Duration
Full-time: Varies
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2025 Semester One – 3 March
2025 Semester Two – 21 July
Available locations
City, University of Auckland Online
Points
120 or 180
Programme type
Postgraduate
Taught & research options available

Programme overview

This masters is designed for aspiring or current educational leaders who are passionate about leading improvements that serve diverse communities and learners. The qualification will help you understand, critique and contribute to culturally responsive educational leadership that is shaping Aotearoa New Zealand and improve the quality of education for all young people.

It will allow you to take the next step in your career, strengthen your understanding of your own school or context and your role as a leader within it.

Choose from a variety of different study options to suit your learning preferences and commitments, including a new fully online programme available through University of Auckland Online.

For some courses, primary and Intermediate teachers may also be eligible for Ministry of Education Tertiary Fees subsidies. 

120-point pathway

This option is for those who already hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, Educational Leadership or equivalent, plus three years' experience in teaching or a related profession. You can choose to complete with or without a research component. 

180-point pathway

This option is for those who already hold an undergraduate degree or graduate diploma in education, plus three years' experience in teaching or a related profession. New in 2020, this programme is the perfect fast-track for those who want to advance their career in educational leadership directly from undergraduate or graduate level study and have the grades to progress directly into masters. Both taught and research options are available.

Study this programme online

This pathway is also available through University of Auckland Online. This will allow you to complete the programme in two years part-time, through a set of prescribed fully-online courses. Learn about University of Auckland Online.

Programme structure

Taught (120 points)

  • Take 90 points advanced taught courses in educational leadership, educational change, inquiry, mentoring, innovation, policy and evaluation.
  • Select one course from a wide range of other education courses available.
  • You have the option to combine face-to-face and online courses.
  • Students typically complete the qualification in one year full-time or two years part-time. 

Research (120 points)

  • Undertake a full research project to advance knowledge and practice in educational leadership.
  • The programme is supervised by experts in educational policy and research.
  • Students typically complete the qualification in one year full-time or two years part-time. 

Taught (180 points)

  • Take 150 points of advanced taught courses in educational leadership, educational change, inquiry, mentoring, innovation, policy and evaluation.
  • Select one course from a wide range of other education courses.
  • You have the option to combine face-to-face and online courses.
  • Students typically complete the qualification in 1.5 years full-time or three years part-time. 

Research (180 points)

  • Complete one compulsory course in Educational Leadership (EDPROFST 738).
  • Complete a research methods course to prepare for research in your chosen area.
  • Complete a 90-point thesis in educational leadership supervised by experts in educational leadership.
  • You have the option to combine face-to-face and online courses.
  • Students typically complete the qualification in 1.5 years full-time or three years part-time. 

You can see the courses required to complete your programme through the University Calendar. Please note that not all courses are offered each year. Visit the calendar regulations for the Master of Educational Leadership.

See the range of taught courses available at the faculty for your programme in 2020.

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

Please note this is a sample only.

Taught 120 120 points

  • Code:
    EDPROF 709
    Name:
    Early Childhood Leadership - Level 9
    Type:
    Core elective
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    EDPROFST 782
    Name:
    Educational Change
    Type:
    Core elective
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    EDUC 732
    Name:
    Culturally Sustaining Leadership
    Type:
    Core elective
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    EDPROF 724
    Name:
    Developing Communities of Learning
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    30 pts

Rsrch 120 120 points

  • Code:
    EDPROFST 796
    Name:
    Thesis
    Type:
    Thesis
    Points:
    120 pts

Taught 180 180 points

  • Code:
    EDPROFST 738
    Name:
    Educational Leadership
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    EDPROFST 782
    Name:
    Educational Change
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    EDPROF 709
    Name:
    Early Childhood Leadership
    Type:
    Core elective
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    EDPROFST 762
    Name:
    Mentoring Professionals
    Type:
    Core elective
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    EDUC 732
    Name:
    Culturally Sustaining Leadership
    Type:
    Core elective
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    EDPROF 724
    Name:
    Developing Communities of Learning
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    30 pts

Rsrch 180 180 points

  • Code:
    EDPROFST 738
    Name:
    Educational Leadership
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    EDUCSW 700
    Name:
    Research Methodologies
    Type:
    Research methods course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    EDPROF 709
    Name:
    Early Childhood Leadership
    Type:
    Core elective
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    EDPROF 791A
    Name:
    Thesis in Educational Leadership
    Type:
    Thesis
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    EDPROF 791B
    Name:
    Thesis in Educational Leadership
    Type:
    Thesis
    Points:
    60 pts

2025 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 120 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

    Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership or Postgraduate Diploma in Education

  • Study option
    Research 120 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

    Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership or Postgraduate Diploma in Education

  • Study option
    Taught 180 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

    The Bachelor of Education (Teaching) or Bachelor of Arts with a major in Education or Postgraduate Certificate in Education (must not be awarded)

  • Study option
    Research 180 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

    The Bachelor of Education (Teaching) or Bachelor of Arts with a major in Education or Postgraduate Certificate in Education (must not be awarded)

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further programme requirements

Select your study option:

You must have at least three years of practical experience in teaching or a related profession, including experience in a formal or informal leadership and/or management role.

In addition, you must have completed Educational Leadership EDPROFST 738 or an equivalent course and at least 30 points from the schedule of approved research method courses offered by the Faculty of Education and Social Work.

You must have at least three years of practical experience in teaching or a related profession, including experience in a formal or informal leadership and/or management role.

Educational Leadership

EDPROFST 738 must be completed within the first two semesters of initial enrolment to be able to continue in the programme.

In addition, you must have at least three years of practical experience in teaching or a related profession, including experience in a formal or informal leadership and/or management role.

In addition, you must have at least three years of practical experience in teaching or a related profession, including experience in a formal or informal leadership and/or management role.

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 120 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    One year of postgraduate study in education

  • Study option
    Research 120 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    One year of postgraduate study in education

  • Study option
    Taught 180 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    A bachelor’s degree in education or similar undergraduate degree

  • Study option
    Research 180 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    A bachelors degree in education or similar undergraduate degree

  • Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5

    No bands less than 6.0

    See alternative English language requirements

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

Further programme requirements

Select your study option:

You must have at least three years of practical experience in teaching or a related profession, including experience in a formal or informal leadership and/or management role.

Note: If you already hold a masters degree in educational administration, educational management, or substantially similar qualification, you may not be admitted to this programme.

You must have at least three years of practical experience in teaching or a related profession, including experience in a formal or informal leadership and/or management role.

Note: If you already hold a masters degree in educational administration, educational management, or substantially similar qualification, you may not be admitted to this programme.

You can also gain entry if you hold a bachelors degree in a relevant subject (including education, psychology, social work, social sciences and sociology), or a relevant professional qualification in education from another tertiary institution and have completed the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (must not be awarded) from the University of Auckland with the required grades.

In addition, you must have at least three years of practical experience in teaching or a related profession, including experience in a formal or informal leadership and/or management role.

You can also gain entry if you hold a bachelors degree in a relevant subject (including education, psychology, social work, social sciences and sociology), or a relevant professional qualification in education from another tertiary institution and have completed the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (must not be awarded) from the University of Auckland with the required grades.

In addition, you must have at least three years of practical experience in teaching or a related profession, including experience in a formal or informal leadership and/or management role.

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 Master of Educational Leadership cost per year?

2025 fees

Domestic students
NZ$8,860.80 – $9,033.60*
International students
NZ$39,995 – $41,594*

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 $9.24 per point, estimated at $1,108.80 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.

See course fees for each faculty

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

Summer School 2025
1 December 2024
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 guides to help you decide whether this programme is right for you. 

If you need any help, you can reach out to our Postgraduate
Taught Recruitment Specialist: pgt@auckland.ac.nz

Student Hubs

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The Student Hubs are your physical gateway to Waipapa Taumata Rau | the University of Auckland.

The Student Hubs services are available seven days a week at the City and Grafton campuses with friendly staff available to provide you with advice on any aspect of your studies and life at the University.

Find out more.

 

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 qualification will prepare you for leadership roles, such as in a school or centre, as well as for specialist education roles including senior management, mentoring and educational policy development. The research study options can lead to further study at doctoral level.

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

Further study options

See all study options
Geraldine Victor- Master of Education Practice graduate

Geraldine Victor – Dean and Assistant Head of Science

"The programme widened my resource base and enabled me to implement strategies to improve my students’ outcomes."

Read Geraldine's story

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.

Experience the University

Give your career an edge

Deputy Principal Joe Johansen shares the value the Master of Educational Leadership has added to his career as a teacher and educational leader.

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