Master of Education
This programme is for educational practitioners who are graduates and want to improve their skills, knowledge and career prospects in Education. Developing skills in curriculum, pedagogy or policy development, the benefits include career advancement and the development of expertise in a specific area of educational practice.
Programme Highlights
- Our world renowned staff are active researchers who are known internationally as leaders in their specialist areas.
- Complete coursework at a pace that suits you – part-time while you work, or full-time
This qualification can also be studied in Tauranga.
Key information
| Years: | 1.5 |
|---|---|
| MEd Study Locations: | Hamilton, Tauranga Papers offered differ by location. The Catalogue of Papers has full location info. |
| Start Dates: | Semester A (February) and Semester B (July) |
| Fees (Domestic): |
$7,185-$7,740 per year
See if you're eligible for fees-free study in your first year |
| Fees (International): | $30,095 (120 pts) or $45,145 (180 pts) |
| Entry Requirements: | Postgraduate International |
| Faculty: | |
| *Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. | |
Degree Planner
Choose a main subject
Entry requirements
Admission normally requires a bachelors degree with at least B average in the third year and a teaching qualification.
Admission normally requires a bachelors degree with at least B average in the third year and a teaching qualification.
Please include in your online application a 100-300 word statement describing your professional background and reasons for choosing this qualification.
In order to be eligible for the award of honours, the requirements of the degree must be completed in two years of full-time study or four years of part-time study from the date of first enrolment in the degree. MEd Regulations
120 point Master of Education available subject to meeting eligibility requirements. MEd Regulations
Credit for Previous Study Information
Recognition of Prior Learning Information
The School of Education offers an Associate Teacher Postgraduate Study Award to associate teachers in recognition of their work in supporting the School’s initial teacher education programmes and students.
Study in Tauranga
Many of our 500 level postgraduate papers in Education are offered fully online or partially online alongside block course delivery/on-campus (Hamilton and Tauranga).
Scholarships and prizes
New to Waikato? The International Excellence Scholarship is worth up to $10,000.
Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships
Structure of Programme
Students may focus their degree in a subject or a named MEd specialisation.
Students may focus their degree in a subject or a named MEd specialisation. It is also possible to create a personal programme of study by choosing the subject Education and taking a focused selection of papers.
The requirements are 180 points including:
- at least 60 points from the list for the subject or specialisation
- an approved Research Methods paper
- at least 30 points of independent supervised research with a focus on the specialisation or subject
30 points may be taken from outside the field of the degree.
There are normally three options regarding how study can be planned. 180 Point Masters Study Plan Options.
New paper codes were introduced in 2019. Compare old and new codes here.
Research Methods/Research
Choose one from:
- EDUCA557 Research Methods
- MAOED500 Rangahau Kaupapa Māori - Kaupapa Māori Research
- EDUCA500 Culturally Responsive Methodologies incorporating kaupapa Māori and critical theories
And at least one from:
- EDUCA590 Directed Study - see the Directed Study Guidelines and application form
- EDUCA592 Dissertation - see the Dissertation Guidelines and application form
- EDUCA593 Masters Thesis - see the Masters Thesis Guidelines and application form
- EDUCA594 Masters Thesis
Ethical Conduct in Research Regulations can be found here. For advice about the online Research Ethics Application please email educ_grad@waikato.ac.nz.
MEd Subjects and Specialisations
Expand to read MEd Subjects and Specialisations
Adult Learning
Expand for subject details
The subject of Adult Learning aims to develop skills, knowledge and understanding of learning and teaching processes, practices and structures in this area. It equips graduates with the knowledge to work alongside adults in New Zealand tertiary institutions such as adult and community education agencies, polytechnics, private training establishments, wananga and universities.
60 points from:
See required research methods and research papers under Structure of Programme above.
You may choose further papers from any subject or specialisation offered for the Master of Education, or from the Master of Educational Leadership.
For further information please contact the Programme Leader
Arts Education
Expand for subject details
This subject is concerned with the study of teaching and learning art, music, dance and drama in the education sectors, as well as in the population more generally.
At least 60 points from:
- EDART501 Contemporary Issues in Arts Education
- EDART502 Critical Approaches in Applied Arts Education
- EDART503 Dance Education: Transformative Perspectives - not offered in 2020
See required research methods and research papers under Structure of Programme above.
You may choose further papers from any subject or specialisation offered for the Master of Education, or from the Master of Educational Leadership.
For further information please contact the Programme Leader.
Counselling Studies
Expand for subject details
This subject is designed to give access to Counselling Studies within an education orientation. It is not a professional counselling qualification, but offers an introduction to practice skills within specific contexts. For example, qualified teachers who see their future in the pastoral network of a school can use these papers to develop their skills in and understanding of guidance and pastoral care.
At least 60 points from:
- COUNS540 Working with Groups
- COUNS546 Conflict Resolution: Restorative Practices
- COUNS549 Counselling and Contexts
- HMDEV565 Restorative Practices in Education
See required research methods and research papers under Structure of Programme above.
You may choose further papers from any subject or specialisation offered for the Master of Education, or from the Master of Educational Leadership.
For further information please contact the Programme Leader.
Education
Programmes of study - Early Years Education or eEducation
Students may choose papers from across the lists for the subjects or specialisations offered for the Master of Education, or choose one of the programmes of study within the subject Education.
Early Years Education
This area of study focuses on aspects of early years from birth to the middle school period of life and learning. These papers are especially relevant for those with a background in early childhood education who wish to further/deepen their understandings of pedagogy and curriculum with young children and examine issues, policies and philosophies that impact on infants, toddlers and young children, as well as teachers, parents and communities.
- HMDEV501 Development of Children and Young People: International Perspectives
- EDSOC513 Educational Thought
- DINST513 Early Intervention for Children with Special Needs
- EDSOC533 Engaging Families and Communities in Early Years Programmes: Collaborative and Cultural Inquiry Approaches
See required research methods and research papers under Structure of Programme above.
You may choose further papers from any subject or specialisation offered for the Master of Education, or from the Master of Educational Leadership.
For further information please contact the Programme Leader.
eEducation
This programme is targeted at students, teachers and others involved with digital technologies at all levels of education who wish to develop their knowledge and practice of using them for teaching and learning purposes. The programme encompasses both online learning and emerging classroom and institution-based eLearning practice, and provides a sound platform for students wishing to progress to dissertation or thesis-level study in either of these areas. This programme is fully online and combines contemporary asynchronous and synchronous online learning technologies. All papers are thematically-based and offer participants opportunities to explore areas of personal and professional interest and relevance.
- DLRNG521 Digital Technologies in the Classroom: New Pedagogies, New Practices
- DLRNG522 Teaching and Learning Using the Internet - not offered in 2020
- DLRNG524 Learning and Leadership in the Communication Age
- DLRNG525 E-Learning Policy to Practice in New Zealand Context - not offered in 2020
See required research methods and research papers under Structure of Programme above.
You may choose further papers from any subject or specialisation offered for the Master of Education, or from the Master of Educational Leadership.
For further information please contact the Programme Leader
Education and Society
Expand for subject details
This subject involves critical inquiry into the social political, cultural, economic and personal theories and practices of lifelong education. Whilst its origins are in humanities and social sciences disciplines such as History, Philosophy and Sociology, Education and Society today has close affinities with contemporary interdisciplinary fields exploring issues of social policy, culture, gender, critical pedagogy, globalisation, and curriculum.
At least 60 points from:
- GLOBE503 Indigenous Educational Achievement and Worldview
- GLOBE507 Global Citizenship and International Development Education
- GLOBE589 Global Processes, Education and New Media Cultures
- EDSOC501 Education Policy and Society
- EDSOC513 Educational Thought
- ADLNG500 Issues in Adult and Tertiary Education
- GLOBE587 Globalisation, Cultures, Identities and Education
- EDSOC511 Curriculum Policy and Possibilities
- EDSOC533 Engaging Families and Communities in Early Years Programmes: Collaborative and Cultural Inquiry Approaches
- MAOED523 Maori Educational Policies: Their Development and Some Strategic Responses
See required research methods and research papers under Structure of Programme above.
You may choose further papers from any subject or specialisation offered for the Master of Education, or from the Master of Educational Leadership.
For further information please contact the Programme Leader.
Global Studies in Education
Expand for specialisation details
This specialisation builds upon the traditions of comparative and international education as well as philosophy and sociology of education to explore and research the global dimensions of education. Our courses address globalisation, internationalization and interconnectivity; bicultural, multicultural and intercultural education and dialogue; education policy, politics and governance; global youth cultures and identities; new media and popular cultures; gender, class and racial inequalities; the political economy of knowledge production and knowledge management; education and development; the new global ecologies of learning; open education; and global citizenship.
Our courses are suitable for educators in all sectors of the community.
Required papers
- GLOBE587 Globalisation, Cultures, Identities and Education
- And at least 30 points from the following papers:
See required research methods and research papers under Structure of Programme above.
You may choose further papers from any subject or specialisation offered for the Master of Education, or from the Master of Educational Leadership.
For further information please contact the Programme Leader.
Human Development
Expand for subject details
This subject critically examines diverse expressions of development. It explores the contextual, cultural and relational influences on individuals, families, groups and communities throughout the human lifespan. Graduates will be able to use their knowledge to enhance practice and policy imperatives in a range of careers of that involve working with or for people.
At least 60 points from:
- COUNS540 Working with Groups
- COUNS544 Discourse and Counselling Psychologies
- COUNS549 Counselling and Contexts
- DINST521 Contemporary Issues in Disability and Inclusion Studies
- HMDEV503 Educational and Life Transitions: Changing roles, and changing contexts
- HMDEV501 Development of Children and Young People: International Perspectives
- HMDEV565 Restorative Practices in Education
- HMDEV524 Intelligence, Creativity and the Development of Talent
- HMDEV502 Diversity in Adulthoo
See required research methods and research papers under Structure of Programme above.
You may choose further papers from any subject or specialisation offered for the Master of Education, or from the Master of Educational Leadership.
For further information please contact the Programme Leader.
Language and Literacy Education
Expand for subject details
This subject builds on your educational experiences, and provides opportunities to explore a variety of theoretical perspectives, approaches and issues as indicated by the papers offered. The purpose of these papers is to enable educators to deepen their knowledge of classroom practices, explore literacy acquisition in a diverse range of contexts, develop greater expertise in literacy leadership, and provide background for future literacy research interests.
At least 60 points from:
- LLTED501 Literacy Education: Approaches and Perspectives
- LLTED504 Reading Difficulties
- LLTED522 Best Practice in the Writing Classroom
- LLTED523 Using Children's Literature in the Classroom
See required research methods and research papers under Structure of Programme above.
You may choose further papers from any subject or specialisation offered for the Master of Education, or from the Master of Educational Leadership.
For further information please contact the Programme Leader
Te Rōpū Tohu Paerua/Māori Medium Teaching
Expand for specialisation details
This specialisation is offered to teachers and gradates involved or wishing to be involved in Māori medium teaching contexts. The programme offers a critical examination of theories of first and second language acquisition, learning, teaching and assessment, indigenous theory and practice, indigenous language revival as well as leadership in the context of Māori medium education in Aotearoa New Zealand. This programme also introduces potential researchers to Kaupapa Māori research methodology. This programme is delivered through the medium of te reo Māori..
This specialisation has three required content papers and a required research methods paper.
Required papers
- MAOED501 Mātauranga Reo Māori
- MAOED502 Tirohanga Whakahaere
- MAOED503 Te Whakaora Reo: Mātauranga Rumaki
- MAOED500 Kaupapa Māori Research
Directed study or dissertation to be determined in consultation with the Programme Adviser
- A TeachNZ Study Award is available for this programme.
See required research methods and research papers under Structure of Programme above.
You may choose further papers from any subject or specialisation offered for the Master of Education, or from the Master of Educational Leadership.
For further information please contact the Programme Advisor.
Programme Advisor
Karaitiana Tamatea
Email: karaitiana.tamatea@waikato.ac.nz
Phone: 07 838 4466 extn 7814
Mathematics Education
Expand for subject details
This subject caters for practising teachers who wish to strengthen their pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) in mathematics, or become curriculum leaders in mathematics/numeracy within their school, newly graduated teachers who wish to strengthen their PCK in mathematics, or become curriculum leaders in mathematics/numeracy within a school in the future.
At least 60 points from:
- MTHED501 Mathematics Education
- MTHED502 Mathematics Education: Enhancing Thinking and Practice
- MTHED503 Effective Practice in the Mathematics classroom
See required research methods and research papers under Structure of Programme above.
You may choose further papers from any subject or specialisation offered for the Master of Education, or from the Master of Educational Leadership.
For further information please contact the Programme Leader.
Professional Learning
Expand for specialisation details
This specialisation is offered for mid-career educators and professional learning facilitators, who work as leaders of professional learning initiatives with colleagues in schools and other communities of practice, where professional learning is an on-going expectation. The programme aims to support the development of practice of these professionals so that they are recognised as excellent practitioners of in-service professional learning. Students must have at least five years’ experience in a relevant professional context, and be currently employed in a relevant professional context.
Required papers
See required research methods and research papers under Structure of Programme above.
You may choose further papers from any subject or specialisation offered for the Master of Education, or from the Master of Educational Leadership.
For further information please contact the Programme Leader
Science, Technology and Environmental Education
Expand for subject details
This subject offers professional development for teachers of these curriculum subjects. An integrated approach is taken to education across Science, Technology, and Environmental Education. Students will develop their own approach to teaching their specialist subject(s). Students will be supported to complete an evidence-based inquiry on a teaching-related topic of their own choosing.
At least 60 points from:
- SCTED508 Science Education
- SCTED511 Technology Education
- SCTED512 Innovations in Science, Technology or Environmental Education
- SCTED513 Environmental and Sustainability Education
See required research methods and research papers under Structure of Programme above.
You may choose further papers from any subject or specialisation offered for the Master of Education, or from the Master of Educational Leadership.
For further information please contact the Programme Leader.
STEM Education
Expand for specialisation details
This specialisation offers professional development for teachers of specific curriculum subjects. An integrated approach is taken to education across all the STEM (Science, Technology, Environmental Education and Mathematics) subjects. Students will develop their own approach to teaching their specialist subject(s), and will be supported to complete an evidence-based inquiry on a teaching-related topic of their own choosing.
Required papers
At least 60 points from:
- MTHED501 Mathematics Education
- MTHED502 Mathematics Education: Enhancing Thinking and Practice
- MTHED503 Effective Practice in the Mathematics Classroom
- SCTED508 Science Education
- SCTED511 Technology Education
- SCTED512 Innovations in Science, Technology or Environmental Education
- SCTED513 Environmental and Sustainability Education
See required research methods and research papers under Structure of Programme above.
You may choose further papers from any subject or specialisation offered for the Master of Education, or from the Master of Educational Leadership.
For further information please contact the Programme Leader.
Contacts
Te Kura Toi Tangata Faculty of Education
Programme Administrators - Postgraduate and Research
Tracey Rowan
Phone: (+64) 7 838 4466 Ext: 7721
Email: educ_grad@waikato.ac.nz
Jinah Lee
Phone: (+64) 7 838 4466 Ext: 7870
Email: educ_grad@waikato.ac.nz
Programme Leader
Dr Frances Edwards
Email: frances.edwards@waikato.ac.nz
Phone: 07 838 4466 extn 6170
Academic Coordinator Tauranga
Dr Nadine Ballam
Phone: (+64) 7 262 0547 Extn: 3547
Email: nadine.ballam@waikato.ac.nz
Based at our Tauranga Campus