The Master of Education at AUT is designed for education professionals and practitioners who want to deepen their expertise in educational studies, leadership, policy, research, and contemporary teaching practices. The programme develops advanced analytical, research, and professional skills relevant to diverse educational settings.

Why Study Master of Education at AUT?

Key Benefits

• Industry-relevant and research-informed curriculum
• Strong focus on contemporary educational issues
• Flexible study pathways (coursework or research)
• Opportunity to progress toward doctoral studies
• Internationally recognised Level 9 qualification
• Exposure to M?ori and Pacific educational perspectives
• Focus on digital learning and 21st-century education
• Access to AUT’s modern facilities and academic support
• Practical and leadership-oriented educational studies

Programme Structure

Students must complete 180 points through either:

1. Coursework Pathway

Includes:

• Six 30-point courses

Core Courses

• EDUC808 – Aims and Conceptions of Education
• EDUC911 – Advanced Scholarship in Education Literature
• EDUC912 – Education Project

Elective Options

Students choose additional papers from topics such as:

• Global education policy
• Educational leadership
• Educational research
• Contemporary education issues
• Learning environments
• Digital pedagogies
• Maori education
• Pacific education
• Individual directed study

2. Research Pathway

Includes:

• Core coursework
• Dissertation or thesis research

Research Components

• 60-point dissertation OR
• 90-point thesis

This pathway is ideal for students interested in:

• Academic research
• Policy analysis
• Doctoral study preparation
• Advanced educational inquiry

Subjects / Topics Offered

Key academic areas include:

• Educational Leadership
• Education Policy
• Educational Research
• Digital Pedagogies
• Learning Environments
• Contemporary Issues in Education
• M?ori Educational Approaches
• Pacific Education Studies
• Education Literature & Scholarship
• Independent Educational Research

Disciplines / Specialisations

The qualification supports professional development across:

• Adult & Tertiary Education
• Early Childhood Education
• Compulsory School Education
• Non-formal Education
• Educational Leadership
• Educational Research

Career Outcomes

Graduates may pursue careers in:

• Educational Leadership
• Curriculum Development
• Education Policy
• Academic Research
• Teacher Development
• Educational Consulting
• Learning & Development
• Community Education
• Tertiary Education
• Education Administration

Highlights of the Programme

Major Strengths

• Flexible coursework and research pathways
• Strong focus on critical educational issues
• Research-led teaching
• Modern learning technologies
• Internationally recognised master’s qualification
• Pathway to doctoral studies
• Multicultural learning environment
• Focus on indigenous and Pacific education perspective

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

Important Notes for International Students

• This programme does not qualify graduates for teacher registration in New Zealand.
• Students interested in becoming registered teachers should consider AUT’s Master of Teaching and Learning instead.
• Students applying for research pathways may need to discuss research interests with faculty supervisors.
• International applicants are advised to apply at least 3 months before programme commencement.

Student Visa Requirements (New Zealand)

International students generally require:

• Valid passport
• Offer of place from AUT
• Proof of tuition fee payment
• Evidence of sufficient living funds
• Medical insurance
• English language proof
• Character and medical documentation