Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching
PGDipSpecTchg
Duration
2 years part-time
Entry times
Semester 1 (February)
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
Semester 1 (February)
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.
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 Postgraduate Diploma in 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; 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.
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 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 (120 points), which includes practical experience.
The Diploma can be awarded endorsed in:
- 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.
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
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.
- 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 | 120 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $7,618 |
| 2022 | 120 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $7,748 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) | Fees (NZD) Excl GST |
| 2021 | 120 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $32,000 | $27,826 |
| 2022 | 120 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $33,000 | $28,696 |
Contact us
For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in 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