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 Diploma in Learning Support – PGDipLrnSupport
The Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Support integrates theory and practice to explore key aspects of the LSC and SENCo roles. You will extend your knowledge, skills and networks. It will provide you with a space to learn with, from and about other SENCo and Learning Support Coordinators throughout New Zealand.
The diploma is designed around the application of the Teacher Standards to the Learning Support role, and aims to develop your competence and confidence to:
- develop inclusive, equitable and culturally responsive education practices in schools and kura
- understand curricula, New Zealand legislation, documents, policies and contemporary theories
- enquire into your practice
- enact universal design for learning and assessment
- implement systems-based work
- facilitate teams to support whānau, teachers and learners
- foster mentoring partnerships in your contexts
- curate, create and disseminate evidence-based practice.
Tailored to your needs
You’ll have the opportunity to design your own learning pathway relevant to your professional needs within your educational context. The Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Support uses a flexible online learning environment, so you can study when and where it suits you, using webinars, forum discussions, spotlights on practice and modules of learning.
Your qualification options
Please note that the Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Support does not qualify you to be a teacher in New Zealand. If you wish to become a teacher, see the Graduate Diploma of Learning and Teaching.
A PGDipLrnSupport is a good fit if you:
- are working in a SENCo (Special Education Needs Coordinator or Learning Support Coordinator (LSC) role
- want to make education systems in Aotearoa New Zealand more equitable and inclusive for all learners
- are ready to try new ways of learning and practice.
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
This is a selected entry qualification. This means there are a number of extra requirements you must meet.
To enter the Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Support you will:
- have been awarded or qualified for a bachelor’s degree in teaching, or equivalent
- hold registration as a teacher with a current practising certificate from the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand
- have completed at least 2 years of relevant teaching experience
- have been selected into the diploma on the basis of an application which may include the assessment of a professional portfolio.
You will need to provide the following documents:
- copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University
- a copy of your current curriculum vitae (including education and employment for at least the last 5 years). This CV should include details of your educational and professional qualifications, employment history with dates and descriptions of roles and responsibilities, membership of associations/organisations and a list of professional publications and research reports.
- a copy of your current practising certificate issued by the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Application closing date
Applications close on 22 January.
Application for credit for 269730 Learning Support: Networked Learning
If you have completed the 6 short courses under the Learning Support Network, you can apply for credit in your portal for the course 249730. You will need to supply evidence of completion of the credits (eg Badges) that can be uploaded along with your application.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit
Where your qualification is completed within the stated time limit and to a high standard, you may be able to graduate with Distinction or Merit.
- Look for information under ‘Student Progression’ in the 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.
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.
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 be 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 Diploma in Learning Support
The Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Support is awarded without endorsement.
This qualification is available for part-time study only due to the sequencing of courses. It must be completed within a maximum of 4 years.
You will typically undertake these 2 courses in your first year (although these can also be taken over 2 years):
- 249730 Learning Support: Networked Learning
- 249731 Learning Support: Professional Practice
And you will undertake the remaining 2 courses the following year (again concurrently or they can be split over 2 years):
- 249770 Supervision & Mentoring in Specialist Teaching
- 249732 Learning Support: Professional Inquiry
If you have questions about this sequencing (e.g. would like to complete Mentoring in the first year) please contact us through the Get advice button.
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
120 credits
- Core courses – 120 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: 249730 Learning Support: Networked Learning 30 credits
An advanced study of the principles and practices of learning support provision in the school sector.
View full course detailsCourse code: 249731 Learning Support: Professional Practice 30 credits
An in-depth exploration and application of the specialist knowledge base and skills required for school leaders of learning support.
View full course detailsCourse code: 249732 Learning Support: Professional Inquiry 45 credits
A research-based professional inquiry into teaching and learning in the area of school learning support.
View full course detailsCourse code: 249770 Supervision and Mentoring in Specialist Teaching 15 credits
This course critically examines advanced theory and practice in the area of mentoring and supervision in special and inclusive education. Students will engage in practical applications in their teaching and learning context.
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, 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.
Accreditations and rankings
QS Ranking - Education
Massey is ranked in the world's top 250 universities for education in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings.
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Postgraduate Certificate in Learning Support – PGCertLrnSup
Massey’s Postgraduate Certificate in Learning Support is for teachers and other professionals working in the area of Learning Support, in particular Learning Support Coordinators (LSC), and Special Education Needs Coordinators (SENCo).
Postgraduate Certificate in Specialist Teaching – PGCertSpecTchg
With Massey’s Postgraduate Certificate in Specialist Teaching you can create more equitable learning outcomes for all learners.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz