Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Secondary) GradDipTchLn(Secondary)
The GradDipTchLn(Secondary) is a one-year graduate qualification for those who already hold a degree. The GradDipTchLn(Secondary) is currently offered on campus in Christchurch with an intake in early February.
Applicants need to have studied at least two teaching subjects from the major Teaching Studies list below as part of their degree. Degree specialisation (preferably to 300-level) is required for your main teaching subject
and 200-level study is preferred for a second teaching subject.
Entry requirements
A relevant degree is required to study the GradDipTchLn(Secondary) (overseas degrees will need to be assessed as equivalent to a New Zealand degree by the University). Your degree must include 300-level courses in a school curriculum subject. Study to 200-level in a second teachable school curriculum subject subject is desirable.
Selection for entry is not automatic and is based on academic ability, involvement and interest in working with children and young people, community involvement, communication skills and other personal qualities.
The selection process includes a police check and may include an interview.
International students for whom English is an additional language must provide evidence of their English language ability as follows:
(a) IELTS (Academic) 7.0, with no individual score below 7.0; or
(b) At least two years of successful study in a New Zealand secondary school, with at least eight Level 2 NCEA credits in English (four reading and four writing).
All students for whom English is not a first language must satisfy the New Zealand Teachers Council English language requirements for teacher registration.
Application process
Applications open in July of the previous year and we strongly recommend that you apply as early as possible. Applications close four weeks prior to the commencement of the programme in February, or when places are filled (whichever comes first).
If you are applying for a Teacher Education programme you are required to fill out an application form which combines the Application to Programme Entry and Application to Enrol. This form is available from the College of Education Office, Student Services or by phoning the Contact Centre on 0800 VARSITY (827 748).
You may also download the form from the College of Education website.
Programme structure
To qualify for the Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Secondary) a candidate must pass courses having a total value of at least 120 points as follows:
- Professional and Education Studies: 45 points
- Teaching Practice: 30 points
- Teaching Studies: 45 points
The GradDipTchLn(Secondary) is made up of the following components.
Professional Studies is the basic professional course which is completed by all students. Topics covered include the secondary school student, presentation skills, lesson planning, classroom management, questioning skills, learning theories and teaching strategies.
Education Studies provides opportunities for students to explore issues surrounding the history, sociology, philosophy, politics, cultural contexts, and psychology of education. It helps prepare student teachers to deal with problems that are often social, political and ethical in nature. It also considers strategies for using ICT in education and e-learning.
Teaching Practice is the school-based requirement of the programme and provides the contexts in which students develop skills and gain experience in practical situations. For those studying in Christchurch, one of the practice placements is likely to be away from Christchurch.
All Teaching Studies have direct links to the essential learning areas of the New Zealand Curriculum and to school programmes. Teaching Studies courses focus on curriculum statements, examination prescriptions, unit and achievement standards, teaching and management approaches, assessment practices and curriculum resources.
Teaching Studies are available in the following subjects:
- Art
- Economics
- English
- Health Education
- International Languages (French, German, Japanese, Spanish)
- Te Reo Māori
- Mathematics
- Music
- Outdoor and Environmental Education
- Performing Arts
- Physical Education
- Science with Biology
- Science with Chemistry
- Science with Physics
- Social Studies with Classical Studies
- Social Studies with Geography
- Social Studies with History
- Technology
Course groups
Essential information advice on the course group 'GradDipTchLn(Secondary) Christchurch Full-time' is available on the College of Education website.
Duration
The usual period of enrolment for a full-time candidate is one year. The Graduate Diploma may be completed either by full-time or part-time study. The maximum period for completion of the GradDipTchLn(Secondary) is three years.
Scholarships
TeachNZ offers financial incentives of up to $10,000 for those applying for teacher training in certain categories. Secondary training incentive allowances have previously been offered to those specialising in teaching mathematics, te reo Māori, physics, chemistry and technology. For information about what is currently available phone 0800 TeachNZ (832 246) or go to the TeachNZ website.
More information
For full requirements see the Regulations for the Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Secondary) (University Regulations website).
For course advice contact the College of Education.