Master of Education
MEd
Duration
12-18 months full-time
Entry times
February, July, or November
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Doctor of Education
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Duration
12-18 months full-time
Entry times
February, July, or November
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Doctor of Education
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Overview
This traditional qualification, the Master of Education (MEd), allows a 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 Technologies to Special and Inclusive Education. See 'Subjects and courses' below for the list of endorsements.
Please note this qualification is not a pathway to teacher registration. If you wish to study to become a registered teacher, check out our Initial Teacher Education qualifications.
- 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 | Te Rāngai Ako me te Hauora has a national and international reputation for its teaching and research. UC is ranked in the top 200 universities in the world for Education and Training (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2020).
a) Students for the 120-point pathway must have:
- completed either a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning with Honours, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, or equivalent degree, with at least a B+ Grade Point Average.
b) Students for the 180-point pathway must have:
- a bachelor's degree with a major in Education, Psychology, a related discipline, or an equivalent qualification; or
- any other degree from an Aotearoa New Zealand university, and hold a professional teaching qualification; or
- been admitted Ad Eundem Statum (with equivalent standing) as entitled to enrol for the Master of Education.
If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
All students 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 (depending on your previous teaching and education studies):
a) 120-point pathway
Students 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 student is 1 year and the maximum 2 years; for a part-time student, the minimum is 18 months and the maximum 2 years. Students can begin their programme in February or July.
b) 180-point pathway
This can be either:
- unendorsed, or
- endorsed in one of eight areas (see 'Subjects and courses' below).
Students 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 students is 12–18 months and the maximum 3 years; for a part-time student, the minimum is 18 months and the maximum 5 years. Students can begin this programme in February, July, or November.
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 is unendorsed and involves the completion of a thesis and/or coursework.
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 (not open to new enrolments)
- Teaching and Learning Languages
More information on each endorsement and course requirements is available on the College of Education, Health and Human Development | Te Rāngai Ako me te Hauora website.
For the full details of courses for each endorsement and pathway option, 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.
- 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 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) |
| 2020 | 120 | 120 point pathway : Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $7,535 |
| 2020 | 180 | 180 point pathway: Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $11,303 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2020 | 120 | 120 point pathway - Special (Set) Programme Fee | $30,700 |
| 2020 | 180 | 180 point pathway - Special (Set) Programme Fee | $46,050 |
| 2021 | 120 | 120 point pathway - Special (Set) Programme Fee | $32,000 |
| 2021 | 180 | 180 point pathway - Special (Set) Programme Fee | $48,000 |
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