Master of Professional Studies in
Mathematics Education
One year full-time (two years part-time)
Designed for mathematics teachers who wish to gain insight into
improving their classroom practice, this programme combines research,
mathematical knowledge, and professional experience to develop critical
approaches to mathematics teaching and learning. It provides a robust
foundation in research in mathematics education (including statistics
education) to support you with your research projects related to your
mathematics teaching practice. Jointly offered by the Faculty of Science
and the Faculty of Education and Social Work, this programme is aimed
at teachers who hold a Graduate Diploma in Teaching, currently hold a
teaching position and have three years of teaching experience. Graduates
can potentially advance their career to become senior practitioners in
mathematics education at primary, secondary or tertiary level, and to take
on roles that involve mentoring other teaching staff. If you complete this
programme with a GPA of 6 or higher, you can progress to doctoral study.
Master of Professional Studies in Teaching
Chinese in Schools
One year full-time (two years part-time)
An ideal programme for people who are already teaching or wish to
teach Chinese in schools and are wanting to gain a specialist masters-
level qualification. You will have the opportunity to reach a high level
of proficiency in Chinese, enhance your skills for effective teaching and
learning of the language and undertake an inquiry into an area of interest
related to teaching Chinese in schools. To apply for this programme, you
must have a bachelors degree and a professional teaching qualification
equivalent to one year’s advanced study, and a proficiency level in Chinese
of at least HSK (Chinese proficiency test) Level 5 or its equivalent.
Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE,
Primary or Secondary)
One year full-time
These well-regarded graduate diploma programmes are designed for
graduates with degrees in other areas who want to become a teacher or
work in education. You can choose from three distinct Graduate Diploma
in Teaching pathways: Early Childhood Education, Primary or Secondary.
Each pathway has strong emphasis on practical experience in schools and
centres and is taught by lecturers who are experts in their field. After just
one year of intensive full-time study, where you will learn the latest teaching
techniques and theories and how to apply them in practice, you can be
qualified to teach in your chosen sector and will be provisionally certificated
to teach in Aotearoa New Zealand. These programmes qualify you for a
higher starting salary than a three-year bachelors teaching degree.
Graduate Diploma in Teaching English in
Schools to Speakers of Other Languages
(TESSOL)
Minimum of two years, structured for part-time study
This is a specialised programme in the theory and practice of teaching
students who are speakers of other languages. It is suitable for early
childhood, primary and secondary teachers whose students are not
achieving their academic potential because of English-language learning
needs, such as recent migrants, refugees, bilingual and indigenous learners,
and students who are speakers of other languages. You will be able to
learn effective and practical techniques for developing students’ languages
through the curriculum and use what you are learning to enhance your
practice, underpinned with a sound theoretical basis. To be admitted to this
programme you must have a bachelors degree or an approved university
diploma, a minimum of two years’ relevant professional experience and be
currently teaching in a New Zealand early childhood, primary or secondary
“I believe anyone can be a leader. Leadership
isn’t a role or job title, it merely requires a
generosity of spirit and a willingness to take
action to make our world a better place.”
“My faith in the power of leadership has led me to undertake the Postgraduate Diploma in
Educational Leadership at the University of Auckland.
“I look to the Faculty of Education and Social Work to demonstrate courage, vision and
innovation and look forward to developing my own capacity within this bold, future-focused
environment.
“A large part of my work as Year 9 Dean is supporting others to take on new challenges. One of
my favourite reflections around mentoring is, ‘How might you mentor someone in such a way
that they become a better teacher than you could ever be?’ It’s a robust challenge that requires
reflection, vulnerability and a willingness to reframe how you see your relationships with
others – also key elements of leadership.
“This qualification will equip me with the skills to foster a community of leadership – a school
environment where teachers have high expectations of themselves, are courageous enough
to try new things, and actively support each other through that process. It will also help me
nurture the next generation of leaders: our rangatahi.”
Red Nicholson completed a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) and, in 2017, started
in the Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership programme. He is a Year 9 Dean and
Media Studies teacher at Onehunga High School.
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