Duration
Full-time: 1 year
Part-time: 2 years
Next start date
2027 Semester One - 25 Jan 2027
Available locations
Online
Points
150
Programme type
Postgraduate

Programme overview

Note: 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.

Enter a profession where the demand for teachers is high in New Zealand and overseas. 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.

Our programme will equip you with the knowledge and skills to support young children in their learning and development from birth to the age of five. You will gain hands-on experience working in a range of early childhood settings where building responsive and inclusive relationships is key.

You will undertake three practicum placements adding up to a total of 16 weeks in a range of early childhood centres, located in either Auckland or Northland, supported by experienced teachers and university supervisors. You can read practicum FAQs here.

The diploma is shaped by a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, relational pedagogies, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Content includes learning about Te Āo Māori and basic te reo Māori. You will learn alongside a diverse range of students and be taught basic proficiency in te reo Māori.

The programme will prepare you to become an effective early childhood teacher and support you as you prepare for your transition into the teaching profession. By the end of the programme, you will be familiar with the New Zealand early childhood curriculum Te Whāriki and a range of appropriate pedagogy for teaching within the context of Aotearoa New Zealand. You will be eligible to apply for provisional certification as a practising early childhood teacher with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.

From January 2027, the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) is only available to domestic students and only available online. The practicum component can only be completed in Auckland or Northland. Applicants need to be in Auckland or Northland for the duration of the placement. For more information, including practicum requirements, visit the Online Graduate Diploma Teaching page.

Please note the programme start date for 2027 is 25 January 2027.

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

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

Programme structure

This is a 150 point initial teacher education programme that combines theory and practice. The programme can either be completed in one intensive year that is the equivalent to 1.25 years of full-time study or part-time over 2 years.

Professional experience

Professional experience (also known as practicum) is a large component of this programme. You will work alongside experienced teachers in a range of early childhood centres and organisations during practicum placements.

There are three practicum placements throughout the programme. The Practicum office team provide information and support related to placement allocation and dates.

For practicum dates and details, please visit the Online Curriculum Catalogue here.

(Note: All placements are in the Auckland or Northland region only from 2027)

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

Sample programme structure

Full-time 1 Year

1 Year 150 points

  • Code:
    EDPROFST 605
    Name:
    The Early Years Teacher
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDPROFST 607
    Name:
    The Relational Worlds of Children
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDCURRIC 601
    Name:
    Creative Arts - Early Years
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDCURRIC 623
    Name:
    Investigation and Exploration
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDPRAC 613
    Name:
    Professional Practice 1: Early Childhood Education
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDPRAC 614
    Name:
    Professional Practice 2: Early Childhood Education
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDCURRIC 624
    Name:
    Curriculum and Pedagogy
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDCURRIC 600
    Name:
    Literacies, Languages and Cultures
    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 Māori
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDUCM 199
    Name:
    Te Reo Māori
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    0 pts
  • Code:
    EDUCSW 199
    Name:
    English Language Competency
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    0 pts

Part-time 2 Years

Year 1 75 points

  • Code:
    EDPROFST 605
    Name:
    The Early Years Teacher
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDPRAC 613
    Name:
    Professional Practice 1: Early Childhood Education
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDCURRIC 601
    Name:
    Creative Arts in the Early Years
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDUCM199
    Name:
    Te Reo Māori
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    0 pts
  • Code:
    EDCURRIC 600
    Name:
    Languages, Literacies, Cultures
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDUC 603
    Name:
    Education After Society
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDUCM199
    Name:
    Te Reo Māori
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    0 pts

Year 2 75 points

  • Code:
    EDPROFST 607
    Name:
    Relational Worlds of Children
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDCURRIC 623
    Name:
    Investigation and Exploration
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDPROFM600
    Name:
    Te Ao Māori
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    7.5 pts
  • Code:
    EDCURRIC 624
    Name:
    Curriculum and Pedagogy
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDPRAC 614
    Name:
    Professional Practice 2: Early Childhood Education
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDPROFM600
    Name:
    Te Ao Māori
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    7.5 pts

2027 entry requirements

My highest qualification is from:

Programme requirements

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.

  • Study option
    Taught 150 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 or higher 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.

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

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

Programme requirements

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.

  • Study option
    Taught 150 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 2.4

    An undergraduate degree

  • Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    7.0

    No bands less than 7.0.

    See alternative English language requirements

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

Further programme requirements

Taught 150 points

You must have completed an undergraduate degree at a recognised university (or similar institution) in any discipline with a GPE 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.

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. 

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

How much does a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) cost per year?

2026 fees

Domestic students
NZ$10,090.50*
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. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $9.44 per point, estimated at $1,416.00 for full-time study (150 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

See course fees for each faculty

Find out about financial support information

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

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

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

Key dates

Application closing dates

Semester One 2027
1 December 2026

Start dates

Here are the start dates for the programme.

Other important dates

The Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) programme condenses 1.25 years of study into one year.

This programme starts in January, earlier than standard university semester dates.

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

While many graduates go on to teach in early childhood settings in New Zealand or overseas, the programme will also provide you with transferable skills that can be applied to a range of careers. By already holding a bachelors degree you 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 early childhood teachers.

Jobs related to this programme

  • ECE teacher
  • Hospital play specialist
  • Policy adviser for the Ministry of Education
  • Learning designer
  • Researcher
  • Education consultant
  • Curriculum developer

Further study options

See all study options

Student career planning service

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

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