School of Education

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Initial Teacher Education (ITE)

Make a world of difference to future generations and become a teacher.

A teaching qualification at the University of Waikato will set you up to become a skilled and reflective teacher. We produce qualified teachers who are in high demand both in New Zealand and around the world.

Teachers are influential community members, making a difference to young people and their learning, knowledge and skill acquisition. They play a major role in helping their students develop their independence and success in their lives.

Hints and tips for applying for an ITE programme >

School leaver

Begin a rewarding career working in Early Childhood or Primary teaching with a Bachelor of Teaching. Complete your studies in Hamilton, Tauranga or via Mixed Media Presentation.

Alternatively, if you're interested in becoming a Secondary teacher, study a bachelor's degree and take papers in the subjects you wish to teach, and then complete a one-year Graduate Diploma in Teaching, Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching or Master of Teaching and Learning.

Bachelor of Teaching

Career changer or have a degree already?

If you are considering a change of career and already have an undergraduate degree, study a one-year Graduate Diploma in Teaching in Early Childhood, Primary or Secondary teaching. The Graduate Diploma in Teaching combines Professional Education papers with placements in schools or ECE centres.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching
Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching

Distance student

If moving to study is not an option for you, consider our Distance or Mixed Media Presentation (MMP) programmes. These are offered online with some on-campus attendance required, and are particularly suited to the mature learner.

Bachelor of Teaching (Primary only)
Graduate Diploma in Teaching (all streams)
Master of Teaching and Learning (all streams)

*Please note that all of our qualifications are subject to enrolment numbers.

Meet some of our students

Janaye - Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary)

Janaye is driven to lead by example and encourage her students to be the best they can be. With a passion in dance, she has led many dance crews to national competitions.

Christie - Bachelor of Teaching (Primary)

Christie Meads graduated with a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) from the University of Waikato and started her teaching career at Leamington Primary School in Cambridge.

Tracey - Bachelor of Teaching (Primary)

Meet University of Waikato teaching graduate, Tracey Rickit, who explains how Waikato's teaching qualification set her up for her dream career.

Rebekah - Bachelor of Teaching (ECE)

Rebekkah Elkington graduated with a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood) from the University of Waikato and now manages ABC Primrose in Hamilton.