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Bachelor of Education (Primary) (BEd)

Feel called to teach kids? The Bachelor of Education (Primary) is a three-year degree that prepares you to teach Years 0–10. You won’t just study teaching; you’ll live it, with over 24 weeks in real classrooms building your confidence and skills. With a unique theological perspective woven through your learning, this degree shapes not just how you teach, but who you are as a teacher.
  • Qualification Level
  • Total Credits
  • Completion Time
  • Study Location
  • Level 7
  • 360
  • 3 years full-time, or part-time equivalent (approval required)
  • Auckland, Christchurch
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Teacher Education

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The Bachelor of Education (Primary) is a three-year professional degree preparing students for primary teaching (Years 0-10) in New Zealand. Graduates are eligible for registration and can teach at primary or intermediate level in public, state-integrated and private schools throughout New Zealand. The degree combines theory and practice in dynamic, interactive on-campus learning environments and includes over 24 weeks of school-based practice. Students think vocationally about teaching and have opportunities to reflect theologically on their practice throughout the degree.

  • Programme Title
  • Bachelor of Education (Primary) (BEd)
  • Programme Abbreviation
  • BEd
  • School
  • Teacher Education
  • Total Credits
  • 360
  • Programme Requirements

  • The BEd is a three-year full-time (or part-time equivalent) programme. It is made up of 24 courses of 15 credits each, at levels 5, 6, 7. Students must complete all required courses, including a minimum of 135 days of professional experience placements (teaching in schools), noho marae, and a culmininating integrative asssesment (oral presentation to panel) to successfully complete the programme.
  • Study Commitment
  • Full-time (3 years) or part-time equivalent (approval required)
  • Study Location
  • Auckland, Christchurch
  • Delivery
  • In Person
  • Start Dates
  • February
  • Maximum Timeframe
  • 8 years maximum unless extension granted by Academic Head
  • Practicum Hours
  • 135 days of school-based professional learning experiences
  • Formation Requirements
  • Noho marae, bicultural formation, theological reflection, and professional formation
  • Career Opportunities
  • Primary and intermediate school teacher in public, integrated, and private schools in New Zealand
  • Entry Requirements
  • General Admission Requirements
    English Language Requirements
    Visual Interview
    Police Clearance
    Two Professional References
    CV detailing previous 5 years of employment history and memberships
    Literacy test: literacy assessment component of Literacy and Numeracy for Adults Assessment Tool - step 4
    Numeracy test: numeracy assessment component of Literacy and Numeracy for Adults Assessment Tool (LNAAT) - score between 690 and 800, at minimum, which is a score designated as equivalent to NCEA Level 2 mathematics. NCEA Level 2 achievement in mathematics does not exempt candidates from also achieving the required level on the LNAAT.

Please refer here for full entry requirements.

  • Distinctives
  • The Bachelor of Education (Primary) at Laidlaw is about more than learning how to teach — it’s about who you become as a teacher. The programme weaves together teaching practice, Christian faith, and a strong focus on relationships and personhood, seeing each child as a whole person with dignity and potential. Experiences like the noho marae help students grow in cultural understanding, connect with te reo Māori and tikanga, and develop the confidence to teach in ways that are thoughtful, grounded, and responsive to life in Aotearoa New Zealand.

* Eligible domestic students may receive a Zero Fees Tuition waiver for the first year of study in 2027. Please refer to full terms and conditions.

Additional Information

Courses are subject to change; practicum placements are compulsory.

Graduate Outcomes
  • Outwork their vocation in relationship to whenua and within the context of whānau, hapū, and iwi, upholding the imperative of te rongopai and a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi partnership.
    Articulate and apply an understanding of the biblical narrative and key theological themes to frame and inform the vocation and practices of teaching.
    Demonstrate an integrated understanding of their teacher identity and vocation, and a commitment to faith-based formation and professional growth.
    Demonstrate critical thinking, professional relationships, and ethical conduct in response to learners, whānau, and the societal context.
    Critically engage with educational philosophies, theories, and pedagogies to formulate a reflective and evidence-informed personal approach to teaching.
    Foster respectful, learning-focused relationships that create safe, inclusive, and supportive environments.
    Demonstrate understanding and application of best-practice pedagogical approaches, content, curriculum, and assessment to support the needs of learners, whānau, and broader society.
    Utilise and draw on mātauranga, tikanga, and reo to shape thinking, teaching practices, and contextualisation to benefit ākonga, kura and communities as professional teachers in Aotearoa New Zealand.