Duration
Full-time: 1 year
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2025 Semester One – 20 Jan 2025; Semester Two - 21 July 2025
Available locations
City, Online
Points
150
Programme type
Postgraduate

Programme overview

Primary school teachers play a key role in inspiring young people and instilling a love of learning. As a primary teacher, you’ll teach a wide range of subject areas, while sharing your passion for specialised subjects such as sport, sciences, the arts and culture.

This practical programme, taught by experts in primary education, will qualify you to become a provisionally-certificated teacher in primary and intermediate schools (Year 1 to Year 8, typically children aged 5–13).

Through placements at primary and intermediate schools, you will establish connections and develop practical skills. You will have the opportunity to apply to complete a practicum in a specialist school. Read our practicum placement FAQ page for more information.

Develop the tools you need to prepare you for 21st century classrooms where digital learning is key. Building strong relationships is vital, and diversity is welcomed. You will learn basic proficiency in te reo Māori and become familiar with the New Zealand curriculum.

Shaped by a commitment to fairness and social justice, the programme is underpinned by principles in the Treaty of Waitangi and a determination to ensure equitable learning outcomes for our young people.

You'll gain an internationally-recognised degree from the only New Zealand University to rank in the top 50 in the world for Education as a subject.

You'll form important relationships with teachers and prospective employers to secure work. You'll also earn a higher starting salary than teachers with employment-based qualifications.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching students are eligible for the external TeachNZ Scholarships. Find out more and apply.

Before you begin your teaching journey, there are a few key steps you need to complete, so we recommend applying early. Read about the process on our Info for applicants page.

Still got questions? Email our Postgraduate Taught Recruitment Specialist at pgt@auckland.ac.nz.

The Graduate Diploma (Teaching) Primary is available online. The online enrolment is now available to students across New Zealand. For more information visit the Graduate Diploma (Teaching) Online page.

Students enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary) Online may be eligible to participate in our Teacher Education in Schools programme. This programme allows students to complete their teaching qualification online while being based in a host Primary School with study fees covered and $12,500 stipend! Read more about the Teacher Education in Schools Programme here.

Programme structure

Students will complete 150 points in this one-year programme through a combination of taught courses on campus, online learning and practical placements in primary schools.

Professional experience

Professional experience (also known as practicum) is a large component of this programme. You will work alongside experienced teachers in a range of primary and intermediate schools during practicum placements. You’ll be in schools twice a week in both Semester One and Semester Two, plus you’ll have an additional 16 weeks of block practicum in two different schools.

2024
Semester One intake:

  • Practicum One (School A): 5 – 23 February (3 weeks)
  • Practicum Two (School A): Two days in schools from 29 April – 17 May (6 days) (Wed & Thurs for face to face students. Two days negotiable for Online students) then 27 May – 5 July (6 weeks)
  • Practicum Three (School B): Two days in schools from 2 September – 27 September (8 days) (Wed & Thurs for face to face students. Two days negotiable for Online students) then 14 October – 29 November (7 weeks)

Semester Two intake:

  • EDPRAC 615 Part One: Two days per week in a school from 29 July – 30 August (10 days) (Days of the week to be negotiated between student and AT/school)
  • EDPRAC 615 Part Two: 5 weeks from 29 October to 29 November
  • EDPRAC 616 Part One : 15 days from first day of the school term (within 3 Feb to 28 Feb 2025)
  • EDPRAC 616 part Two : 19 May to 27 June 2025 (6 weeks)

2025
Semester One intake:

  • Practicum One (School A): 3 February – 21 February (3 weeks)
  • Practicum Two (School A): Two days in schools from 28 April – 16 May (6 days) (Wed & Thurs for face-to-face students. For online students Days of the week to be negotiated between student and AT/school) then 19 May– 27 June (6 weeks)
  • Practicum Three (School B): Two days in schools from 25 August – 19 September (8 days) (Weds & Thurs for face-to-face students. For online students Days of the week to be negotiated between student and AT/school) then 13 October–28 November (7 weeks)

Capstone task and portfolio

At the end of the year, students present a portfolio, including a capstone task that consolidates theoretical and experiential learning throughout the year. 

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.

Sample programme structure

Year 1 150 points

  • Code:
    EDPROFST 609
    Name:
    Ako
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDCURRIC 625
    Name:
    Curriculum: Maths & Literacy 1
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDCURRIC 626
    Name:
    Curriculum: Maths & Literacy 2
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDPRAC 615
    Name:
    Professional Practice 1: Primary
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDUC 603
    Name:
    Education after Society
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDPROFM 600
    Name:
    Te Ao Māori
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDUCM 199
    Name:
    Te Reo Māori
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    0 pts
  • Code:
    EDUCSW 199
    Name:
    English Language Competency
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    0 pts
  • Code:
    EDPRAC 616
    Name:
    Professional Practice 2: Primary
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDCURRIC 636
    Name:
    Designing the Wider Curriculum 1
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    EDCURRIC 637
    Name:
    Designing the Wider Curriculum 2
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts

2024 entry requirements

My highest qualification is from:

Programme requirements

Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

  • Study option
    Taught 160 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 2.4

    Bachelors degree

Further programme requirements

Taught 160 points

You must have completed a bachelors degree in any discipline with a GPA of 2.4. Entrance is subject to satisfactory police check/s, safety checks, interview and referees’ reports. You will be required to sit literacy and numeracy tests.

You will also need to provide evidence of meeting the Teaching Council Matatū Aotearoa English Language Competency requirements by IELTS or an approved alternative. Further information on approved alternatives can be found on the Teaching Council website

Programme requirements

Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

  • Study option
    Taught 160 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 2.4

    An undergraduate degree

  • Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    7.0

Further programme requirements

Taught 160 points

You must have completed an undergraduate degree at a recognised university (or similar institution) in any discipline with a GPE of 2.4. Entrance is subject to satisfactory police check/s, safety checks, interview and referees’ reports. You will be required to sit literacy and numeracy tests.

You will also need to provide evidence of meeting the Teaching Council Matatū Aotearoa English Language requirements by IELTS or an approved alternative. Further information on approved alternatives can be found on the Teaching Council website.

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 Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary) cost per year?

2025 fees

 

 

Domestic students
NZ$9,036*
International students
NZ$38,662*

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 $1,332.00 for full-time study (150 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

Application closing dates

Semester One 2025
20 December 2024

Start dates

Here are the start dates for the programme.

Other important dates

This programme starts in January, earlier than standard university semester dates.
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?

While many graduates go on to teach in primary schools in New Zealand or overseas, the programme will also provide you with a range of transferable skills that can be applied to a range of careers. By already holding a bachelors degree you will be eligible to start on a higher step of the salary scale in services covered by the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) teaching collective agreement for primary school teachers.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Primary school teacher
  • Hospital play specialist
  • Policy adviser for the Ministry of Education
  • Learning designer
  • Researcher
  • Curriculum developer
  • Human resource adviser
Fredrick Simpson

Teaching requires you to go beyond your comfort zone, but it's one of the most rewarding professions, says graduate Fredrick Simpson.

Find out Fredrick's inspiration

Student career planning service

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Key Information for Students

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Experience the University

Freddy's video- Primary Teaching Graduate

Freddy’s story

Watch why Freddy chose the programme and what he enjoyed the most.

Read his story

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