Master of Education

Master of Education 180 point pathway

The Master of Education 180 point pathway can be completed either by coursework or a combination of coursework and thesis. 

• The coursework option consists of six courses totalling 180 points including a compulsory 30-point research methods course EDME401. A minimum of 60 points will be from Level 9 courses within your 180 points.
• The combination coursework and thesis option consists of two courses (60 points) in the endorsed area, plus a compulsory 30-point research methods course EDME401 and a 90 point thesis EDEM690 in the area of your endorsement, totalling 180 points. Students will need to confirm a supervisor and an agreed topic before enrolling in the thesis.

Unendorsed pathway

The unendorsed pathway allows you to tailor your degree by selecting courses from the MEd schedule that interest you. This is a great option if you are looking to stay current in a variety of educational areas for professional development. 

The unendorsed 180 point pathway, has one compulsory research methods course EDME401. You choose a further 90 points from the Level 8 courses and a minimum of 60 points from the Level 9 courses from the MEd Academic Regulations. Note: not all courses will be offered in any one year. so check your MEd course planning and enrolment with our Student Advisors.

Endorsed pathway

The Master of Education 180 point endorsed pathway gives you the opportunity to specialise. Each of these endorsements has compulsory and optional course requirements. Please note that not all courses are offered every year. You must complete compulsory course EDME401 and select a minimum of 60 points from Level 9 courses within your 180 points.

Postgraduate Diploma in Education

The Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDipEd) is another pathway into the MEd (coursework or thesis). The PGDipEd generally consists of four courses totalling 120 points. Each specialist endorsement has different compulsory and optional courses.

You can find more information about postgraduate study on the Postgraduates webpage and in the Postgraduate Prospectus

Entry requirements

If you have a Bachelor’s degree with a major in Education or Psychology, a teaching qualification, or an equivalent qualification, you may be eligible to apply for this qualification. Please check admission criteria in the MEd regulations for further information. Students are normally expected to have a B average in their undergraduate study to be eligible for entry to the MEd qualification. If you do not believe you meet entry criteria, please contact our Student Advisors to discuss this qualification, other possible qualification options and pathways to a MEd.

If English is an additional language, you are also required to meet UC’s English language requirements

Scholarships and fee waivers

There are various ways to fund your MEd, check out the various scholarships and fee waivers available.

Associate teachers of the University of Canterbury Faculty of Education are invited to apply for a 30% fee waiver for one course from our range of postgraduate and professional development qualifications.

Associate Teacher Fee Waiver Application