Postgraduate Certificate in Specialist Teaching
PGCertSpecTchg
Duration
1 year part-time
Entry times
Semester 1 (February)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Download Brochure
Duration
1 year part-time
Entry times
Semester 1 (February)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Download Brochure
Overview
This Certificate provides students with a strong appreciation of specialist teaching as an interdisciplinary field of practice, and specialist teaching knowledge and skills in diverse cultural contexts.
It comprises of courses focusing on either Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Early Intervention, Complex Educational Needs, or Learning and Behaviour.
To enrol in the Postgraduate Certificate in Specialist Teaching, you 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; and
- hold current teacher registration in Aotearoa; and
- normally acquired at least two years experience as a teacher or educator in a recognised educational, workplace, or community setting.
The relevance and standard of undergraduate studies and any subsequent professional work experience are the main criteria of approval.
Those who do not hold current Aotearoa New Zealand Professional Registration will be required to undergo police vetting prior to gaining entry into the programme. You 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.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Certificate in 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 course of study for the PGCertSpecTchg comprises of courses equivalent to 60 points.
It can be studied in a minimum of 1 year part-time, or up to 2 years part-time.
The Certificate includes one compulsory course and one elective course focused on different teaching needs.
Compulsory course
One elective course chosen from:
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) |
| 2023 | 60 | Fee estimate. Actual fee will be determined by course selection. | $3,981 |
| 2022 | 60 | Fee estimate. Actual fee will be determined by course selection. | $3,874 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) | Fees (NZD) Excl GST |
| 2022 | 60 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $16,500 | $14,348 |
| 2023 | 60 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $17,000 | $14,783 |
Contact us
For full requirements see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Certificate in Specialist Teaching.
Te Kaupeka Ako | Faculty of Education
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