Education
Teaching at the University of Waikato sets you up to become a skilled and reflective teacher. We produce qualified teachers who are in high demand both in New Zealand and around the world. Alongside preparing teachers for the classroom the study of education encompasses a broad range of options that reflect the far-reaching nature of the field. Educators are interested in how knowledge, skills and values are constructed, accumulated, and conveyed through formal and informal means.
We also offer Education subjects for the Bachelor of Social Sciences and Bachelor of Arts degrees, and a range of postgraduate qualifications.
Along with subjects designed for students wanting to become teachers the papers available in the subject Education provide opportunities for academic and professional development for those employed in the education sector. It is possible to plan a programme that is tailored to individuals' intellectual and/or professional needs. Students who are not necessarily working in the education sector may wish to consider the subject Education and Society.
Subjects
Interested in becoming a teacher?
Teaching (Early Childhood)
Prepare yourself for a career working in a variety of childhood settings with children from birth up to six years old.
Gain theoretical and practical experience as you learn about all the aspects of Te Whariki – the Early Childhood curriculum.
It's an integrated programme with seven major themes: bicultural development; cultural diversity; equity and social justice; inclusion; parents and whanau; transition to school; and infants and toddlers.
Teaching (Primary)
Prepare yourself for a career in primary, composite, intermediate and middle schools or kura, working with children from five to 13 years old.
You'll gain a solid foundation in all aspects of the New Zealand curriculum. You'll also learn about professional and ethical practices, child development, issues that face teachers and learners with special needs, teaching children from diverse backgrounds, classroom management, environmental education for sustainability, and the wider contexts of school, community and national systems.
On practicum, you'll take an active role in the classroom over several weeks in a school, under the guidance of an associate teacher. This includes a minimum of one day per week in the first year of your degree, a six week block in second year and an eight week block in third year.
Teaching (Secondary)
As a graduate of this programme you will be among the best prepared teaching graduates and highly regarded by education employers, within New Zealand and overseas.
You'll have the understanding, skills and academic requirements to be an early childhood, primary or secondary teacher.
You'll be eligible to apply for a provisional practicing certificate, and after two years of full time teaching be granted a full practicing certificate with the New Zealand Education Council.
Please note: We will not be offering new enrolments in the Bachelor of Teaching Secondary or Primary Conjoint programme in 2020 - please contact us to talk about your study options at [email protected]. An alternative pathway to becoming a Secondary School Teacher is to complete a relevant degree followed by a Graduate Diploma of Teaching.
Teaching (Māori Medium/Te Kaupapa Arareo Māori)
Te Kura Toi Tangata School of Education is committed to the education and development of Māori medium teaching. This subject prepares students for teaching in English medium, bilingual (Māori and English) and Māori medium (total immersion) educational settings. We cater for students seeking support and teaching qualifications, teachers interested in professional development and researchers keen to contribute new knowledge.
Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato The University of Waikato and Te Kura Toi Tangata School of Education has always had a strong affinity with Māori. Many of our graduates are now influential leaders in Māori education working in wānanga, universities, schools and government departments.
Bachelor of Social Sciences subjects with the School of Education
The School of Education Bachelor of Social Sciences is underpinned by a strong social justice perspective and is ideal for anyone wanting to make a difference in the lives of children and adults within family, education, community and/or workplace settings. It offers social science majors in areas such as Human Development, Education and Society and Digital Learning along with core papers on teaching and learning.
This degree will enable graduates to ensure that managing and promoting learning is not only the role of teachers, but parents, business people, salespeople, health professionals, and local and central government.
Education and Society
Education and Society today has close affinities with contemporary interdisciplinary fields exploring issues of social policy, culture, gender, work and leisure. Since education is as much concerned with who we might become as who we already are, it is relevant to all our collective and personal decision-making on questions of justice, rights and freedom.
Education and Society is available as a major for the BA and BSocSc. Education and Society may also be taken as a second major or as a supporting subject within other undergraduate degrees, subject to academic approval of the Faculty or School of Studies in which the student is enrolled.
Human Development
The Human Development programme explores the development of individuals, families, groups and communities throughout the human lifespan. It is important for those wishing to go into professions such as youth work, eldercare, social work, counselling and teaching. An understanding of human development is relevant to many other careers that involve working with or for people.
Papers develop skills relevant to career objectives such as human relations, human services, programme planning, community liaison, counselling, policy and evaluation, administration of programs concerned with the family or other groups and research.
Digital Learning
Technology is now part of everyday life and is increasingly becoming part of our learning environments. With Digital Learning at Waikato you will develop an understanding of the importance it plays in education.
Digital Learning blends both technical and pedagogical skill sets. It builds knowledge of digital technologies for and in teaching and learning (pedagogical focus) and to develop understanding of teaching and learning which will encourage better design, development, deployment and evaluation of such technologies (technical focus). Digital Learning includes a range of papers from the education, computer science, screen and media, and graphic and design disciplines.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Teaching (BTchg)
Teachers are influential community members, making a difference to young people and their learning, knowledge and skill acquisition. They play a major role in helping their students develop their independence and success in their lives.
As a graduate of this programme you will be among the best prepared teaching graduates and highly regarded by education employers, within New Zealand and overseas. You'll have the understanding, skills and academic requirements to be an early childhood, primary or secondary teacher. You'll be eligible to apply for a provisional practicing certificate, and after two years of full time teaching be granted a full practicing certificate with the New Zealand Education Council. 82% of recent teaching graduates are in employment.
Bachelor of Social Sciences(BSocSc)
The School of Education Bachelor of Social Sciences is underpinned by a strong social justice perspective and is ideal for anyone wanting to make a difference in the lives of children and adults within family, education, community and/or workplace settings. It offers social science majors in areas such as Human Development, Education and Society and Digital Learning along with core papers on teaching and learning.
Postgraduate study options
Master of Counselling (MCouns)
The Master of Counselling (MCouns) is established as a flagship degree that has seen 92% of graduates over the past six years gain successful employment.
The degree has specifically been designed for professional counsellors or supervisors interested in leadership roles within the New Zealand counselling profession.
The programme has a key teaching focus on providing experiences in which you can further develop your professional attitudes, knowledge and competencies in the areas of counselling, group leadership, mediation and practitioner research. You'll graduate with a high level of knowledge and understanding through the narrative practice this programme is known for.
Master of Disability and Inclusion Studies (MDInS)
The Master of Disability and Inclusion Studies examines the issues which produce various related social norms and sets out to produce practitioners who challenge them. The programme explores contemporary theories, methodologies and practices related to the broad field of disability and inclusion studies.
This programme is known for its grounding in a social justice model of inclusive community and educational practice and is relevant for a variety of professionals working in community organisations and schools, and those concerned with disability advocacy and rights.
Studying the Master of Disability and Inclusion Studies (MDInS) you'll gain a stronger understanding of social life and the differences between us, and challenge current approaches used in the education sector and beyond.
Master of Education (MEd)
This programme is for educational practitioners who are graduates and want to improve their skills, know;edge and career prospects in Education. Developing skills in leadership in curriculum, pedagogy or policy development, the benefits include career advancement and the development of expertise in a specific area of educational practice.
Master of Educational Leadership (MEdLeadership)
Enhance your career prospects with a specialised programme that challenges you personally and professionally. Make a difference to the quality of education and create opportunities for your future leadership in education.
Work with academics who are internationally recognised for their leadership research and practice. Develop the skills, knowledge and dispositions to be an effective educational leader.
Complete coursework at a pace that suits you – part-time while you work, or full-time over one calendar year.
Graduate Diploma of Teaching (GradDipT)
Prepare yourself for a career in secondary schools, working with young people aged 13-18 years old. The University of Waikato can prepare you for most curriculum subjects. There are currently shortages in english, maths, science, technology and te reo Māori.
This programme consists of eight compulsory papers (120 points, with 80 points at 300 level), including three curriculum subject papers, two teaching practicum and three Professional Education papers. Learn how to teach your curriculum areas and develop skills in teaching and learning.
Postgraduate Certificate in Tertiary Teaching and Learning (PGCert(TertiaryT&L))
The Postgraduate Certificate in Tertiary Teaching and Learning — PGCert(TertiaryT&L) — is a recognised qualification for staff working in tertiary education contexts who wish to extend their understanding of tertiary learning and teaching, improve their own practice and facilitate positive change in student learning across their courses and programmes or in their specific areas of work.
Key information
Area of Study: |
---|
Study Education in these qualifications
Study Education as a specialisation of
Papers
Available Education papers
100 Level
Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
---|---|---|---|
DLRNG100 | Developing Digital Fluency | 15.0 | 22A (Online) |
This paper offers a foundation for students learning to navigate and communicate effectively through digital learning environments. It incorporates purposeful selection of technologies for learning, and digital literacy which includes being able to research, create, evaluate and apply technical skills while doing so. | |||
EDSOC101 | The New Zealand Educational Context | 15.0 | 22B (Hamilton), 22B (Online) & 22B (Tauranga) |
The paper addresses the educational policies, ideas and processes shaping the educational contexts within which New Zealanders learn and teach. | |||
EDUCA110 | How and why do we learn? An introduction | 15.0 | 22A (Hamilton) & 22A (Tauranga) |
This introductory paper gives students opportunities to critically engage with a body of salient theoretical lenses addressing learning, teaching and education. Learning and teaching are interrogated from social, psychological and anthropological perspectives. Students are encouraged to engage in critical deconstruction of learning... | |||
HMDEV100 | Lifespan Development | 15.0 | 22A (Hamilton), 22B (Online) & 22B (Tauranga) |
HMDEV100 focuses on understanding and enhancing human development through an exploration of biological, psychological, social and cultural factors that influence patterns of development and learning over the lifespan. | |||
MAOED100 | Huarahi Matauranga Māori: Historical and Contemporary Approaches to Māori Education | 15.0 | 22A (Hamilton) & 22A (Online) |
This paper examines historical and contemporary approaches in Maori education provision in Aotearoa New Zealand. It explores policies, practices and developments that have impacted on the educational development of Maori. | |||
WRITE100 | Writing for Academic Success | 15.0 | 22A (Hamilton), 22A (Online), 22A (Tauranga), 22B (Hamilton), 22B (Online), 22B (Tauranga), 22JS (Hamilton) & 22JS (Tauranga) |
The paper gives opportunities for undergraduate students to develop their academic literacy skills. It begins with general academic communication and research skills and then embeds academic literacy practice within disciplines of study. |
200 Level
Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
---|---|---|---|
DLRNG200 | Digital Learning: Critical Perspectives and Lifelong Possibilities | 15.0 | 22A (Online) |
This paper examines educational uses of digital technologies, with an emphasis on learning through electronic networks, including social media. The paper explores evolving theoretical shifts and policy directions alongside topical issues and practical perspectives. | |||
EDUCA200 | Te Hononga Tangata | 15.0 | 22B (Block) & 22B (Block - Tauranga) |
This paper prepares students to recognise and understand local and global cultural diversity, and to work competently and confidently in culturally appropriate ways with diverse others in educational contexts. | |||
EDUCA210 | Learning Through Life: Contexts and Considerations | 15.0 | 22B (Hamilton) |
In this paper, students will explore contemporary considerations which shape learning and teaching across the lifespan, and contextualise these within specific areas of focus. Students will have opportunities to reflect systematically on their own lifelong learning trajectories, and on the relationship between individual goals for ... | |||
EDUCA290 | Directed Study | 15.0 | 22C (Tauranga) |
This paper is available for those students involved in a specified project or study. |
300 Level
Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
---|---|---|---|
DLRNG300 | Developing of Digital Technologies: Contemporary Social and Educational Issues | 15.0 | No occurrences |
This paper considers the broad range and pace of development in digital technologies, and implications for educators and others involved in technologies for education and training, including businesses, and new learners. | |||
DLRNG301 | Digital Innovation Adoption and Theories of Digital Learning | 15.0 | 22B (Online) |
This paper explores contemporary theories associated with digital innovation adoption and the design, development and use of digital systems, content and environments, with particular focus on social, distributed, networked and collaborative learning. | |||
EDSOC303 | Education and Sexuality | 15.0 | 22B (Online) |
A study of the ways childhood and adult sexuality is constructed, monitored and regulated in society and in educational settings. The major emphasis is on exploring sexuality through historical and sociological perspectives. | |||
EDUCA303 | Curriculum Perspectives | 15.0 | 22A (Online) |
This paper examines curriculum conceptions, perspectives, and decision-making, through a range of historical, political and socio-cultural contexts and settings. Participants engage in critique of curriculum issues and shaping forces. | |||
EDUCA390 | Directed Study | 15.0 | 22A (Hamilton), 22B (Hamilton), 22H (Hamilton), 22H (Online) & 22X (Online) |
No description available. | |||
HMDEV320 | Disability, Diversity and Inclusion: Intersecting Identities and Experiences | 15.0 | 22B (Online) |
This paper investigates the question - What skills are required so to fully include disabled children, young people and adults in the educational and social life of their local community? |
500 Level
Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
---|---|---|---|
DLRNG524 | Learning and Leadership in the Communication Age | 30.0 | No occurrences |
This paper explores global rationale underpinning the use of digital technologies in teaching and learning, and applies this to an analysis of New Zealand eLearning policy as it informs practice at an institutional level. Participants complete a small practical investigation of eLearning policy and practice within a selected education institution. | |||
DLRNG525 | eLearning Policy to Practice in the New Zealand Context | 30.0 | 22B (Online) |
This paper initially takes a global perspective reviewing and critiquing arguments for education's role in building electronically-networked knowledge societies. It then examines how this is reflected in contemporary New Zealand/Aotearoa digital technologies in education/eLearning strategies and policies, drawing implications from ... | |||
EDUCA500 | Culturally Responsive Methodologies incorporating kaupapa Māori and Critical Theories | 30.0 | 22X (Block - Tauranga) |
Culturally Responsive Methodologies utilise kaupapa Maori and critical theoretical frameworks to develop contexts within which the researched community can define the terms for engaging, relating and co-creating new knowledge. | |||
EDUCA501 | Professional Learning in Education Practice | 30.0 | 22X (Online) |
This paper allows students to submit a portfolio for assessment of learning in educational practice, for credit towards a postgraduate qualification in Te Kura Toi Tangata School of Education. | |||
EDUCA504 | Critical Reflections on Decolonising Education Spaces | 30.0 | 22X (Online) |
Students critically reflect on extensive literature, their responses and their learning journal completed through Poutama Pounamu blended learning modules to engage in a reflexive synthesis of their ongoing learnings. This paper involved students critically reflecting back on their learning journals, a range of relevant literature ... | |||
EDUCA506 | Educational Assessment | 30.0 | 22B (Online) |
This paper provides an opportunity to develop in-depth knowledge and critical awareness of the theoretical issues and practical implications associated with improving learning and teaching through the implementation of a broad model of educational assessment. It is appropriate for practitioners at all levels of education: early chi... | |||
EDUCA510 | Special Topic | 10.0 | 22X (Hamilton) |
This paper is available for students who require an individually supervised project to complete their qualification in a subject offered by Te Kura Toi Tangata School of Education. | |||
EDUCA515 | Special Topic | 15.0 | 22X (Hamilton) |
This paper is available for students who require an individually supervised project to complete their qualification in a subject offered by Te Kura Toi Tangata School of Education. | |||
EDUCA530 | Special Topic | 30.0 | 22X (Online) |
The content of this paper is determined case-by-case as it will be used when the content is determined by the academic associated with an individual students' programme. One example would be a student who is undertaking an independent self-directed study that is not research based. The contents, assignments, marking criteria, and ... | |||
EDUCA541 | Using Evidence for Effective Practice | 30.0 | 22B (Block) |
This paper aims to enable students to read, interpret, evaluate and use evidence to improve their own pedagogical practice, and the practice of others. | |||
EDUCA557 | Becoming a researcher: theory, ethics and methods | 30.0 | 22A (Online), 22B (Online) & 22H (Block) |
This paper introduces students to the major educational research paradigms, methodologies appropriate to collecting data in schools (including interviews, observations, surveys, case studies), action research, literature reviews, critiquing research, and report writing. It includes consideration of ethical issues in research. | |||
EDUCA590 | Directed Study | 30.0 | 22I (Hamilton) & 22I (Online) |
Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff. | |||
EDUCA592 | Dissertation | 60.0 | 22X (Hamilton), 22X (Online) & 22X (Tauranga) |
A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation. | |||
EDUCA593 | Education Thesis | 90.0 | 22X (Hamilton), 22X (Online) & 22X (Tauranga) |
An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. | |||
EDUCA594 | Education Thesis | 120.0 | 22X (Hamilton), 22X (Online) & 22X (Tauranga) |
An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. | |||
HMDEV502 | Contemporary Issues in Adulthood | 30.0 | 22A (Online) |
This paper focuses on adult development with an emphasis on ageing, diversity, culture and social justice. Examining social and political discourses, the paper explores how the resulting messages influence the everyday experiences of people at different stages of adulthood; and the implications of these for working with diversity i... | |||
MAOED500 | Rangahau Kaupapa Māori - Kaupapa Māori Research | 30.0 | 22X (Hamilton) |
This paper seeks to explore Kaupapa Maori research theory and methodologies, developing more informed and culturally located and responsive research practice, with a particular focus on researching in Maori educational contexts. | |||
MAOED501 | Matauranga Reo Māori | 30.0 | 22A (Hamilton) |
Ka arohaehaehia nga ariaa ako, whakaako raanei i te reo Maori hei reo tuatahi, tuarua ranei, nga momo aromatawai i te reo me te uu o te whakawhitinga ki te whakaako i te reo Maori hei reo tuatahi, tuarua ranei. Ka whakauruhia te huhua o nga take a iwi. A critical examination of theories of first and second language acquisition, lea... | |||
MAOED502 | Tirohanga Whakahaere | 30.0 | 22A (Hamilton) |
This paper explores the influence of social, cultural and political factors, nationally and internationally on leadership in Maori medium contexts. It provides participants with the opportunity to examine and inform their own practice of leadership. This paper is suitable for those who currently lead or aspire to lead in Maori medi... | |||
MAOED503 | Te Whakaora Reo: Matauranga Rumaki | 30.0 | 22X (Hamilton) |
This paper examines indigenous theory and practice, indigenous language revival and indigenous language revitalisation. It also looks at Maori immersion education activities alongside other indigenous languages initiatives. Also included is an exploration of the way immersion education in overseas contexts can strengthen Maori imme... | |||
MAOED523 | Māori Educational Policies: Their Development and Some Strategic Responses | 30.0 | 22X (Block - Tauranga) |
This paper examines the historical and contemporary politics and practices that have contributed to the current education disparities that affect Maori people in particular, but also the wider fabric of New Zealand society. The paper then considers historical and contemporary policies developed to address these disparities and a nu... |
800 Level
Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
---|---|---|---|
EDUCA800 | Education MPhil Thesis | 120.0 | 22X (Hamilton) |
No description available. |
900 Level
Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
---|---|---|---|
EDUCA900 | Education PhD Thesis | 120.0 | 22I (Hamilton), 22I (Tauranga), 22J (Hamilton), 22J (Tauranga), 22K (Hamilton), 22L (Tauranga), 22X (Hamilton), 22X (Online) & 22X (Tauranga) |
No description available. | |||
EDUCA994 | EdD Thesis | 120.0 | 22I (Hamilton) & 22X (Hamilton) |
No description available. | |||
EDUCA995 | EdD Research Portfolio | 120.0 | 22I (Hamilton) & 22X (Hamilton) |
No description available. |
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
Contacts
Te Kura Toi Tangata School of Education
Phone: 0800 WAIKATO (924 528)
Email: [email protected]