EXPLORE
LAIDLAW

Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) (GradDipEd)

Already have a degree and feel the pull towards teaching? The Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) could be your next step. In just one year, you’ll build the skills, confidence, and credentials to meet the Standards for the Teaching Profession — and get real classroom experience along the way. If you’re energised by the idea of working with teenagers and making a genuine difference in their lives, this is the programme for you.
  • Qualification Level
  • Total Credits
  • Completion Time
  • Study Location
  • Level 7
  • 135
  • 1 year full-time
  • Auckland, Christchurch
Enrol Now
  • Download Programme Flyer (PDF)

Teacher Education

Get more information

He kōrero anō

Have a question about admissions, courses, fees, or campus life? We’re here to help. Fill in the form below and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible. Whether you’re a prospective student or a current enrollee, we welcome all enquiries and look forward to supporting your educational journey.

Your Future Starts Here

To begin your application process to study at Laidlaw simply create an account in our student portal and begin your application. 

Apply Now

The Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) is a one-year professional graduate diploma (level 7) and prepares graduates to meet the Code of Professional Responsibility and Standards for the Teaching Profession. You will develop a robust understanding of secondary teaching and learning, reflection, and research as a teacher. The delivery of the degree is site-based with modes: face-to-face delivery, blended learning, and practicum. This qualification will suit people who are excited by the idea of working alongside teenaged students, who show a disposition to teach, and already have a Bachelor’s degree qualification or higher.

  • Programme Title
  • Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) (GradDipEd)
  • Programme Abbreviation
  • GradDipEd
  • School
  • Teacher Education
  • Total Credits
  • 135
  • Programme Requirements

  • The GradDipEd is a one-year full-time (or part-time equivalent) programme, totalling 135 credits. Students must complete all required courses, including a minimum of 80 days of professional experience placements (teaching in schools), a noho marae, and a culminating integrative assessment (oral presentation to panel) to successfully complete the programme.
  • Study Commitment
  • Full-time (one year) or part-time equivalent (approval required)
  • Study Location
  • Auckland, Christchurch
  • Delivery
  • In Person
  • Start Dates
  • January
  • Maximum Timeframe
  • As approved by the Programme Lead and aligned with Teaching Council current requirements
  • Practicum Hours
  • At least 80 days of school-based professional practice placements
  • Formation Requirements
  • Participation in noho marae, engagement with te reo Māori and tikanga, professional formation aligned with Our Code Our Standards, and reflective theological and ethical practice
  • Career Opportunities
  • Intermediate, middle school and secondary school teacher in public, integrated and private schools in Aotearoa New Zealand
  • Entry Requirements
  • General Admission Requirements, including an appropriate bachelor's degree at Level 7 on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework and/or postgraduate qualification
    Body of knowledge from Levels 5 to 7 or higher in support of New Zealand Curriculum learning areas for at least two secondary subjects
    English Language Requirements
    Visual Interview
    Police Clearance
    Two Professional References
    Literacy testing: LNAAT literacy assessment component (reading and writing) - step 4
    Numeracy testing: LNAAT numeracy assessment component - step 5

Please refer here for full entry requirements.

  • Distinctives
  • Integration of theory and practice
    strong theological and ethical foundations
    explicit commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi partnership
    emphasis on reflective, inquiry-led professional identity

* Eligible domestic students may receive a Zero Fees Tuition waiver for the first year of study in 2027. Please refer to full terms and conditions.

  • I have found it to be very academically robust.

I went to university and studied something completely different, and I still had that prompting in my heart to pursue teaching."

Amanda Dalgado | Graduate Diploma of Education (secondary)

Additional Information

Programme includes two professional practice courses, noho marae, and a culminating integrative assessment demonstrating readiness to meet the Standards of the Teaching Profession.

Graduate Outcomes
  • Outwork their vocation in relationship to whenua and within the context of whānau, hapū, and iwi, upholding the imperative of te rongopai and a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi partnership.
    Articulate and apply an understanding of the biblical narrative and key theological themes to frame and inform the vocation and practices of teaching.
    Demonstrate an integrated understanding of their teacher identity and vocation, and a commitment to faith-based formation and professional growth.
    Demonstrate critical thinking, professional relationships, and ethical conduct in response to learners, whānau, and the societal context.
    Critically engage with educational philosophies, theories, and pedagogies to formulate a reflective and evidence-informed personal approach to teaching.
    Foster respectful, learning-focused relationships that create safe, inclusive, and supportive environments.
    Demonstrate understanding and application of best-practice pedagogical approaches, content, curriculum, and assessment to support the needs of learners, whānau, and broader society in the Secondary School context.
    Utilise and draw on mātauranga, tikanga, and reo to shape thinking, teaching practices, and contextualisation to benefit ākonga, kura and communities as professional teachers in Aotearoa New Zealand.