Course details

Summary

The Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Primary) is for university graduates with a bachelor's degree who wish to become a teacher of children aged between 5-13 years. It is a one-year programme which can be studied on-campus or by distance.

A significant factor in this program's success is the emphasis placed on students completing courses in all school curriculum areas. Students who successfully complete the Diploma will meet the Education Council of Aotearoa New Zealand graduating teacher's standards requirements and may be eligible for provisional registration with the Council as a teacher.

Qualification structure and duration

To qualify for the graduate diploma students must pass courses having a total value of at least 165 points.

Students can study:

• full-time on campus in Christchurch or
• full-time or part-time by distance (Flexible Learning Option, FLO). FLO GradDipTchLn(Primary) students are required to attend two residential schools at the Christchurch campus.

Duration

The current period of enrolment for a full-time candidate is 12 months. The maximum period of enrolment is two years for a full-time candidate and three years for a part-time candidate.

Career opportunities

Postgraduate study can bring many career benefits eg, specialist skills and enhanced knowledge, entry into specific occupations, higher starting salary/progression rates, research capability/achievement and evidence of high academic attainment/self-discipline.

Entry criteria

Students wishing to enrol in the Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Primary) must have one of the following:

• qualified for an equivalent bachelor's degree, or
• been admitted ad eundem statum as entitled to enrol for the Graduate Diploma, and
• approval as a candidate by the Dean of Education, on the recommendation of a Selection Committee.

Selection for entry is not automatic and is based on academic ability, involvement and interest in working with children and young people, community involvement, communication skills and other personal qualities.

Other English language requirements: TOEFL PBT with a minimum score of 550 and TWE with a minimum score of 4.5; CCEL EAP Level 2 with a minimum C+ grade; CAE or CPE minimum score of 169 with at least 162 in reading, writing, listening and speaking; Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE with an overall score of 57 and no PTE communicative skills score below 50.