Make a positive difference in children's lives—get the skills and knowledge you need to become a confident and competent primary school teacher.

The Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Primary) is a 10-month, full-time programme with 16 weeks based in the classroom. The programme is focused on The New Zealand Curriculum. You will learn the principles and theories of teaching and learning to support learners of all backgrounds and abilities and to be an agent of change for children’s education and wellbeing.

When you graduate, you’ll be able to teach in primary and intermediate schools throughout New Zealand. You’ll also be eligible for provisional teacher certification with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.

New Zealand teachers live the values of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and use te reo Māori in their teaching practice. During your studies you will strengthen your knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi partnership and practice using te reo Māori in everyday and classroom situations.

You will gain valuable experience on three teaching placements. These placements will develop your skills and enable you to see how theory and practice are interlinked in your development as a teacher.

There are limited teaching placements available for students studying online from outside the Wellington region. You may need to do a teaching placement outside your home region.

You can expect to spend 40 to 50 hours studying each week. A blended approach is taken to coursework, through a mix of face-to-face and online activities.

Courses are taught over three trimesters, between February and November.

You can study on campus or online. If you choose to study online, you’ll need to attend two, week-long block courses at the University in Wellington (held at the beginning and end of the programme). All students will be supported by a professional learning community (a small group of 10-15 peers) and an academic mentor.

You can complete a nationally recognised certificate in Christian Studies, which sits outside the Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Primary). The certificate is offered through Te Kupenga Catholic Theological College, with delivery customised to suit the University’s timetable. It includes a teaching experience in a Catholic school.

Graduates with this certificate are able to teach the religious education curriculum in Catholic and other state integrated schools and are highly sought after for employment in those schools.

Find out more on the Te Kupenga Catholic Theological College website.

You may be able to include courses in your undergraduate degree that will help prepare you for a career in teaching, such as courses in te reo Māori, New Zealand history, and statistics. Read our guidance on choosing courses to do in your undergraduate degree.

With the Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Primary), you can apply for provisional teacher registration from the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand. You’ll also be able to apply for teaching positions in New Zealand and overseas.

If your previous academic qualification is from another country, you may need to have it assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority after you complete the GDipTchg(Primary). This review might be needed to help decide your salary.