Duration
Full-time: 1 year
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2025 Semester One – 3 March
2025 Semester Two – 21 July
Available locations
City
Points
120
Programme type
Postgraduate

Programme overview

This programme is designed to develop the knowledge and skills that aspiring and current educational leaders need to meet the need for high-quality, equitable learning opportunities for all children.

The courses are taught by nationally and internationally respected academic staff whose research has had a considerable impact on New Zealand’s educational policy and practice.

Highlights

  • Equips you with skills and knowledge to advance your leadership, career and salary prospects.
  • Includes opportunities for workplace projects.
  • Can be taken as a stand-alone qualification or as a pathway into the Master of Educational Leadership.

Programme structure

Most courses are delivered through weekly lectures and on-campus block courses. Some courses are offered online as flexible self-directed study.

Requirement: 120 points

  • 30-point core course: EDPROFST 738 Educational Leadership
  • An approved Research Methods course (30 points): EDUCSW 700 Research Methodologies or EDUC 787 Māori and Indigenous Research.
  • Two 30-point courses (60 points total) from recommended elective courses below or other 700-level courses approved by the Programme Head:

Elective courses

  • Special Topic: Leadership for Learning (EDCURRIC 718)
  • Special Topic: Accelerating Learning (EDCURRIC 740)
  • Early Years Pedagogy (EDPROFST 716)
  • Education Law: Policy Implications (EDPROFST 737)
  • Educational Policy and Organisations (EDPROFST 739)
  • Educational Leadership in the Electronic Age (EDPROFST 740)
  • ECE Curriculum Issues (EDPROFST 751)
  • Mentoring Teachers EDPROFST 762)
  • Developing Mentoring Expertise (EDPROFST 769)
  • Education and Empowerment (EDPROFST 774)
  • Educational Change (EDPROFST 782)
  • Special Topic: Culturally Responsive Leadership (EDUC 732)

See taught courses available at the faculty for your programme.

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

2024 entry requirements

Programme requirements

You must have completed an undergraduate degree from a recognised university (or similar institution) and a professional qualification in teaching (or similar profession).

Note: If you already hold the same or a substantially similar qualification, you may not be admitted to this programme. This includes the Master of Education in Educational Administration, the Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Management and the Master of Educational Management at the University of Auckland.

You will also need at least three years’ practical experience in teaching (or in a related profession) including experience in a formal or informal leadership and/or management role.

Further programme requirements

English language requirements

If you are an international applicant whose first language is not English you will need to provide evidence of your English proficiency.

You will require an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 with no bands less than 6.0. See alternative English language requirements.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

How much does a Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership cost per year?

2025 fees

Domestic students
NZ$8,522.40*
International students
NZ$39,995*

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.88 per point, estimated at $1,065.60 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Find out about financial support information

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Key dates

Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Application closing dates

Semester One 2025
8 December 2024
Semester Two 2025
4 July 2025

Start dates

Here are the start dates for the programme.

Other important dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

View our study pathways guide to help you decide whether this programme is right for you

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your study options, please get in touch with our dedicated postgraduate coordinator:

Postgraduate Taught Recruitment Specialist
Email: pgt@auckland.ac.nz

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

This programme provides you with the knowledge and skills needed to be an outstanding leader in the education sector.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Education consultant
  • Policy development manager (education)
  • Professional development facilitator
  • School head of department
  • School principal
  • School senior leadership team member
  • Senior teacher

Student career planning service

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

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923 5025
Outside Auckland
0800 61 62 63
International
+64 9 373 7513