Where you can study
International students
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Specialise in Mathematics Education for your Master of Education at Massey
Understanding how we learn mathematics and how we can teach mathematics effectively to children, teenagers and adults is one of a nation’s great educational challenges. The Master of Education (Mathematics Education) will give you the opportunity to work with esteemed practitioners and researchers in this fascinating field.
With a Master of Education (Mathematics Education) you’ll develop an understanding of the complexities of equitable and culturally responsive practices. You’ll gain knowledge of specialised mathematics for teaching and learning within the early years, primary or secondary sectors. You’ll also be able to plan and undertake research or a scholarship in mathematics education. You’ll gain a high level of skill in analysis, synthesis and critical evaluation of mathematics pedagogy and curriculum.
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 advance to doctoral study, you will also need at least a B+ GPA in the Master of Education.
A Master of Education in Mathematics Education is a good fit if you:
- have a degree and professional experience in mathematics teaching
- want to develop your skills to support learners in mathematics
- want to engage in teacher inquiry and research in mathematics education.
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 two, as indicated in the entry requirements for the thesis (267881 Thesis Part 1 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
Mathematics Education courses
At least 60 credits from
Course code: 276700 Developing Mathematical Inquiry Communities 30 credits
An in-depth study of the research, theory and evidence-based practices associated with mathematical inquiry aimed at raising student achievement. Participants will analytically investigate how mathematical inquiry learning communities are constructed and how they support all learners to engage in mathematics at a high level of achievement.
View full course detailsCourse code: 276782 Mathematics in Schooling and Society 30 credits
An exploration of the role of mathematics in education and society. Participants will critically examine the nature of mathematics, and develop understanding of a range of theories of learning drawn from different worldviews related to mathematics education. This will include a focus on learning trajectories for key mathematical concepts.
View full course detailsCourse code: 276785 Making Mathematics Accessible 30 credits
An in-depth study of the research, theory and evidence-based practices associated with equitable classroom practices that make mathematics accessible for all learners.
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 (Mathematics 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). You will need to provide evidence of some teaching experience in mathematics.
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 and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.
Current and returning Massey students can find their National Student Number in the student portal.
- Student loans (StudyLink)
- Fees Free
- Student portal
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
You’ll gain skills and experience that will enhance and advance your careers, relevant to your specialisation, in all education contexts.
Related study options
Mathematics – Graduate Certificate in Arts
Be a sought-after graduate with the Graduate Certificate in Arts (Mathematics). You can study mathematics without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Mathematics – Bachelor of Science
The Bachelor of Science (Mathematics) will give you the skills to solve problems in areas such as computer programming, climate modelling, and transportation.
Mathematics – Bachelor of Arts
Advance your analysis and problem-solving abilities within the flexible and critical framework of Massey’s Bachelor of Arts (Mathematics).
Mathematics – Diploma in Arts
Develop a wide variety of mathematics skills and techniques with Massey’s Diploma in Arts (Mathematics). Learn to formulate, solve, restate, resolve and interpret mathematics problems.
Mathematics – Master of Science
Learn the language of the universe. Gain a deeper understanding of the mathematics you encountered in your undergraduate degree, as well as learn about new and exciting areas of mathematics.
Mathematics – Graduate Diploma in Arts
Build your knowledge of mathematics and learn how to communicate your findings, with Massey’s Graduate Diploma in Arts (Mathematics).
Mathematics Education – Postgraduate Diploma in Education
Take your professional practice to the next level with Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Mathematics Education).
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz