Program Overview

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Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary) Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary) is a one-year postgraduate program designed for individuals who wish to pursue a career in primary or intermediate education. This program is available in both full-time and part-time study modes, with a duration that varies for part-time students.

Program Details

• Duration: Full-time: 1 year, Part-time: Varies
• Next Start Date: 2026 Semester One - 19 January, 2026 Semester Two - 21 July
• Available Locations: City, Online
• Points: 150
• Program Type: Postgraduate

Programme Overview

Primary school teachers play a vital role in inspiring young minds and instilling a love of learning. This practical program, taught by experts in primary education, will qualify students to become provisionally-certificated teachers in primary and intermediate schools (Year 1 to Year 8, typically children aged 513). Through placements at primary and intermediate schools, students will establish connections and develop practical skills.

Programme Structure

Students will complete 150 points in this one-year program through a combination of taught courses on campus, online learning, and practical placements in primary schools.

Professional Experience

Professional experience (also known as practicum) is a significant component of this program. Students will work alongside experienced teachers in a range of primary and intermediate schools during practicum placements.

Sample Programme Structure

Year 1 150 points

• Code: EDPROFST 609, Name: Ako, Type: Compulsory core course, Points: 15 pts
• Code: EDCURRIC 625, Name: Curriculum: Maths & Literacy 1, Type: Compulsory core course, Points: 15 pts
• Code: EDCURRIC 626, Name: Curriculum: Maths & Literacy 2, Type: Compulsory core course, Points: 15 pts
• Code: EDPRAC 615, Name: Professional Practice 1: Primary, Type: Compulsory core course, Points: 15 pts
• Code: EDUC 603, Name: Education after Society, Type: Compulsory core course, Points: 15 pts
• Code: EDPROFM 600, Name: Te Ao Mori, Type: Compulsory core course, Points: 15 pts
• Code: EDUCM 199A, Name: Te Reo Mori, Type: Compulsory core course, Points: 0 pts
• Code: EDUCSW 199, Name: English Language Competency, Type: Compulsory core course, Points: 0 pts
• Code: EDPRAC 616, Name: Professional Practice 2: Primary, Type: Compulsory core course, Points: 15 pts
• Code: EDCURRIC 638, Name: Learning Languages and Social Sciences, Type: Compulsory core course, Points: 15 pts
• Code: EDCURRIC 639, Name: Science and Technology, Type: Compulsory core course, Points: 15 pts
• Code: EDCURRIC 640, Name: The Arts, Health and PE, Type: Compulsory core course, Points: 15 pts

Entry Requirements

Minimum Programme Requirements

• Study Option: Taught 160 points
• Grade Required: GPA Grade Point Average 2.4
• Bachelors Degree: Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further Programme Requirements

• Taught 150 points: You must have completed a bachelors degree in any discipline with 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.

Fees

2026 Fees

• Domestic Students: NZ$9,577.50*
• International Students: NZ$42,219*
• 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.

Key Dates

Application Closing Dates

• Semester One 2026: 1 December 2025
• Semester Two 2026: 1 June 2026

Start Dates

• 2026 Semester One: Starts - 19 January, Ends - 29 June
• 2026 Semester Two: Starts - 21 July, Ends - 16 November

Career Opportunities

While many graduates go on to teach in primary schools in New Zealand or overseas, the program will also provide students with a range of transferable skills that can be applied to a range of careers. By already holding a bachelor's degree, students will be eligible to start on a higher step of the salary scale in services covered by the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) teaching collective agreement for primary school teachers.

Jobs Related to This Programme

• Primary school teacher
• Hospital play specialist
• Policy adviser for the Ministry of Education
• Learning designer
• Researcher
• Curriculum developer
• Human resource adviser

Further Study Options

• Master of Education
• Postgraduate Certificate in Social and Community Leadership
• Postgraduate Diploma in Education
• Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work
• Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Theory