Course details

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)
NZQF Level 7

About the course

The focus of the programme is creating teachers who are able to teach children from 0 to 6 years and providing matauranga/professional knowledge, whakapono/attitudes, values and beliefs, pukenga/skills and knowledge to become proficient educators and leaders in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The Graduate Diploma at level 7 is designed to prepare learners to start their career as early childhood educators. It can also be a bridging qualification to Post Graduate study in ECE teaching or disciplines related to a particular
focus, such as children with special needs, Māori tikanga or Pasifika knowledge in ECE.
The Graduate Diploma allows graduates to continue with further study to a Master of Education (ECE) degree delivered in a range of NZ and international tertiary institutions and universities.

Programme information:

  • 12 Months course (1.5 academic years)
  • 135 Credits (9 papers)

Students in the Graduate Diploma will complete 9 papers, all of which are at level 7, delivered at a maximum of three papers per trimester.
The course involves both theory and practice of 48 weeks (18 weeks in classroom and online, 23 weeks’ classroom and concurrent practicum, 7 weeks’ block practicum).

Paper Outlines

  • The Holistic Curriculum
  • Te Ao Maori
  • Teaching as Inquiry
  • Professional Practice Rapunga: Conceptualising Professional Practice ECE
  • Early Childhood Education: Histories, Philosophies and Theories
  • Human Development: Maori, Pacific and Global Perspective
  • The Professional Teacher
  • Infant and Toddler Pedagogies
  • Professional Practice Toa: Conceptualising Professional Growth in ECE

Graduate Outcomes

The programme meets the standards as defined by NZQA and the NZ Teaching Council. Graduates will be eligible to gain teacher registration in Aotearoa New Zealand.


Employment Outcomes

Most graduates find employment in a range of positions as educators and leaders in the early childhood sector.

Entry requirements

  • Completed Bachelor’s degree at Level 7 on the NZQF, or a recognised​ equivalent.
  • Academic IELTS 7.0 across all bands, or a NZQA / NZ Teaching Council approved equivalent.
  • Meeting the UE (University Entrance) level literacy and numeracy requirement.
  • Meeting New Zealand Police Vetting requirements in accordance with the Vulnerable Children’s Act 2014.
  • Successful selection interview to determine values, disposition and fitness to teach. Prior to the interview, candidates must arrange for two referees to send confidential references directly to ICL.

About the provider

ICL Graduate Business School is a private tertiary institution situated in the heart of Auckland City, New Zealand. It offers practical programmes in Business, Business Informatics, and Early Childhood Education across various levels of study, including Bachelor's degrees, Graduate and Postgraduate diplomas, and Master's degrees.

Recognised as a New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) Category 1 Education Provider, ICL Graduate Business School is committed to delivering high-quality education. The institution prides itself on its diverse student body, with over 80 nationalities represented, and offers flexible study options to cater to a wide range of learners.

ICL's programmes are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in today's competitive business environment. The school also provides pathway services for students planning further education or seeking employment opportunities, both within New Zealand and internationally.

Located in Auckland's central business district, ICL Graduate Business School offers students access to a vibrant city life, robust infrastructure, and a diverse cultural environment, enhancing both their academic and personal experiences.

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