Learn to inspire your students
Become a secondary school teacher and inspire the curiosity and knowledge of Aotearoa New Zealand’s young people. Help prepare them for life beyond school and to develop into confident adults.
This Master’s degree gives you the essential knowledge and practical skills for your teaching career. Study on campus and spend time in a classroom each week, including extended periods of the year on full-time placements with host schools.
By taking this qualification, you’re making a professional commitment to the teaching profession, and to your future students and their whānau. You’ll graduate ready to teach in New Zealand’s secondary schools and be qualified to register as a teacher with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand. You’ll also have the skills and experience to teach overseas.
Who can study for the MTchLrn(Secondary)
This qualification suits you if you can commit to full-time, on-campus study and want to earn practical teaching experience with a year in school. Academic requirements and time commitments are higher than for our graduate diplomas, so make sure you can dedicate the time.
To enrol, you should have completed your Bachelor’s degree with:
- a B average (GPA of 5.0) or higher
- at least one major in a subject taught in New Zealand secondary schools, studied to 300-level or above
- ideally, a second curriculum-aligned subject studied to 200-level.
We prefer applicants who can teach two secondary subjects. We may still consider you with just one subject if your degree is strongly aligned with secondary teaching. Contact the School of Education before you apply to discuss your situation.
Make sure you’re in New Zealand for the mentor matching and selection day
We welcome applications from domestic and international students. To be eligible for selection, you must attend mentor matching and selection day on campus in Wellington, New Zealand. This is held on the final Friday in November each year.
Attendance at the selection day does not guarantee you’ll be admitted into the programme.
Places are limited
There are only 30 places available on this programme each year. Entry is competitive and dependent on the availability of mentor teachers. So apply early to indicate your interest.
What you’ll learn
Your study mixes coursework with practical teaching experience in the classroom. Most of your classroom experience will be in a host school in the Wellington region.
Degree content
The Master of Teaching and Learning (Secondary) content is based on the New Zealand Curriculum.
You’ll complete six mandatory courses in three areas: professional practice, secondary learning design, and teaching dynamics.
Your professional practice courses cover:
- education in the context of the Te Tiriti, tikanga Māori, and language-learning strategies to help you develop skills in te reo Māori
- models and frameworks for understanding and adapting to different contexts for learning
- developing an understanding of your professional responsibilities to education for Pacific peoples.
In your secondary learning design courses, you:
- critically examine the nature and purposes of your specialist teaching subject
- place principles and practices of inclusive learning, and Mātauranga-a-iwi in particular, within the context of that subject
- deepen your understanding of assessment practices
- learn to use relational practices, human development, and theories of learning to build cultures that improve how we teach, and how students learn, the Aotearoa New Zealand curriculum
In your teaching dynamics courses, you:
- focus on how teaching is changing in the digital age and how teachers should adapt, including by becoming competent with digital tools and using them to improve their teaching practice
- research a current challenge facing the teaching profession
- study the education of Pacific peoples within the context of your teaching subject.
How you’ll study
The Master of Teaching and Learning (Secondary) is an 11-month full-time programme that mixes online study with practical experience in the classroom. You cannot study for this degree part time.
The study experience
You can expect to spend 40 to 50 hours studying each week. Courses are taught over two long trimesters between February and early December.
Your classes are taught through a mixture of on-campus and online study. You’ll have to attend campus in person for the Ngā Mihi (welcome and orientation) and Wānanga (celebration) periods.
Throughout your study, you’ll be supported by a professional learning community and an academic mentor.
Learn in the classroom
You'll have 16 weeks of full-time professional teaching practice, including six weeks in a different school. In the second half of the year, you'll spend eight weeks (full time) in your host school to broaden and deepen your teaching experience.
Two pathways to secondary teaching
We offer two pathways into secondary school teaching in Aotearoa New Zealand: the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) and the Master of Teaching and Learning (Secondary). Both have a similar essential coursework and in-classroom experience, so either can qualify you to teach.
- Choose the Diploma if you want the most flexible route to becoming a qualified secondary teacher.
- Choose the Master’s if you want a qualification that combines work-integrated learning with a deeper, more academic understanding of teaching and learning. The Master’s is especially useful if you’re considering further study or research.
Qualification support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser through our enquiry form.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for domestic students
- Requirements for students who completed university in:
If you live in New Zealand and are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia, you're considered a domestic student.
Some citizens of the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau may automatically hold New Zealand citizenship.
Diplomatic residents living in New Zealand are also regarded as domestic students.
To be accepted into this qualification, you need:
1. Before enrolment, a candidate for the MTchLrn(Secondary) degree shall have:
(a) completed a Bachelor’s degree at an academic level appropriate for postgraduate study, or an appropriate postgraduate qualification;
(b) one teaching subject in their degree(s) as a major or at postgraduate level;
(c) demonstrated the qualities necessary for a satisfactory teacher; and
(d) been accepted by the Associate Dean (Students) as a candidate for this degree.
More enrolment information
- Selection interviews take place in September, October, and November. We will contact you soon after you apply with options for interview dates.
- The selection meeting includes a literacy and numeracy test and an interview that evaluates your skills in listening, oral communication, how you interact with others, and your views about teaching and education. At the interview, you will introduce yourself with a mihi (greeting).
- If you have lived in a country other than New Zealand for 12 months or more within the past 10 years, you will need an overseas police clearance to enrol. The New Zealand Teaching Council has specific requirements for the overseas police clearance.
- If you want to enrol in this programme but don't meet some of the entry requirements, talk with the programme director or administrator to discuss your options.
- You're required to be of good character with the ability to meet the requirements of the Code of Professional Responsibility of the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand on graduation.
See more about the University's admission requirements on the School of Education's website.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the MTchLrn(Secondary)
2. The course of study for the Master of Teaching and Learning (Secondary) shall comprise a minimum of 180 points including:
(a) Te Koruru: Professional Practice 1 (TCHG 505), Te Koruru: Professional Practice 2 (TCHG 506);
(b) two of Ngā Maihi: Secondary learning design 1 (TCHG 526), TCHG 527, Ngā Raparapa 1: Exploring Teaching Dynamics with a Digital Age Education Focus (TCHG 528); and
(c) two of Ngā Maihi: Secondary Learning Design - Inclusive Education (TCHG 529), TCHG 531, Ngā Raparapa 2: Advancing Teaching Dynamics with a Pacific Learner Focus (TCHG 532).
3. A candidate shall normally be enrolled for one year and shall complete the requirements of the Master of Teaching and Learning (Secondary) within two years of first enrolling for it. The associate dean may extend this maximum period in special circumstances. A candidate who wishes to take a leave of absence from the programme requires the approval of the associate dean.
4. The associate dean may cancel the enrolment of a candidate whose progress is unsatisfactory.
5. No aegrotat passes may be credited to this degree.
Future careers
This degree prepares you for a career as a secondary school teacher. Once you graduate, you can register as a teacher and apply for a provisional practising certificate with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand. You can then apply for teaching positions in New Zealand schools, including Kura Kaupapa Māori, or alternative education providers.
Your employment prospects are good. New Zealand has a shortage of secondary teachers for all subjects, particularly in Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Technology. Teachers who speak te reo Māori are in high demand. A qualification in secondary-school teaching also leads to a career in Kura Kaupapa Māori or with alternative education providers.
Graduates of the MTchgLrn(Secondary) may start on a higher salary than those with other teaching qualifications.
More career information
Find out more about careers in teaching.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
Philippa and Morvyn Williams Scholarship
The Philippa and Morvyn Williams Scholarship is available to female postgraduate students of Māori descent.
TeachNZ scholarships
TeachNZ has scholarships to help you become a great teacher.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for teachers
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This scholarship is open to any undergraduate or postgraduate student who is currently enrolled full-time in a degree majoring in Education. The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of academic merit, but where more than one top applicant consideration will be given to applicants experiencing financial hardship.
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The fund, which was established at the time of the renovation of the C3 lecture theatre, is to assist a second-year student from any faculty in their studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or eligible Honours programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for teachers
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This scholarship is open to any undergraduate or postgraduate student who is currently enrolled full-time in a degree majoring in Education. The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of academic merit, but where more than one top applicant consideration will be given to applicants experiencing financial hardship.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Why Wellington
The University’s local education networks place you with excellent schools and connect you to a strong professional community.
As the capital, Wellington also puts you close to national education agencies and policy organisations, giving you direct insight into educational leadership and policy in action.
Thanks to the city’s compact size, your placements, campus, and professional connections are all within easy reach—and that same network often leads to employment once you graduate.
Study for a PhD
If you do well in your Master’s degree, and show an aptitude for advanced research, you could apply to complete a PhD. You’ll carry out original and sustained research under supervision from world-class academics in the School of Education.
As a PhD candidate, you’ll also be supported by the Faculty of Graduate Research.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.