- Duration
- Available locations
- Programme type
Programme overview
This tertiary teaching qualification is an ideal next step in your professional development if you are working in a teaching and learning role in the tertiary sector.
It provides a collegial, cross-disciplinary space for you to explore higher education learning and teaching, and equips you to undertake leadership or further study in higher education.
It consists of two 30-point compulsory courses to be taken part-time over two semesters. These courses are taught and assessed through a blended learning model using a combination of face-to-face (and streamed) seminars and online resources and assessments.
This programme can qualify you for more advanced responsibilities or lead to a masters degree.
Academic and professional staff at the University of Auckland who are New Zealand citizens or permanent residents can claim payment of tuition fees on a pro rata basis under the terms of their respective Collective Employment Contracts. In the case of the Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education and Master of Higher Education, they can claim up to 30 points per semester. Please discuss your enrolment and the payment of tuition fees with your Academic Head or Manager before applying.
Programme structure
This certificate consists of two 30-point compulsory courses to be taken part-time over two semesters.
30 points: Learning and Teaching (HIGHED 701)
Students will document and critically reflect on their teaching practice in the context of their discipline and institution, and the higher education literature on learning and teaching and academic citizenship, taking into account how they will exhibit both leadership through innovation, scholarship and collegiality, and an awareness of difference (gender, ethnicity, ability) such that their practice is culturally and individually sustaining.
30 Points: Course Design (HIGHED 702)
Students will explore and critically reflect on the theory and practice of learning and course design in higher education, including different models and methods of assessment and evaluation, such that they can design, implement and evaluate learning and teaching activities, assessment tasks and courses in ways that speak to practice in their discipline and institution, and the higher education literature.
Prerequisite: HIGHED 701
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
Sample programme structure
One year 60 points
-
- Code:
- HIGHED 701
- Name:
- Learning and Teaching
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Code:
- HIGHED 702
- Name:
- Course Design
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
2025 entry requirements
Programme requirements
You must have completed a degree at a recognised university (or similar institution).
Further programme requirements
60-point taught
You must have, within the past three years, been employed in the tertiary education sector and had a substantial role in teaching and/or supporting student learning.
Note: A substantial role in teaching or supporting student learning may include academic, library or learning design positions.
How much does a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$4,516.80*
- International students
- NZ$19,998*
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 $554.40 for full-time study (60 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.
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
Where could this programme take you?
This certificate is an ideal next step in professional development if you are already working in a teaching and learning role in the tertiary sector. It can qualify you for more advanced responsibilities or lead to a masters degree. If you wish to go into further study and attain a GPA/GPE of 5 or higher, you can credit the courses passed for the certificate to the Master of Higher Education (180 points), provided the certificate has not been awarded.
Jobs related to this programme
- Teaching and learning administrative roles (e.g., associate dean, head of school or team leader)
- Tertiary learning adviser
- Tertiary/university lecturer
- Tertiary/university librarian
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.
Do you need help?
Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?
Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513