Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching
PGDipSpecTchg
Duration
2 years part-time
Entry times
February (Semester 1)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Bachelor of Teaching and Learning with Honours
- Master of Specialist Teaching
Download Brochure
Duration
2 years part-time
Entry times
February (Semester 1)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Bachelor of Teaching and Learning with Honours
- Master of Specialist Teaching
Download Brochure
Overview
The Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching provides students with a strong appreciation of specialist teaching as an interdisciplinary field of practice and the ability to apply their knowledge and skills in diverse cultural contexts.
The learning model is inquiry-based and employs a range of distance and other flexible learning options. Communities of interprofessional practice both within and beyond Aotearoa New Zealand will be developed.
Postgraduate certificates and diplomas require a relevant bachelor's degree. If you gained your qualifications overseas, these will need to be assessed to ensure they are of an equivalent standard.
You are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
Specific entry requirements
Students wishing to enrol in the Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching msut have either:
- qualified for an Aotearoa New Zealand teacher education degree; and/or
- qualified for a recognised three year diploma in early childhood, primary, or secondary teaching in Aotearoa New Zealand; and either
- hold current teacher registration in Aotearoa*; and
- normally acquired at least two years relevant experience as a teacher or educator in a recognised educational workplace or community setting; or
- been admitted ad eundem statum to enrol for the Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching; and
- been approved for the Diploma 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 the Education Council of Aotearoa New Zealand for registration as a teacher in terms of character and fitness to be a teacher.
For the full entry requirements see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma 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 Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching is made up of courses equivalent to 120 points.
The PGDipSpecTchg can be studied over a minimum of 1 year full-time or up to 4 years part-time. Most commonly, this Diploma is studied over 2 years part-time.
The PGDipSpecTchg is made up of four courses from your chosen endorsement, which includes practical experience.
The Diploma can be awarded endorsed in:
- Complex Educational Needs
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Early Intervention
- Learning and Behaviour.
For the up-to-date Schedule of courses for each endorsement, see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching.
UC also offers a Master of Specialist Teaching.
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.
- Our Careers, Internships & Employment team can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers or find a job.
- For research into career destinations by qualification, visit the 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) |
| 2019 | 120 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $7,387 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2019 | 120 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $29,000 |
Contact us
For full requirements see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching.
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