Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary Education) (Level 7)

The aim of the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary Education) is to equip ākonga with a recognised, flexible, and applied teaching qualification in primary education.

Practical courses connect theory with practice and are strongly aligned with sector needs to ensure work-ready graduates equipped with skills and knowledge required for teaching positions or for further study at postgraduate level.

This qualification consists of six compulsory courses totalling 120 credits. The programme has four 15-credit courses and two 30-credit courses. You need to complete all courses in the list below to graduate with this qualification.

The programme works in blocks of 16 teaching weeks. A full-time work load for a block is three courses (60 credits). Part-time is a minimum of one course (15 credits).

Academic Entry Requirements

Applicants must have an undergraduate degree.

Applicants who do not hold a Level 7 degree qualification may be considered for entry if they have successfully completed

  • a primary education qualification at Levels 5, 6 or 7 on the NZQF, or a recognised equivalent qualification, and

are able to demonstrate the equivalence of a minimum of 3 years fulltime relevant work experience in the primary sector within the last 10 years.

Every applicant must go through the selection process. Applicants are required to:

  • Provide two confidential referees
  • Undertake a written literacy and numeracy test
  • Participate in a group exercise
  • Participate in an individual interview
  • Undergo Police vetting
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Open Polytechnic Te Pūkenga

This programme is offered in partnership with The Open Polytechnic. You can find out more about this programme and apply via their website.

Further study options

Graduates can progress to the following programme:

  • Graduate Diploma in ECE/Secondary
  • Master’s of Education/Teaching and Learning
Candice Bailey Education Tutor Profile

I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and experiences of working across ECE and primary settings over the last 15 years. I can certainly relate to the challenges of balancing studying, working and parenting that many of our learners face. Knowing I have the ability to shape the new teachers coming into the profession is what has drawn me to this role.

Candice Bailey

Kaiako (Tutor)

Changes for new learners

WITT and this programme are part of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology 

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