This area combines understanding how people learn with the practical knowledge needed to support them. Learn how to support different learners, how education systems are designed, and how policy shapes what happens in classrooms and communities.
We offer subjects across the breadth of teaching and education. These include early childhood, primary, and secondary teaching. We also offer teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL), education for the environment, educational psychology, leadership, policy, and Māori and Pacific education.
Wellington is where education policy is made. The Ministry of Education, Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand, and the offices that shape what happens in schools across Aotearoa are all close by. Our researchers are active contributors to those conversations. Our Education subjects are ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide according to the QS World University Rankings.
Becoming an educator
For early childhood teaching, the Bachelor of Education (Teaching) Early Childhood is a full undergraduate degree that prepares you for provisional certification with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.
For primary or secondary teaching, the path looks different. At undergraduate level, choose subjects you'd like to teach, or study areas relevant to learning and child development.
Your teaching qualification comes at postgraduate level—a Master of Teaching and Learning or Graduate Diploma of Teaching, after which you're eligible for provisional certification.
Explore undergraduate Education and Teaching subjects
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Discover postgraduate research
Education research reaches into policy, curriculum, psychology, and practice. Our researchers make an active contribution to national conversations that shape what happens in classrooms and early childhood centres across Aotearoa. Wellington's proximity to the Ministry of Education and the Teaching Council makes Te Herenga Waka a particularly connected place to study.
Browse the research areas below, or search our researcher database to get an idea of what might interest you and who you may be able to work with.
If you go on to work on a thesis for a Master's or PhD, you'll need to have contacted a supervisor who has agreed to supervise. It's a good idea to explore your options in advance to get an idea of projects and availability.
Explore postgraduate Education and Teaching subjects
Browse subjects in this study area.