Graduate Diploma in Arts - Education

Summary

This flexible diploma is a way for you to take Arts courses if you have already completed a degree, and a useful pathway to postgraduate study.

Programme overview

If you already have a degree and want to take Arts courses, this flexible diploma might just be for you.

You could use the diploma to prepare for postgraduate study by taking courses in the subject of your choice at intermediate and advanced undergraduate level.

It is also a way that you can study a specific subject to complement your existing qualifications and further your personal or professional development.

Programme structure

• The programme comprises 120 points from Arts courses.
• Courses must be at Stage II or above, including at least 75 points (five courses) at Stage III or above.
• Postgraduate courses can also be included.
• The programme is equivalent to two semesters of full-time study.
• You might be able to include a dissertation.
• You should seek advice about your planned enrolment from the Arts Students' Centre.

• If you're planning to qualify for postgraduate study, you should carefully check the possible requirements for the programme you're hoping to enter.

Education:

Education focuses on teaching methodology based on the theory and practice of how people learn. It can be studied as part of a teaching qualification or within an Arts degree.

Subject overview

Education is broadly the study of learning and teaching at all stages of people's lives. It includes the history, sociology, philosophy, politics and psychology of education and teacher preparation.

Studying Education as a teaching qualification equips you with the knowledge and skills to be an excellent teacher. It covers a wide range of topics, including the theory and context of education, philosophy and ethics, the New Zealand curriculum, teaching specific subjects, and assessment. It looks at how people learn, how to work with whanau and communities, how to engage children in meaningful learning, the history and philosophy of education in New Zealand, te reo and tikanga Maori, and the importance of the Treaty of Waitangi. The programme also involves in-depth study of the NZ Curriculum and Te Whariki.

You can specialise in Early Childhood Education, Primary or Secondary teaching, Huarahi Maori (Maori-medium teaching), teaching Sport, Health and Physical Education, or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages in schools.

The BA pathway offers courses covering theory and research across a wide variety of areas, ranging from child and adolescent development to treaty politics in education. If you then decide you want to enter teaching as a profession, you can add on a one-year teaching qualification. Our graduates are in high demand. We are New Zealand’s top ranked university for Education and have an international reputation.

Where could this programme take you?

You can supplement your undergraduate degree with the courses you need to follow a specific career path or enhance your professional development. If you’re looking to step up into one of our postgraduate programmes, the graduate diploma is a useful way for you to get there.

Further study options

Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
Master of Arts
Master of Heritage Conservation
Master of Conflict and Terrorism Studies
Master of Indigenous Studies
Master of Public Policy