Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning
- Degree Structure - Duration
- 1 year full-time
150
Overview
Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning
Introduction
Teaching is a career for people who are energetic, creative, enjoy working with people, and are committed to making a positive difference for children and young people.
The Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (GradDipTchgLn) gives you the opportunity to gain knowledge of teaching, learners and curriculum, engage in professional practice in schools, and become part of the teaching profession in Aotearoa New Zealand.
You will be able to hone skills such as communication, critical thinking, planning and design for learning, and develop bicultural competence so that you go on to become an attentive and adaptable educator who meets the needs and aspirations of all learners.
The Graduate Diploma is endorsed in either Primary or Secondary Education. You will meet Matatū Aotearoa | Teaching Council of New Zealand teaching standards and will be eligible to apply for registration and certification with the Teaching Council as a school teacher.
Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning
- Why Study - Body
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What will my study involve?
- Future-focused learning in curriculum areas and a commitment to bicultural practices in Aotearoa.
- Multiple placements in schools and communities where you will be able to engage with children and young people.
- Flexibility to study on campus in Ōtautahi Christchurch, or by distance (Primary Education only).
- UC teaching qualifications are highly valued and regarded in Aotearoa and internationally.
Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning
- Entry Requirements - Body
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Entry requirements
An Aotearoa New Zealand bachelor's degree (or other qualifications of an equivalent standard) is required to apply for the GradDipTchgLn.
Applicants with knowledge and current work experience in the areas of technology and/or te reo Māori may be eligible to apply for the Secondary Education endorsement without a bachelor's degree through the Alternate Entry Pathway. There is a specific application process to assess eligibility.
Those entering the Secondary Education endorsement will need a body of knowledge from their previous studies in a subject relevant to the secondary school curriculum eg, te reo Māori, English, mathematics, chemistry, history, etc.
Selection for entry is based on:
- academic ability, involvement and interest in working with children and young people, community involvement, communication skills, and other dispositional and personal qualities as outlined in the Guide to Applying
- a police check, referees' reports, and an interview
- short online literacy and numeracy assessments.
If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet the requirements set out by Matatū Aotearoa | Teaching Council of New Zealand.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning or use the admission requirements checker.
How to apply
Applications are open throughout the year and close 1 December for domestic students or 31 October for international students.
Applications for the Alternate Entry Pathway into technology and/or te reo Māori secondary teaching close 31 October.
For more details on entry requirements and the teacher education application process, see the Guide to Applying.
Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning
Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning
- Further Study - Body
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Further study
You may choose to go onto postgraduate studies which further examine the role of teaching in children's lives and the ways and methods in which they learn, or critically analyse educational policies and systems of practice.
Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning
- Career - Body
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Career ready
- You will gain transferable skills in management, communication, responsibility, organisation, and more which are relevant to the teaching profession as well as careers outside of the classroom.
- Graduates have gained positions throughout all levels of schooling in Aotearoa within the curriculum and in extra-curricular activities.
- Meet Matatū Aotearoa | Teaching Council of New Zealand graduating teachers’ standards requirements and are eligible to apply for registration with the Council as a teacher in Aotearoa.
Useful information:
- Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student stories.
- Te Rōpū Rapuara | UC Careers can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers, or find a job.
- For research into career destinations by qualification, visit Te Pōkai Tara | Universities New Zealand website.
- Find out more about what can you do with a degree from UC.
- Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.
2024 tuition fees estimate (per 150 points):
- Domestic — $8,435
- International — $31,600
2023 tuition fees estimate (per 150 points):
- Domestic — Primary Endorsement — $8,210
- Domestic — Secondary Endorsement — $8,384
- International — $30,000
SSL estimate (per 150 points):
- 2024 — $1,375.50
- 2023 — $1,240.50
Planning my study
Each block represents a 15-point course. However, some courses may be 30 points or more.
This diagram is an example only – other combinations are possible. For specific course requirements, see the Regulations for the Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning.
Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning
- Degree Structure - Body
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How do I plan my diploma?
The GradDipTchgLn consists of 150 points of coursework and includes 80 days of professional practice in schools.
Primary endorsement
The Primary endorsement pathway can be studied full-time in one year on campus or via distance. We also offer a part-time option over two years for distance students only. Distance students complete the same courses, coursework, and assessments as on-campus students.
Distance students are required to attend an On-site Intensive (OSI) in Ōtautahi Christchurch at the beginning of the programme. OSIs are a compulsory part of the distance programme and provide an opportunity to meet and work with course lecturers and other students. You will need continual access to a computer with suitable broadband internet to complete this qualification.
Secondary endorsement
The Secondary endorsement pathway can be studied full-time in one year. This is completed on campus, with the exception of selected students who are completing the alternative entry pathway in Technology and/or Te Reo Māori.
You are required to list at least one teaching subject in your online application. Confirmation of teaching subjects will be determined as part of the selection process and confirmed at the point of offer.
Alternative Entry Pathway in Technology and/or Te Reo Māori
Select students with suitable experience in Technology and/or Te Reo Māori can apply to study via distance or on campus. See more about this Alternate Entry Pathway.
For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning.
