Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Master of Teaching and Learning is a professional initial teacher education qualification designed for graduates who want to become primary or secondary teachers.
• It combines research-based educational knowledge, contemporary education theory, professional inquiry and practical school experience.
• Students learn in a digitally enriched environment designed around modern teaching and learning practices.
• The programme includes two professional placements in New Zealand schools.
• It prepares students to work with diverse learners, including M?ori and Pacific learners, English-language learners and students with additional learning needs.
• The qualification meets the relevant standards of Matat? Aotearoa | Teaching Council of New Zealand, enabling graduates to apply for teacher registration and certification.
• UC states that both the Primary and Secondary endorsements are internationally recognised professional qualifications.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The 180-point programme consists of professional education coursework, practical teaching experience and research.

Part I contains the endorsement-specific coursework.

Common professional courses include:

• TEPI413 Professional Learning and Inquiry 1
• TEPI415 Understanding Every Learner: Intercultural and Inclusive Education
• TEPI416 T? t?tou reo, ? t?tou tikanga
• TEPI614 Professional Learning and Inquiry 2
• TEPP413 Teaching Professional Practice 1
• TEPP414 Teaching Professional Practice 2

Part II:

• TEPI615 Research for Teaching

Current 2027 course information confirms these courses for the Primary pathway.

For Secondary Education, current course information includes:

• TECS433 Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment 1: Teaching subject for junior secondary
• TECS434 Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment 2: Teaching subject for senior secondary
• TECS435 Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment 3: Contemporary Developments in Secondary Education
• TECS436 Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment 4: Additional teaching subject for junior secondary, where applicable
• TEPI413 Professional Learning and Inquiry 1
• TEPI415 Understanding Every Learner: Intercultural and Inclusive Education
• TEPI416 T? t?tou reo, ? t?tou tikanga
• TEPI614 Professional Learning and Inquiry 2
• TEPI615 Research for Teaching
• TEPP413 Teaching Professional Practice 1
• TEPP414 Teaching Professional Practice 2.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The MTchgLn has two principal endorsements:

1. Primary Education
2. Secondary Education

Current UC secondary teaching areas include:

• Commerce with Business Studies
• English
• Geography with Social Studies
• Health with HPE
• History with Social Studies
• International Languages
• Mathematics
• Music
• Outdoor and Environmental Education with HPE
• Performing Arts
• Physical Education with HPE
• Physics with Science
• Te Reo Maori
• Technology
• Visual Arts.

Programme Highlights

• NZQF Level 9 master's qualification
• 180 points
• One-year intensive professional programme
• January/February intake
• Primary and Secondary Education endorsements
• Two professional school placements
• Research-informed teaching preparation
• Digitally enriched learning environment
• Literacy and numeracy selection assessment
• Interview and referee assessment
• Police check
• Teaching Council-aligned professional preparation
• Eligibility to apply for New Zealand teacher registration after successful completion
• Internationally recognised qualification
• Opportunity to develop culturally responsive practice for M?ori, Pacific and other diverse learners. 

Career Outcomes

The primary career outcome is becoming a registered school teacher in New Zealand, subject to meeting the Teaching Council's registration and certification requirements.

Potential career pathways include:

• Primary school teacher
• Secondary school teacher
• Intermediate/middle school teaching, depending on the school and endorsement
• Education policy
• Community and youth work
• Advocacy
• Human services
• Industry training
• School leadership and administration with further experience
• Education-related public-sector roles

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

Several requirements are especially important for international applicants:

• The programme is an initial teacher education qualification, not simply an academic master's in education.
• Admission is competitive and places are limited.
• A police check is required as part of selection.
• Referee reports and an interview are required.
• A literacy and numeracy test is part of selection.
• Primary applicants must demonstrate mathematics capability.
• Secondary applicants need appropriate subject knowledge from previous study.
• International applicants must meet the applicable Teaching Council English-language competency requirements.
• Students must successfully complete professional school placements.
• The programme meets Teaching Council standards and provides a pathway to apply for teacher registration.
• The Teaching Council updated its English-language competency provisions in 2025–2026, including changes concerning evidence from Pacific-region study.

International Student Visa Requirements

Most international students will require a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa.

Current Immigration New Zealand information states:

• Cost: from NZD $850
• Maximum duration: up to 4 years
• Processing: 80% within 8 weeks
• Online applications are required
• Students need an offer of place from an approved education provider
• Evidence of tuition payment or ability to pay is required
• A scholarship can be used as evidence toward tuition funding
• Evidence of living funds is required
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance is required
• Applicants must meet health and character requirements
• Applicants must demonstrate genuine study intentions
• Applicants must show they can leave New Zealand at the end of their stay.