Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning
Teaching
A course by
University of Canterbury
A one-year full-time (or up to two years part-time) postgraduate diploma preparing graduates for teaching in primary or secondary schools, through research-informed coursework and 80 days of professional school placements. Endorsed in either Primary or Secondary Education, with flexible study options including distance learning for Primary.
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
Ōtautahi Christchurch, Christchurch
It will take a total of 1 year
Core skills this course teaches
Preparedness for teaching career
Demonstrate readiness to begin a professional teaching career in primary or secondary schools in New Zealand and internationally.
Knowledge and application of teaching theory
Apply research-informed educational theories to practice, including understanding curriculum and learning needs.
Professional practice in schools
Engage in 80 days of professional placements, gaining hands-on teaching experience and meeting professional standards.
What You're Signing Up For
The Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (PGDipTchgLn) at UC combines research-informed knowledge, critical inquiry, and professional placements to prepare graduates for careers as primary or secondary school teachers in New Zealand and abroad. The programme covers educational theory, teaching practice, culturally responsive approaches, and communication skills, supporting students to meet the standards required for registration with Matatū Aotearoa | Teaching Council of New Zealand. Flexible study options are available, and endorsements in Primary and Secondary teaching are offered.
Course Content
- Research-informed knowledge and critical inquiry
- Professional placements (80 days in schools)
- Contemporary education and professional practice
- Communication and critical thinking
- Planning and design for learning
- Culturally responsive teaching
- Professional Learning and Inquiry
- Intercultural and Inclusive Education
- Tō tātou reo, ā tātou tikanga
- Teaching Professional Practice 1 & 2
- Primary endorsement content: Literacy and Mathematics for Primary School Teaching; Health and Physical Education; Science and Technology; Languages and Social Sciences
- Secondary endorsement content: Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment for teaching subjects at junior and senior secondary level
- Specialist and additional teaching subjects for secondary (e.g. Biology, English, Mathematics, Music, Te Reo Māori, Technology, Visual Arts, etc.)
What you need to know first
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Education and Training
Future employment opportunities might be
Primary school teacher
Secondary school teacher
Education sector roles outside the classroom
Public sector and human services roles
Policy, advocacy, youth and social work roles