This qualification is relevant to those working in a wide range of education areas. It provides the opportunity to review, inform and improve your knowledge and professional practice. You will develop knowledge, skills and experience in critiquing and undertaking educational research in your area of interest to enhance your practice. Through an independent inquiry under supervision from high-calibre experts within the faculty, you can contribute valuable knowledge and understanding to the field of education. This is a research masters programme with a 120-point and a 180-point option available.
Programme overview
Programme structure
120-point research masters
- Requirement: Thesis (120 points)
- Prerequisite: An approved Research Methods courses (at least 30 points)
180-point research masters
Requirement:
- Thesis (90 points)
- An approved Research Methods course (at least 30 points)
- Two 30-point elective courses (60 points total) from Education, Education Curriculum, Education Practice, Education Professional Studies Māori, Education Professional Studies, Education Special, Education Māori, and Social Work Child Family Practice.
- Special Topic: Research Methods in Language Education (EDCURRIC 716)
- Researching Educational Settings (EDUC 735)
- Researching Māori Education (EDUC 787)
- Practitioner Inquiry (EDPRAC 751)
- Literacy Education: Research and Practice (EDPROFST 700)
- Critical Research Methodologies in Education (EDPROFST 754)
- Undertaking Research for School Improvement (EDPROFST 757)
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
2021 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 optionResearch 120 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
Postgraduate Diploma in Education or Bachelor of Education (Teaching) (Honours)
-
Study optionResearch 180 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
An undergraduate degree in education
Further programme requirements
Select your study option:
You must have completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Education or a Bachelor of Education (Teaching) (Honours) with a GPA of 5.0.
You must also have completed at least 30 points in one of the approved research methods courses: EDCURRIC 716, EDUC 735, 787, EDPRAC 751, EDPROFST 700, 754, 757.
Note: If you already hold a Master of Arts in Education (or a substantially similar qualification), you may not be eligible for this programme.
You must have completed either:
- a Bachelor of Education (Teaching) or an equivalent qualification recognised for teacher registration
or
- a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Education or an equivalent qualification in education.
You will require a GPA of 5.0.
Note: If you already hold a Master of Arts in Education (or a substantially similar qualification), you may not be admitted to this programme.
Other pathways to study
If you do not meet the GPA requirement you can still gain entry if you are able to successfully demonstrate your ability to undertake advanced study and research for this degree.
If you do not have the required prior study, you can still gain entry by passing 60 points towards the Postgraduate Certificate in Education with a GPA of 5.0 or higher.
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 optionResearch 120 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
One year of postgraduate study
-
Study optionResearch 180 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
An undergraduate degree in education.
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5
No bands less than 6.0
Further programme requirements
Select your study option:
You must have completed one year of postgraduate study in education, following an undergraduate degree, from a recognised university (or similar institution) with a GPE of 5.0.
You must also have completed an advanced-level course in approved research methods.
You must have completed an undergraduate degree in education at a recognised university (or similar institution) with a GPE of 5.0, or an equivalent qualification recognised for teacher registration.
Note: If you already hold a masters degree in the same (or substantially similar field of study), you may not be admitted to this programme.
Other pathways to study
If you do not meet the GPE requirement you can still gain entry if you are able to successfully demonstrate your ability to undertake advanced study and research for this degree.
If you do not have the required prior study, you can still gain entry by passing 60 points towards the Postgraduate Certificate in Education with a GPA of 5.0 or higher.
How much does a Master of Education cost per year?
2021 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$7,782 – $7,934.40*
- International students
- NZ$35,048*
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 $8.02 per point, estimated at $962.40 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
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.
Key dates
Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.
Application closing dates
- Semester Two 2021
- 4 July 2021
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
Semester One | Starts – 1 March |
---|---|
Ends – 28 June | |
Semester Two | Starts – 19 July |
Ends – 15 November |
Semester One | Starts – 28 February |
---|---|
Ends – 27 June | |
Semester Two | Starts – 18 July |
Ends – 14 November |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
View our study pathways guides to help you decide whether this programme is right for you.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your study options please contact us at pgt@auckland.ac.nz.
Where could this programme take you?
Through coursework and research, you will have the opportunity to contribute valuable knowledge and understanding to your own work, your workplace and the field of education. This qualification can also provide the foundations for doctoral study.
Jobs related to this programme
- Communities of Learning (CoLs) leader
- Education sector leader
- Human resources practitioner
- Researcher (education)
- School centre manager or specialist
- Trainer in organisations

The Master of Education gave Julie Brien a deeper understanding of education practice, a desire to start a PhD, and a promotion at work.
Read Julie's storyStudent career planning service
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Experience the University

Why I'm doing a masters degree in Education at the University of Auckland
Fatma is making her masters study meaningful for her. Her taught courses and research are directly linked to her teaching practice and focused around children's transition to school.
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