Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary)

Programme Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) allows bachelors degree holders to transition into a secondary school teaching career. The program qualifies graduates to teach students in Years 9 through 13 (ages 12 to 18) across New Zealand secondary schools.

The curriculum focuses on blending practical, research-based teaching techniques with educational theory to confidently manage secondary learning environments. Built upon foundational principles of equity, social justice, and a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, this qualification focuses heavily on supporting a diverse cohort of learners.

What You'll Study

The qualification demands the completion of 150 points of intensive coursework alongside mandatory practical experience.

• Curriculum Specialization: Rather than general classroom coverage, secondary students prepare explicitly to teach their chosen curriculum subjects based on their undergraduate majors.
• Subject Requirements: Your entry qualification must include at least two courses at the 300 or 400 level in a subject area taught across the New Zealand secondary school curriculum.
• Professional Experience: Practical block placements are integrated directly into local high schools, allowing student teachers to refine lesson planning, subject delivery, and classroom management under professional mentorship.

Why Choose This Programme?

• Highly Targeted: Tailored specifically for those who want to pass down their specialized academic passion—whether in the sciences, arts, commerce, or languages—to a new generation.
• High-Ranking Education Provider: Graduate with an internationally recognized teaching credential from New Zealand’s highest-ranked university for Education.
• Flexible Learning Delivery: Choose between standard face-to-face classes on the City Campus or follow the program via an online pathway from anywhere in the country.

Entry Requirements

• Academic Baseline: A completed bachelors degree with a minimum 2.4 GPA containing appropriate 300/400-level curriculum background papers. This is a limited-entry programme.
• Teaching Council Compliance Steps: Admission requires passing strict non-academic checks before enrolment can be confirmed:
  • Selection Interview: A formal face-to-face or online interview to determine suitability for the teaching profession.
  • Safety Vetting: Full New Zealand police vetting and safety checks under the Children’s Act 2014. Note: If you have lived overseas for more than 12 continuous months within the last 10 years, an overseas police clearance report is required.
  • Assessments: All applicants must successfully complete institutional numeracy and literacy entry tests.
  • References: Provision of satisfactory professional referee reports.
• English: Academic IELTS 7.0 (all bands 7.0+) or an approved alternative language competency pathway.