Master of Teaching and Learning

Programme Overview

The Master of Teaching and Learning (Level 9) at AUT is an intensive 180-point Initial Teacher Education (ITE) program approved by the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand. Spanning a calendar year, it provides graduates with a deep grounding in relational, inclusive, and bicultural teaching practices alongside advanced educational research.

Note: Graduates of this program meet the requirements to apply for Provisional Teacher Registration with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Programme Structure & Core Formats

The program blends university-based coursework, research methodologies, and hands-on clinical placements:

1. Specialisation Track: Students select either Early Childhood Education (ages 0–5) or Primary/Intermediate Teaching (ages 5–12).
2. Practicum Placement: Minimum of 80 days of supervised clinical experience completed across two major practicum blocks in licensed ECE settings or primary/intermediate classrooms.
3. Applied Research Focus: Includes a dedicated 30-point level 9 research course in the second semester to critically reflect on and evaluate personal teaching practice.

What You'll Study

The curriculum covers core educational theory, curriculum frameworks, and action research:

• Relational & Inclusive Pedagogies: Creating responsive learning environments for diverse learners, with a strong focus on social justice and equity.
• Bicultural Education & Te Tiriti: Integrating te reo me ngā tikanga Māori, Treaty of Waitangi frameworks, and engagement with marae wānanga.
• Curriculum Design & Assessment: Translating curriculum guidelines into effective classroom learning, formative assessment, and pedagogical strategies.
• Critically Reflective Research: Completing an applied inquiry project evaluating classroom practice and learning outcomes.

Why Choose This Programme?

• Accelerated Qualification: Complete a full 180-point Level 9 Master's degree and achieve teacher registration readiness in just 12 months.
• Embedded Research: Synthesizes practical classroom experience with research-led inquiry, differentiating it from traditional postgraduate diplomas.
• High Graduate Demand: Graduates enter the teaching workforce directly eligible for provisional registration in early childhood or primary settings across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Entry Requirements

• Academic Minimums: Bachelor's degree (Level 7) with a B+ grade average in final-year papers.
• Language Requirement: Academic IELTS 7.0 in all sub-bands (or Teaching Council-approved equivalent).
• Vetting & Clearances: Interview, literacy/numeracy evaluation, references, and Children's Act 2014 police vetting.