Graduate Diploma in Teaching
Teaching
A course by
University of Waikato
Become a registered teacher in just one year with the Graduate Diploma in Teaching at the University of Waikato. Gain professional teaching skills and practical experience to inspire future generations.
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
Available in 3 locations
It will take a total of 1 year
Core skills this course teaches
Professional and pedagogical skills
Develop effective teaching strategies, engage in reflective teaching practice, and demonstrate skills in educational assessment, classroom management, and curriculum implementation.
Cultural and contextual competence
Gain in-depth understanding of teaching in Aotearoa New Zealand, including te reo Māori competencies, Tiriti o Waitangi partnerships, and culturally responsive pedagogy.
Become a registered teacher
Meet the requirements to gain teacher registration in New Zealand by completing an approved initial teacher education programme.
What You're Signing Up For
The Graduate Diploma in Teaching is an intensive, one-year programme that prepares graduates to become early childhood, primary, or secondary school teachers. Combining theoretical education papers with extensive placements in schools or ECE centres, the programme equips students with professional skills, teacher identity, and practical classroom experience required for New Zealand teacher registration. Students will complete 150 points of coursework and 80 days of professional placements, with study available on-campus in Hamilton, Tauranga, or online. Various alternative entry pathways are available for candidates with relevant professional or language expertise.
Course Content
- Professional Education Papers
- Professional Experience Placements (80 days)
- TEEDU402 Ngā Horopaki Whakaako ki Aotearoa: Teaching in the Aotearoa Context
- TEACH400 Te Tamaiti Rerehua: The Multi-modal Child
- TEACH401 Te Tūhura i te Aotūroa: Exploring and Making Sense of the World
- TEEDU401 Te Hononga Pātui ki te Tiriti o Waitangi
- TEPRO400 Wheako Ngaio Kōhungahunga: Professional Experience 1 (Early Childhood)
- TEEDU405 Te Aronga Māori (wāhanga tuarua)
- TEACH402 Te Ahunga Whāriki: Te Whāriki in Action
- TEACH403 He Kura te Tangata: Diversity, Inclusion, and Wellbeing
- TEACH404 Te Kaiako Pakirehua Ngaio: The Inquiring Teacher (Early Childhood)
- TEPRO401 Wheako Ngaio Kōhungahunga: Professional Experience 2 (Early Childhood)
- TEEDU404 Te Aronga Māori (wāhanga tuatahi)
What you need to know first
A Bachelor's degree at Level 7 on the NZ Qualifications Framework or a recognised equivalent.
Interview and selection process (academic background, communication skills, personal qualities, literacy, and numeracy assessment).
For secondary: sufficient relevant subject knowledge in entry qualification.
Applicants to English-medium primary programmes must demonstrate competency in mathematics using the LNAAT test (requirement phased in by 2026).
Alternative pathways for trades, Te Reo Māori or Pacific language experience (see website for details).
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Education
Future employment opportunities might be
Registered teacher (Early Childhood, Primary, or Secondary)
Education sector roles in Aotearoa New Zealand and overseas