Postgraduate Diploma in Education
- Degree Structure - Start In
- Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
120
Overview
Postgraduate Diploma in Education
Introduction
The Postgraduate Diploma in Education is designed to provide opportunities to improve professional practice and examine critically significant issues in education.
The PGDipEd is also available with an endorsement in one of seven areas. This allows you to complete a postgraduate diploma specific to your field of interest.
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
Entry requirements
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 English language requirements. 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
How do I plan my diploma?
The course of study for the Postgraduate Diploma in Education is made up of 120 points of courses. With approval, you may replace up to 30 points with other relevant courses at an equivalent level.
Most of the endorsement subjects can be started in February or July (Teaching and Learning Languages has a July-only start date, and both Literacy and Hōaka Pounamu have a February-only start date).
The Diploma can be completed in 1 year full-time, or it can also be studied part-time in 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 30 points of approved research methodology courses will normally be required.
For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Education.
Postgraduate Diploma in Education
Subjects and courses
You may study towards the PGDipEd unendorsed, or may choose from the following endorsement options:
- Digital Education Futures
- Early Years
- Inclusive and Special Education
- Leadership
- Literacy
- Teaching and Learning Languages
- Tertiary Teaching
Courses towards an endorsement are listed in the Postgraduate Diploma in Education Schedule.
The remaining courses (or 120 points of courses for the unendorsed option) are chosen from Master of Education Schedule V.
More information on each endorsement is available on Te Kaupeka Ako | Faculty of Education.
Domestic
2024 tuition fee estimate: $8,184 (120 points)
2025 tuition fee estimate: $8,675 (120 points)
International
2024 tuition fee estimate: $35,400 (120 points)
2025 tuition fee estimate: $36,800 (120 points)
2026 tuition fee estimate: $38,200 (120 points)
Postgraduate Diploma in Education
Further study
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
Career opportunities
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.
