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.

Teacher Education

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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.

(Average full-time programme for one year = 120 credits)

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

Eligible domestic students may receive a Zero Fees Tuition waiver for the first year of study in 2027. Please refer to Terms and Conditions for full information on eligibility criteria.

Programme Requirements

BACHELOR OF THEOLOGY	BIBLICAL STUDIES (100S)	CHRISTIAN THOUGHT & HISTORY (200-300S)	PASTORAL, MISSIONAL & CONTEXTUAL STUDIES (400-600S)
Minimum credits for degree	90	75	90
	A total minimum of 360 credits A total minimum of 180 credits at level 6 or above A total minimum of 75 credits at level 7
Level 5	115.515 Reading the Bible 120.515 Reading the Old Testment 140.515 Reading the New Testment	201.515 Engaging Theory 308.515 Christian History: Our Story	401.515 Formation 505.515 Christian Leadership and Mission 907.515 Bicultural Relationships: Tikanga Kawabata
Level 6 & 7	111.715 Interpreting the Bible At least 1 OT and 1 NT exegesis paper	202.6/715 Christology 219.6/715 Nākau Maia: Christian Confidence	480.6/715 Faithful Living: Intro to Reflective Practice 590.715 Capstone: Integrative Practice

It’s the breadth of study, of knowledge, the way the staff require you to think. They don’t spoon feed you. They want you to think critically, thoughtfully, prayerfully. You’re given options and required to construct a frame for yourself.”

Kyla Scrimgeour | Theology Graduate

Additional Information

General and other Specialisations

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

Semester 1

Semester 2

Biblical Studies Specialisation

On completion of the Bachelor of Theology Laidlaw College graduates will:

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.

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