The Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) (Level 7) is a one-year initial teacher education programme designed primarily for graduates with a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) background who want to transition into secondary-school teaching.

NZSE says the programme responds to the demand for STEM teachers across Years 7–13 in Aotearoa New Zealand. It combines academic study with extensive in-school professional experience so students can apply teaching theory in real secondary-school environments.

Key benefits include:

• Converts existing STEM subject knowledge into secondary teaching capability.
• Focuses on teaching STEM subjects within The New Zealand Curriculum / Te M?taiaho.
• Includes extensive professional teaching practice in schools.
• Develops classroom-management and assessment skills.
• Focuses on inclusive learning environments, including support for neurodiverse learners.
• Develops culturally responsive teaching and bicultural practice.
• Includes integration of te reo M?ori and tikanga M?ori.
• Builds relationships with students, parents/wh?nau, colleagues and communities.
• Provides live classes and practical work-integrated learning.
• Positions graduates to apply for teacher registration in Aotearoa New Zealand, subject to Teaching Council requirements.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The 120-credit programme is divided into two semesters.

Semester 1

1. GDTS7001: Learning and Teaching Principles and Practices – 15 credits

This course develops foundational knowledge of teaching and learning principles and introduces the practices required for effective secondary teaching.

2. GDTS7002: Curriculum, Pedagogy, and Assessment in STEM Education – 15 credits

This course focuses on:

• STEM curriculum.
• Teaching strategies.
• Pedagogy.
• Assessment.
• Subject-specific teaching.
• New Zealand Curriculum / Te M?taiaho.
• STEM knowledge applicable through Years 9–11 and NCEA Years 12–13.

3. GDTS7003: Professional Practice 1: Foundations of Professional Teaching Practice – 30 credits

This is the first major professional-practice component and gives learners supervised experience applying teaching knowledge in a secondary-school environment.

Semester 2

4. GDTS7004: Creating an Inclusive Learning Environment – 15 credits

Focus areas include:

• Inclusive education.
• Diverse learner needs.
• Neurodiversity.
• Additional learning needs.
• Learner identities, languages and cultures.
• Positive and safe learning environments.

5. GDTS7005: Assessment for Learning: Strategies & Practices in Secondary Education – 15 credits

Students develop skills in:

• Assessment for learning.
• Monitoring learner progress.
• Analysing learning evidence.
• Providing feedback.
• Identifying next learning steps.
• Applying assessment across subject areas.

6. GDTS7006: Professional Practice 2: Advancing Professional Teaching Practice – 30 credits

This is the second major professional-practice component and advances students' ability to plan, deliver, assess and reflect on secondary teaching.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The programme does not list separate formal specialisations.

Its subject focus is STEM, covering:

• Science
• Technology
• Engineering
• Mathematics

Programme Highlights

• NZQCF Level 7.
• 120 credits.
• One academic year.
• 40 weeks including breaks.
• Full-time study.
• Blended delivery.
• New Lynn campus.
• STEM-focused secondary teaching.
• Extensive in-school professional experience.
• Three classroom days per week plus professional-practice blocks.
• Te Mataiaho / New Zealand Curriculum.
• Te reo Maori and tikanga Maori integration.
• Inclusive teaching and neurodiversity.
• Classroom management.
• Assessment for learning.
• Professional inquiry and reflective practice.
• Relationships with whanau and communities.
• NZQA-certified programme.
• Pathway toward applying for teacher registration. 

Career Outcomes

NZSE identifies the following potential career outcomes:

• Secondary School Kaiako / Teacher
• Private Education Provider Teacher
• Special Education roles, with additional training
• Leadership positions in secondary schools
• Education Advisor
• Learning Designer
• Mental Health Education Specialist.

Teacher Registration Requirement

This is especially important for international students.

The Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand states that after completing an approved Initial Teacher Education programme, graduates can apply for teacher registration and their first practising certificate. Registration and a current practising certificate are required to legally teach in New Zealand.

For registration, applicants must meet requirements relating to:

• Approved teaching qualification.
• English or te reo Maori language competency.
• Identity.
• Police vetting.
• Health/fitness to teach.
• Commitment to developing and practising te reo me ng? tikanga Maori.
• Other Teaching Council requirements.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

NZSE announced NZQA approval of the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) in May 2026. The programme was created specifically around the need for qualified teachers and uses extensive school-based professional practice.

Important special requirements include:

• STEM-related bachelor's degree or recognised equivalent.
• IELTS 7.0 in every band.
• Interview.
• Two independent referee reports.
• Safety check consistent with the Children Act 2014.
• Professional teaching practice in a school environment.
• Valid visa and insurance for international learners.
• Strong English-language competence.
• Ability to meet professional teacher standards.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student studying this programme in New Zealand, the relevant visa will generally be the Fee Paying Student Visa, subject to the student's circumstances.

Immigration New Zealand requires students to have, among other things:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of tuition-fee payment or acceptable funding/scholarship.
• Evidence of sufficient living funds.
• Acceptable insurance.
• Evidence relating to health and character where required.
• Genuine intention to study.
• Evidence of onward travel or sufficient funds to purchase onward travel.

The Fee Paying Student Visa currently:

• Costs from NZD 850.
• Can be granted for up to four years, depending on the circumstances.
• Normally covers the period of study for which tuition has been paid.
• May allow eligible students to work up to 25 hours per week during study.
• May allow full-time work during scheduled holidays, subject to the conditions on the student's visa.