Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Summary

Enter a profession where the demand for teachers is high in New Zealand and overseas. Gain an internationally-recognised degree from the only New Zealand University to rank in the top 50 in the world for Education as a subject.

Our programme will equip you with the knowledge and skills to support young children in their learning and development from birth to the age of five. You will gain hands-on experience working in a range of early childhood settings where building responsive and inclusive relationships is key.

You will undertake three practicum placements adding up to a total of 17 weeks in a range of early childhood centres, located in either Auckland or Northland, supported by experienced teachers and university supervisors. You can read practicum FAQs here.

The diploma is shaped by a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, relational pedagogies, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Content includes learning about Te Āo Māori and basic te reo Māori. You will learn alongside a diverse range of students and be taught basic proficiency in te reo Māori.

The programme will prepare you to become an effective early childhood teacher and support you as you prepare for your transition into the teaching profession. By the end of the programme, you will be familiar with the New Zealand early childhood curriculum Te Whāriki and a range of appropriate pedagogy for teaching within the context of Aotearoa New Zealand. You will be eligible to apply for provisional certification as a practising early childhood teacher with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.

From January 2027, the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) is only available to domestic students and only available online. The practicum component can only be completed in Auckland or Northland. Applicants need to be in Auckland or Northland for the duration of the placement. For more information, including practicum requirements, visit the Online Graduate Diploma Teaching page.

Please note the programme start date for 2027 is 25 January 2027.

Practicum dates for 2027 programme:

3-week block placement: 9 - 26 Feb 2027

6-week block placement: 17 May - 24 June 2027

7-week block placement: 11 Oct to 26 Nov 2027

Graduate Diploma in Teaching students are eligible for the external TeachNZ Scholarships. Find out more and apply.

Before you begin your teaching journey, there are a few key steps you need to complete, so we recommend applying early. Read about the process on our Info for applicants page.

**If you have any questions or need help with any aspects of application

or enrolment, please visit auckland.ac.nz/askus**