Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) (Level 7)
*Subject to NZQA and Teaching Council New Zealand (TCNZ) approval
Duration
40 weeks (including breaks)
Delivery
Blended
Campus
New Lynn
Credits
120
Fees Domestic
TBC
Fees International
TBC
Do you have a background in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics, and a passion for shaping the next generation? NZSE’s Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) (Level 7) is designed to address the critical demand for STEM teachers across Years 7–13 in Aotearoa New Zealand, supporting graduates to transition their subject expertise into meaningful teaching practice.
Over this intensive one-year programme, learners develop the skills to create inclusive environments for neurodiverse students, embed bicultural practice, and build strong relationships with whānau, colleagues, and the wider community, grounded in Te Mātaiaho / The New Zealand Curriculum. Through extensive in-school work experience, students apply their knowledge in real classroom settings — building the practical capability to deliver engaging STEM learning and support diverse learning needs.
Credit 15
GDTS7001
Learning and Teaching Principles and Practices
Credit 15
GDTS7002
Curriculum, Pedagogy, and Assessment in STEM Education
Credit 30
GDTS7003
Professional Practice 1: Foundations of Professional Teaching Practice
Credit 15
GDTS7004
Creating an Inclusive Learning Environment
Credit 15
GDTS7005
Assessment for Learning: Strategies & Practices in Secondary Education
Credit 30
GDTS7006
Professional Practice 2: Advancing Professional Teaching Practice
Admission Criteria
- The entry is:
- Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics subject at Level 7 on the NZQCF, or higher OR
- A recognised equivalent qualification OR
- The relevant skills and knowledge acquired through appropriate work or professional experience, at an additional level (min. 3 years in the last 5 years).
- Evidence of the qualification(s) achieved and/or curriculum vitae and signed attestation(s) of professional work experience.
- Special Admission:
- Applicants aged 20 years or above who have not met the Admission Criteria may be eligible for special admission. Special admission may be granted upon evaluation by the Head of School and the Academic Board, or delegate authority, based on evidence supplied. This may include a resume, personal statement, and portfolio. It is expected these documents provide evidence of relevant work experience undertaken by the applicant. This decision will be made on a case-by-case basis.
- English Language Entry Requirements:
- IELTS score 7.0 or higher in listening, reading, writing and speaking. No Academic Band below 7
- Applicants must have sufficient competence in the English language to undertake the Programme which is taught and assessed in English
- International learners must meet the English Proficiency Outcomes for International learners as set out in Appendix 1 of the NZQCF Programme Approval and Accreditation Rules. These can be accessed at https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz
- Visa and Insurance:
- International learners require a valid visa and insurance to study on the programme. The type of visa will determine the mode of delivery.
- Interview Requirements:
- All Applicants will be expected to attend a face to face, or online visual interview.
- Applicants must arrange for two (2) referees to provide confidential written referee reports to be sent directly to NZSE. Referees cannot be friends or family and must be a person who has known the candidate long enough to be about attest to their suitability and disposition.
- The interview will determine:
- a. Their disposition to teach through judging their ability to meet the values that underpin ‘Our Code Our Standards’ (Teaching Council NZ)
- b. Their ability to meet the Teaching Council’s Code of Professional Responsibility
- c. Any other matters of relevance that may be identified in consultation with key partners
Police Vetting:
The Education Sector requires people to work with young people. This requires a high level of integrity and trust.
NZSE will carry out a Police Vetting check on prospective domestic applicants. Learner entry will be provisional until these checks have been completed. The outcome of the Police Vetting check will be kept on the applicant’s files.
International students applying for a visa with New Zealand Immigration are expected to be of good character. “This includes having no criminal history and providing correct and complete information” (New Zealand Immigration, 2024).
If any applicant/student has or acquires a criminal conviction (except for minor traffic convictions) during the programme, they are required to declare it. A conviction or charge may lead to the student being withdrawn from the programme. This will be decided by NZSE’s disciplinary process. Those who have declared a criminal conviction need to provide details of:
- Two referees who are aware of the criminal conviction; and
- The charge/s upon which they were convicted, any mitigating circumstances, the penalty the offence carried, and the actual penalty handed down by the court; and
- Any personal information held by the Ministry of Justice about them.
Safety Checks:
NZSE will require the applicant to pass a safety check consistent with the requirements of the Children Act 2014.
Selection:
Applicants will be selected in order of successful application. This programme of study is open to those who have met the entrance requirements and programme admission regulations.
On completion of this graduate diploma, you will be able to meet the following outcomes:
GPO 1:
Integrate te reo and tikanga Māori into secondary teaching practice, supporting Māori learners to achieve educational success as Māori, in accordance with the bicultural aspirations
GPO 2:
Design and implement effective learning experiences based in a deep understanding of Te Mātaiaho, subject content knowledge up to Year 13, and pedagogical strategies appropriate for secondary learners.
GPO 3:
Create inclusive learning environments that respond to secondary learners’ diverse strengths, interests, needs, identifies, languages, and cultures, including those with neurodiverse and additional learning needs.
GPO 4:
Plan and implement teaching strategies that set high expectations, advance learning progress for all secondary learners, and develop authentic relationships that empower learners as active participants in their learning.
GPO 5:
Establish and maintain supportive secondary classroom environments characterised by respect, inclusion, and safety, implementing positive behaviour management appropriate for adolescents.
GPO 6:
Utilise appropriate assessment practices to monitor, analyse, and communicate secondary learners’ learning progress, providing meaningful feedback and identifying next steps in learning across various subject areas
GPO 7:
Engage in professional inquiry and collaborative learning to continuously improve secondary teaching practice, critically reflecting on teaching effectiveness in specific subject domains.
GPO 8:
Establish and maintain professional relationships with colleagues, parents/whānau, and community partners to secondary learners’ learning, well-being, and transition to further education or employment
It is expected that graduates from this programme will be able to progress into the following roles (some with additional training and/or experience), many of which are in demand in New Zealand, such as:
- Secondary School kaiako
- Private Education Provider Teacher
- Special Education roles (with additional training)
- Leadership positions in secondary schools
- Education Advisor
- Learning Designer
- Mental Health Education Specialist
Turn your STEM passion into teaching
Need help making your decision?
Schedule and Fees
- July
- March
Fees *(GST inclusive)
Available on request
Payment options
- Pay in 2 instalments
- Join our alumni network
- Create a job-ready portfolio
- Learn from industry experts
- Live classes
- NZQA Certified
Available on request
Payment options
- Pay in 2 instalments
- Join our alumni network
- Create a job-ready portfolio
- Learn from industry experts
- Live classes
- NZQA Certified
Looking for more?
Check out more of our Education courses here.
Further Study Options
Graduates of this programme may be eligible to pathway into Master’s degree level study, or purse qualifications in related fields like Special Education.