Duration
Full-time: 1 year
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2023: Starts - 31 January; Ends - 3 November
Available locations
Epsom, Online
Points
150
Programme type
Postgraduate

Programme overview

Secondary (high) school teachers are critical for developing knowledge and inspiring our young people, typically aged between 11 and 18, as they navigate and prepare for the future world of work. 

New Zealand secondary schools need more teachers to inspire a love for learning in our young people, especially those with expertise in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) subjects and te reo Māori. This one-year programme is the best teaching preparation for those with a bachelors degree and a passion for sharing their knowledge and talents. 

Whether you are adding a year to your existing degree or returning to study to change your career, this practical programme, taught by experts in secondary education, will qualify you to become a provisionally-certificated teacher in secondary schools.

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.

You will 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. You will also form important relationships with teachers and prospective employers to secure employment and start earning a higher starting salary sooner than employment-based qualifications.

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

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.

View the list of school subjects offered.

The Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) is available online in science, biology, chemistry, physics, social sciences, history, mathematics and statistics, english and te reo māori me ōna tikanga subjects. The online enrolment is available to students across New Zealand. For more information visit the Graduate Diploma in Teaching Online page.

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 Teacher Education in Schools Programme.

Got some questions? Email our Postgraduate Taught Recruitment Specialist at pgt@auckland.ac.nz.

Programme structure

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: history, mathematics, English, dance, commerce, chemistry).

* Part-time study options are also available (with the approval of the Programme Leader).

Professional Experience

Professional Experience (also known as practicum) is a large component of this programme. Students will observe and work alongside secondary teachers in two different secondary schools for a total of 15 full block weeks throughout the year.  A three-day observation in February provides an opportunity to experience the start of a school year.

  • Observation: February
  • Professional Experience in School A: 27 March – 6 April, 24 April- 2 June
  • Professional Experience in School B: 31 July – 15 September 

Careers Week

A dedicated Careers Week is a core component of the programme and provides students with the opportunity to develop their professional identity and have mock interviews with secondary school principals 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'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points 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.

Sample programme structure

1 year 150 points

  • Code:
    EDPROFST 613
    Name:
    The Adolescent Learner
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDUC 603
    Name:
    Education after Society
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDPROFST 614
    Name:
    The Inquiring Professional
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDCURSEC 692
    Name:
    Design for Learning
    Type:
    Compulsory core course across across learning areas: Science, English, Languages, Social Sciences, Art and Technology, Performing Arts, PE and Health, Maths & Statistics, Beyond the NZ Curriculum
    Points:
    45 pts
  • Code:
    EDCURSEC 691
    Name:
    Teaching Subject Specialism
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDPRAC 612
    Name:
    Professional Practice: Secondary
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 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

2023 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 120 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 300- or 400-level courses in a subject/s appropriate to the New Zealand secondary school curriculum learning areas. You will need 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 detailed information about your eligibility to teach in your curriculum area of interest, visit Eligibility to teach your chosen subject.

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.

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 120 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 in any discipline at a recognised university (or similar institution) with advanced level courses in a subject/s appropriate to the New Zealand secondary school curriculum learning areas. You will need 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.

For detailed information about your eligibility to teach in your curriculum area of interest, visit Eligibility to teach your chosen subject.

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

How much does a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) cost per year?

2023 fees

Domestic students
NZ$8,292*
International students
NZ$36,998*

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 $8.38 per point, estimated at $1,257.00 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 all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Key dates

Application closing dates

Semester One 2023
1 December 2022

Start dates

Here are the start dates for the programme.

Other important dates

This programme starts earlier than standard university semester dates.

2023 Important Dates:

  • 31 January: Induction Day 
  • 1 February – 24 March: Lectures
  • 15, 16, 17 February: Three-day observation in a school
  • 17 and 22 March: Observation days in Practicum 1 School
  • 27 March – 6 April: Practicum 1

  • 7 – 21 April: Mid Semester Break

  • 24 April – 2 June: Practicum 1 continues
  • 6 June –30 June:  Lectures (includes Careers Events 26–28 June)

  • 3 July – 14 July: Inter-Semester Break

  • 17 July – 28 July: Lectures
  • 26 July: Observation day in Practicum 2 school
  • 31 July – 15 September: Practicum 2
  • 18–29 September:  Lectures

  • 3 October – 14 October: Mid-Semester Break

  • 16 October – 3 November: Lectures and Capstone Task
     
For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

While many graduates go on to teach in secondary schools in New Zealand, the programme will also provide you with transferable skills that can be applied to a range of careers.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Curriculum developer
  • Education consultant
  • Learning designer
  • Mental health education specialist
  • Policy adviser for the Ministry of Education
  • Researcher
  • Secondary teacher

Further study options

See all study options
Tetoki Tepaki

Tetoki Tepaki - Secondary Teacher (Media Studies)

Learn more about Tetoki's experience of the programme and why he loves teaching.

Read more

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

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

button for easy access to information about this qualification button for easy access to information about this qualification

Experience the University

Madison's Practicum Experience

Check out how Madison’s practicum placement is preparing her for an exciting career in teaching.

Find out more

Do you need help?

AskAuckland

Your online help and support centre. Search our frequently asked questions.

Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?

Our student support team is here to help. Use our online contact form.

Need to speak to someone?

You can phone us directly.

Auckland
923 5025
Outside Auckland
0800 61 62 63
International
+64 9 373 7513