Where you can study
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Specialise in Literacy Education for your Master of Education at Massey
Literacy is one of the big issues in education, with questions such as, what’s the best way to teach literacy? How do children, teenagers and adults develop their literacy knowledge? With the Master of Education (Literacy Education) you’ll critically engage with the research and scholarship in this field.
Hone your skills
Massey’s Master of Education (Literacy Education) will develop your skills in the analysis, synthesis and critical evaluation of research on the development of reading and writing ability. Learn to evaluate how theory and research can affect literacy development and instructional practices. There’s a particular focus on preventing and intervening in literacy learning difficulties.
Learn from the best
You’ll work with nationally and internationally esteemed practitioners and researchers. Massey is a leader in distance learning. You’ll stay in contact with your lecturers and peers through our collaborative online learning environment. Distance learning lets you fit your study around your life and commitments. You can study full or part-time, whatever suits you.
Your qualification options
The Master of Education does not qualify you to be a teacher in New Zealand. If you want to be a teacher, you will also need to take a postgraduate teaching qualification.
Further study
If you want to be a teacher, you will also need to take a postgraduate teaching qualification.
A Master of Education in Literacy Education is a good fit if you:
- have a passion for literacy education
- want to develop your teaching skills to support all learners in their literacy
- are focused on literacy in education at any level.
Planning information
The Master of Education is a parts-based qualification. That means you must complete the first part, before moving to the second.
If you are planning your Part One courses for the Research pathway, you will need to pass only one 15 credit research methods course, not 2, as indicated in the entry requirements for the thesis (267881 Thesis Part One or 267880 Thesis). The entry requirements for the thesis are being updated.
Course work (Professional inquiry) pathway
To progress to Part Two you will need a minimum B grade average in the first 120 credits of courses.
Research (thesis) pathway
To progress to Part Two you will need a minimum B+ grade average in the first 90 credits of courses.
Advanced entry
If you have completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Education you may may apply for credit towards Part One of the qualification.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Courses you can enrol in
Course planning key
- Prerequisites
- Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
- Corequisites
- Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
- Restrictions
- Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Core courses for the Master of Education
As well as the specialisation courses listed below, this qualification has core courses that you will need to complete.
Master of Education core courses
Literacy Education courses
Course code: 258720 Foundations of Literacy Education 30 credits
An advanced study of the critical language skills and cognitive processes underpinning literacy and language acquisition. Consideration is given to distal factors that influence literacy and language acquisition, along with relevant policy and foundational documents. Implications for effective literacy practices are critically examined through current literature.
View full course detailsSubject courses
Course code: 258722 Understanding and Addressing Literacy Needs 30 credits
A critical study of evidence-based practices for identifying and working with learners with literacy learning needs. This includes understanding the learner within a context to respond appropriately. Opportunity is provided for exploration of teaching practices that are effective in enhancing progress and equity.
View full course detailsCourse code: 258725 Critical and Current Topics in Literacy 30 credits
An advanced study of research into current and critical topics of literacy that support children to actively engage in society as critical, creative, and engaged citizens. A focus is placed on how critical and current types of literacy can be used to enhance communication within the classroom environment.
View full course detailsEntry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
To enter the Master of Education (Literacy Education) you will have been awarded or qualified for:
- the Bachelor of Education with a grade average in the highest level courses of at least a B, or equivalent, or
- any other bachelor’s degree with a grade average in the highest level courses of at least a B, or equivalent, and hold a professional qualification in teaching, or
- any other bachelor’s degree with a grade average in the highest level courses of at least a B, or equivalent, and have professional experience relevant to the intended postgraduate subject, or
- a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, or equivalent, with a grade average across all courses of at least B (coursework pathway) or at least a B+ (research pathway).
If you do not have a Bachelor of Education or equivalent, you will need to supply a copy of your curriculum vitae (CV). Your CV should show some leadership/management experience in an educational environment (e.g. Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCO), Syndicate Leader, Nursing Programme Leader at a Polytechnic, Training Manager in a Hospital, Private Training Organisation (PTO) Team Leader, Head of Human Resources in an educational environment, etc).
If you have a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from Massey University as outlined above, you may apply for credit towards Part One of the qualification.
You will need to provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
Research and coursework pathway
When you apply, you will choose either a research pathway or a coursework pathway
If you intend to do the research pathway (thesis) you will need to provide a short summary of your research interests (200 words or less) with your application.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Fees and scholarships
Fees, student loans and free fees scheme
Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.
There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
- Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
- View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable
Already know which courses you're going to choose?
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme, including how much could be covered and your eligibility on the Fees Free website.
Scholarship and award opportunities
Search our scholarships and awardsFees disclaimer
This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.
Careers and job opportunities
The Master of Education (Literacy Education) will enhance your career as a teaching practitioner in a range of educational contexts and sectors by developing your knowledge of literacy and its teaching. It can also lead to literacy leadership roles across a range of organisations or to advanced academic study.
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Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz