Master of Specialist Teaching
MSpecTchg
Duration
12–18 months full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Download Brochure
Duration
12–18 months full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Download Brochure
Overview
The Specialist Teaching programme is relevant for educators working with children and learners who have special educational needs in early childhood, primary, and secondary sectors.
The programme is coursework-based, meaning it is ideal for educators who aim to provide professional leadership in their area of expertise but who do not wish to undertake a thesis. The Master of Specialist Teaching (MSpecTchg) employs a mix of distance and blended learning delivery options that provide flexibility for all students, regardless of location.
The degree can be awarded unendorsed, or endorsed in one of four areas. Graduates will gain a comprehensive understanding of their selected specialism, and will have the expertise, knowledge, interdisciplinary networks, and strategies to provide innovative approaches to meet children’s and learners’ special education needs in their workplace.
UC is ranked in the top 250 universities in the world for Education and Training (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2021).
Students wishing to enrol in the Master of Specialist Teaching must have:
- qualified for an Aotearoa New Zealand teacher education degree, or qualified for a recognised three-year diploma in early childhood, primary, or secondary teaching in Aotearoa, with at least a B Grade Point Average in their 300-level courses; and
- hold current teacher registration in Aotearoa (not a requirement for the Early Intervention endorsement); and
- normally acquired at least two years experience as a teacher or educator in a recognised educational, workplace, or community setting.
Students must be approved to enrol by the Dean of Education and Health Sciences. The relevance and standard of undergraduate studies and any subsequent professional work experience are the main criteria of approval.
Students who do not hold current Aotearoa New Zealand Professional Registration will be required to undergo police vetting prior to gaining entry into the programme. They must meet requirements equivalent to those set down by Matatū Aotearoa | Teaching Council of New Zealand for registration as a teacher in terms of character and fitness to be a teacher.
If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements and the requirements set out by Matatū Aotearoa | Teaching Council of New Zealand.
Students who have completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching, or equivalent qualification demonstrating appropriate academic achievement, may be granted Recognition of Prior Learning, enabling them to gain entry directly to Part II of the programme.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Specialist Teaching 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 MSpecTchg consists of two parts. In Part I, students complete one compulsory core theory and foundations course (30 points), and three compulsory courses (90 points) from one of the endorsement schedules. Each endorsement includes:
- one specialist theory and foundations course
- one professional practice course (including practical assignments)
- one extended practicum course including experience in specialty practice settings.
On satisfactory completion of Part I with a B grade average or higher, students will be eligible to progress to Part II.
Part II consists of two 30-point courses, one chosen from three courses, and one optional course. Part II can be completed by distance study.
Participants can study this Master's in 12–18 months full-time, or up to 6 years part-time.
The degree can be awarded unendorsed, or endorsed in one of four areas:
- Complex Educational Needs
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Early Intervention
- Learning and Behaviour
See the Specialist Teaching programme website for more information on each endorsement.
The MSpecTchg is made up of two parts; Part I involves courses from the endorsements, including theory and practical work. Part II offers a variety of optional teaching and education courses.
Part I
Students complete the following courses depending on the endorsement chosen:
Complex Educational Needs
- EDST 601 Core Theory and Foundations of Specialist Teaching
- EDST 651 Theory and Foundations in Complex Educational Needs
- EDST 652 Evidence-based Interprofessional Practice in Complex Educational Needs
- EDST 653 Practicum in Complex Educational Needs
Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- EDST 601 Core Theory and Foundations of Specialist Teaching
- EDST 621 Theory and Foundations of Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- EDST 622 Evidence-based Interprofessional Practice in Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- EDST 623 Practicum in Deaf and Hard of Hearing
To graduate in this endorsement you must also be able to demonstrate proficiency in Aotearoa New Zealand Sign Language.
Early Intervention
- EDST 601 Core Theory and Foundations of Specialist Teaching
- EDST 631 Theory and Foundations of Early Intervention
- EDST 632 Evidence-based Interprofessional Practice in Early Intervention
- EDST 633 Practicum in Early Intervention
Learning and Behaviour
Part II
One of the following:
- EDEM 637 Distributing Leadership Through Coaching and Mentoring
- EDEM 638 Teachers as Leaders
- EDEM 669 Leading and Managing Decision-Making in Organisations
Plus 30 points of courses selected from Schedule E: Group 1 to the Master of Education.
Postgraduate study can bring many career benefits, such as 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) |
| 2021 | 180 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $11,427 |
| 2022 | 180 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $11,622 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) | Fees (NZD) Excl GST |
| 2021 | 180 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $48,000 | $41,739 |
| 2022 | 180 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $49,500 | $43,043 |
Contact us
For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Specialist Teaching.
For study planning help, contact Te Kura Mātai Hauora | School of Health Sciences or the College of Education, Health and Human Development:
Te Rāngai Ako me te Hauora | College of Education, Health and Human Development
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
Phone +64 3 369 3333
Email educationadvice@canterbury.ac.nz