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 the MEd at a pace that suits you, part-time while you work or full-time over 18 months.
Te Wānanga Toi Tangata Division of Education offers Educational Partnership Study Awards to all education settings in which our students are placed as part of their initial teacher education or counsellor education programme. In recognition of the partnership, the equivalent of a 15 point paper will be awarded to you for every student teacher or student counsellor your education setting supports. The credits can be used at your discretion to provide additional professional learning opportunities for your staff.
Key information
Years: | 1.5 |
---|---|
MEd Study Locations: | Hamilton, Tauranga, Online Papers offered differ by location. The Catalogue of Papers has full location info. |
Start Dates: | Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July) |
Estimated Fees* (Domestic): |
$7,897 - $8,508 per year
See if you're eligible for fees-free study in your first year |
Estimated Fees* (International): | $35,900 (120 pts) $53,855 (180 pts) |
Entry Requirements: | Postgraduate International |
Area of Study: | |
*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
Structure of Programme
The requirements of the MEd are 180 points including:
- at least 30 points from List A of papers
- up to a further 90 points from List A and B
- one of the research methods List C papers; and
- one of the research paper options of List D
30 points may be taken from outside the field of the degree.
In order to be eligible for consideration 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 - please see the MEd Regulations.
There are normally three options regarding how study can be planned.
- Option 1: 30 points Dissertation (EDUCA591)
- Option 2: 60 points Dissertation (EDUCA592)
- Option 3: 90 points Thesis (EDUCA593)
Degree planner — Master of Education - Option 1
Including 30 points Dissertation.
Coursework
Choose a Paper from List A
30 points
Choose a Paper from List A or List B
30 points
Choose a Paper from List A or List B
30 points
Choose a Paper from List A or List B
30 points
- Coursework
- Research
List A
- EDUCA560 Contemporary Educational Policies, Thought and Issues
- EDUCA561 Learners and Learning Across Educational Contexts
- EDUCA562 Curriculum, Pedagogies and Multiliteracies
- EDUCA506 Educational Assessment
- COUNS549 Counselling and Contexts
- DINST521 Critical Studies in Disability and Inclusion
- EDLED501 Educational Leadership: Concepts, Theory and Practice
- HMDEV500 Contemporary Issues in Lifespan Development
- MAOED523 Māori Educational Policies: Their Development and Some Strategic Responses
List B
- COUNS540 Working with Groups
- COUNS546 Conflict Resolution: Restorative Approaches
- DINST522 Inclusion Policy and Practice: A Disability Rights Approach
- DLRNG500 Debates in Digital Learning and Educational Technology
- EDLED503 Educational Leadership: Coaching and Mentoring
- EDSOC500 Aotearoa New Zealand Histories and Social Sciences Curriculum
- GLOBE500 Global Trends in Education: Narratives, Agendas and Voices
- HMDEV501 Development of Children and Young People: International Perspectives
- LLTED504 Reading Difficulties (2024)
- LLTED522 Teaching Writers
- LLTED523 Children's Literature for Joy and Disruption
- MAOED501 Matauranga Reo Māori
- MAOED502 Tirohanga Whakahaere
- MAOED503 Te Whakaora Reo: Matauranga Rumaki
- MTHED500 Mathematics and Statistics Education: Enhancing Practice
- SCTED512 Science, Technology and Environmental Education: Innovation and Trends
Research Methods and Research
List C
Choose one from:
- EDUCA557 Becoming a researcher: theory, ethics and methods
- EDUCA500 Culturally Responsive Methodologies incorporating kaupapa Māori and critical theories
- MAOED500 Rangahau Kaupapa Māori - Kaupapa Māori Research
List D
And one from:
- EDUCA591 Research-based Inquiry: Informing Practice
- EDUCA592 Dissertation - see the Dissertation Guidelines and application form
- EDUCA593 Masters Thesis - see the Masters Thesis Guidelines and application form
Research is governed by the Ethical Conduct in Research Regulations. For advice about the online Research Ethics Application, please email [email protected].
This information is provisional and subject to change.
Degree planner — Master of Education - Option 2
Including 60 point dissertation (pathway option for doctoral study). Entry to the dissertation requires a B average across prior master's papers.
Coursework
Choose a Paper from List A
30 points
Choose a Paper from List A or List B
30 points
Choose a Paper from List A or List B
30 points
- Coursework
- Research
List A
- EDUCA560 Contemporary Educational Policies, Thought and Issues
- EDUCA561 Learners and Learning Across Educational Contexts
- EDUCA562 Curriculum, Pedagogies and Multiliteracies
- EDUCA506 Educational Assessment
- COUNS549 Counselling and Contexts
- DINST521 Critical Studies in Disability and Inclusion
- EDLED501 Educational Leadership: Concepts, Theory and Practice
- HMDEV500 Contemporary Issues in Lifespan Development
- MAOED523 Māori Educational Policies: Their Development and Some Strategic Responses
List B
- COUNS540 Working with Groups
- COUNS546 Conflict Resolution: Restorative Approaches
- DINST522 Inclusion Policy and Practice: A Disability Rights Approach
- DLRNG500 Debates in Digital Learning and Educational Technology
- EDLED503 Educational Leadership: Coaching and Mentoring
- EDSOC500 Aotearoa New Zealand Histories and Social Sciences Curriculum
- GLOBE500 Global Trends in Education: Narratives, Agendas and Voices
- HMDEV501 Development of Children and Young People: International Perspectives
- LLTED504 Reading Difficulties (2024)
- LLTED522 Teaching Writers
- LLTED523 Children's Literature for Joy and Disruption
- MAOED501 Matauranga Reo Māori
- MAOED502 Tirohanga Whakahaere
- MAOED503 Te Whakaora Reo: Matauranga Rumaki
- MTHED500 Mathematics and Statistics Education: Enhancing Practice
- SCTED512 Science, Technology and Environmental Education: Innovation and Trends
Research Methods and Research
List C
Choose one from:
- EDUCA557 Becoming a researcher: theory, ethics and methods
- EDUCA500 Culturally Responsive Methodologies incorporating kaupapa Māori and critical theories
- MAOED500 Rangahau Kaupapa Māori - Kaupapa Māori Research
List D
And one from:
- EDUCA591 Research-based Inquiry: Informing Practice
- EDUCA592 Dissertation - see the Dissertation Guidelines and application form
- EDUCA593 Masters Thesis - see the Masters Thesis Guidelines and application form
Research is governed by the Ethical Conduct in Research Regulations. For advice about the online Research Ethics Application, please email [email protected].
This information is provisional and subject to change.
Degree planner — Master of Education - Option 3
Including 90 point master's thesis (pathway option for doctoral study). Entry to the master's thesis requires a B+ average across prior master's papers.
Coursework
Choose a Paper from List A
30 points
Choose a Paper from List A or List B
30 points
- Coursework
- Research
List A
- EDUCA560 Contemporary Educational Policies, Thought and Issues
- EDUCA561 Learners and Learning Across Educational Contexts
- EDUCA562 Curriculum, Pedagogies and Multiliteracies
- EDUCA506 Educational Assessment
- COUNS549 Counselling and Contexts
- DINST521 Critical Studies in Disability and Inclusion
- EDLED501 Educational Leadership: Concepts, Theory and Practice
- HMDEV500 Contemporary Issues in Lifespan Development
- MAOED523 Māori Educational Policies: Their Development and Some Strategic Responses
List B
- COUNS540 Working with Groups
- COUNS546 Conflict Resolution: Restorative Approaches
- DINST522 Inclusion Policy and Practice: A Disability Rights Approach
- DLRNG500 Debates in Digital Learning and Educational Technology
- EDLED503 Educational Leadership: Coaching and Mentoring
- EDSOC500 Aotearoa New Zealand Histories and Social Sciences Curriculum
- GLOBE500 Global Trends in Education: Narratives, Agendas and Voices
- HMDEV501 Development of Children and Young People: International Perspectives
- LLTED504 Reading Difficulties (2024)
- LLTED522 Teaching Writers
- LLTED523 Children's Literature for Joy and Disruption
- MAOED501 Matauranga Reo Māori
- MAOED502 Tirohanga Whakahaere
- MAOED503 Te Whakaora Reo: Matauranga Rumaki
- MTHED500 Mathematics and Statistics Education: Enhancing Practice
- SCTED512 Science, Technology and Environmental Education: Innovation and Trends
Research Methods and Research
List C
Choose one from:
- EDUCA557 Becoming a researcher: theory, ethics and methods
- EDUCA500 Culturally Responsive Methodologies incorporating kaupapa Māori and critical theories
- MAOED500 Rangahau Kaupapa Māori - Kaupapa Māori Research
List D
And one from:
- EDUCA591 Research-based Inquiry: Informing Practice
- EDUCA592 Dissertation - see the Dissertation Guidelines and application form
- EDUCA593 Masters Thesis - see the Masters Thesis Guidelines and application form
Research is governed by the Ethical Conduct in Research Regulations. For advice about the online Research Ethics Application, please email [email protected].
This information is provisional and subject to change.Subjects and Specialisations
Study in adult learning provides opportunities 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, wānanga and universities.
At least 60 points from:
For required research methods and research papers, please see above.
You may choose further papers from any subject or specialisation offered for the Master of Education, or from the Master of Educational Leadership.
Study in arts education provides opportunities to specialise in the disciplines of visual art, music, dance and drama. It explores creative frameworks and encourages students to reflect on self, community and culture. Postgraduate study in arts education will be of interest to teachers, community arts practitioners, art therapists, artists and anyone interested in exploring the potential of the arts.
At least 60 points including:
- EDART501 Contemporary Issues in Arts Education
For required research methods and research papers, please see above.
You may choose further papers from any subject or specialisation offered for the Master of Education, or from the Master of Educational Leadership.
Counselling Studies provides opportunities to study counselling as a subject with 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
For required research methods and research papers, please see 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 [email protected].
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.
- EDUCA506 Educational Assessment
Early Years Education
This programme of study focuses on aspects of early years from birth to the middle primary school period of life and learning. These papers are especially relevant for those with a background in early childhood education who wish to further develop their understanding of pedagogy and curriculum with young children. There are opportunities to 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
- DINST513 Early Intervention for Children with Special Needs
- EDSOC533 Engaging Families and Communities in Early Years Programmes: Collaborative and Cultural Inquiry Approaches
- EDSOC513 Educational Thought *not offered in 2021
- HMDEV503 Educational and Life Transitions: Changing Roles and Changing Contexts
For required research methods and research papers, please see above.
You may choose further papers from any subject or specialisation offered for the Master of Education, or from the Master of Educational Leadership.
eEducation
This programme of study is targeted at students, teachers and others involved at all levels of education and training who wish to develop their knowledge and practice using digital technologies for teaching and learning purposes. It encompasses both online teaching and learning, and emerging classroom and institution-based eEducation practice.
- DLRNG522 Teaching and Learning Using the Internet
For required research methods and research papers, please see above.
You may choose further papers from any subject or specialisation offered for the Master of Education, or from the Master of Educational Leadership.
Study in education and society provides opportunities for critical inquiry into the social, political, cultural, economic and personal theories and practices of lifelong education. Whilst its origins are in the humanities and social sciences, it has close affinities with contemporary interdisciplinary fields exploring issues of social policy, culture, gender, critical pedagogy, globalisation and curriculum.
At least 60 points from:
- ADLNG500 Issues in Adult and Tertiary Education
- EDSOC511 Curriculum Policy and Possibilities
- EDSOC533 Engaging Families and Communities in Early Years Programmes: Collaborative and Cultural Inquiry Approaches
- GLOBE507 Global Citizenship and International Development Education
- GLOBE587 Globalisation, Cultures, Identities and Education
- MAOED523 Maori Educational Policies: Their Development and Some Strategic Responses
For required research methods and research papers, please see above.
You may choose further papers from any subject or specialisation offered for the Master of Education, or from the Master of Educational Leadership.
This specialisation builds upon the traditions of comparative and international education programmes to explore the global dimensions of education. It provides opportunities to address themes such as globalisation, internationalisation, bicultural, multicultural and intercultural education, policy, popular cultures, inequalities and global citizenship.
Our courses are suitable for educators in all sectors of the community.
Required paper
- GLOBE587 Globalisation, Cultures, Identities and Education
- And 30 points from:
- GLOBE507 International Educational Development
For required research methods and research papers, please see above.
You may choose further papers from any subject or specialisation offered for the Master of Education, or from the Master of Educational Leadership.
The subject human development is concerned with patterns of human growth and development in individuals and groups across the lifespan. Study in this field explores how and why stories about development change over time, and considers stories of development from the Aotearoa New Zealand context that coexist with traditional theories about development.
At least 60 points from:
- COUNS540 Working with Groups
- 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
- HMDEV524 Intelligence, Creativity and the Development of Talent *not offered in 2022
- HMDEV502 Contemporary Issues in Adulthood
- DINST522 Inclusion Policy and Practice: A Disability Rights Approach
For required research methods and research papers, please see above.
You may choose further papers from any subject or specialisation offered for the Master of Education, or from the Master of Educational Leadership.
Study in language and literacy education provides opportunities to explore a variety of theoretical perspectives, approaches and topics. It aims to deepen knowledge and and develop understanding about language and literacy pedagogies, and the many language and literacy practices of young people in diverse contexts.
At least 60 points from:
- LLTED501 Literacy Education: Approaches and Perspectives *not offered in 2022
- LLTED504 Reading Difficulties
- LLTED522 Best Practice in the Writing Classroom
- LLTED523 Using Children's Literature in the Classroom
For required research methods and research papers, please see above.
You may choose further papers from any subject or specialisation offered for the Master of Education, or from the Master of Educational Leadership.
The subject mathematics education caters for educators who wish to strengthen their pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) in mathematics and/or become curriculum leaders in mathematics/numeracy. It provides opportunities to develop areas of particular interest such as collaborative problem solving, statistical thinking, learning through digital technologies, catering for diverse learners, and culturally responsive teaching.
A Ministry of Education fees subsidy may be available for some papers in this subject. Check maths.co.nz for updated Tertiary Fees Funding Support information.
At least 60 points from:
- MTHED501 Issues in Mathematics and Statistics Education
- MTHED502 Mathematics Education: Enhancing Thinking and Practice
For required research methods and research papers, please see above.
You may choose further papers from any subject or specialisation offered for the Master of Education, or from the Master of Educational Leadership.
This specialisation is offered for educators and professional learning facilitators who work or aspire to work as leaders of professional learning with colleagues in schools and other communities of practice, where professional learning is an on-going expectation. It aims to support the development of practice of these professionals so that they are recognised as excellent practitioners of in-service professional learning.
Required papers
- EDUCA541 Using Evidence for Effective Practice
- EDUCA540 *not offered in 2022
For required research methods and research papers, please see above.
You may choose further papers from any subject or specialisation offered for the Master of Education, or from the Master of Educational Leadership.
This specialisation is offered to educators involved or wishing to be involved in Māori medium teaching contexts. It provides 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 specialisation introduces potential researchers to kaupapa Māori research methodology and 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
The research paper will be determined in consultation with the Adviser.
A TeachNZ Study Award is available for this programme.
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 Advisor.
Advisor
Karaitiana Tamatea
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07 838 4466 extn 7814
This subject offers professional learning for educators interested in these curriculum areas. There are specific papers in each of these but there is also an opportunity to study an integrated approach to education across science, technology, and environmental education.
At least 60 points from:
- SCTED508 Science Education
- SCTED511 Technology Education
- SCTED512 Innovations in Science, Technology or Environmental Education
- SCTED513 Environmental and Sustainability Education
For required research methods and research papers, please see above.
You may choose further papers from any subject or specialisation offered for the Master of Education, or from the Master of Educational Leadership.
This specialisation offers professional learning for educators interested in Science, Technology, Environmental Education and Mathematics (STEM) education. There are specific papers in each learning area but there is also an opportunity to study an integrated approach to education across all the STEM subjects.
Required papers
At least 60 points from:
- MTHED501 Issues in Mathematics and Statistics Education
- MTHED502 Mathematics Education: Enhancing Thinking and Practice
- SCTED508 Science Education
- SCTED511 Technology Education
- SCTED512 Innovations in Science, Technology or Environmental Education
- SCTED513 Environmental and Sustainability Education
For required research methods and research papers, please see above.
You may choose further papers from any subject or specialisation offered for the Master of Education, or from the Master of Educational Leadership.
Choose a main subject
Entry requirements
Expand to read entry requirements
Admission normally requires a bachelors degree with at least a B grade average across the level 300 papers and:
(1) a teaching qualification or a major or minor in any of the subjects offered in the Master of Education, or
(2) substantial relevant experience.
120 point Master of Education available subject to meeting eligibility requirements - please see the MEd Regulations.
Credit for Previous Study Information
Recognition of Prior Learning Information
This programme will not lead to registration as a teacher in New Zealand - if you are interested in training to become a teacher we suggest you contact our team on [email protected] to explore your options.
Study in Tauranga
Expand to read about studying in Tauranga
Many postgraduate papers are taught either fully online or partially online, with some papers having block on-campus requirements at either our Hamilton or Tauranga campus. These requirements are paper dependent.
Scholarships and prizes
Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships
Contacts
Te Kura Toi Tangata School of Education
Programme Administrators - Postgraduate and Research
Jinah Lee
Phone: (+64) 7 838 4466 Ext: 7870
Email: [email protected]
Programme Leader
Dr Michele Morrison
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0800 924 5286 extn 7875
Have a chat with one of our friendly advisers to help you plan your degree.
Phone: +64 7 807 9275 Email: [email protected]
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