The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching) (Level 7) prepares students to become qualified early childhood teachers who can work confidently in diverse learning environments. The programme combines academic study with extensive practical teaching experience in licensed early childhood centres, enabling students to develop the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies required for teacher registration in New Zealand.

Key reasons to choose this programme

• Gain extensive real-world teaching experience through supervised professional placements.
• Develop expertise in New Zealand's Te Whariki early childhood curriculum.
• Learn culturally responsive teaching practices, including Maori and Pasifika perspectives.
• Build strong professional teaching, leadership, communication, and reflective practice skills.
• Graduate with a qualification that leads to recognised qualified teacher status.
• Become eligible to apply for provisional practising certification with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Flexible full-time and part-time study options.
• Strong employment opportunities in New Zealand's early childhood education sector.

Programme Structure / Subjects Offered

Students complete 12 compulsory courses (360 credits) over three years.

Level 5 Courses

• Manaakitanga, Whanaungatanga: Principles and Practices
• Professional Inquiry One: The Beginning Teacher
• Hauora, Kotahitanga: Children's Well-being and Development
• Professional Inquiry Two: The Responsive Teacher

Higher-Level Study Includes

Students continue to develop knowledge in:

• Early childhood curriculum (Te Whariki)
• Child learning and development
• Assessment for learning
• Inclusive education
• Bicultural and multicultural teaching
• Maori and Pasifika education
• Teaching strategies
• Educational research
• Leadership in early childhood education
• Professional inquiry
• Teaching practicum
• Reflective practice
• Professional ethics
• Curriculum planning
• Partnerships with families and communities

Disciplines / Areas of Study

Students develop expertise in:

• Early Childhood Education
• Teaching Practice
• Child Development
• Curriculum Design
• Te Whariki Curriculum
• Inclusive Education
• Maori Education
• Pasifika Education
• Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Educational Leadership
• Professional Practice
• Assessment and Evaluation
• Family and Community Engagement
• Child Wellbeing
• Educational Research
• Reflective Teaching Practice.

Programme Highlights

• Category 1 NZQA provider.
• Qualification recognised for teacher registration.
• Extensive practical experience throughout the programme.
• 21 weeks of full-time teaching placement.
• Minimum 12 hours per week in an early childhood education centre during study.
• Strong emphasis on Maori and Pasifika educational perspectives.
• Flexible full-time and part-time study options.
• Small class sizes and experienced lecturers.
• Direct pathway to qualified teacher status.
• Strong graduate employment opportunities.

Career Outcomes

Graduates may pursue careers such as:

• Registered Early Childhood Teacher
• Kindergarten Teacher
• Preschool Teacher
• Early Learning Centre Teacher
• Early Childhood Curriculum Leader
• Home-based Early Childhood Teacher
• Educational Leader
• Centre Supervisor (with experience)
• Early Childhood Programme Coordinator

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• July 2026 intake is restricted to applicants progressing from MIT's New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Field-based) (Level 5).
• Students who do not currently meet the degree entry requirements are encouraged to complete the Level 5 Diploma first and then pathway into the second year of the bachelor's degree.
• Programme fees are indicative and reviewed annually.
• A Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) is charged in addition to tuition fees.
• International students must attend classes on campus.
• Programme delivery remains subject to enrolment numbers and academic approval.

Student Visa Requirements

International students must obtain a valid New Zealand Student Visa before commencing study.

Applicants are generally required to provide:

• Offer of Place from Manukau Institute of Technology.
• Proof of payment or sufficient funds for tuition fees.
• Evidence of adequate living expenses.
• Valid passport.
• Proof of English language proficiency meeting NZQA requirements.
• Medical examination and chest X-ray (if required).
• Police clearance certificate (where applicable).
• Approved medical and travel insurance.
• Compliance with all Immigration New Zealand student visa requirements.