Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary)
Course details
| NZQF Level | 7 |
|---|
About the course
Enhance your career prospects with the specialised study of teaching at secondary level.
Make a positive difference in the lives of adolescents and young people in New Zealand. Get the skills and knowledge you need to be a confident and effective secondary school teacher.
Teacher education at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
Learn the New Zealand curriculum
The Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary) focuses on The New Zealand Curriculum with 16 weeks based in the classroom. You can complete the program in 10 months studying full time.
If you are a domestic student, you can study either on campus or online.
You will learn the principles and theories of teaching and learning to support learners of all backgrounds and abilities and to be an agent of change for young people’s education and wellbeing.
Successful graduates will be able to teach in secondary schools throughout New Zealand, and elsewhere, and be eligible for provisional teacher certification with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Learn the New Zealand curriculum
The Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary) focuses on The New Zealand Curriculum with 16 weeks based in the classroom. You can complete the programme in 10 months by commencing the program in Trimester 1 and studying full time.
If you are a domestic student, you can study either on campus or online.
You will learn the principles and theories of teaching and learning to support learners of all backgrounds and abilities and to be an agent of change for young people’s education and wellbeing.
Successful graduates will be able to teach in secondary schools throughout New Zealand, and elsewhere, and be eligible for provisional teacher certification with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Secondary school teaching subjects
To enrol in the Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary) you will need to have included at least one subject aligned to the secondary school curriculum in your undergraduate degree. This subject will need to be a major subject studied to 300-level. You may have another subject 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).
To find out more about the teaching subjects offered by the School of Education, contact the Student Success team.
Master of Teaching and Learning (Secondary)
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington also offers the Master of Teaching and Learning (Secondary). This is a 10-month, full-time programme with 22 weeks based in the classroom.
After you graduate
New Zealand is facing a shortage of secondary teachers, so employment prospects are good for all subjects. In particular, there is high demand for teachers in Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Te Reo Māori, and Technology.
With the Graduate Diploma of Teaching (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 GDipTchg(Secondary). This review might be needed to help decide your salary.
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 the Treaty of Waitangi partnership and practice using te reo Māori in everyday and classroom situations.
Practical teaching experience
You will gain valuable experience on three teaching placements. These placements will develop your skills and enable you to see how theory and practice interlink in your development as a teacher.
Teaching placements are limited for some subjects. You should expect travel to placements of up to an hour each way. Your teaching subjects will also impact our ability to secure your teaching placements.
The study experience
You can expect to spend 40 to 50 hours studying each week.
Courses are taught between February and December.
You can study on campus or online. A blended approach is taken for campus-based study where some courses may be online. If you choose to study online, you’ll need to attend two week-long block courses at the University in Wellington (held at the beginning and end of the one-year programme).
The study experience
You can expect to spend 40 to 50 hours studying each week. Courses are taught between February and December.
A blended approach is taken for campus-based study, where some courses may be online. If you choose to study online, you’ll need to attend two week-long block courses at the University in Wellington (held at the beginning and end of the one-year programme).
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.
Undergraduate preparation for Teacher Education
As well as the subjects that you will be teaching at secondary school level, you may want to include courses in your undergraduate degree that will help you prepare for a career as a teacher. For example, courses in Education (particularly child and youth development), Te Reo Māori, and Statistics. Find out more about preparing yourself to be a teacher.
Teaching in a Catholic school
You can complete a nationally recognised certificate in Christian Studies, which sits outside the Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary). The certificate is offered through Te Kupenga Catholic Theological College, with delivery customised to suit the University’s timetable. A teaching experience in a Catholic school is included.
Graduates with the certificate are able to teach the religious education curriculum in Catholic and other state-integrated schools and are highly sought after for employment in those schools. Find out more at Te Kupenga Catholic Theological College.
Scholarships
You can look for scholarships based on your level of study, subject area, and background.
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.
International scholarships
Many scholarships are available for international students at Victoria University of Wellington. They can help with tuition fees and with accommodation costs.
Support for students
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is a welcoming place. There are all sorts of resources and support services available to help you make the best of your time at university.
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Entry requirements
Domestic entry requirements
Bachelor's degree or equivalent in one or more teaching subjects, police check, references, and selection meeting.
International entry requirements
Bachelor's degree or equivalent in one or more teaching subjects, police check, references, and selection meeting.
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.