Why Study "Master of Applied Professional Studies (Adult Teaching)"

The Master of Applied Professional Studies (Adult Teaching) at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology is a Level 9 postgraduate qualification designed for professionals who want to deepen their expertise in adult education, teaching practice, professional leadership and applied research. The programme connects academic learning directly with workplace practice, allowing students to investigate real professional issues and apply their learning in their existing field. It is offered at Mokoia Campus in Rotorua and Windermere Campus in Tauranga.

• Level of study: New Zealand Qualifications Framework Level 9
• Duration: 1.5 years full-time, including holidays where applicable
• Part-time study is also available
• Total credits: 180
• Campuses: Mokoia Campus, Rotorua; Windermere Campus, Tauranga
• Next listed intake: 9 November 2026
• Other listed intakes: 22 February 2027 and 19 July 2027
• Study is particularly suited to working professionals because learning and assessment are linked to professional practice.

Key Benefits

• Develops advanced knowledge of adult learning and teaching.
• Builds critical reflection, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Provides advanced research skills for undertaking an independent research project.
• Allows students to apply academic theory to real workplace situations.
• Assessments and projects can be directly connected to professional employment.
• Provides a progression pathway from the Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Professional Studies (Adult Teaching).
• Students who have already completed the relevant Postgraduate Diploma may complete the Master's component in 16 weeks full-time.
• The qualification can support progression into teaching, training, educational resource development and academic management roles.

Program Structure

The programme combines adult teaching theory, reflective professional practice, assessment, learning-programme design and applied research.

Key topics include:

• Critical Reflective Practice
• Adult Learning Theory
• Assessing for Learning
• Designing Learning Programmes for Adult Learners
• Adult Teaching Practice
• Ng Tikanga Rangahau: Research Protocols
• Research Project or Dissertation

Study information:

• Full Master's programme: 180 credits
• Standard full-time duration: 1.5 years
• Part-time study option available
• Timetable currently lists Monday, 1:00 pm–4:00 pm, although timetables may change.
• The programme requires students to have access to a relevant workplace; applicants who are not currently employed are expected to have at least two years of relevant experience.
• The website presents the programme as applied postgraduate study connected to current professional practice rather than a purely theoretical Master's programme.

Discipline / Specialisation

The course is specifically focused on Adult Teaching within the broader Master of Applied Professional Studies.

Main areas of specialisation include:

• Adult learning and education
• Adult teaching practice
• Learning programme design
• Assessment and evaluation of learning
• Reflective professional practice
• Professional problem-solving
• Applied educational research
• Research project/dissertation

There are also related Applied Professional Studies pathways at Toi Ohomai, including Mentoring and Leadership and Infection Prevention and Control, but these are separate qualifications and are not specialisations within the Adult Teaching Master's course.

Programme Highlights

• 180-credit Level 9 Master's qualification.
• Practical, work-based approach to postgraduate learning.
• Strong emphasis on adult learning theory and teaching practice.
• Development of independent research capability.
• Opportunity to investigate issues relevant to the student's own professional field.
• Available in Rotorua and Tauranga.
• International tuition fee indication: NZD $36,270 for the programme.
• The international course list currently shows November 2026 as the next intake.
• The qualification can include the Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma awards as students progress through the programme requirements.

Entry requirements include:

• A Bachelor's Degree or Bachelor's Degree with Honours in a cognate subject with a B average or above; or
• A Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma in a cognate subject with a B average or above.
• A current CV must be supplied.
• In exceptional circumstances, applicants who do not meet the stated academic and professional experience requirements may be considered based on academic merit and relevant experience.
• Applicants must have access to a relevant workplace; if not currently employed, at least two years of relevant experience is expected.
• English requirement: IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no band below 6, or an accepted equivalent such as New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 5 with Academic Endorsement or another relevant NZQA English proficiency outcome.

Career Outcomes

The Master's is intended to support career advancement or employment related to a student's existing professional field. Potential roles identified by Toi Ohomai include:

• Tertiary Lecturer/Tutor
• Staff Development and Training Officer
• Educational Resources Designer/Writer
• Academic Manager

The qualification may also support professional development in adult education, workplace training, learning and development, educational programme design and related academic or training environments.

Visa Requirements (International Students)

International students normally need a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa to study this full-time Master's programme.

Key requirements include:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of sufficient funds to pay tuition fees, or evidence of an applicable scholarship.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for living expenses.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Evidence of genuine intention to study and comply with visa conditions.
• Evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of their stay, where required.
• For tertiary study, Immigration New Zealand currently specifies NZD $20,000 per year for living expenses when the student is paying for themselves, or NZD $1,667 per month where the study period is less than one year.
• The Fee Paying Student Visa can allow eligible students to work up to 25 hours per week while studying and full-time during holidays, subject to the conditions attached to their visa.
• Immigration New Zealand recommends applying at least three months before the intended travel date. Visa conditions and requirements can change, so students should check the requirements applicable at the time of application.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The Toi Ohomai course page was last updated on 4 September 2026.
• Current listed locations are Mokoia Campus, Rotorua and Windermere Campus, Tauranga.
• Current listed start dates are 9 November 2026, 22 February 2027 and 19 July 2027.
• The international course list currently indicates tuition fees of NZD $36,270 for the Master's programme and identifies November 2026 as the next intake. Tuition fees are indicative and course-related costs are not necessarily included.
• Toi Ohomai states that fees for 2027 intakes are yet to be confirmed and will be updated once confirmed.
• Students should have access to a relevant workplace. If they are not currently employed, Toi Ohomai expects at least two years of relevant experience.
• Admission may be subject to selection and approval by the Faculty Leader, and limitations may apply to the number of students admitted.
• An information meeting is part of the admission process to discuss course content, career aspirations and the applicant's experience.
• Scholarships: Toi Ohomai maintains a general scholarship programme, but the current scholarship information does not identify a scholarship specifically attached to the Master of Applied Professional Studies (Adult Teaching). Several listed scholarships are restricted to New Zealand citizens/permanent residents or particular student groups, so international applicants should check individual eligibility before relying on a scholarship.
• Funding: The course page indicates StudyLink assistance, but StudyLink is generally relevant to eligible domestic students; international students should plan for international tuition fees and visa-related financial requirements separately.