Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary)

Use the qualification(s) you already hold to become a secondary school teacher.

Teachers come from a wide range of backgrounds and offer their own unique perspective to teaching and learning. If you already have a degree or equivalent qualification recognised by The University of Auckland you can qualify to teach in your chosen curriculum subject(s) at secondary schools after just one year of full-time study.

Quick facts

Full-time: 1 year (part-time study options also available)
Taught at: Epsom Campus. Some courses also taught at The University of Auckland at Manukau Institute of Technology. Available at Tai Tokerau Campus through flexible delivery in some subject areas.
Points per programme: 120

Programme highlights

• Strong emphasis placed on practical experience in classrooms (two seven-week practicums in schools)
• Qualifies you for Q3+ (a higher salary level that recognises your previous qualification)
• TeachNZ scholarships available for selected subjects
• Specialise in areas of interest and qualification.

What you'll be studying

During the course of your study you will:

• study educational theory and practice specific to secondary teaching and adolescents
• study curriculum courses specific to your qualification and teaching subject
• undertake practical experience in secondary classrooms and work alongside experienced teachers to develop your teaching practice.

View full list of courses

Choose your career

Successful completion of this programme will make you eligible to apply for provisional teacher registration.

You’ll be qualified to teach at secondary school level, utilising your undergraduate degree to teach one or more secondary school subjects.

This programme aims to equip you with curriculum knowledge and management skills to assist you to be confident in the classroom from day one.

The programme can also lead to other related careers such as human resources, training, curriculum development and management.

How do you get in?

The academic prerequisite for the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) is an undergraduate degree or equivalent. Overseas qualifications will need to be assessed by the University for equivalence with New Zealand degree qualifications.

In addition, each curriculum course has entry requirements. Your previous degree must link to secondary school subjects and the curriculum courses you choose to study must be aligned to that. For example, you could elect to take Science with a view to becoming a science teacher if you already have a degree in
Science. If you have a degree in Fine Arts, you could elect to take Art and/or Art History. We will work with you to identify your options.

Personal references and an interview are part of the selection process. Contact the faculty for further information.

Interested in further study?

With a GradDipTchg you could go on to study an area of interest (eg, TESSOL) or go on to postgraduate study. This can lead to study in education at masters and doctoral level.

Supplementary information

As part of the application and selection process, you need to supply us with supplementary information. Click on the link below to download a supplementary information form, complete it, and return it to the Faculty of Education as soon as possible.