Type of qualification
Level of 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.
Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.
Time to complete
Where you can study
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
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 verified copies of all 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:
- review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
- contact us through the Get advice button on this page.
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
- General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates.
- Contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
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: 249741 Assessment and Planning for Learners with Diverse Needs credits 30
A study of contemporary assessment and programming practices for students with special needs. The implications of theory and research for teaching practice will be stressed.
View full course detailsCourse code: 249742 Teaching Methods for Learners with Diverse Needs credits 30
A study of contemporary teaching approaches for different areas of special needs, with a particular emphasis on the implications of theory and research for teaching practice.
View full course detailsCourse code: 249744 Understanding Learners with Behaviour Difficulties credits 30
An advanced study of emotional and behavioural difficulties. Major topics include terminology, definition, classification, contributing causes, theoretical perspectives, behavioural characteristics, educational and ethical considerations, and remediation with a focus on the ecological perspective.
View full course detailsCourse code: 253750 Counselling Theory credits 30
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 253753 Guidance in Education credits 30
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 253754 Family and Couples Counselling credits 30
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 253755 Culture and Counselling credits 30
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 254702 Facing Big Questions in Education credits 30
An interdisciplinary study of important questions around pedagogy, learning, curriculum and assessment, which challenge teachers in a variety of educational settings. The course will help teachers develop purposeful and practical connections between scholarly work and their own practice.
View full course detailsCourse code: 254706 Advanced Studies in Curriculum Policy and Practice credits 30
A study of historical and contemporary curriculum from formation to practice. Changes in curriculum and assessment are examined in the light of local and global influences. Students apply theory and practice-based research to issues of knowledge, learning, teachers' work, students' experiences and school-based curricula.
View full course detailsCourse code: 254744 Educational Issues Among Pacific Islands Peoples in New Zealand credits 30
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 254773 Educational Policy Analysis credits 30
An analysis of selected policy issues, theories and methods in the analysis of educational policies.
View full course detailsCourse code: 254774 Evaluation of Educational Organisations credits 30
A study of approaches used for evaluating educational institutions with emphasis on issues around school effectiveness and improvement including global influences of standardization and control, and ethical and culturally appropriate practices.
View full course detailsCourse code: 254775 Management of Human Resources in Educational Organisations credits 30
A study of issues in and strategies for the effective management of personnel in educational organisations.
View full course detailsCourse code: 256756 Applied Behaviour Analysis for Educators credits 30
This course focuses on applied behaviour analysis oriented to analysis, assessment and intervention within school and other educational settings. The course is designed to assist students to be aware of environmental/behavioural relationships, to be able to observe, analyse and assess interactive behaviour in an educational setting, and be able to recommend, implement, evaluate and adjust therapeutic interventions.
View full course detailsCourse code: 257766 Leading TESOL in Diverse Contexts credits 30
A study of the historical development of leadership theory and a contrastive examination of TESOL leadership in different international contexts.
View full course detailsCourse code: 257767 Current Issues and Innovations in TESOL Leadership credits 30
A study of issues and innovations in TESOL leadership and professional development, including factors such as context, global impacts, and new technologies.
View full course detailsCourse code: 257769 Teaching Content to English Language Learners credits 30
An in-depth, critical examination of theory, research, practice and issues relevant to integrated teaching and learning of content and English as an additional language for specific and academic purposes.
View full course detailsCourse code: 258720 Foundations of Literacy Education credits 30
An advanced study of the acquisition of literacy skills in students focusing on how knowledge of language structure and the cognitive processes involved in literacy learning can be translated into effective teaching practices.
View full course detailsCourse code: 258721 Teaching Students with Literacy Learning Difficulties credits 30
An examination of best practices for the assessment and teaching of students with literacy learning difficulties.
View full course detailsCourse code: 258722 The Nature, Prevention and Remediation of Literacy Learning Difficulties credits 30
An advanced study of theory and research on reading and writing difficulties experienced by students focusing on intervention strategies/programmes that can be used to help these students overcome their literacy learning problems.
View full course detailsCourse code: 258723 Teaching Writing in the Classroom credits 30
An advanced study of research into written composition development; strategies for enhancing student competencies and for overcoming specific areas of need in writing in contemporary classrooms.
View full course detailsCourse code: 259771 Educational Leadership in Action credits 30
A study of leadership in action including reflective practice, professional and curriculum leadership, and decision-making in education, based on selected organisational and policy contexts.
View full course detailsCourse code: 259772 Theory and Process in Educational Leadership credits 30
A critical examination of discourses, policies and practices of educational organisation, leadership and reform.
View full course detailsCourse code: 259780 Language Policy and Assessment credits 30
A critical study of theory, research, practice and current trends in English language policy, planning and assessment in an educational context.
View full course detailsCourse code: 261760 Digital Education and Design for Learning credits 30
This course provides a framework for considering the design of digitally-enhanced learning situations (in formal, non-formal or professional contexts).
View full course detailsCourse code: 261764 Foundations of Digital Education credits 30
This course offers an overview of the theories, concepts, principles and history, which underpin contemporary digital education, including historical links between emerging and earlier versions of digital education.
View full course detailsCourse code: 261765 Trends in Digital Education credits 30
The course offers a critical overview of emerging trends, challenges and technological innovation in education.
View full course detailsCourse code: 261766 Teaching and Digital Education credits 30
This course examines and critiques theoretical perspectives, principles and practices of teaching and learning with digital technologies.
View full course detailsCourse code: 262751 Theory and Practice of Gifted and Talented Education credits 30
An advanced study of the theory and practice of specialist teachers in the area of gifted and talented
View full course detailsCourse code: 263701 Enhancing Teacher Learning and Mentoring credits 30
An advanced study of teacher learning in which a teacher examines and alters their practice and influences others in light of research and professional learning literature.
View full course detailsCourse code: 263704 Advanced Studies in Motivation and Learning credits 30
A study of learning and the applications of national and international theory and research within learning contexts with an emphasis on contemporary learning themes.
View full course detailsCourse code: 263705 Assessment for Learning and Teaching credits 30
Contemporary New Zealand and international assessment theory, practice and policy are examined and critiqued with application for educators in their learning context.
View full course detailsCourse code: 263706 Adolescent Learning and Engagement credits 30
An in-depth study of the developmental and learning needs of adolescent students and the implications for teaching, assessment and curriculum. Issues are critically examined, such as international and national trends in achievement for various groups of students, engaging students in learning, schooling options and transitions.
View full course detailsCourse code: 265736 Quality in Early Years Education credits 30
A critical study of research and theory which has shaped beliefs about quality in education from infancy through to early school years. Students are assisted to consider different viewpoints on quality and different approaches to quality assurance and management. Opportunity is provided for students to explore issues and implications for policy and professional practice.
View full course detailsCourse code: 265737 Young Children and Their Families credits 30
This course provides a critical analysis of contemporary theory and research relating to young children and their families. The implications for working with young children and their families will be considered in relation to early education.
View full course detailsCourse code: 265738 Children's Play and Learning in an Intentional Teaching Practice credits 30
This course examines the concepts of play and learning and the integration of these concepts with content knowledge in an intentional teaching practice with children from 0-8 years.
View full course detailsCourse code: 265740 Advanced Studies on Learning in the Early Years credits 30
An advanced study of contemporary cognitive research and theory on young children's learning (birth to eight years of age). Considers implications for educational practice in early childhood centres and junior primary classes, including teaching strategies, curriculum implementation and culturally-responsive practice.
View full course detailsCourse code: 267740 Mixed Methods Research in Education credits 15
A study of mixed methods research design in education. Theoretical and practical issues of mixed methods research are studied under three course themes: context for research, mixed methods research designs, analysis and communication of mixed methods research.
View full course detailsCourse code: 267741 Indigenous Research Methodologies credits 15
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 267782 Quantitative Research in Education credits 15
A study of quantitative research methods in education focusing on basic group designs for research and evaluation, analytic methods for exploring relationships with both categorical and continuous measures, and statistical analysis procedures for group design data.
View full course detailsCourse code: 267783 Qualitative Research in Education credits 15
A study of qualitative research methods in education. Theoretical and practical issues of research are studied under three course themes: context for research, qualitative research designs, analysis and communication of qualitative research.
View full course detailsCourse code: 269711 Policy and Development in Māori Education credits 30
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 269733 Mana Motuhake: Contemporary Issues in Māori & Indigenous Education credits 30
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 269734 Mana Whānau: Whānau Engagement in Education credits 30
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 269735 Mana Kura: Leadership in Māori Education credits 30
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.
View full course detailsCourse code: 269736 Mana Matauranga: Indigeneity, Innovation & Information credits 30
A critical examination of the role of information in indigenous societies and the impact of new technologies, social media, and the use of e-learning in indigenous education contexts.
View full course detailsCourse code: 273722 Adult Learning: Myths and Realities credits 30
This course examines in depth the development of thinking about adult learning and critically evaluates adult learning theories and their relevance to current New Zealand contexts and participants' own teaching practice.
View full course detailsCourse code: 273723 Cultures and Learning: Diversity in Tertiary Education credits 30
This course critically examines how people are expected to learn in selected cultural contexts explores participants' own attitudes to cultural diversity and enables construction of practical strategies to provide effective learning experiences in diverse cultural contexts.
View full course detailsCourse code: 273724 The Expert Teacher of Adults: Principles and Practice credits 30
This course critically examines concepts such as expertise, quality teaching, the student experience and student outcomes in adult teaching. It considers the impact of new technologies on tertiary teaching and training; and evaluates the implications of research for the participant’s own practice in diverse cultural contexts.
View full course detailsCourse code: 273784 Learning and Teaching in Tertiary Education credits 30
This course introduces participants to and extends their understanding on theories and practices of tertiary teaching, including theories of learning and motivation relevant to learners in tertiary and professional contexts. Participants will apply their learning in their own practice.
View full course detailsCourse code: 273785 Assessment and Evaluation in Tertiary Education credits 30
This course offers an in-depth examination of principles, theories and practices underpinning diverse assessment tools, models and approaches in tertiary contexts to facilitate student learning. The course will enable participants to examine assessment policy in context, and create assessment approaches within their practice.
View full course detailsCourse code: 276700 Developing Mathematical Inquiry Communities credits 30
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: 276731 STEM in Education and Society credits 30
Students will develop scholarship, engagement, and teaching in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
View full course detailsCourse code: 276782 Mathematics Education credits 30
An exploration of the role of mathematics in education and society - with a focus on the nature of mathematics, the mathematics curriculum and learning theories and trajectories associated with rational number, algebra, geometry and statistics.
View full course detailsCourse code: 276784 Current Issues in Teaching Mathematics credits 30
A critical study of contemporary pedagogical issues in mathematics education, including issues related to the social context, learning and assessment and the culture of mathematics teaching.
View full course detailsCourse code: 276785 Making Mathematics Accessible credits 30
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 detailsFees 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
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).
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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