- 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.
2025 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.
How much does a Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$8,522.40*
- International students
- NZ$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.
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
- Semester Two 2025
- 4 July 2025
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
| Summer School | Starts – 4 January |
|---|---|
| Ends – 14 February | |
| Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
| Ends – 24 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 15 July |
| Ends – 11 November |
| Summer School | Starts – 6 January |
|---|---|
| Ends – 19 February | |
| Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
| Ends – 30 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 21 July |
| Ends – 17 November |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
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
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.
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