Master of Teaching and Learning (Primary)
Course details
| NZQF Level | 9 |
|---|
About the course
Become a teacher and make a difference. Build on your degree with a professional qualification in primary school teaching.
Get the skills and knowledge you need to create positive, inclusive learning environments and become a confident and effective educator. You will become an agent of change for children and young people’s education and wellbeing.
Learn in the classroom
The Master of Teaching and Learning (Primary) is an 11-month, school-based full-time programme, running for the length of the school academic year. You’ll attend campus lectures, but most of your time will be spent in host school classrooms.
Campus lectures are in person and include compulsory attendance at Ngā Mihi and Wānanga at the start and conclusion of the programme.
Your classroom experience is undertaken primarily in a host school where for at least 16 weeks you will spend two or three days a week working alongside your mentor teacher in a classroom context.
In addition, you will have 16 weeks of full-time practice experience, including six 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.
These valuable experiences will develop your skills and enable you to see how theory and practice are interlinked in your development as a teacher.
Learn in the classroom
The Master of Teaching and Learning (Primary) is an 11-month, school-based full-time programme, running for the length of the school academic year. You’ll attend campus lectures, receive additional support from our academics, and spend quality time in host school classrooms.
Campus lectures are in person and include compulsory attendance at Ngā Mihi and Wānanga at the start and conclusion of the programme.
In total, you will have 16 weeks of full-time practice experience across two different schools.
These valuable experiences will develop your skills and enable you to see how theory and practice are interlinked in your development as a teacher.
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 (Primary) 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 primary and intermediate schools throughout New Zealand, and be eligible for provisional teacher certification with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Primary)
We also offer the Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Primary), a 10-month, full-time programme with 16 weeks based in the classroom.
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.
We teach this programme in person on campus—not online. Your professional practice placements, which take place in Wellington primary and intermediate schools, are also in person.
All students will be supported by a professional learning community of 8 to 10 peers and an academic mentor.
2026 dates
- Trimester 1: Monday 2 February–Friday 26 June 2026
- Trimester 2: Monday 13 July–Thursday 3 December 2026.
This includes compulsory campus attendance at:
- Ngā Mihi: Tuesday 10 February–Friday 13 February 2026
- Wānanga: Monday 30 November–Thursday 3 December 2026.
2027 dates
As an international student, you'll start your courses on 8 February 2027. You'll need to attend these block courses:
- one-week block: 8–12 March 2027
- seven-week block: 3 May–18 June 2027
- eight-week block: 23 August–29 October 2027.
Te Tiriti o Waitangi and te reo Māori
New Zealand teachers live the values of Te Tiriti of Waitangi and use te reo Māori. During your studies you will strengthen your knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi partnership and practice using te reo Māori in everyday and classroom 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. Read our guidance on choosing courses to do in your undergraduate degree.
Places are limited
There are only 35 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 (Primary), 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(Primary). 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.
Philippa and Morvyn Williams Scholarship
The Philippa and Morvyn Williams Scholarship is available to female postgraduate students of Māori descent. Applications are now closed.
Other scholarships
You can look for other scholarships based on your level of study, subject area, and background.
Support for students
Victoria University of Wellington is a welcoming place and there are all sorts of resources and support available to help you make the best of your time here.
Entry requirements
Domestic entry requirements
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.