Program Overview

Introduction to the Graduate Diploma in Teaching

The Graduate Diploma in Teaching is a one-year program designed for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree and wish to become registered teachers. This program is available in three specializations: Early Childhood Education (ECE), Primary, and Secondary.

Program Details

• The program commences in January each year, with specific start dates available on the program pages.
• The program leads to New Zealand teacher registration.
• A school visit is highly recommended before applying for the program.
• Once the program has started, it is not possible to change specializations.

Entry Requirements

• The entry requirements are the same for both face-to-face and online versions of each Graduate Diploma in Teaching program.
• The Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) has different entry requirements than the ECE and Primary specializations.
• For further detailed entry requirements, please refer to the relevant program pages.

Program Structure

• The program is intensive and equivalent to 1.25 years of full-time study.
• Students are expected to commit approximately 40 hours per week to their studies.
• The program includes lectures, tutorials/workshops, assignments, and independent study.

Career Opportunities

• The program qualifies students to teach in various settings in New Zealand and overseas.
• Graduates can also pursue careers in related fields, utilizing the transferable skills acquired during the program.

Specializations

• ECE: Preschool (around ages 0-5)
• Primary: Years 1-8 (around ages 5-12)
• Secondary: Years 9-13 (around ages 12-18)

Fees and Funding

• The fees for the program can be found on the program pages.
• There are several scholarships available for teaching programs.

Practicum

• The program includes a practicum requirement, which provides students with hands-on teaching experience.
• More information on the practicum can be found on the program pages.

English Language Requirement

• All applicants must meet the University of Auckland's English language requirement and the English language requirement of the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Overseas Qualifications

• Applicants with overseas qualifications are eligible to study for the Graduate Diploma in Teaching, subject to a qualification assessment by the University.

Difference between Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Postgraduate Diploma in Education

• The Graduate Diploma in Teaching is for those who already hold a degree and wish to become a registered teacher.
• The Postgraduate Diploma in Education is for those who already have a degree in education and wish to upskill, but it does not lead to teacher registration.

Difference between Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Graduate Diploma in Education

• The Graduate Diploma in Teaching is for those who already hold a degree and wish to become a registered teacher.
• The Graduate Diploma in Education is an exit qualification only for those who do not successfully complete the requirements of the Graduate Diploma in Teaching and does not lead to teacher registration.

DELNA and EDUCM 199

• DELNA is a 0-point core course that assesses students' language proficiency.
• EDUCM 199 is an introductory Te Reo Mori course that provides opportunities to learn correct pronunciation and some basic classroom language.

Fees-Free Policy

• The fees-free policy does not apply to the Graduate Diploma in Teaching, as it is only available to those who have not completed tertiary study before.

Job Prospects

• There is a shortage of teachers throughout New Zealand, making it relatively easy for graduates to secure a job.
• The University has strong relationships with partner schools, which are always keen to hire graduates.
• Ninety-seven percent of graduates go on to find employment in the field after completing the program.