Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary) (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
New Zealand is experiencing a critical shortage of qualified primary teachers — creating strong demand for passionate, skilled educators. NZSE’s Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary) (Level 7) is designed to meet this need, preparing graduates to be classroom-ready from day one through an apprenticeship model that includes extensive in-school work placement.
Over this one-year programme, students develop the skills to create inclusive environments for neurodiverse learners, embed bicultural practice, and build strong relationships with whānau, colleagues, and the wider community, grounded in Te Mātaiaho / The New Zealand Curriculum. Designed for graduates with an existing degree, the programme creates confident, capable teachers ready to enter the workforce and apply for teacher registration in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Credit 15
GDTP7001
Primary Curriculum Studies
Credit 15
GDTP7002
Assessment and Planning for Learning
Credit 30
GDTP7003
Practicum 1: Foundations of Professional Teaching Practice
Credit 15
GDTP7004
Child Development and Learning Theories
Credit 15
GDTP7005
Classroom Management and Positive Guidance
Credit 30
GDTP7006
Practicum 2: Advancing Professional Teaching Practice
Admission Criteria
- Bachelor’s degree at Level 7 on the NZQCF, or higher OR
- A recognised equivalent international 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)
- Literacy & Numeracy competency – applicants must pass a literacy and numeracy assessment with a pass level no lower than the equivalent to UE literacy Step 4 and numeracy Step 5. NZSE administers the Literacy and Numeracy for Adults Assessment Tool (LNAAT). The test will be administered at the selection interview.
- 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
Criminal Record Check:
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).
Safety Checks:
NZSE will require the applicant to pass a safety check consistent with the requirements of the Children Act 2014.
On completion of this programme, you will be able to meet the following outcomes:
GPO 1:
Integrate te reo and tikanga Māori into primary teaching practice, supporting Māori learners to achieve educational success as Māori, in accordance with the bicultural aspirations of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in recognition of Tangata Whenua status, and the histories and cultures of Te Tiriti partners.
GPO 2:
Design and implement learning experiences based on an understanding of Te Mātaiaho (NZ Curriculum), content knowledge, and pedagogical strategies appropriate for primary learners.
GPO 3:
Create inclusive learning environments that respond to the diverse strengths, interests, needs, identities, languages, and cultures of primary students, including neurodiverse needs.
GPO 4:
Plan and implement teaching strategies that set high expectations, advance learning progress for all primary students, and develop authentic relationships that empower students as active participants in their learning.
GPO 5:
Establish and continue to build supportive primary classroom environments characterised by respect, inclusion, empathy, and safety, implementing positive behaviour management strategies.
GPO 6:
Utilise appropriate assessment practices to monitor, analyse, and communicate primary students’ learning progress, providing meaningful feedback and identifying the next steps in learning.
GPO 7:
Engage in ongoing professional inquiry and collaborative learning to continuously improve primary teaching practice, critically reflecting on teaching effectiveness.
GPO 8:
Establish and continue to build professional relationships with colleagues, parents/whānau, and community partners to support primary students’ learning and well-being.
It is expected that graduates from this programme will be able to progress into the following roles, many of which are in demand in New Zealand, such as:
- Primary School Teacher - Graduates are qualified to teach children from Year 1 to Year 8, typically aged 5 to 13 years old. They can work in public or private schools, including kura kaupapa Māori and area schools.
- Private Education Provider Teacher - Opportunities exist in private schools or educational institutions that offer specialized programmes.
- Tutor/Lecturer Instructing Trainee Teachers - Graduates can teach at tertiary institutions, guiding future teachers in their training.
- Special Education Roles - With additional training, graduates can work with children who have diverse learning needs, developing tailored learning plans.
- Leadership Positions - Graduates can move into roles like deputy principal or principal, overseeing school operations and educational strategies.
- Education Advisor - Graduates can provide advisory services to schools or educational institutions on curriculum development and teaching practices, either for private companies or the Ministry of Education.
- Trainer or Educator in Public Institutions -Roles are available in museums, art galleries, or libraries, where they can design educational programmes.
- Curriculum Developer - Graduates can work on creating educational materials and curricula for schools or educational publishers.
- Community and Social Work - Skills gained in teaching can be applied to roles in community development, advocacy, or social work often with additional training.
Inspire the next generation of learners
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.