奥克兰大学

Enter a profession where the demand for graduates is high in New Zealand and overseas. Gain an internationally-recognised degree from the only New Zealand University to rank in the top 50 in the world for Education as a subject.

Choose to specialise in teaching Primary, Early Childhood Education or Huarahi Maori. Our programme will equip you with the tools you need to teach in 21st century classrooms and education centres, where building strong relationships is vital, diversity is welcomed and digital learning is key.

The programme is shaped by a commitment to fairness and social justice. It is underpinned by the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a commitment to ensure equitable outcomes in learning. You will learn alongside a diverse range of students and be taught basic proficiency in te reo Maori.

You will be taught by academics who are experts in their fields of Education and passionate about supporting the next generation of teachers. Courses are taught through a range of methods including face-to-face lectures, tutorials and workshops, as well as online learning.

Over the three years, you’ll spend full-time practical placements (practicums) in a range of schools, kura or early childhood centres. You'll have the guidance of a dedicated teacher within the school or centre, as well as support by your university supervisors. This will help you to become a part of a community, establish connections to set you up in your career, and gain vital skills to prepare you for the transition into teaching.

Early Childhood Education

Prepare for a rewarding career teaching young children, from birth to five years. Graduates of our highly regarded programmes are qualified to teach in a variety of early childhood settings in New Zealand and are in high demand by employers.

Subject overview

An early childhood teacher plays a critical role in young children’s learning and exploration of the world. Studying early childhood education (ECE) with us means that you will be taught by outstanding academics and teaching professionals who have the latest knowledge of early childhood research and practice. You will learn to teach through a range of practical experiences in early childhood centres supported by leading practitioners. Your programme will include studies in the New Zealand early childhood curriculum and a range of theories and practices relating to ECE. Courses include studies in curriculum, theories of learning and development, diversity, Te Ao Maori and contexts of ECE. All our early childhood teacher education programmes emphasise practice, and are designed to provide you with skills to create positive learning experiences for young children and their whanau.

Where can Early Childhood Education take you?

Upon successful completion you will be able to apply for teacher certification with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand. You may also wish to continue studying with us. We offer a range of postgraduate early childhood courses which can lead to careers in education management, policymaking and research.

Jobs related to this programme

Curriculum developer

Early childhood/primary teacher

Education consultant

Educational researcher

Human Rights education coordinator

Maori medium teacher

Policy adviser

Special Needs specialist

Further study options

Master of Education

Bachelor of Education (Teaching) (Honours)

Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Theory

Postgraduate Certificate in Education