Course details

Summary

The Master of Specialist Teaching programme is relevant for educators working with children and learners who have special educational needs in early childhood, primary and secondary sectors.

The programme is coursework-based, meaning it is ideal for educators who aim to provide professional leadership in their area of expertise but who do not wish to undertake a thesis. The MSpecTchg employs a mix of distance and blended learning delivery options that provide flexibility for all students, regardless of location.

The degree can be awarded unendorsed or endorsed in one of four areas. Graduates will gain a comprehensive understanding of their selected specialism, and will have the expertise, knowledge, interdisciplinary networks, and strategies to provide innovative approaches to meet children's and learners' special education needs in their work place.

Qualification structure and duration

The MSpecTchg consists of two parts. In Part I students complete one compulsory core theory and foundations course (30 points), and three compulsory courses (90 points) from one of the endorsement schedules. Each endorsement includes:

• one specialist theory and foundations course
• one professional practice course (including practical assignments)
• one extended practicum course including experience in specialty practice settings.
• On satisfactory completion of Part I with a B grade average or higher, students will be eligible to progress to Part II. Note: completion of the Postgraduate Certificate in Specialist Teaching or equivalent can count as Part I.
• Part II consists of two 30-point courses, one chosen from the two courses in the schedule and one optional course.
• Part II can be completed by distance study.

Subjects and courses

The degree can be awarded unendorsed or endorsed in one of four areas:

• Complex Educational Needs
• Deaf and Hard of Hearing
• Early Intervention
• Learning and Behaviour.

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

Candidates wishing to enrol in the Master of Specialist Teaching must have either:

qualified for a New Zealand teacher education degree (to a minimum standard of attainment); and/or

qualified for a recognised three year diploma in early childhood, primary, or secondary teaching in New Zealand (to a minimum standard of attainment); and either

- hold current teacher registration in New Zealand; and

- normally acquired at least two years relevant experience as a teacher or educator in a recognised educational work-place or community setting; or

- been admitted ad eundem statum to enrol for the Master in Specialist Teaching; and

been approved as a candidate by the Dean of Education.

Other English language requirements: TOEFL PBT with a minimum score of 575 and TWE with a minimum score of 4.5; CCEL EAP Level 2 with a minimum B+ grade; CAE or CPE score of 176 with a minimum of 169 in reading, writing, listening and speaking; Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE with an overall score of 64 and no PTE communicative skills score below 58.