Master of Education
Course details
| NZQF Level | 9 |
|---|
About the course
Build on your professional experience and broaden your knowledge and skills in the field of education with postgraduate study.
Take your degree and experience to the next level and become an expert in your area of interest in education.
This programme is a great opportunity for educators, policy makers and those in related fields to complete a postgraduate qualification that can be designed to suit a specific field of interest, and fitted around work commitments.
Discover the Master of Education
Tailor your studies
Design your study to suit your career goals and commitments. Choose from a range of courses covering subjects such as multicultural and international education, educational policy and leadership, youth development, and Māori, Pacific and indigenous education. Or you might explore the issues around sustainability and the environment in education, learn about evaluation and assessment, or develop your skills for teaching bilingual students in mainstream centres and schools. You may wish to focus on a major. You can complete the Master of Education either by coursework or by a combination of coursework and a thesis or dissertation.
There are examples of how this might look for you within the planning guide (PDF, 230KB). Or you can complete the coursework-based Postgraduate Certificate in Education or Postgraduate Diploma in Education.
If you are planning on doing a dissertation or thesis course, you'll need to achieve an average grade of B or above for all your other postgraduate courses and a B+ or better in EDUC 503.
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.
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.
Study pathways
You don't have to jump straight in the deep end—study towards your Master of Education using the stair-casing options. The 60-point Postgraduate Certificate in Education is a great first step into postgraduate study and leads to the Postgraduate Diploma in Education which then leads to the Master of Education.
If you enrol in the Master's programme but don't complete it, you may be able to graduate with the Certificate or Diploma.
Talk to a student success adviser to discuss your options.
Education for Sustainability in Aotearoa New Zealand
This course explores the growing field of education for sustainability that seeks to equip children and young people with the knowledge and skills they need to advocate for sustainable futures.
Study your way
The Master of Education is a 180-point postgraduate programme. You can study full time or part time, either on campus or online. Please note that online study depends on course availability and may not be possible if you choose taught courses only.
Workload
Most students complete the MEd part-time while they are working. Part-time students doing two 15 point courses or one 30 point course per trimester will need to do around 20 hours of study a week. Make sure you take this into account if you are working. If you are studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40–45 hours a week.
Workload
Studying the MEd full time, you can expect a workload of 40 to 45 hours a week.
Advance your expertise with doctoral study
If you do well in your Master’s research, you can apply to do a PhD, or if you have significant professional experience in education or related fields, you can complete a Doctor of Education (EdD).
The EdD combines taught courses with a substantial research project that will form a thesis.
A PhD usually involves between three and four years of original and sustained research under supervision.
The Faculty of Graduate Research will handle your application and support you throughout your doctoral study. Contact the postgraduate programme director about available supervision before you apply.
Find out about your options for postgraduate education study and explore the study themes designed to help you choose your courses.
Qualification options
- Master of Education
- Postgraduate Diploma in Education
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education
The Master of Education can either be completed by coursework only, or by a combination of coursework and a thesis or dissertation. The Postgraduate Certificate in Education and the Postgraduate Diploma in Education are both coursework-based qualifications.
Entry into dissertation or thesis courses requires a B grade average or above for all your other postgraduate courses and a B+ or better in EDUC 503.
Majors
Within the Master of Education you can choose to include a selection of courses that focus on a particular theme. Choosing a major is optional but may help you find the courses that best suit your interests and career goals. Majors include:
- Child and Adolescent Development and Learning (not offered in 2027)
- Educational Leadership
- Education Policy
- Māori Education
- Pacific Education
- Teaching and Learning.
Video
Entry requirements
Domestic entry requirements
Bachelor's degree in Education, Psychology or a related discipline, or an approved teacher education degree.
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.