The Master of Teaching and Learning is designed for graduates who want to become qualified teachers through an intensive master’s-level professional programme.

Students benefit from:

• accelerated teacher training,
• advanced pedagogical learning,
• extensive classroom placements,
• research-informed teaching practice,
• strong industry and school partnerships.

AUT’s programme focuses on:

• culturally responsive teaching,
• inclusive education,
• practical classroom readiness,
• Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles,
• reflective professional practice,
• evidence-based teaching methods.

The qualification prepares students to teach confidently in:

• primary schools; or
• secondary schools.

Students also develop:

• curriculum expertise,
• leadership capability,
• communication and assessment skills,
• professional teaching identity.

Programme Structure

The programme combines:

• professional education courses,
• curriculum studies,
• teaching practice,
• inquiry and research projects.

Students complete:

•  coursework,
• practicum placements,
• professional inquiry and reflective learning.

Topics and Learning Areas

Students study areas such as:

• curriculum and pedagogy,
• assessment and learning,
• inclusive education,
• culturally responsive teaching,
• M?ori and Pacific education perspectives,
• classroom management,
• educational leadership,
• teaching inquiry and reflective practice,
• professional ethics,
• digital learning approaches.

Secondary students additionally focus on:

• specialist subject teaching methodologies.

Professional Teaching Placements

A major feature of the programme is extensive practicum experience.

Students complete:

• supervised teaching placements,
• classroom teaching responsibilities,
• professional mentoring in schools.

Placements help students build:

• confidence,
• teaching competence,
• lesson planning skills,
• classroom management capability,
• assessment practice

Skills You Will Develop

Graduates develop:

• advanced teaching capability,
• curriculum expertise,
• leadership skills,
• reflective practice,
• inclusive teaching approaches,
• communication and assessment skills,
• culturally responsive pedagogy,
• evidence-based teaching practice.

The programme also develops:

• research-informed professional inquiry capability,
• educational leadership foundations

Career Outcomes

Graduates become eligible to:

• apply for teacher registration in New Zealand,
• teach in primary or secondary schools depending on their pathway.

Potential careers include:

• Primary School Teacher
• Secondary School Teacher
• Curriculum Specialist
• Education Advisor
• Learning Support Specialist
• Education Programme Coordinator

Graduates may work in:

• public schools,
• private schools,
• international schools,
• alternative education settings,
• community education organisations

Highlights of the Programme

• Master’s-level professional teaching qualification
• Accelerated one-year pathway into teaching
• Extensive classroom practicum experience
• Teacher registration pathway
• Strong focus on inclusive and culturally responsive teaching
• Research-informed professional learning
• High-demand career pathway
• Strong industry and school partnerships
• Modern teaching and learning facilities

Latest Updates and Important Notes

• The programme continues to support New Zealand teacher workforce demand.
• AUT strongly emphasises Te Tiriti o Waitangi and culturally responsive teaching practices.
• Applications can be competitive due to limited placements.
• Teaching placements and professional requirements are intensive and mandatory.

Student discussions often mention:

• strong employment outcomes,
• extensive practicum support,
• high workload but excellent professional preparation.

Visa Requirements for International Students

International students generally require:

• a valid New Zealand student visa,
• Offer of Place from AUT,
• proof of tuition fee payment,
• evidence of sufficient living funds,
• valid passport,
• medical insurance,
• English language evidence,
• health and character documentation.