Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Learning and Teaching
Course details
| NZQF Level | 8 |
|---|
About the course
Develop your learning and teaching skills with our professional development qualifications.
Enhance your tertiary teaching career
Our Higher Education Learning and Teaching programmes help you develop your skills and enhance the learning experience in your courses. You’ll follow a flexible, modular approach that connects to the teaching work you already do—so you can participate without adding significantly to your workload.
The two programmes are offered by the Centre for Academic Development (CAD). If you are a permanent staff member who is a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington covers your course fees. You’ll still need to pay the student levy.
PhD candidates are also welcome to enrol, and you may be able to use relevant coursework toward your PhD allocation. Enrolments from outside the University are welcome too.
Higher Education Learning and Teaching qualifications
Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Learning and Teaching (PGCertHELT)
The PGCertHELT is a 60-point postgraduate qualification for teachers in higher education. It’s designed to help both new and experienced tertiary-level teaching staff.
You’ll learn key higher education theories. You’ll also use reflective practice to improve learning, teaching, and curriculum design.
The PGCertHELT supports professional development in teaching. It can improve your employability in countries where professional teaching qualifications are required.
Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education Learning and Teaching (PGDipHELT)
The PGDipHELT builds on the PGCertHELT by going deeper into the theory and practice of learning and teaching.
How you’ll learn
You’ll be able to take HELT courses at your own pace. You can take one course per trimester over four or five years. Or you can finish the PGCertHELT in two years, if you take two to three courses each trimester.
Courses are offered in various formats, including:
- in-person active learning spread over six weeks
- intensive block courses with all sessions in one week
- online-only self-directed learning.
All the courses are graded on a pass/fail basis.
If you are interested in cohort-based experiences, email [email protected]. CAD can arrange customised course offerings for groups of eight or more—ideal for teams who are developing new programmes or courses, or who want to learn together.
What you'll learn in the Certificate
You’ll complete six core courses that include:
- theories of teaching
- how students learn
- giving and receiving feedback
- what it means to teach in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Our courses will enhance your knowledge about teaching and learning. You’ll gain practical insights that you can use immediately in your own teaching.
Programme and Course Design (HELT 533)
In HELT 533, you’ll learn about evidence-based practice for course design. You’ll get hands-on support from CAD experts and your peers. You’ll finish with a (re)designed course and five points towards a postgraduate qualification.
Portfolios for Professional Practice (HELT 539)
Once you’ve completed the six core courses, you will take this 15-point portfolio course. You’ll reflect on your learning and map a way forward for your future learning. This portfolio course aligns with CAD's Te Arawai Ako—Pathway to Learning and Teaching Fellowship programme. It’ll prepare you to apply for professional recognition—for example, a fellowship accredited by Advance HE.
Elective courses
The 15 points required to finish the qualification can be made up of three more 5-point courses. These will vary each trimester, and include topics such as:
- developing a teaching philosophy
- Mātauranga Māori in teaching
- assessment design in the AI era
- effective communication for teaching.
You may be able to credit a relevant 15-point postgraduate course from another qualification towards your PGCertHELT.
Further study in the Diploma
In the PGDipHELT, you'll complete all the courses from the Certificate. You’ll also critically examine educational research methodologies and practices. You may undertake an independent research investigation of a learning or teaching question.
Entry requirements
Domestic entry requirements
A Bachelor’s degree with Honours, or equivalent qualification, and approval of the HELT director.
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.