Duration
Available locations
Programme type

Programme overview

This programme is designed to be taken part-time by those working in a learning and teaching role in the tertiary sector who would like to undertake research-informed and based study in higher education.

It provides a collegial, cross-disciplinary space for you to explore academic citizenship and learning and teaching and the higher education context, and to undertake a supervised higher education learning and teaching research project.

It aims to foster a higher-education community of practice among students through the use of active and peer learning, learning by teaching and collaborative learning activities and assessments, in order to enhance the standard and standing of tertiary learning and teaching at students’ institutions and beyond.

Courses will be taught and assessed through a blended learning model, using a combination of face-to-face (or streamed) seminars and online resources and assessments.

The programme has 120-point (two years part-time) and 180-point (three years part-time) options. For both options, students must currently be, or have recently been, employed in the tertiary education sector.

Academic and professional staff at the University of Auckland who are New Zealand citizens or permanent residents can claim payment of tuition fees on a pro rata basis under the terms of their respective Collective Employment Contracts. In the case of the Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education and Master of Higher Education, they can claim up to 30 points per semester. Please discuss your enrolment and the payment of tuition fees with your Academic Head or Manager before applying.

Programme structure

Taught 120-point

60 points: Core courses

  • Topics in Higher Education (HIGHED 703) (30 points) or HIGHED 701 or 702 with approval
  • Research Methodologies (EDUCSW 700) or Māori and Indigenous Research (EDUC 787) (30 points)

60 points: Research project

  • Dissertation (HIGHED 793, 793A/B) (60 points)

Taught 180 points

120 points: Core courses

  • Learning and Teaching (HIGHED 701) (30 points)
  • Course Design (HIGHED 702) (30 points)
  • Topics in Higher Education (HIGHED 703) (30 points)
  • Research Methodologies (EDUCSW 700) or Māori and Indigenous Research (EDUC 787) (30 points)

60 points: Research project

  • Dissertation (HIGHED 793 or 793A/B) (60 points)

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

Taught 120 points

Year 1 60 points

  • Code:
    HIGHED 703
    Name:
    Topics in Higher Education
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    EDUCSW 700
    Name:
    Research Methodologies
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts

Year 2 60 points

  • Code:
    HIGHED 793 or HIGHED 793A&B
    Name:
    Dissertation
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    60 pts

Sample programme structure

Taught 180 points

Year 1 60 points

  • Code:
    HIGHED 701
    Name:
    Learning and Teaching
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    HIGHED 702
    Name:
    Course Design
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts

Year 2 60 points

  • Code:
    HIGHED 703
    Name:
    Topics in Higher Education
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    HIGHED 704
    Name:
    Research Project Design
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts

Year 3 60 points

  • Code:
    HIGHED 793 or HIGHED 793A&B
    Name:
    Dissertation
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    60 pts

2024 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 5.0

    Postgraduate degree or diploma

  • Study option
    Taught 180 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

    An undergraduate degree or Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice or Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education

Further programme requirements

Select your study option:

You must have completed a postgraduate degree or diploma in any field with a GPA of 5 or higher in 120 points in the most advanced courses taken. You must also have at least 3 years’ tertiary teaching experience that is equivalent to the content and experience obtained through the PGCertHighEd (subject to the approval of the Programme Coordinator).

In addition, you must have been employed within the past three years in the tertiary education sector in a substantial role in teaching and/or supporting student learning.

Note: A substantial role in teaching or supporting student learning may include academic, library or learning design positions.

You must have completed an undergraduate degree in any field with a GPA of 5 or higher in 120 points in the most advanced courses taken

In addition, you must have been employed within the past three years in the tertiary education sector in a substantial role in teaching and/or supporting student learning.

If you have completed a PGCertHighEd or PGCertAcadPrac with a GPA of 5 or higher, but the certificate has not been awarded, you may reassign those courses to this degree.

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 5.0

    Postgraduate degree or diploma

  • Study option
    Taught 180 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    An undergraduate degree or a one-year postgraduate degree in Academic Practice, Teaching and Learning, Higher Education or similar field.

  • Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5

Further programme requirements

Select your study option:

You must have completed an undergraduate degree in any field, or a similar qualification, with a GPE of 5.0 or higher.

In addition, you must have, within the past three years, been employed in the tertiary education sector and had a substantial role in teaching and/or supporting student learning.

Note: A substantial role in teaching or supporting student learning may include academic, library or learning design positions.

You must have completed an undergraduate degree in any field, or a similar qualification, with a GPE of 5.0 or higher.

In addition, you must be currently employed in the tertiary education sector and have a substantial role in teaching and/or supporting student learning, or have been employed in such a role within the past three years.

Note: A substantial role in teaching or supporting student learning may include academic, library or learning design positions.

Other pathways to study

The approval of the Dean of the Faculty of Education and Social Work is required prior to enrolment. In exceptional circumstances, the admission of a student who has extensive, relevant professional teaching experience or extensive, relevant professional experience in a significant learning and teaching role, that is deemed to be the equivalent of the requirements above may be considered.

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 Master of Higher Education cost per year?

2024 fees

Domestic students
NZ$4,145.40*
International students
NZ$39,995*

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 $8.88 per point, estimated at $1,065.60 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.

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

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 One 2024
8 December 2023
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?

This programme offers a path beyond the Postgraduate Certificates in Academic Practice or Higher Education for those keen to further their understanding of higher education learning and teaching, and their higher education research capability. This qualification can also provide the foundations for doctoral study. A graduate of this programme would need to complete an additional 30-point-course (supervised research project) to apply for PhD study.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Higher education or scholarship of teaching and learning researcher
  • Learning and teaching leadership role (e.g., associate dean, head of school, team leader or course director)
  • Tertiary learning adviser
  • Tertiary/university lecturer
  • Tertiary/university librarian
Dr Lokesh P Padhye - Senior Lecturer in Civil and Environmental Engineering

Lokesh's curiosity to understand research-informed, effective teaching practices led him to study the Master of Higher Education.

Read Lokesh's story

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