Study Higher Education at Otago
The study of higher education is concerned primarily with critical inquiry into, and the reflective application of best practice in teaching and learning in the tertiary sector.
As a field of knowledge, higher education crosses the boundaries of other knowledge areas that are taught at tertiary level. The study of higher education is concerned primarily with critical inquiry into, and the reflective application of best practice in teaching and learning in the various knowledge areas.
It includes research into the nature of universities and other tertiary institutions and the way in which academic work within these institutions is constructed. Higher education also encompasses the development of professional competence, leadership and management in the tertiary sector.
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, Master’s, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a Master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCertHighE)
A two-year, part-time programme, consisting of four papers, which can be taken by distance or on campus
Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education (PGDipHighE)
A two-year part-time programme which builds on the Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education, also available through distance learning
Master of Higher Education (MHEd)
The Master of Higher Education (MHEd), for teachers in the higher education sector, requires 12 months full-time study and includes courses in teaching, learnin...
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
| Papers |
|---|
| Note: These papers are also available through Distance Learning. |
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
HEDU papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HEDU501 | 2025 | Critical Reflection on Higher Education | 30 points | Full Year |
| HEDU502 | 2025 | Learning Theory and Practice in Higher Education | 30 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (14 July 2025 - 17 June 2026) |
| HEDU503 | 2025 | Research in Higher Education | 30 points | Semester 1 |
| HEDU504 | 2025 | Academic Leadership in Higher Education | 30 points | Semester 2 |
| HEDU510 | 2025 | Advanced Topics in Higher Education | 30 points | Semester 2 |
| HEDU590 | 2025 | Research Dissertation | 60 points | 1st Non standard period (14 July 2025 - 13 February 2026), 2nd Non standard period (17 February 2025 - 11 July 2025) |
Contacts
Higher Education Development Centre
Email hedc@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/hedc/study
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.
World-class research
The University of Otago has a global reputation for research excellence. Our expertise is vast across health, society, culture, sustainability and the environment.
Explore our research