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Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

Programme Overview

This programme offers further study in education and professional practice and can qualify graduates for an advanced salary status. It will enable you to investigate applied areas of education such as learning and teaching, Māori education, literacy education, mentoring, research and evaluation. You can choose to study the General diploma, the Literacy Education specialisation or the Inclusive Education specialisation.

The Inclusive Education specialisation

One in four people in Aotearoa has a disability. This diversity is now represented in local early childhood settings and schools. Teachers are expected to have the conceptual, culturally responsive and applied knowledge base needed to teach in inclusive environments.

In this specialisation, you’ll develop advanced knowledge and capabilities in inclusive practices to support diverse learners in educational settings. You’ll also extend your research skills through an inquiry-based approach and gain the skills and knowledge needed to take leading roles in effective planning, coordination and management of projects and in professional learning.

Find out more about the Inclusive Education specialisation.

The Early Childhood specialisation

Early childhood is a growth area – and one where highly qualified people are souight to progress a range of early childhood services, be they early childhood centres or related services for tamariki and their whanau. The complexities of these services require people with knowledge of and capability in complex and diverse contexts.

In this specialisation, you’ll develop advanced knowledge and capability in a range of fields, including psychology, leadership, child development, pedagogy, and contemporary global understandings of childhood. You’ll also progress your inquiry and research skills with the opportunity to complete a thesis if you choose this pathway.

Find out more about the Early Childhood specialisation.

The Literacy Education specialisation

Literacy is a life skill, a way of accessing, evaluating and generating knowledge, essential for participating in society and thinking critically. We use literacies to tell our stories, to learn and to convey who we are in the world. Literacy is key to valued educational outcomes.

The world is increasingly diverse, with multiple languages, modes, texts and worldviews. Multiple literacies are needed to access, develop and communicate knowledge, and to critically evaluate media and information online. Teachers at all year levels and in all learning areas/subjects, are teachers of literacies.

In this specialisation, you will develop advanced critical skills, including the knowledge and capabilities to build on and develop the diversity of literacies and learners. You will build skills for working with children and young people and for literacy leadership.

This specialisation is relevant for all teachers who want to be critical consumers of research, designers for accelerated learning and formative evaluators of effective practices and resources.

Tertiary Fees Funding Support – Literacy

The Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga is continuing the Tertiary Fees Funding Support scheme to support further development of teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge and understanding of literacy.

Find out more and how to apply here.

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

This programme offers further study in education and professional practice and can qualify graduates for an advanced salary status. Graduates who meet the criteria can also go on to study at masters level.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Early childhood education teacher
  • Education sector leaders
  • Human resources practitioner
  • Literacy teacher
  • Private teacher/tutor
  • Reading recovery tutor
  • Trainer in organisations
  • Communities of Learning (CoLs) leader

Further Study Options

MEd - Master of Education

MEdLd - Master of Educational Leadership

MProfStuds - Master of Professional Studies

Student career planning services

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

Key Information for Students

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Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Programme Entry Requirements

Other qualifications

If your highest qualification was gained from another tertiary institution, view our entry requirements.


University of Auckland minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

Taught (120 point) - A Bachelor of Arts in Education from this University with a Grade Point Average of 3.0 or higher, or equivalent prior study

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Postgraduate Requirements

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

Other Pathways to Study

One of the following with a GPA of 3.0 or higher:

  • The Advanced Diploma in Teaching, and at least three years of teaching experience, or have equivalent prior study
  • The Graduate Diploma in Education from this University, or equivalent prior study
  • The Graduate Diploma in Teaching English in Schools to Speakers of Other Languages from this University, or equivalent prior study
  • The Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) from this University, or equivalent prior study
  • The Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary) from this University, or equivalent prior study
  • The Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) from this University, or equivalent prior study
  • A Bachelor of Education (Teaching) from this University, or equivalent prior study
  • A Bachelors degree and passed 60 points towards the Postgraduate Certificate in Education from this University, provided that the Postgraduate Certificate has not been awarded


A Bachelor of Arts in Education from this University with a Grade Point Average of 3.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II.

A Bachelor of Education (Teaching) from this University with a Grade Point Average of 3.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II.


If you are applying for the Reading Recovery Specialisation* you must have completed

a Bachelor of Education (Teaching) degree from this University with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II

OR

the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary) from this University with a Grade Point Average of 3.0 or higher, or equivalent prior study

AND

have at least three years’ relevant employment experience (such as a successful junior class teaching experience).

*Offered in 2018, the Reading Recovery specialisation is a restricted-entry programme; please contact the faculty for advice on entry requirements and how you can apply.


Note: If you already hold a Master of Arts in Education (or substantially similar qualification), you may not be admitted to this programme.

If you do not meet the above entry requirements but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes.

Fees and scholarships

Fees

Fees Disclaimer

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Scholarships

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Loans and Allowances

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of Living

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

Key Dates

Application Advice

Please note: we will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Key Dates

SemesterApplication Closing DateSemester Start DateSemester End Date
2026 Summer School01 December 202505 January 202618 February 2026
2026 Semester One01 December 202502 March 202629 June 2026
2026 Semester Two08 June 202620 July 202616 November 2026

Other Important Dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

Regulations

Preamble

The regulations for this postgraduate diploma are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

Admission

1 In order to be admitted to this postgraduate diploma, an applicant must have:

a (i) completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Education from this University with a Grade Point Average of 3.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

(ii) completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Education from this University with a Grade Point Average of 3.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II

or

(iii) completed the requirements for an Advanced Diploma in Teaching with a Grade Point Average of 3.0 or higher, and at least three years of teaching experience, or have equivalent prior study

or

(iv) completed the requirements for either the Graduate Diploma in Education, Graduate Diploma in Teaching English in Schools to Speakers of Other Languages, Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education), Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary), Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) from this University with a Grade Point Average of 3.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

(vi) completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Education (Teaching) from this University with a Grade Point Average of 3.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

(vii) completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Education (Teaching) from this University with a Grade Point Average of 3.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II

or

b (i) completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree

and

(ii) passed 60 points towards the Postgraduate Certificate in Education from this University with a Grade Point Average of 3.0 or higher, provided that the postgraduate certificate has not been awarded.

2 In order to be admitted to the Postgraduate Diploma in Education in Reading Recovery an applicant must have completed the Bachelor of Education (Teaching) from this University with a Grade Point Average of 3.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II or the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary) from this University with a Grade Point Average of 3.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study, and have at least three years’ relevant professional experience.

3 Applicants who have been awarded the Master of Arts in Education will not be admitted to this postgraduate diploma unless permitted by the Programme Director.

4 Equivalence in Regulation 1 and 2 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

5 In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 1 or 2 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

Duration and Total Points Value

6 A student enrolled for this postgraduate diploma must:

a pass courses with a total value of 120 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Postgraduate Diplomas.

7 The total enrolment for this postgraduate diploma must not exceed 160 points.

Structure and Content

8 A student enrolled for this postgraduate diploma must complete the requirements as listed in the Postgraduate Diploma in Education Schedule.

9 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

Credit, Cross-credit and Reassignment

10 A student may apply to reassign courses passed to the Postgraduate Certificate in Education.

Transfer from Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma

11 A student who has passed courses towards a Postgraduate Certificate in Education may reassign those courses to this postgraduate diploma provided that the postgraduate certificate has not been awarded.

Distinction

12 This postgraduate diploma may be awarded with Distinction or Merit as specified in the General Regulations – Postgraduate Diplomas.

Variations

13 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

Regulation Commencement or Amendment

14 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2025.

Schedule

Schedule Notes

Note 1: A student wishing to enrol in a thesis or research portfolio for the Master of Education following the award of this postgraduate diploma should note that passing of 30 points of approved research methodology courses will be required.

Note 2: A student wishing to enrol in the Master of Educational Leadership is advised to include EDPROFST 738 and 757 in the postgraduate diploma.

Programme Schedules

Complete 120 points comprising:

  • 120 points for one Specialisation from Postgraduate Diploma in Education Schedule, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

Postgraduate Diploma in Education Schedule

Complete one Specialisation from the following:

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

Graduate Profile

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Programme Capabilities

#Programme Capability
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Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map

Programme Learning OutcomesPeople and PlaceSustainabilityKnowledge and PracticeCritical ThinkingSolution-SeekingCommunicationCollaborationEthics and Professionalism
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       

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