The Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) aims to provide secondary schools in Aotearoa New Zealand with graduates equipped to be job-ready for a career in secondary teaching in subjects in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM). Graduates of this programme will be eligible to apply for Teacher Registration and the Tōmua Provisional Practicing Certificate.

This qualification is aimed at individuals who have an undergraduate degree that includes relevant and comprehensive advanced studies in STEM. On graduating from the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) they will be able to effectively teach students in Years 7 to 13. Graduates will be able to implement learning support initiatives assisting learners and families in diverse communities, and learners who are neurodivergent.

1. Integrate te reo and tikanga Māori into secondary teaching practice, supporting Māori learners to achieve educational success as Māori, in accordance with the bicultural aspirations of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
2. Design and implement learning experiences based on an understanding of Te Mātaiaho, subject content knowledge up to Year 13 level, and pedagogical strategies appropriate for secondary learners.
3. Create inclusive learning environments that respond to secondary learners' diverse strengths, interests, needs, identities, languages, and cultures, including those with neurodiverse and additional learning needs.
4. Plan and implement teaching strategies that set high expectations, advance learning progress for all secondary learners, and develop authentic relationships that empower learners as active participants in their learning.
5. Establish and continue to build supportive secondary classroom environments characterised by respect, inclusion, and safety, implementing positive behaviour management strategies appropriate for adolescents.
6. Use appropriate assessment practices to monitor, analyse, and communicate secondary students' learning progress, providing meaningful feedback and identifying next steps in learning across various subject areas.
7. Engage in ongoing professional inquiry and collaborative learning to continuously improve secondary teaching practice, critically reflect on teaching effectiveness in specific subject domains.
8. Establish and continue to build professional relationships with colleagues, parents/whānau, and transition to further education or employment.

Graduates of the Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary) may choose to further their higher education studies such as Masters or Doctoral study.

Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics subject at Level 7 on the NZQCF 7, or higher OR
A recognised equivalent international qualification AND
A combination of academic qualifications and STEM-related skills and knowledge acquired through work or professional experience (min. 3 years in the last 5 years) that is deemed equivalent to a Level 7 qualification.
Evidence of the qualification(s) achieved and/or curriculum vitae and signed attestation(s) of professional work experience.

English Language Entry Requirements:
IELTS score 7.0 or higher in listening, reading, writing and speaking. No Academic Band below 7.0
Applicants must have sufficient competence in the English language to undertake the Programme which is taught and assessed in English
International learners must meet the NZQA English Proficiency Outcomes for International learners as set out in Appendix 1 of the NZQCF Programme Approval and Accreditation Rules. These can be accessed at https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/assets/About-us/Our-rules-fees-and-policies/NZQA-Rules/2026/Programme-Approval-Recognition-and-Accreditation-Rules-2026.pdf

Special Admission:
Applicants aged 20 years or above who have not met the Admission Criteria may be eligible for special admission. Special admission may be granted upon evaluation by the Head of School and the Academic Board, or delegate authority, based on evidence supplied. This may include a resume, personal statement, and portfolio. It is expected these documents provide evidence of relevant work experience undertaken by the applicant. Applicants must still meet the Teaching Council English language competency requirements accessed at https://teachingcouncil.nz/getting-certificated/for-beginning-teachers/language-competency-requirements/ This decision will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Visa and Insurance:
International learners require a valid visa and insurance to study on the programme. The type of visa will determine the mode of delivery.

Interview Requirements:
All applicants will be expected to attend a face to face, or online visual interview.
Applicants must arrange for two (2) referees to provide confidential written referee reports to be sent directly to NZSE. Referees cannot be friends or family and must be a person who has known the candidate long enough to be about attest to their suitability and disposition.
The interview will determine:
a.
Their disposition to teach through judging their ability to meet the values that underpin 'Our Code Our Standards' (Teaching Council NZ)
b.
Their ability to meet the Teaching Council's Code of Professional Responsibility
c.
Any other matters of relevance that may be identified in consultation with key partners.
Police Vetting & Criminal Record Check:
The Education Sector requires people to work with young people. This requires a high level of integrity and trust.
NZSE will carry out a Police Vetting check on prospective domestic applicants. Learner entry will be provisional until these checks have been completed. The outcome of the Police Vetting check will be kept on the applicant's files.
International learners applying for a visa with New Zealand Immigration are expected to be of good character. "This includes having no criminal history and providing correct and complete information" (New Zealand Immigration, 2024).
If any applicant/learner has or acquires a criminal conviction (except for minor traffic convictions) during the programme, they are required to declare it. A conviction or charge may lead to the learner being withdrawn from the programme. This will be decided by NZSE's disciplinary process. Those who have declared a criminal conviction need to provide details of:
Two referees who are aware of the criminal conviction; and
The charge/s upon which they were convicted, any mitigating circumstances, the penalty the offence carried, and the actual penalty handed down by the court; and
Any personal information held by the Ministry of Justice about them.

Safety Checks:
NZSE will require the applicant to pass a safety check consistent with the requirements of the Children Act 2014.

Te Reo Māori competency and progression:
Applicants selected for entry in this programme will be assessed, as soon as possible after entry, on their te reo Māori competency via Te Urungi online assessment tool (NZCER). This is intended to provide a baseline assessment of current competency and support the development of individual learning plans to build learner competency to use te reo effectively at a minimum Level 3 of Te Aho Arataki Marau (te reo Māori Curriculum for English Medium Settings)
(Reference https://newzealandcurriculum.tahurangi.education.govt.nz/the-new-zealand-curriculum---learning-languages/5637209128.p.