Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary Education)

Academic Entry Requirements

Applicants must hold a Bachelor degree or a recognised equivalent at Level 7 or higher on the NZQF, in an area that is relevant to secondary teaching.

All other Entry Requirements

In addition to meeting the Academic entry requirements, all applicants must meet the follow criteria:  

All applicants must:

• undergo Police vetting in accordance with the Children’s Act 2014;
• sign a declaration of convictions, pending charges or matters which may impact on their ability to register as a teacher, including mental and physical fitness; Include in the above declaration a commitment to immediate disclosure any such matters that arise while enrolled in the programme.
• provide two confidential referees, from persons who are not related to the applicant, and can comment on their personal and professional qualities appropriate for teaching in their specified sector, at least one of whom has observed them working with tamariki/children; and
• sign a declaration that they are in good health (having no medical, physical or psychological conditions which would preclude working with tamariki)
• provide a current curriculum vitae which must include the past 5 years
• attend an interview in which personal qualities, professional qualities, knowledge and experience with tamariki and/or rangatahi of an age relevant to their chosen sector, cultural knowledge and understanding, qualities and dispositions enabling applicants to meet the Code of Professional Responsibility.
• pass a literacy and numeracy assessment. Applicants have two opportunities to pass this test and must pass both the literacy and numeracy assessment. Literacy and Numeracy Information Sheet
• meet the Teaching Council English Language requirement (please note that this is for all applicants)
• have a partner school (please note, if you do have a partner school, we will find one for you and this is subject to availability)

Workforce restrictions for children's workforce

If you have a criminal conviction and want to study towards a qualification that will lead to a job in the state funded sector (including teaching or providing youth services) working directly with children, you need to check whether your conviction could prevent you from working in some roles in your chosen field.
This is due to the Children's Act 2014. This prevents state sector agencies and government-funded service providers from hiring people with convictions for specified offences to work with children in some roles.

Read the list of specified offences

This information has been supplied by the Children's Action Plan Directorate and the Tertiary Education Commission.

Cross Crediting/ Recognition of Prior Learning

Please note, cross credits and recognition of prior learning are not available for this programme.

International students and domestic students living overseas

This programme is not open to:

• International students living overseas or in New Zealand
• Domestic students living overseas 

Computer and internet requirements

This programme is delivered online. To complete this programme you will need access to a laptop or desktop computer, reliable broadband internet connection and a data plan able to support online learning such as streaming of videos (including YouTube), downloading content, and writing and submitting online assessments. If you are unsure if your current computer or internet access allows you to complete your online learning with us, please contact us before applying to enrol.

Learn more about our online learning and study tools.