Bachelor of Teaching (ECE)

Tohu Paetahi Whakaakoranga (ECE)

Become an early childhood education teacher. Study with Te Rito Maioha and make a difference to the lives of New Zealand’s youngest tamariki.

Register interest

Applications for study commencing in February 2021 have now closed. Please register interest if you would like to be notified when applications for the 2021 mid-year intakes are open.

Our Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) gives you the knowledge, skills and practical experience required to begin your career in ECE.

The 3-year Level 7 programme blends online learning with practical experience in an early childhood setting to prepare you to become a qualified, registered early childhood teacher.

If you would like to study for the Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) over more than 3 years, you can request to study part-time if you complete the programme within an agreed timeframe.

Programme delivery

Te ara tuku

You will study nine 30-credit courses and six 15-credit courses over 3 years. There are two semesters a year, and both are 16 weeks long.

Weekly requirements include:
•    approximately 16 hours of online engagement
•    12 hours of practice in a licensed early childhood centre (supervised by a registered teacher)
•    an average of 9 hours of independent study.

In addition to supervised practice in your home early childhood service, you will need to complete a teaching practicum in a different setting during each year of the programme.

There will also be one 2-day noho marae experience each year.

Contact us


0800 244 532


studentservices@ecnz.ac.nz

Virtual Open Days

Thursday 29 October - 7.15pm to 8.15pm
Zoom Meeting ID: 871 0370 5926

Tuesday 3 November - 12.30pm to 3.30pm
Zoom Meeting ID: 894 4335 2957

Tuesday 10 November - 7.15pm to 8.15pm
Zoom Meeting ID: 885 3747 1340

Monday 16 November - 12.30pm to 3.30pm
Zoom Meeting ID: 839 4086 6218

Monday 23 November - 12.30pm to 3.30pm
Zoom Meeting ID: 831 7720 9177

Register interest

22 January 2021

Admission requirements

Nga hiahiatanga tono

You are required to work (either paid or unpaid) at an ECE centre for a minimum of 12 hours a week under the supervision of a registered teacher with a full practising certificate or subject to confirmation.

If you work in a licensed home-based care service, you will need to complete at least 6 hours a week in a licensed early childhood education service that meets the supervision requirements.

To apply for this programme, you must:

  • be at least 17 years old (18 years old if you are an international student)
  • have University Entrance or better (or overseas equivalent) and meet the literacy and numeracy standards required for entrance to a university or be able to demonstrate to our satisfaction that you have the skills and ability to study at tertiary level*
  • provide evidence that you will be working with children in an early childhood service at the time of entry
  • pass a children’s worker safety check as required under the Children’s Act 2014, including police vetting
  • provide evidence of your proficiency in English if English is an additional language.
    * If you are aged 20 or over, you do not require University Entrance.
University Entrance
NCEA Level 3
  • Three subjects at Level 3 made up of 14 credits (12 credits in 2020 due to Covid-19) each in three University Entrance approved subjects. For more information, please go to www.nzqa.govt.nz.
  • Literacy at Level 2 or above made up of 5 credits in reading and 5 credits in writing.
  • Numeracy requires 10 credits at Level 1 or above.

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Where could this programme take you?

Te Rito Maioha offers programmes to increase your knowledge and attractiveness to future employers.  You may also be interested in pursuing one of the following career choices as an alternative.

Further study options
  • New Zealand Diploma of Early Childhood Education (Aperfield Montessori)
  • New Zealand Diploma of Early Childhood Education (Pasifika)
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership (ECE)
  • Postgraduate Diploma Infant and Toddler Learning and Development
Career options related to this programme
  • ECE Teacher
  • Curriculum developer
  • Education consultant
  • Educational researcher
  • Human Rights education coordinator
  • Special Needs specialist

Melanie Morrison – Bachelor of Teaching (ECE)
I can’t speak highly enough of the lecturers and all the staff at Te Rito Maioha.
They are amazing!
My knowledge in tikanga Māori I have found very useful in my current job and a lot of the staff I work ask for advice and I have shared some of my knowledge in staff meetings.
I recommend making use of the learning support which is offered as it really helps you to achieve high marks and you get one-on-one tuition - all included in your fees. Wonderful supportive staff!