Postgraduate Certificate in Education – PGCertEd

Expand your professional knowledge and qualifications in education with Massey’s Postgraduate Certificate in Education. You’ll explore the latest developments and changes in education.

Type of qualification

Postgraduate certificate

Level of study

Postgraduate study

Once you’ve graduated with a bachelor’s degree – or have equal experience – you can study at the postgraduate level. Doctoral qualifications require additional entry requirements.

More about study levels

NZQF level 8

Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.

Find out more about NZQF levels

Time to complete

6 months full-time (60 credits)
Part-time available

Where you can study

Distance and online

International students

International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.

Definition of New Zealand citizens and residents

Not open to international students

Study a Postgraduate Certificate in Education – PGCertEd

With a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, you’ll learn to apply theory and research. You’ll be able to better understand the complex dimensions of current educational issues, practices and/or policies. You’ll learn to reflect on research, and demonstrate skill in analysis, synthesis and evaluation of teaching and learning.

Stay up to date with the latest education knowledge

Massey uses an enquiry-based and interprofessional learning model. This results in best-practice learning and teaching experiences and learning outcomes for you.

Flexible study to suit you

You’ll benefit from a range of distance and blended-learning delivery options. These provide flexible learning options regardless of your location. Learn from highly qualified, well-regarded teachers who are supportive and provide a high level of pastoral care.

Wide choice of topics

You can study a broad range of areas including:

  • early years education
  • educational administration and leadership
  • E-Learning, literacy education
  • Māori education
  • mathematics education
  • special and inclusive education
  • teaching and learning
  • teaching English to speakers of other languages leadership
  • tertiary education.

Note: The Postgraduate Certificate in Education does not qualify you to be a teacher in New Zealand.

A PGCertEd is a good fit if you:

  • already have a bachelor’s degree and some professional experience
  • have a subject you would like to explore in depth
  • enjoy being up to date with the latest developments in education.

Entry requirements

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

Specific requirements

To enter the Postgraduate Certificate in Education you will have been awarded or qualified for:

  • the degree of Bachelor of Education, or equivalent, or
  • any other bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and hold a professional qualification in teaching, or
  • any other bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and have relevant professional experience.

Documents you may need to provide

  • you may be required to provide evidence of sufficient background experience
  • if you hold any other bachelor’s degree or equivalent and have no professional qualification in teaching you will need to provide a copy of your curriculum vitae (CV) to support your application
  • if you have completed the Postgraduate Certificate you may apply for entry with credit into the Postgraduate Diploma in Education.

You will need to provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University. 

English language requirements

To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.

Prior learning, credit and exemptions

For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:

English language skills

If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

Maximum time limits for completion

There are maximum time limits to complete some undergraduate and all postgraduate qualifications. If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the qualification if you wish to continue your studies.

More information

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 qualification go to the Massey University Calendar.

Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.

Structure of the Postgraduate Certificate in Education

If you study full-time, you’ll take 60 credits in one semester.

Courses and specialisations

Key terms

Courses
Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
Course code
Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
Credits
Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
Specialisations
Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.

Credit summary

60 credits

  • Courses from the Schedule – 60 credits

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.
Course code: 249733 Mana Ōrite in Education 30 credits

A critical study of equity through the framework of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

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Course code: 249734 Equity and Inclusion in Education 30 credits

A critical study of equity and inclusion in education through a human rights lens.

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Course code: 249742 Neurodiversity in Education 30 credits

A critical study of neurodiversity  and its implications and applications in education.

Restrictions: 186742

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Course code: 253750 Counselling Theory 30 credits

A study of the theoretical bases of counselling. The course examines the place of counselling in society, its philosophical foundations, empirical status and major principles. Particular emphasis is given to selected approaches.

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Course code: 253753 Guidance in Education 30 credits

A study of guidance in educational settings. Attention is given to the philosophical foundations of guidance, its social implications, organisation and roles. Intervention procedures for individuals and groups are examined.

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Course code: 253754 Family and Couples Counselling 30 credits

A study of the theoretical bases of family and couples counselling. Attention is given to the concepts of 'family' and 'couple' and to systems theory. The processes of counselling families and couples are examined with regard to various approaches.

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Course code: 253755 Culture and Counselling 30 credits

An examination of the significance of culture in counselling. A multicultural perspective is adopted but with particular attention to the context in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

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Course code: 254710 Ruia taitea: Transforming Education 15 credits

This course introduces students to critical issues of education within a neo-colonial, settler society. Students examine key concepts such as social justice, cultural location, and the collective wellbeing in the context of education in Aotearoa New Zealand.

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Course code: 254744 Pacific Peoples and Education in New Zealand 30 credits

A critical examination of current issues in education which affect Pacific Islands peoples in New Zealand. Students will consider the place of Pacific Islands peoples in New Zealand society and design strategies for meeting their educational needs within specified professional fields of interest.

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Course code: 254770 Valuing Relationships and Practices in Educational Contexts, Settings and Communities 30 credits

A critical study of Western, Māori and indigenous approaches to the leadership of relationships and professional practice in the context of global demands for increased accountability, standardisation, and control in education.

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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.

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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.

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Course 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.

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Course code: 259771 Educational Leadership in Action 30 credits

A study of leadership in action including reflective practice, and professional and curriculum leadership, based on selected organisational and policy contexts.

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Course code: 259772 Theory and Process in Educational Leadership 30 credits

A critical examination of discourses, policies and practices of educational governance, leadership and reform.

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Course code: 261760 Digital Education and Design for Learning 30 credits

This course critically explores ways of framing the design of digitally-enhanced learning situations through three components: the crafting of learning tasks, the digital and material tools and spaces for learning, and the social arrangements that organise learners and encourage cooperative activity. Students discuss selected approaches, techniques, and tools of relevance to those designing for other people’s learning in diverse contexts.

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Course code: 261765 Innovations and Critical Issues in Digital Education 30 credits

This course critically explores how learning and pedagogical practices co-evolve with technological innovations, drawing on contemporary learning theories and empirical research in diverse learning contexts. Central themes in this course include critical issues in digital education, teaching & learning in a networked society, and how new/emerging technologies influence processes of learning and transformation.

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Course code: 261766 Teaching and Digital Education 30 credits

This course explores the use of digital technologies in teaching and learning in diverse professional contexts. It critically examines how digital technologies can be used to support and enhance teaching, learning, and assessment. The course will scope a range of topics related to digital education, including theories, perspectives, principles and pedagogical approaches for diverse learners and learning situations.

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Course code: 263704 Advanced Studies in Motivation and Learning 30 credits

A study of learning and the applications of national and international theory and research within learning contexts with an emphasis on contemporary learning themes.

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Course code: 263705 Assessment for Learning and Teaching 30 credits

Contemporary New Zealand and international assessment theory, practice and policy are examined and critiqued with application for educators in their learning context.

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Course code: 265736 Informed Practice in Early Years Education 30 credits

This course offers a critical study of the notions of quality in learning settings from infancy through to early school years. Content focuses on how to engage with and interpret different forms of evidence, including research, to inform practice. Opportunity is provided for exploration of key issues and implications for pedagogical leadership.

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Course code: 265737 Young Children, Families, Whānau and Communities 30 credits

This course offers a critical study of theory, research and policy relating to young children, families, whānau and communities. Content includes exploration of key theoretical perspectives, longitudinal research, and national and international policy that influences the lives of children, families, and whānau. Implications for young children, their families and whānau in the context of education and community will be explored.

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Course code: 265738 Fostering Children’s Learning Through Play-based Pedagogy 30 credits

This course introduces students to teaching practices in education settings from infancy through to early school years. Content includes the significance of intentional teaching and play in early childhood education and school settings as well as play-based, social-emotional, place-based and inquiry-based pedagogies. Opportunity is provided to critically examine pedagogy focused on te tiriti based partnerships, localised curriculum and culturally responsive practice in Aotearoa New Zealand.

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Course code: 267721 Research Methodologies in Education 15 credits

An advanced study of quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research design in education. Theoretical and practical issues of research are studied under three course themes: context for research, research designs, data collection and analysis.

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Course code: 267741 Indigenous Research Methodologies 15 credits

A study of Māori research frameworks, philosophies and processes and an examination of their contribution to the growing body of indigenous scholarship as relevant to educational settings.

Restrictions: 267790

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Course code: 269711 Policy and Development in Māori Education 30 credits

The course provides a critical analysis of policies for Māori education and of selected education policies which impact on Māori education. The role of the state and of school, urban and iwi communities of influence in relation to particular perceptions of Māori, and therefore of appropriate educational policy and development and practice will be explored.

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Course code: 269733 Mana Motuhake: Contemporary Issues in Māori & Indigenous Education 30 credits

An analysis of power, politics and resistance that underpin a range of contemporary and topical social issues which impact on Māori and/or indigenous education. A critical examination of the role of advocacy, activism and protest in advancing Māori and indigenous rights and aspirations in the context of education.

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Course code: 269734 Mana Whānau: Whānau Engagement in Education 30 credits

A critical examination of the role of whanau participation in education and the ways in which educators, educational institutions and organisations are able to engage with their Māori community to ensure successful social, cultural and educational outcomes for their Māori students within the paradigm of whanau ora.

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Course code: 269735 Mana Kura: Leadership in Māori Education 30 credits

A critical examination of traditional and contemporary forms of Māori professional, personal and cultural leadership and the role of iwi, community and tribal organisations in educational governance.

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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.

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Course code: 276731 STEM in Education and Society 30 credits

Students will develop scholarship, engagement, and teaching in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

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Course 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.

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Course 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.

Restrictions: 254785

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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.

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.

Scholarship and award opportunities

Search our scholarships and awards

Fees 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 enhance and advance your career, depending on your specialisation, in areas such as:

  • education settings (early childhood, primary, secondary or tertiary level)
  • TESOL settings
  • Kaiwhakaako Māori
  • special education
  • professional training and development roles within organisations (eg, teaching hospitals, businesses, community organisations, libraries).

Related study options