Study options

When you study an early childhood qualification at New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC), you can choose the best learning mode to suit your learning style and your lifestyle.

We offer three different study mode options for you to choose from: Distance Learning (NZTC Online), Field based and College based.

All modes of study have slightly different study requirements, as outlined below.

Distance learning - NZTC Online

Our distance learning option is by far the most flexible – you can choose when and where you want to study. NZTC Online is designed to suit computer users of all levels – from the absolute beginner to the more experienced. For more information about the benefits of studying online, please see NZTC Online.

Students who choose NZTC Online study mode will be required to:

• Have daily access to a computer with internet access (see the IT Requirements page for more details)

• Complete your online courses within specified timeframes, and undertake significant self-directed study (typically between 15-20 hours per week, however this may increase when you have an assignment due)

• Undertake work experience (paid or voluntary) in a licensed early childhood centre for a minimum of 16 hours per week throughout your program

• Complete blocks of fulltime work (40 hours per week) under the guidance of a qualified Associate Teacher in an early childhood centre. This is called Field Practice. Each program has a different amount required (see your Program for the Field Practice requirement)

• Attend two x 20 hour block courses per stage (study year). These will be 10 hours each day and will be held on a consecutive Sunday and Monday

Block Courses

Block courses are an opportunity for face-to-face networking, teaching and learning for NZTC Online students in the Bachelor, Graduate Diploma and Certificate (levels 5 and 6) programs. The block courses will be conducted by NZTC Lecturers, and will focus on topics relevant to the field of early childhood education. At block courses you can develop connections with other online learners and have the opportunity to share your own experiences, practices, inspiration and ideas with lecturers and other students.

You will be invited to attend a block course in a town close to where you are living. Currently we hold block courses in Northland, Auckland, Hamilton, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Gisborne, Wanganui, Palmerston North, Wellington, Blenheim, Christchurch, Timaru, Invercargill, and Cromwell.

Field based*

As a field based learner, you will attend evening lectures each week at our Auckland campus. However you will still be required to complete study and assessments during your own time.

Students who choose the Field based study mode will be required to:

• Attend 2 evening lectures per week, from 5pm-9pm

• Complete your courses within specified timeframes, and undertake self-directed study (typically between 15-20 hours per week, however this may increase when you have an assignment due)

• Undertake work experience (paid or voluntary) in a licensed early childhood centre for a minimum of 16 hours per week throughout your program

• Complete blocks of fulltime work (40 hours per week) under the guidance of a qualified Associate Teacher in an early childhood centre. This is called Field Practice. Each program has a different amount required (see your Program for the Field Practice requirement)

* Please note that Field based mode of study is not available for students studying the Certificate programs.

College based*

College based students will attend lectures during the day at our Auckland campus. We will also help you find early childhood centres at which to complete your teaching experience.

Students who choose the College based study mode will be required to:

• Attend lectures for two and a half days per week

• Complete your courses within specified timeframes, and undertake self-directed study (typically between 15-20 hours per week, however this may increase when you have an assignment due)

• Gain teaching experience during placement in an early childhood centre (NZTC will place you in a centre)

• Complete blocks of fulltime work (40 hours per week) under the guidance of a qualified Associate Teacher in an early childhood centre. This is called Field Practice. Each program has a different amount required (see your Program for the Field Practice requirement)

* Please note that College based mode of study is only available during the first year of study. After the first year you will change to the NZTC Online mode of study.

Start dates

With NZTC Online you can start any time - “enrol today, start tomorrow”.

College based students can start in February and August of each year.

Field based students can start in February.