University of Otago

What you'll study

The Bachelor of Teaching combines core education studies with curriculum and subject-specific papers and progressively longer professional practice placements in schools. Typical themes and modules include educational psychology and child development; curriculum design and assessment; literacy and numeracy teaching methods; classroom management and behaviour support; inclusive education and special learning needs; information and communication technologies for teaching; and bicultural education including Te Tiriti o Waitangi and tikanga Māori.

If you follow a primary pathway you will study integrated curriculum methods for young learners, early literacy programmes, and approaches to teaching social sciences, science, arts and physical education. If you follow a secondary pathway you combine professional education courses with subject-specific pedagogy (for example English, mathematics, science, social sciences, languages or the arts) so you learn how to teach your chosen subjects across year levels.

Practical school experience is a central element: placements start early and increase in length and responsibility across the degree, culminating in extended blocks of professional practice where you take on full classroom teaching under mentor supervision. Assessment is typically a mix of assignments, lesson planning and observation, reflective portfolios and practicum reports.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally require university entrance from their secondary studies (for example New Zealand University Entrance or an equivalent international secondary qualification) and evidence of literacy and numeracy achievement. For a secondary teaching pathway, you will also need sufficient subject background in the teaching disciplines you intend to specialise in.

International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements. Selection can take into account academic record, a personal statement demonstrating motivation for teaching, and referees who can comment on suitability for working with children or young people. Before undertaking school placements you will be required to complete police vetting and health checks, and provide any immunisation or medical clearance required by host schools.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to apply for teacher registration with the appropriate national authority and to seek employment as classroom teachers in primary or secondary schools. Career paths commonly pursued by graduates include classroom teacher roles across early childhood, primary and secondary sectors; subject or literacy/numeracy specialist positions; leadership and senior management roles in schools; and specialist support roles such as learning support coordinator, curriculum developer, or guidance and pastoral care positions.

With further study or experience, graduates may move into educational leadership, teacher education, curriculum design, policy, research, or consultancy roles within schools, regional education offices and the wider education sector.

Why study at University of Otago

The University of Otago has a long-standing reputation for teacher education and provides a supportive academic community with research-informed teaching. The programme emphasises strong partnerships with local and regional schools, ensuring a variety of placement contexts and experienced mentor teachers. Otago’s teacher education also places explicit emphasis on bicultural competence, preparing graduates to teach in Aotearoa New Zealand with understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Māori perspectives on learning.

Students benefit from campus-based academic support, access to education research and professional development opportunities, and a broad university environment that allows electives and cross-disciplinary study. The combination of classroom-based theory and substantial, supervised practicum prepares graduates for the realities of contemporary New Zealand classrooms and onward professional registration and development.