorised by the awarding body (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible), and which is within the preceding two years when the student’s application is received and stamped by Registry. 

Safety Check

UCOL holds a steadfast commitment to safeguarding the well-being and security of everyone within the early childhood sector. To uphold this commitment, we diligently carry out a thorough safety assessment once you have successfully completed your application for enrolment. This assessment includes the following vital steps: 

1. Interview: We will engage in a thoughtful and informative interview to better understand your background and qualifications. 
2. Confirmation of Work History: To ensure a comprehensive overview of your experience, we will verify your work history. 
3. Two Trusted Referees: We kindly request the contact information of two trusted referees who can provide valuable insights into your qualifications and character. 
4. Completing New Zealand Police Vetting: In line with our rigorous safety standards, we will facilitate New Zealand Police vetting to guarantee a secure and conducive learning environment for all. 

The safety and well-being of both our students and the young tamariki during your practical experience in the early childhood community are of the utmost importance to us. This thorough safety check stands as an essential component of our unwavering dedication to delivering an educational experience that is not only secure but also nurturing and supportive. 

Field-Based Experience

Practical Experience Placement

In addition to your field-based experience, you will also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a distinct early childhood service. This practical experience spans a duration of four weeks in year 1 and 5 weeks in year 2 & 3, with a commitment of 30 hours per week, involving full-time engagement across five days. 

Please be aware that as part of this practical experience placement, you may be required to travel beyond your district. Any associated expenses incurred during this period will be the responsibility of the student. 

Noho Marae 

It is important to note that all ākonga enrolled in Year 1 and 3 are required to participate in a mandatory noho marae experience, which includes an overnight stay. This enriching cultural experience is an integral part of the curriculum and enhances your overall educational journey. 

Academic Requirements for Admission 

To be eligible for entry to the programme, applicants must be 17 years of age at the start of the programme, and provide evidence that they meet Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand's Entry to the Programme requirements.   

1. For those under 20 years of age: 

1. Applicants under the age of 20 years must have University Entrance (UE) 

or 

2. Be able to demonstrate to the satisfaction of UCOL that they have the skills and ability to study at a tertiary level. This may include successful completion of New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care L4. Students will need to demonstrate an ability to study at the tertiary level. 

2. For those over 20 years of age, there are no academic requirements for admission.  However, applicants over 20 and without UE will need to be able to demonstrate to the satisfaction of UCOL that they have the ability to study at a tertiary level. 

3. For applicants for whom English is an additional language; must demonstrate their English proficiency with a band score of 7.0 or higher for each component of the academic version of IELTS or equivalent,  

All applicants must meet the general admission criteria as approved by the Academic Board.  In addition, all applicants are required to: 

• Declare any previous criminal convictions (including international convictions) prior to admission being confirmed. Convictions of any offence may not necessarily exclude applicants from enrolment; the decision is at the discretion of the Executive Dean; and 
• Authorise UCOL to obtain a background check from the New Zealand Police Licensing and Vetting Agency. If a conviction and/or a matter of concern is identified, the decision for accepting the applicant's enrolment onto the programme is at the discretion of the Executive Dean; and 
• Complete a Health Declaration Form  
• Provide certified copies of all relevant documentation. 
• Completion of Children's Act and Safety Checking Documentation.  
• Participation in a Group and Individual Interview.  
• Successful completion of Numeracy, Literacy, and Written Assessments.  
• Completion of the Te Kākano cultural competency assessment.  

Our selection process is a pivotal part of ensuring that our program aligns with your goals and aspirations. During this process, a comprehensive interview will be conducted, allowing us to evaluate various aspects, including: 

• Personal qualities 
• Professional qualities 
• Early childhood knowledge and experience 
  
• Additional work and community involvement 
• Cultural knowledge and understanding 

Rest assured, the interview panel will comprise dedicated UCOL early childhood kaimahi (lecturers) who possess extensive experience and expertise in this field. The interview itself is conducted in a fair and professional manner, with utmost attention to ensuring your comfort and ease throughout the process. We encourage you to invite family or whānau to provide support during this important step in your academic journey. 

In the event that the number of qualified applicants surpasses the available program slots, a waitlist will be created based on the date of completed and received applications. 

Recognition of prior learning 
Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning may be made on the Recognition of Prior Learning Form where a learner believes all learning outcomes for a course have already been met. Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the UCOL Academic Statute and other relevant policies and procedures. 

Application checklist 
To streamline and simplify the application process, we recommend that you prepare the following items before you apply: 

• National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have a NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.) 
• Evidence of your highest level of academic achievement (and evidence of prior learning, if applicable) 
• Evidence that you meet the entry requirements of the programme 
• Check if you're eligible for additional support or a scholarship. If you're 19 years or younger, you may be eligible to enrol in one of our free Youth Transition programmes. 

Note that you will need to provide any verified documents in person, via post or email (not via the online application form).