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

Develop effective teaching strategies, engage in reflective teaching practice, and demonstrate skills in educational assessment, classroom management, and curriculum implementation.

Gain in-depth understanding of teaching in Aotearoa New Zealand, including te reo Māori competencies, Tiriti o Waitangi partnerships, and culturally responsive pedagogy.

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.
What you need to know first

Education

Registered teacher (Early Childhood, Primary, or Secondary)
Education sector roles in Aotearoa New Zealand and overseas
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

Develop effective teaching strategies, engage in reflective teaching practice, and demonstrate skills in educational assessment, classroom management, and curriculum implementation.

Gain in-depth understanding of teaching in Aotearoa New Zealand, including te reo Māori competencies, Tiriti o Waitangi partnerships, and culturally responsive pedagogy.

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.
What you need to know first

Education

Registered teacher (Early Childhood, Primary, or Secondary)
Education sector roles in Aotearoa New Zealand and overseas
Meet the requirements to gain teacher registration in New Zealand by completing an approved initial teacher education programme.
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).
Meet the requirements to gain teacher registration in New Zealand by completing an approved initial teacher education programme.
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).