- 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.
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 optionTaught 120 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
Postgraduate degree or diploma
-
Study optionTaught 180 pointsGrade requiredGPA 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 optionTaught 120 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
Postgraduate degree or diploma
-
Study optionTaught 180 pointsGrade requiredGPE 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.
-
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 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.
How much does a Master of Higher Education cost per year?
2023 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$4,145.40*
- International students
- NZ$38,273*
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 $1,005.60 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.
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
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
Lokesh's curiosity to understand research-informed, effective teaching practices led him to study the Master of Higher Education.
Read Lokesh's storyStudent career planning service
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