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Early Childhood Education – Graduate Diploma of Learning and Teaching

Course details

Early Childhood Education – Graduate Diploma of Learning and Teaching
NZQF Level 7

About the course

Be part of an innovative qualification

The Graduate Diploma of Learning and Teaching embodies a new vision for the future of teacher education. You’ll gain from robust, specialised curriculum and teaching knowledge that is critical for graduates preparing to enter different types of teaching environments. The qualification also represents Massey University’s commitment to becoming a Tiriti-led university.

Learn from the best

You’ll work with nationally and internationally esteemed practitioners and researchers. You can expect a teaching and learning environment that will enable you to learn how to contribute positively towards your students and society.

You’ll also gain specific knowledge in early childhood education.

Study in a highly supportive environment

The qualification includes regular contact with the teaching team and mentors. You’ll be supported in your professional and personal journey to becoming a teacher in Aotearoa. You’ll be learning with and alongside a great group of peers in a collaborative learning environment that recognises your and your classmates’ individual strengths.

Gain professional experience

In addition to regular coursework (face-to-face and/or distance), you will spend 16 weeks in specialisation-relevant education settings. This is where you’ll develop and refine your professional skills alongside our supportive associate teachers and mentors. You’ll have an opportunity to engage with tamariki, educators and whānau in a professional setting where you’ll be able to take on increasing elements of the teaching role in preparation for your entry into the profession.

Further study

Massey offers a range of further exciting study options in education, such as specialist teaching, educational leadership, counselling and psychology.

Entry requirements

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

  • Massey University entry requirements
Specific requirements

This is a selected entry qualification. This means there are a number of extra requirements you must meet. 

To enter the Graduate Diploma of Learning and Teaching you will have:

  • been awarded or qualified for a bachelor's degree of at least 360 credits, or equivalent
  • demonstrated competence in literacy and numeracy as set down by the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand
  • achieved an Academic IELTS score of at least 7.0 with no band less than 7.0 or approved equivalent within the preceding two years, unless you hold New Zealand University Entrance Level 2 literacy credits or higher, or Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand recognised equivalent qualification(s) and/or schooling
  • met the requirements for registration as set down by the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand, in terms of values, disposition and fitness to teach.

You will need to provide the following documents: 

  • verified copies of all academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University
  • a copy of your current curriculum vitae
  • a supporting statement
  • Consent to disclosure of information for a New Zealand Police check.  Please provide two pieces of verified identification (one of which must be photographic). See more details below about safety checks
  • A copy of a police report from every overseas country you have lived in for more than 12 months in the last 10 years. Please do not supply originals as these will need to be supplied to the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand at a later date
  • a health and disability declaration
  • evidence of English language competency as outlined by the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand, which may include an Academic IELTS test or recognised equivalent - if English is not your first language (see requirements below)
  • an NZQA International Qualifications Assessment - if you have an overseas qualification
  • contact details of two referees - one character referee and one professional referee.
If the selection committee feel you potentially meet the values, disposition and fitness to teach criteria, you may be invited to an interview. This is the second part of the selection process.


English language requirements

To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.

About the provider

Massey University - Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa is a leading New Zealand university, world-renowned for unique practical qualifications, ground-breaking research, and online courses. 

Each year over 5,000 international students from more than 100 countries find a warm welcome at Massey. We are ranked in the top 250 universities in the world by QS World Rankings and have a well-established reputation for academic leadership, research excellence and innovative teaching.


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