Program Overview

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Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Support – PGDipLrnSupport

The Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Support is designed for Learning Support Coordinators (LSC), Special Education Needs Coordinators (SENCo), and experienced teachers working in the area of learning support. This qualification integrates theory and practice to explore key aspects of the LSC and SENCo roles, extending knowledge, skills, and networks.

Type of Qualification

• Postgraduate diploma
• Level of study: Postgraduate study, NZQF level 8

Duration and Study Mode

• Time to complete: 2 years part-time (not available for full-time study)
• Where you can study: Distance and online
• International students: Not open to international students

Key Dates

• Admission application due dates
• Course enrolment dates for accepted students
• Semester dates

Study Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Support aims to develop competence and confidence in:

• Developing inclusive, equitable, and culturally responsive education practices
• Understanding curricula, New Zealand legislation, policies, and contemporary theories relating to learning support
• Enquiring into practice
• Enacting Universal Design for Learning principles
• Effecting change at a systems level
• Facilitating teams to support whānau, teachers, and learners
• Fostering mentoring partnerships
• Curating, creating, and disseminating evidence-based practice

Tailored to Your Needs

• Opportunity to design your own learning pathway relevant to professional needs within your educational context
• Flexible online learning environment, including webinars, forum discussions, and modules of learning

Qualification Options

• The Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Support does not qualify you to be a teacher in New Zealand. For teacher qualification, see the Graduate Diploma of Learning and Teaching.

Entry Requirements

• Admission to Massey University
• Specific requirements:
  • Bachelor’s degree in teaching or equivalent
  • Registration as a teacher with a current practising certificate from the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand
  • At least 2 years of relevant teaching experience
  • Selected into the diploma based on an application, which may include the assessment of a professional portfolio
• Documents required:
  • Official academic transcripts
  • Current curriculum vitae
  • Current practising certificate issued by the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand

Application Closing Date

• Applications close on 23 January

English Language Requirements

• Meet Massey University's English language standards

Prior Learning, Credit, and Exemptions

• Information on prior learning, exemptions, and transfer of credit
• Review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
• Contact Massey University for questions

Structure of the Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Support

• Awarded without endorsement
• Part-time study only due to course sequencing
• Must be completed within a maximum of 4 years
• Courses:
  • Learning Support: Networked Learning
  • Learning Support: Professional Practice
  • Supervision & Mentoring in Specialist Teaching
  • Learning Support: Professional Inquiry

Courses and Specialisations

• Core courses: 120 credits
• Course planning key:
  • Prerequisites
  • Corequisites
  • Restrictions

Fees and Scholarships

• 2026 tuition fees:
  • Domestic students: $8,489
  • International students: Not applicable
• Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
• Scholarship and award opportunities:
  • Massey University Postgraduate Scholarship

Accreditations and Rankings

• QS Ranking - Education: Massey is ranked in the world's top 250 universities for education

Related Study Options

• Educational Psychology – Graduate Certificate in Arts
• Educational Psychology – Bachelor of Arts
• Educational Psychology – Diploma in Arts
• Educational Psychology – Graduate Diploma in Arts
• Postgraduate Certificate in Learning Support – PGCertLrnSup
• Postgraduate Certificate in Specialist Teaching – PGCertSpecTchg

Conclusion

The Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Support offers a comprehensive and flexible program for professionals in learning support roles, aiming to enhance their knowledge, skills, and practice in creating inclusive and equitable education environments. With its tailored approach and recognition of prior learning, this qualification is designed to meet the needs of experienced educators seeking to advance their careers in learning support.