Master of Teaching and Learning (Secondary)
Course details
| NZQF Level | 9 |
|---|
About the course
Become a teacher and make a difference. Build on your degree with a professional qualification in secondary school teaching.
Get the skills and knowledge you need to create positive, inclusive learning environments and become a confident and effective educator. Through the Master of Teaching and Learning (Secondary), you’ll become an agent of change for young people’s education and wellbeing.
Important note
This programme may not be suitable for you as an international student, as you need to join the selection interview in person in Wellington—there are no online interviews.
As an alternative, you might consider the Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary). That programme has an online option for the selection interview. If you have any questions, contact the International Office.
Learn in the classroom
The Master of Teaching and Learning (Secondary) is a 10-month, full-time programme with 35 weeks based in the classroom. This valuable experience will develop your skills and enable you to see how theory and practice are interlinked in your development as a teacher. Most of your classroom experience will be in your host school. For 22 weeks you’ll spend the equivalent of two days a week alongside a mentor teacher in a classroom context. Teaching is fully online, although on-campus attendance is compulsory for the Ngā Mihi and Wānanga periods.
In addition, you will have 13 weeks of full-time practice experience, including four weeks in a different school. Your full-time practice experience in your host school includes eight weeks in the second half of the year to widen and deepen your teaching experience.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme. Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Globally ranked
This programme is ranked in the top 250 worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
The QS World University Rankings is an annual global publication that gives overall rankings and subject rankings for more than 1,500 universities worldwide.
Learn the New Zealand curriculum
The Master of Teaching and Learning (Secondary) is focused on The New Zealand Curriculum. You will learn the principles and theories of teaching and learning to support learners of all backgrounds and abilities.
Successful graduates will be able to teach in secondary, middle, and intermediate schools throughout New Zealand. You’ll also be eligible for provisional teacher certification with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary)
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington also offers the Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary). The Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary) is a 10-month programme with 16 weeks based in the classroom. You can study the Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary) full time over 10 months or part time over two years.
Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary)
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington also offers the Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary). The Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary) is a 10-month programme with 16 weeks based in the classroom. You can study the Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary) full-time over 10 months.
The study experience
You can expect to spend 40 to 50 hours studying each week. Courses are taught over three trimesters, between February and November.
The programme is primarily based online. Classes are online, while your Professional Practive placements and the Ngā Mihi and Wānanga periods require in-person attendance. All students will be supported by a professional learning community and an academic mentor.
2027 dates
- Trimester 1: Monday 8 February–Friday 25 June 2027
- Trimester 2: Monday 12 July–Thursday 2 December 2027.
This includes compulsory campus attendance at:
- Ngā Mihi: Tuesday 9 February–Thursday 11 February 2027
- Wānanga: Monday 29 November–Thursday 2 December 2027.
Secondary school teaching subjects
To enrol in the Master of Teaching and Learning (Secondary) you will need to have one subject aligned to the secondary school curriculum in your undergraduate degree as a major subject studied to 300 or postgraduate level. You may be able to do the Master of Teaching and Learning (Secondary) with two curriculum-aligned subjects. The other may be a major or a minor studied to at least 200-level.
The following curriculum areas and subjects are offered in our secondary teaching qualifications (subject availability can vary):
- English
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Agriculture and Horticulture)
- Social Sciences (History, Geography, Psychology, Classical Studies, Media Studies)
- Commerce (Accounting, Business Studies, Economics)
- Visual Arts
- Music Studies
- Drama
- Technology (Design and Visual Communication, Digital, Textiles, Materials)
- Physical Education & Health
- Food and Nutrition
- Languages (Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Gagana Sāmoa, Spanish, Te Reo Māori).
The teaching subject areas offered in the programme are subject to the availability of teacher mentors and academic mentors. To find out more about the teaching subjects offered by the School of Education, call [0800 04 04 04](0800 04 04 04).
Te Tiriti o Waitangi and te reo Māori
New Zealand teachers live the values of Te Tiriti of Waitangi and use te reo Māori in their teaching practice. During your studies you will strengthen your knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi partnership, and practice using te reo Māori in everyday situations.
Undergraduate preparation for Teacher Education
You may be able to include courses in your undergraduate degree that will help prepare you for a career in teaching, such as courses in te reo Māori, New Zealand history, and statistics. You will need to have at least one subject aligned to the secondary school curriculum in your undergraduate degree as a major subject studied to 300 or postgraduate level. You can have a second subject as a major or a minor studied to at least 200-level. Read our guidance on choosing courses to do in your undergraduate degree.
Places are limited
There are only 30 places available on this programme each year. Read about the application process to find out more.
After you graduate
With the Master of Teaching and Learning (Secondary), you can apply for provisional teacher registration from the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand. You’ll also be able to apply for teaching positions in New Zealand and overseas.
If your previous academic qualification is from another country, you may need to have it assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority after you complete the MTchLrn(Secondary). This review might be needed to help decide your salary.
Scholarships
TeachNZ scholarships
TeachNZ offers a range of scholarships for teachers in training. Go to TeachNZ or phone 0800 832 246 for more information. Apply early as there are limited numbers of scholarships available.
Entry requirements
Domestic entry requirements
A Bachelor's degree with a grade point average of 5 or above
English language requirements
You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.
About the provider
Victoria University of Wellington, full name Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, was founded in 1897 and is one of New Zealand’s largest and most prestigious universities. The University is located in the heart of New Zealand’s vibrant capital city and its three city campuses are all within easy walking distance of one another, as well as local attractions, shopping districts, and cafés.
The University’s central location gives students access to a
variety of national organisations in the areas of business, government,
politics, culture and heritage, the arts and filmmaking industry, as well as
the science and technology communities. Wellington is a compact city where
students can easily explore nature trails, beaches, galleries, museums, and
events. It is multicultural, safe, friendly, and has a reputation for great
food and coffee—it regularly ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities.
Victoria University of Wellington at a glance
- Top 1% of the world's universities for research quality and teaching
- 170+ subjects
- 20 undergraduate programmes and 180 postgraduate programmes
- 40+ research institutes and 4 libraries
- 3,000 of our 17,000 students are international students, from 120+ countries
- 130+ clubs and societies
- 5+ stars from the latest QS Stars Rating of Excellence
- #1 in New Zealand for research intensity (in the latest assessment of the Performance-Based Research Fund)
- Wellington School of Business and Government is one of an elite group of commerce faculties worldwide that hold the Triple Crown of international accreditations of EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA
- Top 2% of the world’s universities (QS World University Rankings 2026)
- Top 100 in the world in 7 subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
Graduate outcomes*
- Of the graduates who responded that they are currently working full time, 91% were employed prior to or within 6 months of degree completion.
- 67% were in full-time employment.
*Based on those who completed the 2023–2024 Graduate Destinations Survey.
Entry requirements
To study at Victoria University of Wellington, international students need:
- a good command of the English language
- a good record of academic achievement.
Entry requirements are provided under each programme. The University considers each student’s academic and English-language background when assessing applications. If a student doesn’t meet entry requirements, our team can help them meet their study goals.
If a student doesn’t meet the entry requirements for:
- English language - Students can apply for our English for Academic Purposes programme
- Undergraduate study - Students can apply for our Foundation Studies programme
- Postgraduate study - Students can talk to us to help build a pathway to their degree
The University offers complete support for students through a range of wellbeing and learning services. These include a specialised international team that is dedicated to supporting students during their studies, which helps international students meet new friends and settle into university and Wellington life.
Some of the support services include:
- dedicated international student orientation and events
- a free arrival meeting service at the airport
- the International Buddy Programme, where you get paired with a ‘buddy’ from the get-go
Students can make the most of the many opportunities to get
involved in different communities, embrace new experiences, and develop skills
for their future careers. The university encourages all students to develop
strong global citizenship skills through their studies and extracurricular
programmes such as the Kitea
Impact Programme, which is also free to join.