Course details

Summary

The Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Secondary) is for university graduates with a bachelor's degree who wish to enter the teaching profession and work with young adults in Years 7-13 (ages 11-18). In addition to subject curriculum knowledge, this programme will equip students with educational theory, classroom practice, and the management tools needed to excel as an intermediate or secondary school teacher.

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

The year is made up of the following components:

Professional and educational studies - Professional and educational studies include the study of foundation education, professional issues and critical enquiry in relation to development as an effective teacher. Topics covered include the secondary school student, presentation skills, lesson planning, classroom management, questioning skills, learning theories and teaching strategies. Courses help prepare student teachers to deal with problems that are often social, political and ethical in nature. They also consider strategies for using ICT in education and e-learning.

Professional practice - Professional practice is the school-based requirement of the programme and provides the contexts in which students develop skills and gain experience in practical situations. For those studying in Christchurch, one of the practice placements is likely to be away from Christchurch.

Curriculum studies - All curriculum studies courses have direct links to the essential learning areas of the New Zealand Curriculum and to school programmes. Courses focus on curriculum statements, examination prescriptions, unit and achievement standards, teaching and management approaches, assessment practices and curriculum resources.

Applicants need to have studied at least two teaching subjects from the teaching studies list as part of their degree. Degree specialisation (preferably to 300-level) is required for your main teaching subject and 200-level study is preferred for a second teaching subject.

Further study

There are a range of professional development programmes available for practicing teachers at UC –postgraduate diplomas and master's degrees available.

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.

Subjects and courses

Teaching studies are available in the following subjects:

• Art
• English
• Health
• International Languages
• Mathematics
• Music
• Outdoor and Environmental Education
• Performing Arts
• Physical Education
• Science with Biology
• Science with Chemistry
• Science with Physics
• Social Studies with Classical Studies
• Social Studies with Economics
• Social Studies with Geography
• Social Studies with History
• Technology
• Te Reo 毛利

Entry criteria

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

• qualified for an equivalent bachelor's degree, with study to at least 300-level in a secondary school curriculum area, or
• master's degree or bachelor's degree with honours, to a specified NZQF level, 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.