He Korowai Ākonga

Primary school teaching is a rewarding career where you can make a real difference to the lives of our tamariki. He Korowai Ākonga is a recognised teacher education programme that prepares you for work as a kaiako in primary, middle, or intermediate schools.

This unique qualification embraces Māori philosophies, principles and mātauranga Māori (knowledge), empowering you to become a culturally responsive and reflective practitioner who is able to work with a diverse range of learners.

This holistic programme ensures your theoretical knowledge of teaching and learning is well supported by practical teaching opportunities. Under the guidance of experienced classroom and wānanga kaiako you will learn how to teach effectively, plan lessons aligned to the New Zealand curriculum, assess and evaluate learning and embed concepts from te ao Māori (the Māori world) into your practice.

As a graduate of He Korowai Ākonga you can apply for teacher registration with the New Zealand Education Council and start your career in primary teaching.

Upon successful completion of this programme, you will receive the following qualification:

• Bachelor of Education (Primary Education) Level 7

• a holistic view of education in Aotearoa New Zealand
• embedding mātauranga Māori within primary education
• principled practice and praxis
• subject knowledge required for teaching in the primary sector.

I want to keep studying

You might be eligible to enrol in our master's degree He Waka Hiringa - Master of Applied Indigenous Knowledge Level 9.

I want to use my qualification

This qualification prepares you for teaching in primary or intermediate schools. You can also pursue a diverse range of careers in the education, social services and public sectors.

This is a full-time programme that consists of 360 credits (120 credits per year). Throughout the programme you will be required to attend:

Year 1*

Semester A:

• kura whakaako - compulsory tutorials (approximately 16-17 hours per week)
• practice-based learning (two weeks)

Semester B:

• kura whakaako - compulsory tutorials (approximately 10-11 hours per week)
• practice-based learning (3 weeks)

It is important to note that activity-directed learning (approximately 21-22 hours per week) will also need to be completed outside of class time.

*Year 2 and 3 commitment requirements will be discussed towards the completion of each year.

To enrol in this programme, a potential student must::

• be at least 18 years of age
• be a New Zealand citizen (or citizen of Australia, Tokelau, Niue, Cook Islands) or permanent resident
• consent to a police vetting process
• University Entrance or required NCEA credits (if under the age of 20)
• have a Level 4 qualification of at least 120 credits (if over 20 years old)
• meet the required language, literacy, and numeracy skills.

The 2020 fees for this degree are:

Year 1: $4,399.77

Year 2: $4,181.16

Year 3: $4,149.32

GST Inclusive.

Are you eligible for fees-free study?

First time tertiary students studying fee paying programmes may be able to study fee free in their first year. To find out whether you are eligible for fees-free study for our fee paying programmes visit: feesfree.govt.nz.