Teaching 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; 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. Applicants must normally have achieved an average grade of at least B+ in the papers at the highest level in their qualifying programme.

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); we also accept a number of other English language tests. Due to COVID-19, we currently accept Duolingo English Test (DET), IELTS Indicator Test, and TOEFL iBT Special home Edition.

Don’t meet the English language requirements? The University of Otago Language Centre "English for Otago" programme offers a pathway for Undergraduate and Postgraduate students to meet the English language requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Months of entry

February, July

Course content

The Master of Education and Learning (MEdLn) 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 MEdLn (180 points) may be completed in eighteen months (two semesters of full-time study followed by completion of the Research Project or Professional Inquiry focusing on the area of endorsement), but will normally be completed in three years of part-time study (to be completed within eight years of admission) enabling teachers to continue teaching while they study. The MEdLn is available by distance learning.

Students can choose the amount of research they include, focusing either on classroom-based research or research in education more broadly. 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

New Zealand is a relatively affordable country to live in. Dunedin, being a student-focused city, has living and entertainment options for all budgets.

Students are eligible for the Otago International Excellence Scholarship.