Postgraduate Education programmes

Advance your leadership in education with a postgraduate qualification from Waikato, ranked in the top 300 globally. Equip yourself with skills to drive transformative practice and research.

Apply now

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The University of Waikato offers a range of postgraduate programmes tailored for professionals and researchers across diverse educational contexts. Our qualifications focus on developing expertise in areas such as:

Initial teacher education
Educational management and/or leadership
Disability and inclusion studies
Policy and curriculum development
Counselling
Teaching English to speakers of other languages

Whether you're looking to advance your career in teaching, educational management, or research, our programmes are designed to equip you with the critical skills and knowledge needed to make a lasting impact in your field.

One-year postgraduate teaching qualifications

If you hold a bachelor’s degree or meet our Alternative Entry Pathway requirements, we offer three one-year postgraduate qualifications that lead to provisional registration as a teacher:

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (GradDipTchg)
Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching (PGDipTchg)
Requires a B average in 300-level papers
Master of Teaching and Learning (MTchgLn)
Requires a B average in 300-level papers

Study options and locations

H Trimester (January): Study at Hamilton campus, Tauranga campus, or online.
B Trimester (July): Available at the Hamilton campus or online.
Part-time study options are also available for all qualifications.

Programme durations

Graduate and Postgraduate Diplomas: One year of full-time study.
Master of Teaching and Learning: One year of full-time study, with an extended summer trimester for research.

Progression pathway

The Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching (PGDipTchg)is a great option to consider as it offers a flexible pathway to the Master of Teaching and Learning. If you choose to continue your studies and upgrade to the Master’s qualification this can be done by completing a summer paper.

Why choose higher-level qualifications?

The higher your qualification level, the greater your potential impact on the teaching pay scale - compounding each year you teach.
Deeper exploration of problems relevant to your context.
Engagement in life-long learning.

Entry to our one-year programmes without a degree

Alternative entry pathway for the Graduate Diploma in Teaching

The University of Waikato offers an alternative entry pathway, designed for individuals with a background in trades/technology or high proficiency in Te Reo Māori or Pacific languages. This pathway offers the opportunity to become a Kaiako (teacher) in Early Childhood, Primary, or Secondary education.

We value your expertise and experience, and through this pathway, we can recognise your unique skills, enabling you to apply for the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (GradDipTchg).

Who is eligible?

Individuals with a background in trades or technology
Individuals with high fluency in Te Reo Māori or Pacific languages

These skills and experiences can support your eligibility for entry into the Graduate Diploma programme, helping you on your journey to becoming a qualified teacher.

How to apply for the alternative entry pathway

Complete the online eligibility form to confirm your eligibility.
After submitting your form, we’ll contact you to guide you through the application process.

Ready to apply? Fill out the Application for Alternative Entry Pathway into Graduate Diploma of Teaching Form today!

More postgraduate qualifications at Waikato

edu school page advance your career with pg study

Master of Education (MEd)

The MEd has a holistic approach with a focus on specific interests. The focus on curriculum, pedagogy or policy development is ideal for those seeking future leadership opportunities or aspiring to research as a pathway to PhD study.

Master of Disability and Inclusion Studies (MDInS)

Connect with contemporary theory, policy, and practice, nationally and internationally, with a MDInS. This programme critically explores identity, ableism, and rights, addressing key questions of inclusion in research, policy, and practice.

Master of Counselling (MCouns)

This popular programme teaches narrative approaches to counselling and therapy. The degree has specifically been designed for professional counsellors or supervisors interested in leadership roles within the New Zealand counselling profession and attracts professionals across a range of educational contexts.

master of educational leadership quals page

Master of Educational Leadership (MEdLeadership)

Make a difference to the quality of educational programmes and creative opportunities for yourself as a leader. Learn how to support change and innovation and understand, critique and contribute to educational research.

Qual Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages VideoThumbnail

Master of Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages (MTESOL)

The MTESOL is a 180-point programme designed to build key knowledge and skills for current and future teachers of English to speakers of other languages. It covers second language acquisition, pedagogic linguistics, and includes a teaching practicum for those new to the field.

Doctor of Education (EdD)

A revitalised programme designed for professionals to pursue a doctoral degree, expanding their expertise across diverse educational settings. This programme equips educators with advanced skills to enhance their impact and leadership in their respective fields.