Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary)

Secondary (high) school teachers are critical for inspiring our young people to develop the knowledge and skills needed for their future lives and the world of work. New Zealand secondary schools (normally for students aged 13-18 years old) need teachers who are passionate about teaching their subjects and teachers who can encourage a love of learning in their students. This one-year Graduate Diploma programme is the best preparation for teaching will qualify you to teach and become a provisionally-certificated teacher in accordance with the requirements of the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand. It is taught by experts in secondary education and lecturers who are specialists in their subjects. Shaped by a commitment to fairness and social justice, the programme is underpinned by principles in the Treaty of Waitangi and a determination to ensure equitable learning outcomes for our young people. The programme is highly practical with time spent in schools and lectures which will show you 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. Whether you are adding a year to your existing degree or returning to study to change your career, this programme will enable you to gain an internationally recognised degree from the only New Zealand University to rank in the Graduate Diploma in Teaching students are eligible for the external TeachNZ Scholarships. 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 page. The Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary) is available both as a face-to-face programme at City Campus and as an online programme. . Learning Areas and indicative subject specialisations: English The Arts: Dance, Drama, Music-Sound Arts, Visual Arts, Art History Heath and Physical Education Learning Languages: Languages, ESOL Mathematics and Statistics Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics Social Sciences: History, Geography, Classical Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Accounting, Social Sciences Independent Learning Subject (e.g. Religious Education, Media Studies, Psychology, Environmental Education) Technology: Design for Visual Communication, Digital Technologies, Fabric, Food, Hard Materials The online enrolment is available to students across New Zealand. For more information visit the . Students enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) Online may be eligible to participate in our Teacher Education in Schools programme. This programme allows students to complete their teaching qualification online while being based in a secondary school. Read more about the . School subjects offered online: Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Social Sciences, History, Accounting, Economics, Business Studies, Visual Arts, Mathematics and Statistics, English, Te reo maori me ona tikanga.

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.

Students will learn about the New Zealand Curriculum and develop basic te reo Maori 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.

2024

• Observation: 21 February - 23 February
• Professional Experience in School A: 25 March - 12 April, 29 April - 31 May
• Professional Experience in School B: 29 July - 13 September

2025

• Observation: 19 February - 21 February
• Practicum One (School A): Wednesdays in School on 12 and 19 March, 24 March - 11 April (3 weeks) and 28 April - 30 May (5 weeks)
• Practicum Two (School B): Wednesday in School on 23 July, 28 July - 12 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.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.