Entry requirements

To enrol in the Postgraduate Certificate in Specialist Teaching, you must have:

• qualified for an Aotearoa New Zealand teacher education degree, or qualified for a recognised three-year diploma in early childhood, primary, or secondary teaching in Aotearoa; and
• hold current teacher registration in Aotearoa; and
• normally acquired at least two years experience as a teacher or educator in a recognised educational, workplace, or community setting.

The relevance and standard of undergraduate studies and any subsequent professional work experience are the main criteria of approval.

Those who do not hold current Aotearoa New Zealand Professional Registration will be required to undergo police vetting prior to gaining entry into the programme. You must meet requirements equivalent to those set down by Matatū Aotearoa | Teaching Council of New Zealand for registration as a teacher in terms of character and fitness to be a teacher.

If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC’s English language requirements and the requirements set out by Matatū Aotearoa | Teaching Council of New Zealand.

For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Certificate in Specialist Teaching or use the admission requirements checker.

You can apply online at myUC.

See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.

Subjects and courses

The Certificate includes one compulsory course and one elective course focused on different teaching needs.

Compulsory course

• EDST601 Core Theory and Foundations of Specialist Teaching

One elective course chosen from:

• EDST621 Theory and Foundations of Deaf and Hard of Hearing
• EDST631 Theory and Foundations of Early Intervention
• EDST641 Theory and Foundations of Learning and Behaviour Diversity
• EDST651 Theory and Foundations of Complex Educational Needs

Career opportunities

Postgraduate study can bring many career benefits eg, specialist skills and enhanced knowledge, entry into specific occupations, higher starting salary/progression rates, research capability/achievement, and evidence of high academic attainment/self-discipline.

• Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student stories.
• Te Rōpū Rapuara | UC Careers can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers, or find a job.
• For research into career destinations by qualification, visit Te Pōkai Tara | Universities New Zealand website.
• Find out more about what can you do with a degree from UC.
• Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.