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Overview

Programme Overview

New Zealand secondary schools are normally for students 13–18 years old. They need secondary-school teachers who are passionate about teaching their subjects and who can encourage a love of learning in their students.

This one-year Graduate Diploma programme is the best preparation for teaching. It will qualify you to teach once you become a provisionally-certificated teacher in accordance with the requirements of the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand. It is taught by experts in education and lecturers who are specialists in their subjects.

Both the online and city campus programmes begin with an in person three-day block course at Auckland campus Wednesday 20 – Friday 22 January 2027. This will provide an invaluable opportunity to build relationships and develop your knowledge of teaching secondary students in Aotearoa New Zealand. All students are strongly encouraged to attend this critical part of the programme. However, for students whose circumstances affect their ability to attend the block course, learning materials will be made available.

Shaped by a commitment to fairness and social justice, the programme is underpinned by principles in the Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a determination to ensure equitable learning outcomes for our young people. The programme is highly practical with time spent in schools, lectures or online learning. You'll learn what and how to teach. You will also form important professional relationships with teachers and prospective employers.

The programme is suitable for those with a bachelors degree or higher. You may be continuing straight on from a just completed degree or returning to study to change your career. Either way, this programme will enable you to gain an internationally recognised degree from the only New Zealand University to rank in the top 50 in the world for Education as a subject.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching students are eligible for the external TeachNZ Scholarships. Find out more and apply.

Before you begin your teaching journey, there are a few key steps you need to complete, so we recommend applying early. Read about the process on our Info for applicants page.

Modes of Delivery

The Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary) is available both as a face-to-face programme at City Campus and as an online programme.

Students will choose a specialist subject that reflects their undergraduate major. The teaching subjects available for both the City Campus and Online programmes are:

Main Subject                                           Specialist Subject

  • Dance and Drama                                   Dance or Drama
  • English                                                      English Literacy or Media Studies
  • Mathematics and Statistics                Mathematics for Senior Secondary or Accounting
  • Music                                                        Music
  • Science                                                      Biology or Chemistry or Physics
  • Social Sciences                                        Business Studies or Economics or History or Psychology or Geography
  • Technology Technology
  • (Design for Visual Communication, Digital Technologies, Fabric, Food, Hard Materials)            
  • Visual Arts                                               Visual Arts
  • Health and Physical Education (not online) Health
  • Languages (not online)                         TESOL, Te Reo Māori*

* Te Reo Māori available online only (no other languages).         

Online Programmes:

The online programme is available to students across New Zealand, however all practicum placements will be in either Auckland or Northland partner schools and are arranged by the Practicum team within the faculty. All students must be living in either Auckland or Northland for scheduled practicum blocks. Read the FAQ's about the Online programme here.

Students enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) Online may be eligible to apply for the Teacher Education in Schools programme. This scholarship programme allows students to undertake their teaching qualification online while being based in a host Secondary School with a $19,930 stipend to cover course fees and other expenses. Read more about the Teacher Education in Schools Programme.

If you have any questions or need help with any aspects of application or enrolment, please visit auckland.ac.nz/askus

Programme Structure

Students will complete 150 points in this one-year* programme through practical placements in secondary schools as well as taught courses on campus and online.

The programme begins, for both online and on campus students, with an in person three-day block course at City Campus on Wednesday 20 - Friday 22 January 2027. This will provide an invaluable opportunity to build relationships and develop your knowledge of teaching secondary students in Aotearoa New Zealand. All students are strongly encouraged to attend this critical part of the programme.

Students will learn about the New Zealand Curriculum and develop basic te reo Māori proficiency in addition to learning how to teach their subject speciality (for example: Science, Mathematics and Statistics, English, Visual Arts).

* Part-time study options are also available (with the approval of the Programme Director).

Professional Experience

Professional Experience (also known as practicum) is a large component of this programme. Students will observe and work alongside teachers in two different secondary schools for a total of 15 full block weeks throughout the year. In addition, a three-day observation in February provides an opportunity to experience a school early in the year.

2026

  • Observation: 18 February - 20 February
  • Practicum One (School A): Wednesdays in School on 11 and 18 March, 23 March - 2 April (2 weeks) and 20 April - 29 May (6 weeks)
  • Practicum Two (School B): Wednesday in School on 22 July, 27 July - 11 September (7 weeks)

Read our Practicum FAQs here.

Careers Events

Careers Events are a core component of the programme. They provide students with opportunities to learn about job application processes, to hear from principals and first-year teachers about their teaching experiences, to develop their professional identity, and to have mock interviews with secondary school principals. These events help pre-service teachers to prepare for the transition into a teaching career.

Capstone task and portfolio

At the end of the year, students present a portfolio, including a capstone task that consolidates theoretical and experiential learning throughout the year.

You will also need to meet other requirements, including time limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

While many graduates go on to teach in secondary schools in New Zealand, the programme will also provide you with transferable skills that can be applied to a range of careers.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Researcher
  • Policy adviser for the Ministry of Education
  • Learning designer
  • Education consultant
  • School guidance counseller

Further Study Options

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.

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Experience the University

Video

Graduate story | Angela

Angela completed a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary), and now works as a mathematics teacher. In this video she shares what led her to choose the University of Auckland, and why she loves her career now.

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 qualifications

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 (150 point) - 2.4 Grade Point Average 

Bachelors degree

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further Programme Entry Requirements

Taught 150 points

You must have completed a bachelors degree in any discipline with 300- or 400-level courses in a subject/s appropriate to the New Zealand secondary school curriculum learning areas . You will need a GPA of 2.4.

Entrance is subject to satisfactory police check/s, safety checks, interview and referees’ reports. You will be required to sit literacy and numeracy tests.

For more information on the safety checks requirements, please see our Children's Act 2014 requirements page .

For detailed information about your eligibility to teach in your curriculum area of interest, visit Eligibility to teach your chosen subject.

You will also need to provide evidence of meeting the Teaching Council Matatū Aotearoa English Language requirements by IELTS or an approved alternative. Further information on approved alternatives can be found on the Teaching Council website.

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.

Advice on Programme Limits

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 Limitation of Entry Statute 1991 in the University Calendar and the related Programme and Course Limitations and selection criteria.

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 Semester One01 December 202519 January 202629 June 2026
2027 Semester One14 January 202718 January 202728 June 2027

Other Important Dates

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

Additional Information on Key Dates

This programme starts earlier than standard university semester dates.

Regulations

Preamble

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

In order to satisfy the requirements of this graduate diploma, students are required to be in various teaching environments which will bring them into contact with young persons. Only persons able to meet the criteria for provisional registration of the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand will be permitted to enrol in this graduate diploma.

Admission

1 In order to be admitted to this programme, a student needs to have:

a completed the requirements for:

(i) a degree from a New Zealand university or the equivalent as approved by Senate or its representative

or

(ii) a qualification recognised as equivalent by the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand and New Zealand Qualifications Authority

and

b demonstrated the potential to meet the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand criteria for provisional registration and certification.

Notes:

(i) 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.

(ii) Applicants will be required to consent to disclosure of criminal convictions and safety checks required by the Children’s Act 2014.

(iii) Personal references and an interview will be required.

Duration and Total Points Value

2 A student enrolled for this graduate diploma must follow a programme of full-time study in an academic year and pass courses with a total value of 150 points.

3 In exceptional circumstances, part-time enrolment may be permitted with approval of the Programme Leader.

4 The requirements for this graduate diploma must be completed within 24 months of initial enrolment unless, in exceptional circumstances, Senate or its representative extends this period.

Structure and Content

5 A student enrolled for this graduate diploma must complete the requirements as listed in the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) Schedule.

6 The programme for each student requires the approval of the Dean of Faculty of Education and Social Work prior to enrolment.

7 A student who has previously passed any course the same as, or similar to, the courses required for this graduate diploma must substitute an alternative course(s) approved by the Programme Leader.

8 A student admitted to this programme must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

Language Requirements

9 a Students must pass EDUCM 199 in the first year of enrolment.

b Students must pass EDUCSW 199 in the first semester of enrolment.

Practical Professional and Practicum Requirements

10 a In any course that has a practicum and non-practicum component, a student must pass both the practicum and non-practicum component in order to have passed that course as a whole.

b Where a weakness occurs in the practicum component of EDPRAC 612, students will be required to enrol in an extension course and pay tuition fees at the rate of 10 points for each two-month period or part thereof. This provision will only apply when the student’s current enrolment in EDPRAC 612 has ended.

c Re-enrolment in EDPRAC 612 after failing that course requires the permission of the Dean of Faculty of Education and Social Work or nominee.

d At the discretion of Senate or its representative, a student who does not pass EDPRAC 612 may be declined permission to be readmitted to this graduate diploma.

11 a In order to complete the requirements for this graduate diploma, a student must be able to meet the criteria for provisional registration of the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.

b A student who ceases to be able to meet the criteria for provisional registration of the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand must immediately notify the Dean of Faculty.

c If the Dean of Faculty has reason to believe that a student does not meet the criteria for provisional registration of the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand the Dean shall advise the student and take into account any written response from the student.

d If the Dean of Faculty is satisfied that the student is not able to meet the criteria for provisional registration of the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand the Dean shall notify Senate or its representative.

e On receipt of such advice, Senate or its representative may terminate the student’s enrolment and any application to re-enrol may likewise be declined.

f A student whose enrolment is terminated under Regulation 11e may appeal that decision to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education or the duly appointed delegate.

Suspension or Termination of Enrolment

12 a If the behaviour of a student in a teaching environment is found, after due and fair inquiry, to be offensive, disruptive or likely to give rise to a risk of harm to the welfare of any person, the enrolment of the student in the programme may be terminated by Senate or its representative and any application to re-enrol may likewise be declined.

b A student who is subject to any such inquiry may be suspended by Senate or its representative from lectures, classes and any teaching placement pending the outcome of the inquiry.

c A student whose enrolment is terminated under Regulation 12a may appeal that decision to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education or the duly appointed delegate.

Credit, Cross-credit and Reassignment

13 A student may apply to reassign courses passed for this graduate diploma to the Graduate Diploma in Education.

Variations

14 In exceptional circumstances Senate or its representative may approve a personal programme which does not conform to these regulations.

Regulation Commencement or Amendment

15 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2024.

Schedule

Schedule Notes

The programme for each student requires the approval of the Dean of Faculty of Education and Social Work prior to enrolment.

Programme Schedules

Complete 150 points comprising:

  • One of the following:
  • 1 item from Te Reo Māori - 1 Semester, or
  • 2 items from Te Reo Māori - 2 Semesters, and
  • One of the following:
  • 1 item from English Language Competency - 1 Semester, or
  • 2 items from English Language Competency - 2 Semesters, and
  • One of the following:
  • 150 points for Option 1 (Compulsory Courses), or
  • 150 points from Option 2 (Elective Courses), and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

Te Reo Māori - 1 Semester

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Te Reo Māori - 2 Semesters

Complete exactly 2 of the following:

English Language Competency - 1 Semester

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

English Language Competency - 2 Semesters

Complete exactly 2 of the following:

Option 1 (Compulsory Courses)

Complete 150 points comprising:

  • One of the following:
  • 15 points for all Teaching Subject Specialism - 1 Semester, or
  • 15 points for all Teaching Subject Specialism - 2 Semesters, and
  • One of the following:
  • 45 points for all Design for Learning - 1 Semester, or
  • 45 points for all Design for Learning - 2 Semesters, and
  • One of the following:
  • 30 points for all Professional Practice: Secondary - 1 Semester, or
  • 30 points for all Professional Practice: Secondary - 2 Semesters, and
  • One of the following:
  • 15 points for all Te Ao Māori: He tirohanga whakamuri kia ahu whakamua - 1 Semester, or
  • 15 points for all Te Ao Māori: He tirohanga whakamuri kia ahu whakamua - 2 Semesters, and
  • 15 points for all The Adolescent Learner, and
  • One of the following:
  • 15 points for all The Inquiring Professional - 1 Semester, or
  • 15 points for all The Inquiring Professional - 2 Semesters, and
  • One of the following:
  • 15 points for all Education after Society - 1 Semester, or
  • 15 points for all Education after Society - 2 Semesters

Teaching Subject Specialism - 1 Semester

Complete 15 points for ALL of the following:

Teaching Subject Specialism - 2 Semesters

Complete 15 points for ALL of the following:

Design for Learning - 1 Semester

Complete 45 points for ALL of the following:

Design for Learning - 2 Semesters

Complete 45 points for ALL of the following:

Professional Practice: Secondary - 1 Semester

Complete 30 points for ALL of the following:

Professional Practice: Secondary - 2 Semesters

Complete 30 points for ALL of the following:

Te Ao Māori: He tirohanga whakamuri kia ahu whakamua - 1 Semester

Complete 15 points for ALL of the following:

Te Ao Māori: He tirohanga whakamuri kia ahu whakamua - 2 Semesters

Complete 15 points for ALL of the following:

The Adolescent Learner

Complete 15 points for ALL of the following:

The Inquiring Professional - 1 Semester

Complete 15 points for ALL of the following:

The Inquiring Professional - 2 Semesters

Complete 15 points for ALL of the following:

Education after Society - 1 Semester

Complete 15 points for ALL of the following:

Education after Society - 2 Semesters

Complete 15 points for ALL of the following:

Option 2 (Elective Courses)

Complete exactly 150 points from the following:

Prior approval of the programme director is required to include EDUCSW 600 as an elective.

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Degree Plan

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

Graduate Profile

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Programme Capabilities

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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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