Skip to Main Content

Contents

Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

Programme Overview

This programme is designed to develop the knowledge and skills that aspiring and current educational leaders require if they're to meet the need for high-quality, equitable learning opportunities for all children.

The courses are taught by nationally and internationally respected academic staff whose research has had a considerable impact on New Zealand’s educational policy and practice.

Highlights

  • Equips you with skills and knowledge to advance your leadership, career and salary prospects.
  • Includes opportunities for workplace projects.
  • Can be taken as a stand-alone qualification or as a pathway into the Master of Educational Leadership.

Programme Structure

Most courses are delivered through weekly lectures and on-campus block courses. Some courses are offered online as flexible self-directed study.

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

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

This programme provides you with the knowledge and skills needed to be an outstanding leader in the education sector.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Education consultant
  • Policy development manager (education)
  • Professional development facilitator
  • School head of department
  • School principal
  • School senior leadership team member
  • Senior teacher


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

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Programme Entry Requirements

You must have completed an undergraduate degree from a recognised university (or similar institution) and a professional qualification in teaching (or similar profession).

You will also need at least three years’ practical experience in teaching (or in a related profession) including experience in a formal or informal leadership and/or management role.

Further Programme Entry Requirements

Note: If you already hold the same or a substantially similar qualification, you may not be admitted to this programme. This includes the Master of Education in Educational Administration, the Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Management and the Master of Educational Management at the University of Auckland.

English language requirements 

If you are an international applicant whose first language is not English you will need to provide evidence of your English proficiency. 

You will require an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 with no bands less than 6.0.  See alternative English language requirements.

Postgraduate Requirements

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

Other Pathways to Study

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 One08 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 completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University, or have equivalent prior study

and

b (i) hold a professional qualification in teaching, or other profession approved by the Programme Director

and

(ii) have at least three years’ practical experience in teaching or in a related profession, including experience in a formal or informal leadership and/or management role.

2 Any applicant who has completed the requirements for the Master of Education in Educational Administration, the Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Management or the Master of Educational Management at the University of Auckland may not be admitted to this postgraduate diploma.

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

4 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

5 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.

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

Structure and Content

7 A student enrolled for this postgraduate diploma must pass 120 points in courses as listed in the Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership Schedule.

8 The programme for each student requires the approval of the Programme Director prior to enrolment.

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.

Distinction

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

Variations

11 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

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

Schedule

Schedule Notes

The programme for each student requires the approval of the Programme Director prior to enrolment.

Programme Schedules

Complete 120 points comprising:

  • 60 points for all Compulsory Courses, and
  • 30 points from Elective Courses, and
  • 1 course from EDUFAC - Faculty of Education and Social Work Other 30 points Courses, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

Compulsory Courses

Complete 60 points for ALL of the following:

Other 30 points Courses

Select exactly 1 subjects from Faculty of Education and Social Work.

Selected courses must include exactly 30 points at level 700.

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

Graduate Profile

#ThemeDescription
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Programme Capabilities

#Programme Capability
1.2
1.1
2.1
3.1
3.2
4.1
4.2
5.1
6.1
7.1
8.1
8.2

Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map

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