Course details

Summary

The Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching provides students with a strong appreciation of specialist teaching as an interdisciplinary field of practice and the ability to apply their knowledge and skills in diverse cultural contexts.

The learning model is inquiry-based and employs a range of distance and other flexible learning options. Communities of interprofessional practice both within and beyond New Zealand will be developed.

Qualification structure and duration

The course of study for the Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching is made up of courses equivalent to 120 points.

The PGDipSpecTchg is studied over a minimum of one year full-time or up to four years part-time. Most commonly, this diploma is studied over two years part-time.

Subjects and courses

The PGDipSpecTchg is made up of:

• one compulsory course
• three courses from the student's chosen endorsement
• practical experience.

Endorsements

The diploma can be awarded endorsed in:

1. Complex Educational Needs
2. Deaf and Hard of Hearing
3. Early Intervention
4. Learning and Behaviour.

Further study

UC also offers a Master of Specialist Teaching.

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 Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching must have either:

qualified for a New Zealand teacher education degree; and/or
qualified for a recognised three year diploma in early childhood, primary, or secondary teaching in New Zealand; 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 Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching; and
been approved as a candidate for the Diploma by the Dean of Education.

The relevance and standard of undergraduate studies and any subsequent professional work experience are the main criteria of approval.

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.