PGDipTLDL - Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching Linguistically Diverse Learners

Overview
Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates
Regulations
Schedule
Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

This programme will advance your teaching skills so you can help your English language learners who are speakers of other languages to reach their full potential. You will develop strategies to respond to the language learning needs of learners in all settings and investigate models of course design.

You can choose courses where you will explore theories of bilingual/multilingual education, develop policy, curriculum and assessment materials for bilingual/multilingual learners and/or explore the theory and research for effective critical literacy pedagogy within multicultural environments.

The programme will develop your research capabilities in the area of the education of learners from diverse language backgrounds. It will also equip you to innovate and exhibit leadership in your professional context.

Students may be eligible for Ministry of Education Tuition Fees Scholarships.

This 120-point programme is designed to be taken part-time alongside full-time work, with classes scheduled outside school hours. You will complete two compulsory core courses and elective courses. The core courses are scheduled during school term dates, while many electives are offered during teachers’ holidays or weekends. The core courses will be delivered through a mix of in-person, online, and hybrid classes. The programme can be completed part-time over 2–4 years.

Your two compulsory 30-point core courses could be funded by a TESSOL tuition fees scholarship from the Ministry of Education. See the Ministry website here for more information.

This programme will allow you to build on your existing teaching knowledge and experience, preparing you to teach learners from all backgrounds. As a graduate of this programme, you will be recognised as having specialist level subject knowledge, which will help with your career progression within the New Zealand schooling system. This may qualify you for advanced salary status.

MEd - Master of Education

MTESOL - Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

EdD - Doctor of Education

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

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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) - 5.0 Grade Point Average

Bachelor of Education (Teaching)

You will also need at least two years’ relevant professional experience in a New Zealand early childhood centre, primary or secondary setting.

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

Alternatively, you must have an Advanced Diploma in Teaching and at least two years of prior professional experience in a New Zealand early childhood education centre, primary or secondary school or a professional qualification in teaching or relevant other profession and at least two years of prior professional experience in a New Zealand early childhood education centre, primary or secondary school.

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.

Year Fees Applicable

Domestic Student Annual Fees

International Student Annual Fees

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 and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

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

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

This is a limited entry programme: there is a limit on the number of enrolments due to staff or space capacity. For more information, please see the Programme and Course Limitations section of the University Academic and General Statutes and Regulations.

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.

Semester	Application Closing Date	Semester Start Date	Semester End Date
2026 Semester One	08 December 2025	02 March 2026	29 June 2026
2027 Semester One		01 March 2027

1 - 2

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

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.

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

a (i) completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Education (Teaching) from this University with a GPA of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

(ii) completed the requirements for an Advanced Diploma in Teaching

(iii) completed a professional qualification in teaching or relevant other profession

and

b at least two years of prior professional experience in a New Zealand early childhood education centre, primary or secondary school.

2 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.

3 In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 1 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.

Note: This is a limited entry programme as per the Limitation of Entry Statute 1991 and selection criteria apply. Selection criteria are available from the Faculty of Education and Social Work.

4 A student enrolled in this postgraduate diploma must:

a pass courses with a total value of 120 points

and

b complete within four years of initial enrolment if enrolled part-time. In exceptional circumstances, full-time enrolment may be permitted with approval of the Programme Leader and a student must complete within two years of initial enrolment.

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

6 A student enrolled in this postgraduate diploma must complete the requirements as listed in the Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching Linguistically Diverse Learners Schedule.

7 Up to 30 points may be taken from other courses at this University with the approval of the Programme Coordinator.

8 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.

9 The requirements for this postgraduate diploma must be completed on a part-time basis.

10 A student may apply to reassign courses passed for the Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching Linguistically Diverse Learners to the Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching Linguistically Diverse Learners.

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.