Postgraduate Diploma in Education
- Degree Structure - Start In
- Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
120
Overview
Postgraduate Diploma in Education
The Postgraduate Diploma in Education is designed to provide opportunities to improve professional practice and examine critically significant issues in education.
UC's Te Kaupeka Ako | Faculty of Education has a national and international reputation for producing high-quality teacher graduates based on a 135-year tradition.
Please note this qualification is not a pathway to teacher registration. If you wish to study to become a registered teacher, check out our Teacher Education qualifications.
Postgraduate Diploma in Education
You will need to have a bachelor's degree (or an equivalent degree) with a major in Education or a related subject with a B grade average; or have any Aotearoa university degree and a professional teaching qualification.
If English is not your first language, you are also required to meet UC's Postgraduate language requirements. See how to provide your English language evidence to UC. If you need help meeting these requirements, or would like to practise your English skills before studying, UC offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) language programmes.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Education or use the admission requirements checker.
How to apply
You can apply online at myUC.
See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.
Postgraduate Diploma in Education
The course of study for the Postgraduate Diploma in Education is made up of 120 points of courses chosen from a range of topics.
Starting in February or July, the Diploma can be completed in 1 year full-time, or it can also be studied part-time up to 4 years.
Those wishing to enrol in a thesis for the Master of Education following the award of this Diploma should note that completing EDME694 Research Methods in Education will normally be required.
For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Education.
Postgraduate Diploma in Education
- Choose up to 120 points from these elective courses.
If you are interested in continuing in your study and transferring to the Master of Education, please get in touch with the Student Advisors to discuss course selection.
If you are interested in completing a 60-point dissertation in the Master's, you need to complete EDME694 Research Methods in Education as part of your 120 points of coursework.
Domestic
2025 tuition fee estimate: $8,675 (120 points)
2026 tuition fee estimate: $9,196 (120 points)
International
2026 tuition fee estimate: $38,200 (120 points)
2027 tuition fee estimate: $40,200 (120 points)
2028 tuition fee estimate: $42,200 (120 points)
Postgraduate Diploma in Education
You may choose to proceed to the Master of Education or Master of Education (Thesis).
UC also offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education, and a Doctor of Education.
Postgraduate Diploma 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 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.
