Type of qualification
Level of study
Once you’ve graduated with a bachelor’s degree – or have equal experience – you can study at the postgraduate level. Doctoral qualifications require additional entry requirements.
Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.
Time to complete
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Study a Postgraduate Diploma in Education – PGDipEd
With Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Education, you’ll learn how to critically apply theory and research. You'll understand the complex dimensions of current educational issues, practices and/or policies in particular contexts. By reflecting on research, you’ll demonstrate skill in analysis, synthesis, and critical evaluation of teaching and learning.
Why study with us?
Massey uses an enquiry-based and inter-professional learning model. This results in best practice learning and teaching experiences and student learning outcomes. We employ a range of distance and blended learning delivery options. These provide flexible learning options for all students regardless of their location. You’ll be taught by highly qualified, well-regarded teachers who are supportive and provide a high level of pastoral care.
Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Education offers the largest number of endorsements of any postgraduate degree of its kind in New Zealand. Alternatively, you can follow an unendorsed pathway. This means you can choose from any of the courses in the endorsement areas or the elective schedule.
Your qualification options
Please note that the Postgraduate Diploma in Education does not qualify you to be a teacher.
A PGDipEd is a good fit if you:
- have a degree and some professional experience in the subject you’d like to explore
- want to engage at the cutting edge of an education debate
- are interested in advanced studies in education, including research.
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
To enter the Postgraduate Diploma in Education you will:
- have been awarded or qualified for the Bachelor of Education, or equivalent, or
- have been awarded or qualified for any other bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and hold a professional qualification in teaching, or
- have been awarded or qualified for any other bachelor’s degree or equivalent and have professional experience relevant to the intended postgraduate subject.
You will need to provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
You may be required to provide evidence of sufficient background experience.
If you hold any other bachelor’s degree or equivalent and have no professional qualification in teaching you will need to provide a copy of your curriculum vitae (CV) to support your application.
International students
There is one intake each year for study commencing in February.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit
Where your qualification is completed within the stated time limit and to a high standard, you may be able to graduate with Distinction or Merit.
- Look for information under ‘Student Progression’ in the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates.
- Contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Prior learning, credit and exemptions
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
- review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
- contact us through the Get advice button on this page.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Maximum time limits for completion
There are maximum time limits to complete postgraduate qualifications. If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the qualification if you wish to continue your studies.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Structure of the Postgraduate Diploma in Education
If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
Courses and specialisations
Key terms
- Courses
- Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
- Course code
- Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
- Credits
- Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
- Specialisations
- Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.
Credit summary
120 credits
Either with a Specialisation
- Compulsory courses – 30 credits
- Courses from the Specialisation – 60 credits
- Elective(s) from the Schedule – 30 credits
Or without a Specialisation
- Compulsory courses – 30 credits
- Courses from the Schedule – 90 credits
Course planning key
- Prerequisites
- Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
- Corequisites
- Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
- Restrictions
- Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Core Courses
Compulsory course
Course code: 254710 Ruia taitea: Transforming Education 15 credits
This course introduces students to critical issues of education within a neo-colonial, settler society. Students examine key concepts such as social justice, cultural location, and the collective wellbeing in the context of education in Aotearoa New Zealand.
View full course detailsResearch Methods courses (Choose 15 credits from)
Course code: 267721 Research Methodologies in Education 15 credits
An advanced study of quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research design in education. Theoretical and practical issues of research are studied under three course themes: context for research, research designs, data collection and analysis.
View full course detailsCourse code: 267741 Indigenous Research Methodologies 15 credits
A study of Māori research frameworks, philosophies and processes and an examination of their contribution to the growing body of indigenous scholarship as relevant to educational settings.
View full course detailsEndorsements
Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.
You may enrol in this qualification with or without a specialisation (endorsement).
Postgraduate Diploma in Education without specialisation
If you are completing the PGDipEd without a specialisation you will complete 30 credits of compulsory courses and 90 credits from any of the specialisation or elective schedules with no more than one course from each specialisation. This will allow you to construct a qualification individualised to your personal needs.
See the Regulations for this programme for the courses available for the ‘without specialisation’ option.
Postgraduate Diploma in Education with specialisation
You will complete 30 credits of compulsory courses and at least 60 credits from the relevant endorsement schedule. The requirements for each specialisation are set out in the schedule for the qualification. An additional 30 credits may come from any of the subject schedules, or from the elective schedule.
It is recommended that any compulsory courses are completed first.
Digital Education
Gain the critical insight and practical skills you need to thrive in the rapidly changing field of digital learning and teaching.
Early Years
Develop your knowledge and skills to become a leader in early years education.
Educational Administration and Leadership
Develop the skills and knowledge you need to progress your career as an educational leader.
Inclusive Education
Go further with your passion for education. Gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to support teachers and students with diverse learning needs.
Literacy Education
Take your teaching career to the next level with Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Literacy Education). Develop your teaching skills to support all learners in their literacy.
Māori Education
Make a difference in Māori education. Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Māori Education) will prepare you to be at the forefront of learning and teaching with advanced study in Māori education.
Mathematics Education
Take your professional practice to the next level with Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Mathematics Education).
Without Specialisation
Extend your professional knowledge, explore new developments, and enhance your contribution to the education field.
Elective Courses
Course code: 253753 Guidance in Education 30 credits
A study of guidance in educational settings. Attention is given to the philosophical foundations of guidance, its social implications, organisation and roles. Intervention procedures for individuals and groups are examined.
View full course detailsCourse code: 254744 Pacific Peoples and Education in New Zealand 30 credits
A critical examination of current issues in education which affect Pacific Islands peoples in New Zealand. Students will consider the place of Pacific Islands peoples in New Zealand society and design strategies for meeting their educational needs within specified professional fields of interest.
View full course detailsCourse code: 263704 Advanced Studies in Motivation and Learning 30 credits
A study of learning and the applications of national and international theory and research within learning contexts with an emphasis on contemporary learning themes.
View full course detailsCourse code: 263705 Assessment for Learning and Teaching 30 credits
Contemporary New Zealand and international assessment theory, practice and policy are examined and critiqued with application for educators in their learning context.
View full course detailsCourse code: 269735 Mana Kura: Leadership in Māori Education 30 credits
A critical examination of traditional and contemporary forms of Māori professional, personal and cultural leadership and the role of iwi, community and tribal organisations in educational governance.
View full course detailsCourse code: 276731 STEM in Education and Society 30 credits
Students will develop scholarship, engagement, and teaching in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
View full course detailsFees and scholarships
Fees, student loans and free fees scheme
Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.
There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
- Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
- View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable
Already know which courses you're going to choose?
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme, including how much could be covered and your eligibility on the Fees Free website.
Scholarship and award opportunities
Search our scholarships and awardsFees disclaimer
This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.
Careers and job opportunities
When you have graduated, you will be able to enhance and advance your career relevant to your specialisation, in areas such as:
- early childhood teaching
- primary school teaching
- secondary school teaching
- TESOL settings
- kaiwhakaako Māori
- special education
- training and development roles within organisations (e.g. teaching hospitals, businesses, community organisations, libraries)
- leadership roles in centres/schools and post-school settings
- learning and instructional design
- counselling and guidance
- educational psychology.
Accreditations and rankings
QS Ranking - Education
Massey is ranked in the world's top 250 universities for education in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz