Master of Education
MEd
Overview
This traditional qualification, the Master of Education (MEd), has been refreshed to allow for a 180-point coursework pathway* for current teachers, educational professionals, counsellors, researchers and leaders to gain a master’s level qualification. The MEd is designed to give participants the opportunity to examine practice and critical issues in education, and in their area of specialisation if desired.
Students can complete a:
- coursework-only path of study or
- a mix of courses and an original thesis (worth 90 points).
The Master of Education may be awarded unendorsed or endorsed in eight disciplines ranging from e-Learning and Digital Technnologies to Special and Inclusive Education. See 'Subjects and courses' below for the list of endorsements.
- This is an ideal qualification for those who have already undertaken some postgraduate study. Graduates of the MEd are ideally placed to achieve research-informed teaching and leadership in their particular educational setting.
- UC's College of Education, Health and Human Development has a national and international reputation for its teaching and research. UC is ranked in the top 150 universities in the world for Education (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2018).
Normally the minimum requirement is a three-year bachelor’s degree from a New Zealand university, or a qualification or combination of qualifications considered to be equivalent. If you gained your qualifications overseas, these will need to be assessed to make sure they are of an equivalent standard.
You are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
Specific entry requirements
a) Candidates for the 120-point pathway must have:
- completed either a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning with Honours, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education or equivalent, with at least a B+ average
- applicants for the endorsement in Inclusive and Special Education must have qualified for a Postgraduate Diploma in Education endorsed in Inclusive and Special Education, Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching or equivalent.
b) Candidates for the 180-point pathway must have:
- qualified for a Bachelor's degree with a major in Education, Psychology, related discipline or an equivalent qualification; or
- qualified for any other degree of a New Zealand university, and hold a professional teaching qualification; or
- been admitted under Admission Ad Eundem Statum as entitled to enrol for the Master of Education.
All candidates are subject to approval by the Dean of Education and Health Sciences.
For the full entry requirements see the Regulations for the Master of Education or use the admission requirements checker.
How to apply
You can apply online at myUC. Find out more about how to apply for graduate and postgraduate qualifications.
The MEd can be awarded through one of two pathways:
a) 120-point pathway which can be either:
- endorsed in Inclusive and Special Education, or
- unendorsed through the completion of a thesis.
Candidates can complete either a 120-point thesis or a 90-point thesis and 30 points of coursework.
The minimum period of enrolment for this pathway for a full-time candidate is 12 months and the maximum two years; for a part-time student, the minimum is 18 months and the maximum three years.
b) 180-point pathway which can be either:
- unendorsed, or
- endorsed in one of eight areas (see 'Subjects and courses').
Candidates can select one of three flexible courses of study:
- endorsed coursework with at least 90 points of courses in the area of specialisation
- unendorsed coursework
- coursework and a thesis.
The minimum period of enrolment for this pathway for a full-time candidate is 12-18 months and the maximum three years; for a part-time student, the minimum is 18 months and the maximum five years.
For the specifics for each option, including prescribed courses and point combinations, please see the Regulations for the Master of Education.
The 120-point pathway can be either unendorsed, or endorsed in:
- Inclusive and Special Education
To be admitted to the Master of Education 120 point pathway, you must already have a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning with Honours, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, or other equivalent qualifying programme of study, with a minimum B+ grade point average.
The 180-point pathway can be either unendorsed, or endorsed in one of eight areas:
- Curriculum and Pedagogy
- e-Learning and Digital Technologies
- Hōaka Pounamu: Te Reo Māori Bilingual and Immersion Teaching
- Inclusive and Special Education
- Leadership
- Literacy
- Positive Behaviour Support
- Teaching and Learning Languages
More information on each endorsement is available on the College of Education, Health and Human Development website.
For the up-to-date schedule of courses for each endorsement, see the Regulations for the Master of Education.
Students can study a Doctor of Education at UC, as well as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education.
Postgraduate study can bring many career benefits eg, specialist skills and enhanced knowledge, entry into specific occupations, higher starting salary/progression rates, research capability/achievement and evidence of high academic attainment/self-discipline.
Useful information:
- Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student and graduate profiles.
- Our Careers, Internships & Employment team can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers or find a job.
- For research into career destinations by qualification, visit the Universities New Zealand website.
- Find out more about what you can do with a degree from UC.
- Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.
See Tuition Fee Structure for more information
Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | |||
Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
Special (Set) Programme Fee |
Contact us
For full requirements see the Regulations for the Master of Education.
For study planning help contact the College of Education, Health and Human Development:
College of Education, Health and Human Development | Te Rāngai Ako me te Hauora
University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
Phone +64 3 369 3333
Email educationadvice@canterbury.ac.nz