Qualify as a secondary school teacher
Make a positive contribution to the lives of our young people. The Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary) gives you the knowledge and skills to be a confident, effective secondary school teacher.
You’ll build on your undergraduate degree by developing your knowledge of teaching theory, then put this learning into practice with practical experience in the classroom. Develop your creativity, communication skills, and knowledge to change the lives of New Zealand’s next generation.
By studying for this qualification, you’re making a professional commitment to the teaching profession and to your future students and their whānau. You’ll graduate ready to teach in secondary schools throughout New Zealand and to register as a teacher with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Teacher education at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
Who can study for this qualification
The GDipTchg(Secondary) is open to you if you have a Bachelor’s degree with a major in one or more teaching subjects.
It’s a flexible qualification, so it’s a good option if you have responsibilities outside your studies. You can study online or on campus, and study part time as long as the programme director agrees.
To enrol, you should have completed your Bachelor’s degree with:
- a B average or higher (if you are applying with only a single subject taught in New Zealand secondary schools)—this average grade requirement doesn't apply if you are enrolling with two secondary school subjects
- a major in a subject taught in New Zealand secondary schools, studied to 300-level or above
- ideally, a second curriculum-aligned subject studied to 200-level
- courses that help prepare you for teaching, such as te reo Māori, New Zealand history, or subjects relevant to learning and child development.
We prefer applicants who can teach two secondary subjects. We may still consider you with just one—or even none—if your work experience or degree is strongly aligned with secondary teaching. Contact the School of Education before you apply to discuss your situation.
Places are limited in some subjects, such as music, technology (design visual communication), and commerce. We don’t accept psychology, sociology, or senior social studies as a main subject, unless history or geography was your main degree.
What you’ll learn
In the GDipTch(Secondary), you’ll learn how and what to teach to secondary school students. You’ll learn the theories and principles of assessment, teaching, and learning, and develop an understanding of the New Zealand Curriculum.
New Zealand teachers live the values of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and use te reo Māori in their teaching practice. During your studies, you will strengthen your knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi partnership and practice by using te reo Māori in everyday and classroom situations.
Qualification content
You’ll complete six mandatory courses in three areas: professional practice, secondary learning design, and teaching dynamics.
Your professional practice courses cover:
- education in the context of the Te Tiriti, tikanga Māori, and language-learning strategies to help you develop skills in te reo Māori
- models and frameworks for understanding and adapting to different contexts for learning
- developing an understanding of your professional responsibilities to education for Pacific peoples.
In your secondary learning design courses, you:
- critically examine the nature and purposes of your specialist teaching subject
- place principles and practices of inclusive learning, and Mātauranga-a-iwi in particular, within the context of that subject
- deepen your understanding of assessment practices
- learn to use relational practices, human development, and theories of learning to build cultures that improve how we teach, and how students learn, the Aotearoa New Zealand curriculum
In your teaching dynamics courses, you:
- focus on how teaching is changing in the digital age and how teachers should adapt, including by becoming competent with digital tools and using them to improve their teaching practice
- research a current challenge facing the teaching profession
- study the education of Pacific peoples within the context of your teaching subject.
Specialise in Catholic school teaching
While studying for your GDipTchg(Secondary), you can also gain the New Zealand Certificate in Christian Studies—Religious Education.
Taught by Te Kupenga Catholic Theological College, this certificate is recognised by Catholic and state-integrated schools that teach the religious education curriculum in New Zealand. It includes teaching experience in a Catholic school, and is timed to fit around your University study.
Find out more on the Te Kupenga Catholic Theological College website.
How you’ll study
The GDipTchg(Secondary) takes three trimesters of full-time study, running February to November (10 months). Expect 40 to 50 hours a week of study, including 16 weeks of classroom instruction, combining face-to-face and online teaching.
Part-time options are available, starting in Trimester 1—contact the programme director for details.
Gain practical teaching experience with teaching placements
The GDipTchg(Secondary) gives you practical classroom experience to build skills in analysis, communication, and presentation. You'll develop your teaching skills, put learnt theory into practice, and learn to use te reo Māori in classroom situations.
You’ll complete three teaching placements with a host school. The Education Professional Practice and Partnerships Office arranges these placements for you.
If you plan to study online from outside the Wellington region, check that a placement is available at a school near you—not all schools take teaching placements.
LAT work isn’t professional practice
If you hold a limited authority to teach (LAT), our Graduate Diploma in Teaching qualifications aren't employment-based programmes for you. That means any teaching you do under your LAT doesn't count towards your professional practice requirements with us.
Study on campus or online
You can study for the GDipTchg(Secondary) either on campus or online.
You’ll need to attend two week-long block courses at the University in Wellington at the beginning and end of the study period: the Ngā Mihi (welcome and orientation) and Wānanga (celebration) periods.
Throughout your study, you’ll be supported by a professional learning community of 10 to 15 peers and an academic mentor.
Study on campus
As an international student you’ll need to attend all classes in-person at our Wellington campus.
Throughout your study, you’ll be supported by a professional learning community of 10 to 15 peers and an academic mentor.
Two pathways to secondary teaching
We offer two pathways into secondary school teaching in Aotearoa New Zealand: the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) and the Master of Teaching and Learning (Secondary). Both include similar essential coursework and in-classroom experience, so either can qualify you to teach.
- Choose the Diploma if you want the most flexible route to becoming a qualified secondary teacher.
- Choose the Master’s if you want a qualification that combines work-integrated learning with a deeper, more academic understanding of teaching and learning. The Master’s is especially useful if you’re considering further study or research.
Qualification support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser through our enquiry form.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for domestic students
- Requirements for students who completed secondary school in:
If you live in New Zealand and are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia, you're considered a domestic student.
Some citizens of the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau may automatically hold New Zealand citizenship.
Diplomatic residents living in New Zealand are also regarded as domestic students.
To be accepted into this qualification, you need:
1. (a) Before enrolment, a candidate for the GDipTchg(Secondary) shall have:
(i) completed a bachelor's degree or higher qualification at a tertiary institution in New Zealand or an equivalent qualification from an overseas tertiary institution;* and
(ii) completed courses in a teaching subject** to at least 300-level
(iii) demonstrated through the assessment exercise the qualities necessary for a satisfactory teacher; and
(iv) been accepted by the Associate Dean (Students) as a candidate for the diploma.
(b) Requirement (a)(i) may be waived by the Associate Dean (Students) for a candidate who has adequate training and experience to proceed with the proposed course of study.
*Candidates who have completed a degree at a tertiary institution outside New Zealand may be required to have their qualification assessed as equivalent to a New Zealand undergraduate degree by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority before entry into the programme.
** For teaching subjects currently available through the GDipTchg(Secondary) see the qualification website (www.wgtn.ac.nz/explore/graduate-quals/diploma-of-teaching-secondary/overview)
More enrolment information
- Selection interviews take place in September, October, and November. We will contact you soon after you apply with options for interview dates.
- The selection meeting includes a literacy and numeracy test and an interview that evaluates your skills in listening, oral communication, how you interact with others, and your views about teaching and education. At the interview, you will introduce yourself with a mihi (greeting).
- Places on the programme are subject to availability in host schools.
- If you have lived in a country other than New Zealand for 12 months or more within the past 10 years, you will need an overseas police clearance to enrol. The New Zealand Teaching Council has specific requirements for the overseas police clearance.
- If you want to enrol in this programme but don't meet some of the entry requirements, talk with the programme director or administrator to discuss your options.
- You're required to be of good character with the ability to meet the requirements of the Code of Professional Responsibility of the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand on graduation.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the GDipTchg(Secondary)
2. The course of study for the GDipTchg(Secondary) shall comprise at least 150 points, including:
(a) Akopai: Professional Practice 1 (TCHG 315), Akopai: Professional Practice 2 (TCHG 316); and
(b) two of Te Puna Whakaako: Secondary learning design 1 (TCHG 329), TCHG 332 and 335; and two of Te puna whai wāhi ki te ao: Secondary learning design 3 (TCHG 333), TCHG 334 and 381.
3. A candidate studying full time shall normally be enrolled for one calendar year and shall complete the requirements of the diploma within two years of first enrolling in it. A part-time student will normally be enrolled for two years and shall complete within three years of first enrolling in it. The associate dean may extend this maximum period in special cases. A candidate who wishes to take a leave of absence from the programme requires the approval of the associate dean.
4. The associate dean may cancel the enrolment of a candidate whose progress is unsatisfactory.
5. Courses in the GDipTchg(Secondary) Schedule are excepted from the Aegrotat Pass provisions in the Assessment Handbook. In the event that a candidate is prevented from completing such a course by one of the circumstances specified in the relevant section of the Assessment Handbook, the candidate will be granted an extension to complete the assessment.
Why Wellington
The University’s local education networks place you with excellent schools and connect you to a strong professional community.
As the capital, Wellington also puts you close to national education agencies and policy organisations, giving you direct insight into educational leadership and policy in action.
Thanks to the city’s compact size, your placements, campus, and professional connections are all within easy reach—and that same network often leads to employment once you graduate.
Future careers
Once you complete the GDipTchg(Secondary), you can apply for provisional teacher registration from the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand. You’ll also be able to apply for teaching positions in New Zealand and overseas.
Teaching in New Zealand secondary schools
Your employment prospects are good. New Zealand has a shortage of secondary teachers for all subjects, particularly in Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, te reo Māori, and Technology.
A secondary teacher qualification can lead to a career as a registered teacher in schools, Kura Kaupapa Māori, or alternative education providers.
More career information
Find out more about careers in teaching.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Philippa and Morvyn Williams Scholarship
The Philippa and Morvyn Williams Scholarship is available to female postgraduate students of Māori descent.
TeachNZ Scholarships
TeachNZ has scholarships to help you become a teacher.
Here’s more information on TeachNZ scholarships
Scholarships for teaching
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The Scholarship exists to attract and support cellists of outstanding ability and potential to study cello performance at NZSM, and to engage each recipient with the life, artistry, and legacy of Greta Ostova.
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Applicants will be current violin, viola or violoncello students, enrolled in the NZSM. A particular of the scholarship is to fund postgraduate study, travel, accommodation and other expenses incurred in the pursuit of such study, both within and outside New Zealand. The scholarship is available to both domestic and international students.
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The Brian Murray Fox Scholarship in History offers an opportunity to students who are intending to undertake their second, third or Honours year of their degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in the year following application.
Scholarships for international students
We're currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for teaching
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The Scholarship exists to attract and support cellists of outstanding ability and potential to study cello performance at NZSM, and to engage each recipient with the life, artistry, and legacy of Greta Ostova.
-
Applicants will be current violin, viola or violoncello students, enrolled in the NZSM. A particular of the scholarship is to fund postgraduate study, travel, accommodation and other expenses incurred in the pursuit of such study, both within and outside New Zealand. The scholarship is available to both domestic and international students.
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The Fisher Trumpet Scholarship aims to support undergraduate music students at NZSM, Victoria University of Wellington who demonstrate excellence in trumpet performance.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Further research or study
If you do well in your GDipTchg(Secondary) you could choose to study for the Master of Education (MEd) with us.
Master’s candidates are supported by the Faculty of Graduate Research.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.