Why Study Graduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching at AUT?

This programme is designed for graduates who want to become qualified secondary school teachers in New Zealand.

AUT’s programme combines:

• strong academic foundations,
• applied teaching methods,
• classroom-based training,
• culturally responsive teaching approaches,
• extensive practicum experience.

Students gain:

• practical teaching experience in secondary schools,
• curriculum planning skills,
• classroom management expertise,
• assessment and learning strategies,
• understanding of diverse learners and inclusive education.

The qualification places strong emphasis on:

• Maori and Pacific learner success,
• social justice and inclusion,
• reflective professional practice,
• Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles,
• practical teaching readiness.

Teaching Subjects / Curriculum Areas

Teaching subject areas depend on the applicant’s previous degree background.

Common teaching areas include:

• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Social Sciences
• Geography
• History
• Commerce
• Business Studies
• Physical Education
• Health
• Languages
• Technology
• Te Reo Maori

Special Requirements for Admission

Applicants must complete several Teaching Council compliance steps.

These include:

• Initial Teacher Education entry form,
• literacy and numeracy assessment,
• interview process,
• police vetting,
• satisfactory references,
• Children’s Act 2014 safety checks,
• “good character and fitness” requirements,
• Teaching Council English language competency requirements.

Teaching Placements

A major feature of the programme is professional teaching practice.

Students complete:

• minimum 16 weeks of practicum placements,
• placements in two different secondary schools,
• supervised classroom teaching experiences.

Placements help students develop:

•  lesson planning skills,
• assessment strategies,
• classroom management,
• professional teaching confidence.

Skills You Will Develop

Graduates develop:

• classroom teaching capability,
• curriculum planning,
• assessment design,
• inclusive teaching practice,
• culturally responsive pedagogy,
• communication and leadership skills,
• reflective professional practice.

AUT’s graduate profile also highlights:

• commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi,
• social justice and inclusion,
• adaptive professional practice,
• understanding of diverse learners.

Career Outcomes

Graduates become eligible to:

• seek teacher registration,
• apply for secondary school teaching positions in New Zealand.

Potential career pathways include:

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

Graduates may teach in:

• public secondary schools,
• private secondary schools,
• alternative education settings,
• community education organisations.

Highlights of the Programme

• Professional teacher education qualification
• Pathway to secondary teacher registration
• Extensive practicum experience
• Strong focus on applied teaching skills
• Curriculum-specialist preparation
• Inclusive and culturally responsive education focus
• Strong emphasis on M?ori and Pacific learner success
• Industry-connected teaching placements
• Modern education facilities and support services

Latest Updates and Important Notes

• AUT is launching expanded School Onsite teacher education from 2026.
• School Onsite pathway is currently available only to domestic students.
• Secondary teaching remains an area of workforce demand in New Zealand.
• Community discussions frequently mention strong employment opportunities for teachers in shortage subject areas such as mathematics, science, and English.

Some student discussions also note:

• the interview process is competitive,
• practicum and compliance requirements are rigorous,
• many graduates secure teaching jobs before programme completion in high-demand subject areas.

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.