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.
The University of Waikato offers a range of postgraduate programmes tailored for professionals and researchers across diverse educational contexts to suit your learning needs. These include:
- Programmes that advance your study to a Masters degree
- Programmes that advance your study to a Doctoral degree
- Shorter programmes and pathways, including Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma
- Programmes that lead to becoming a teacher
Whether you're looking to advance your career in teaching, counselling, educational leadership, or research, our programmes will equip you with the critical skills and knowledge needed to make a lasting impact in your field.
Postgraduate qualifications at Waikato
Master of Education (MEd)
Tailor your MEd to explore specific areas in education and focus on a context of interest to you. Deepen your knowledge of curriculum, pedagogy and policy, and enhance your research and communication skills to support your career or further study.
Master of Disability and Inclusion Studies (MDInS)
The MDinS draws on a social interactional model of disability that critically engages with questions of identity, ableism and rights through tackling key questions of inclusion in research, policy and practice.
Master of Counselling (MCouns)
The MCouns teaches narrative approaches to counselling and therapy. Designed for 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 (MEdLeadership)
This degree is for those wanting to enhance the quality of educational programmes and grow themselves as leaders. Papers explore how to support change and innovation, as well as how to understand, critique and contribute to educational research.
Master of Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages (MTESOL)
The MTESOL is 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.
Postgraduate Certificate in Children's and Young Adult Literature (PGCertCYAL)
Discover the impact of children’s and young adult literature on promoting diversity and social justice. This programme delves into current issues and theories, encompassing a vast range of national and international texts.
Doctor of Education (EdD)
The EdD is designed for education professionals to expand their expertise across diverse educational settings. Begin with taught papers, then complete a supervised research thesis. Flexible pathways provide choice for commitment to this level of study.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
The PhD facilitates deep study of a topic leading to the production of a supervised thesis. It may involve the gathering of data, generated by people engaged in an aspect of education, or may be a more philosophical exploration of the research question.
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
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
Ready to apply? Apply now and we will be in touch to let you know the next steps.