Course details

Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning
NZQF Level 8

About the course

The PGDipTchgLn combines research-informed knowledge and critical inquiry with professional placements to prepare you for a career in teaching.

You will have the opportunity to gain knowledge of teaching, learners and curriculum, engage in professional practice in schools, and become part of the teaching profession in Aotearoa New Zealand.

You will learn skills such as communication, critical thinking, planning and design for learning, and culturally responsive teaching.

The Postgraduate Diploma is endorsed in either Primary or Secondary Education. Both endorsements are internationally recognised professional qualifications, leading to teaching opportunities globally. You will meet Matatū Aotearoa | Teaching Council of New Zealand teaching standards and will be eligible to apply for registration and certification with the Teaching Council as a school teacher.

What will my study involve?

  • A programme combination of research-informed knowledge and critical inquiry with practice-based experiences.
  • Build on your knowledge of contemporary education and professional practice.
  • 80 days of professional practice within schools.
  • Flexibility to study on campus in Ōtautahi Christchurch, or by distance (Primary Education only).
  • Students with Te Reo Māori or Technology as their specialist subject can study by distance and part-time.

Subjects and Courses

  • TEPI413 Professional Learning and Inquiry 1
  • TEPI415 Understanding Every Learner: Intercultural and Inclusive Education
  • TEPI416 Tō tātou reo, ā tātou tikanga
  • TEPI614 Professional Learning and Inquiry 2
  • TEPP413 Teaching Professional Practice 1
  • TEPP414 Teaching Professional Practice 2
  • TECP423 Literacy and Mathematics for Primary School Teaching
  • TECP424 Curriculum 2: Teaching and Learning in, through and about Health and Physical Education and the Arts
  • TECP425 Curriculum 3: Exploring Science and Technology through Collaborative Design
  • TECP426 Curriculum 4: Learning Languages and Social Sciences in Diverse School and Community Settings
  • TECS433 Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment 1: Teaching subject for junior secondary
  • TECS434 Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment 2: Teaching subject for senior secondary
  • TECS435 Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment 3: Contemporary Developments in Secondary Education
  • Biology with Science
  • Classical Studies with Social Studies
  • Chemistry with Science
  • Commerce with Business Studies
  • English
  • Geography with Social Studies
  • Health with HPE
  • History with Social Studies
  • International Languages
  • Mathematics
  • Music
  • Outdoor and Environmental Education with HPE
  • Performing Arts
  • Physical Education with HPE
  • Physics with Science
  • Te Reo Māori
  • Technology
  • Visual Arts
  • Business Studies
  • HPE (Health and PE)
  • Science
  • Social Studies
  • Geography Yrs 11—13
  • History Yrs 11—13
  • Classical Studies Yrs 11—13
  • Health Yrs 11—13
  • Outdoor and Environmental Education Yrs 11—13
  • Physical Education Yrs 11—13
  • Biology Yrs 11—13
  • Chemistry Yrs 11—13
  • Physics Yrs 11—13
  • TECS436 Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment 4: Additional teaching subject for junior secondary
  • TECS437 Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment 5: Additional teaching subject for senior secondary

Entry requirements

Applicants for the PGDipTchgLn programme will need an Aotearoa New Zealand bachelor's degree with a B Grade Point Average in their 300-level courses (or other qualifications of an equivalent standard).

Those entering the Secondary Education endorsement will need previous studies in a subject relevant to the Aotearoa New Zealand secondary school curriculum eg, te reo Māori, English, biological sciences, mathematics, history, physical education, etc.

Those wanting to enrol in the Primary endorsement will need to demonstrate their mathematics capability. Find out more about the proposed mathematics entry requirement for primary ITE programmes.

You will be approved for entry on the recommendation of a Selection Committee. Selection for entry is based on:

  • academic ability, involvement and interest in working with children and young people, community involvement, communication skills, and other personal qualities as outlined in the Guide to Applying
  • a police check, referees' reports, and an interview
  • a short literacy and numeracy test.

If English is not your first language, you are also required to meet UC's Teaching language requirements. See how to provide your English language evidence to UC. If you need help meeting these requirements, or would like to practise your English skills before studying, UC offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) language programmes.

For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning or use the admission requirements checker.

How to apply

Applications are open throughout the year and close 1 December for domestic students or 31 October for international students.

For more details on entry requirements and the teacher education application process, see the Guide to Applying.

About the provider

At the University of Canterbury you will get to enjoy the very best a university has to offer 'a world class learning environment, a vibrant campus and a great student lifestyle that's packed with opportunities.

You will gain hands-on experience in courses led by academics who are actively engaged in research and who are experts in their fields. The culture promotes active learning, where the vibrant community allows you to be who you are and do what you love. UC's picturesque campus with modern teaching and research facilities is set in the heart of a city that has become a magnet for growth and innovation. Further afield lies a region packed with outdoor adventure, from the mountains to the sea.

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