Education and Learning

Entry requirements

Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities). Every applicant shall: have a bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University, or be able to demonstrate extensive practical, professional or scholarly experience to the satisfaction of the Dean of the College of Education; be registered to teach in New Zealand, or have an equivalent teaching qualification or experience acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities); have experience of or be currently working in a relevant field of education; and, present evidence of ability for advanced level academic study.

If your first language is not English you need to meet our English language requirements as follows: IELTS score of 6.5 in the academic module (with no individual band below 6.0); Internet-based TOEFL Score of 95 with a minimum writing score of 22; Paper-based TOEFL score of 587 (TWE 4.5); Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) – Minimum score of 176; Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) – Minimum score of 176; Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic - Overall score of 64 with no communicative skills score below 57; University of Otago Language Centre ‘"English for Otago"’, English for Postgraduate Academic Purposes (EPAP) - Grade C or higher; University of Auckland English Language Academy (ELA) pathway programmes - Successful completion of the English Pathway for Postgraduate Studies (EPPS) with a B Grade; University of Auckland Foundation Certificate in English for Academic Purposes (FCertEAP) - Successful completion of the certificate with a B Grade.

Months of entry

February, July

Course content

The Postgraduate Diploma of Education and Learning (PGDipEdLn) is designed to meet the professional development needs of teachers in the early childhood, primary, and secondary sectors, and to help teachers further develop their critical knowledge and understanding of issues related to teaching and learning in Aotearoa New Zealand, including their own teaching practices.

The programme is notable for its flexible nature, utilising digital technologies to ensure students can be available at times and places that suit them.

The PGDipEdLn (120 points) is normally completed in one year of full-time study (and must be completed within two years of admission) or the equivalent in part-time study (to be completed within six years of admission) enabling teachers to continue teaching while they study. The PGDipEdLn is available by distance learning. Endorsement options: Curriculum, Digital Technologies, Early Childhood Education, Leadership, Studies in Teacher Education.

Information for international students

Otago offers students an unrivalled campus experience and a vibrant, social student culture. The majority of Otago’s 21,000 students live, work and play in Dunedin - New Zealand’s only true university city. Otago is home to over 3,000 students, from over 100 countries.

Fees and funding