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 Tertiary Teaching and Learning – PGCertTTL
The qualification focuses on your specific needs and requirements in your teaching roles. It integrates a strong practical dimension aimed at developing teaching expertise with relevant theory and scholarship.
Why study with us?
You will:
- learn more about tertiary teaching
- get new ideas about teaching in a wide range of contexts and with students from diverse backgrounds
- apply new ideas about teaching to your subject area
- discuss ideas about teaching with colleagues
- get a recognised university teaching qualification
- benefit from Massey University’s extensive experience offering qualifications in online, blended and distance modes.
Note: The Postgraduate Certificate in Tertiary Teaching and Learning does not qualify you to be a teacher.
Further study
Once you have completed the PGCertTTL, if you have an approved undergraduate degree and relevant experience, you can continue onto the:
A PGCertTTL is a good fit if you:
- want to enhance your tertiary teaching
- want to extend your tertiary teaching knowledge and skills.
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 Tertiary Teaching and Learning you will have:
- been awarded or qualified for a completed bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- at least two years full-time relevant professional experience or equivalent
- access to tertiary-level learners and/or teaching contexts during the time you are enrolled in the certificate.
You will need to provide verified copies of all academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
You must also supply a current curriculum vitae (CV) outlining evidence of professional experience and access to tertiary-level learners.
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 qualifications 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 Tertiary Teaching and Learning
The Postgraduate Certificate in Tertiary Teaching and Learning is awarded without specialisation.
You will study part-time over two semesters. You must complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Tertiary Teaching and Learning within two years.
With permission, course 273785 Assessment and Evaluation in Tertiary Education may be replaced with a relevant course from the Master of Education Schedule that deals predominantly with the teaching of a specific discipline at the tertiary level.
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
- Compulsory courses – 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.
Compulsory courses
Course 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 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
Where might the PGCertTTL take you?
A Postgraduate Certificate in Tertiary Teaching and Learning can enhance your career opportunities as it indicates you have successfully studied aspects of tertiary teaching.
Graduates find work or enhance their careers in many educational areas such as:
- lecturers in institutes of technology, polytechnics, wānanga and universities (universities usually require a PhD in your subject too)
- tutors in private training establishments
- trainers in the workplace
- facilitators in community adult education.
If you want to be a teacher, you will also need to take a postgraduate teaching qualification.
Accreditations and rankings
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Useful planning information

Key information for students
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