The Postgraduate Diploma of Education and Learning (PGDipEdLn) is designed to meet the professional development needs of teachers in the early childhood, primary, and secondary sectors, and to help teachers further develop their critical knowledge and understanding of issues related to teaching and learning in Aotearoa New Zealand, including their own teaching practices. The programme is notable for its flexible nature, utilising digital technologies to ensure students can be available at times and places that suit them.
The PGDipEdLn (120 points) is normally completed in one year of full-time study (and must be completed within two years of admission) or the equivalent in part-time study (to be completed within six years of admission) enabling teachers to continue teaching while they study. The PGDipEdLn is available by distance learning.
Endorsement options:
Curriculum
Digital Technologies
Early Childhood Education
Leadership
Studies in Teacher Education
Students may not gain the same endorsement for both the PGCertEdLn and PGDipEdLn.
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Programme details
Regulations for the Degree of Postgraduate Diploma in Education and Learning (PGDipEdLn)
Admission to the Programme
Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities).
Every applicant shall:
have a bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University, or be able to demonstrate extensive practical, professional or scholarly experience to the satisfaction of the Dean of the College of Education;
be registered to teach in New Zealand, or have an equivalent teaching qualification or experience acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities);
have experience of or be currently working in a relevant field of education; and,
present evidence of ability for advanced level academic study.
Structure of the Programme
The programme of study shall comprise approved papers at 400-level worth a total of 120 points, including EDUC 402, 403; and either EDUC 411 or 412.
If the diploma is to be endorsed, the programme of study must be as specified in the schedule of endorsed options.
With prior approval, postgraduate papers worth up to the equivalent of 40 points may be credited from another department or from another university or tertiary institution.
The papers shall constitute a coherent and integrated programme of study with a specific educational focus.
A candidate who has completed the requirements for the Postgraduate Certificate in Education and Learning shall be exempted from those papers in the programme for the diploma which have been previously passed for the certificate. N.B. if the certificate has been endorsed, the student cannot gain the same endorsement for the diploma.
Duration of the Programme
A candidate for the diploma shall normally follow a programme of study for not less than one year of full-time study or the equivalent in part-time study.
A full-time candidate shall complete the requirements for the diploma within two years of admission to the programme and a part-time candidate shall complete the requirements within six years.
Level of Award of the Degree
The diploma may be awarded with distinction or with credit.
Variations
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities) may in exceptional circumstances approve a course of study which does not comply with these regulations.
This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.
Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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