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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 NZQA
  • 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)
  • Post-nominal Letters
  • BEd
  • School
  • Teacher Education
  • Specialisation Options
  • 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)
  • Location Pin Streamline Icon: https://streamlinehq.com 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
  • Indicative Domestic Student Tuition Fees*

(Average full-time programme for one year = 120 credits)

  • Indicative International Student Tuition Fees**

(Average full-time programme for one year = 120 credits)

  • Programme Title
  • Bachelor of Education (Primary) (BEd)
  • 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.
  • 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 Terms and Conditions for full information on eligibility criteria.

Programme Requirements

BACHELOR OF THEOLOGY BIBLICAL STUDIES
(100S)		 CHRISTIAN THOUGHT & HISTORY (200-300S) PASTORAL, MISSIONAL & CONTEXTUAL STUDIES (400-600S)
Minimum credits for degree 90 75 90
A total minimum of 360 credits
A total minimum of 180 credits at level 6 or above
A total minimum of 75 credits at level 7
Level 5 115.515 Reading the Bible

120.515 Reading the Old Testment

140.515 Reading the New Testment 		201.515 Engaging Theory

308.515 Christian History: Our Story 		401.515 Formation

505.515 Christian Leadership and Mission

907.515 Bicultural Relationships: Tikanga Kawabata
Level 6 & 7 111.715 Interpreting the Bible

At least 1 OT and 1 NT exegesis paper 		202.6/715 Christology

219.6/715 Nākau Maia: Christian Confidence 		480.6/715 Faithful Living: Intro to Reflective Practice

590.715 Capstone: Integrative Practice
  • I truly believe it’s the pre-eminent theological institution in New Zealand.

It’s the breadth of study, of knowledge, the way the staff require you to think. They don’t spoon feed you. They want you to think critically, thoughtfully, prayerfully. You’re given options and required to construct a frame for yourself.”

Kyla Scrimgeour | Theology Graduate

Additional Information

General and other Specialisations

Courses are subject to change; practicum placements are compulsory.

Semester 1
Semester 2
On completion of the Bachelor of Theology Laidlaw College graduates will:
  • 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.

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Sed Leo erat, sodales sed mattis in, pulvinar vitae Leo. Sed sollicitudin sapien et aliquam varius. Vivamus mattiscidunt sapien. Proin quis lectus ligula. Fusce euismod pretiumtus. Pellentesque rutrum, dui ut rutrum ullamcorper, eros velit.