Faculty of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

Admission and Enrolment

What documents are required for admission to University?

For information about documentation for admission to University please see the University's Enrolment webpage.

For admission to the Graduate Diploma of Teaching (ECE, Primary or Secondary), you will need to provide verified copies of the following documentation:

  • Proof of New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency eg. birth certificate or passport
  • Official Academic Transcript showing the courses that you have completed and grades received in your undergraduate degree, if it was not awarded by Victoria University
  • Proof of degree completion
  • Degrees from overseas may need to be assessed by New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) for New Zealand equivalence. Contact the Student Administration Office for further details
  • If English is not your first language, you need to supply the results from a recent IELTS examination. You must achieve an overall mark of at least seven in all categories of the test for academic work.

Admission to all teacher education qualifications also requires:

  • having supportive referees
  • making declarations about any criminal convictions
  • making declarations about any health or disability issues
  • taking part in an assessment exercise
  • being proficient in the English Language.

Do I need IELTS for teacher education qualifications?

If English is your second language you should take an academic IELTS test before you apply for a place in a programme.You must achieve an overall mark of at least seven in all categories of the test and submit the test results with your application. If you do not submit your results this could delay your acceptance into a programme.

To view the IELTS website go to www.ielts.org

The School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies at Victoria University conducts IELTS testing, for more information phone 04-463 5600 or contact lals@vuw.ac.nz

Is my overseas qualification acceptable for entry to teacher education programmes of study?

If your degree is from a University in Australia, UK/Ireland or Canada you may apply for a teaching programme, and if successful achieve registration with the NZTC without having to have your degree assessed for equivalency by NZQA.  However you may still require your degree to be assessed for pay purposes once you are employed in a school.

If your degree qualification is from a country other than those listed above, you should have it assessed and approved by NZQA and submit this assessment with your application for entry into a teacher education programme.

For further information contact: education@vuw.ac.nz

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Qualification Planning and Advice

Can I cross credit study from another university into a teacher education qualification?

Credit transfer into the Graduate Diploma of Teaching (ECE, Primary or Secondary) is not permitted as you are required to complete all compulsory courses.

Credit transfer may be available for the conjoint teaching qualifications. To discuss cross credit into these qualifications you can contact:

Student Administration Office
Faculty of Education
Level 2, Waghorn Block
Karori Campus
Phone: 04-463 9660
Email: education@vuw.ac.nz

What does having two teaching subjects in my degree mean for the Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary)?

As part of the GDipTchg(Secondary) you need to study two curriculum (teaching) subjects. One of these subjects should be your degree major studied to 300-level and the other studied to 200-level.

For the list of teaching subjects refer to the Faculty of Education Handbook 2012.

What is the expected workload for the Graduate Diploma of Teaching qualifications?

Full-time students can expect about 40-50 hours of course work and study per week. There is a three-day compulsory residency (in February 2011) at Victoria's Karori campus for online students.

Will I be qualified to teach overseas?

Yes, provided the country where you wish to teach accepts your New Zealand teaching qualification. You will need to check the registration requirements for the country where you wish to teach.

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Financial Matters

Am I eligible for Studylink loans and allowances?

For all information and enquiries regarding entitlements, contact StudyLink on 0800 88 99 00 or www.studylink.govt.nz

How much does the Graduate Diploma of Teaching cost?

Fees for all Victoria qualifications can be viewed on the University's Fees webpage.

Students are responsible for the cost of travel and accommodation for residency weekends and travel during teaching experience. Online students may also need to travel to their exam locations.

For more information on financial matters please see the University's
Financial Matters webpage.

Can I get a scholarship?

TeachNZ scholarships may be available for New Zealand citizens or permanent residents. For more information go to www.teachnz.govt.nz or phone 0800 832 246.

For information about scholarships offered by the University go to the Scholarships page, or www.victoria.ac.nz/scholarships, or contact the Scholarships Office, phone 04-463 5113 or 04-463 5557 or email: scholarships-office@vuw.ac.nz

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General Questions about Teaching Qualifications

I have been out of teaching for a few years and want to get back into it, how do I go about this?

Victoria University is not currently running a refresher programme for teachers that have been out of the classroom for an extended period.

The best way to get back into teaching may be relieving or visiting local schools for initial observation. You may find that there are recruitment companies that will assist you in finding relieving work.

You should also look at updating your knowledge by reviewing the current
New Zealand Curriculum.

What is a LAT?

Some people are given a Limited Authority to Teach (LAT) from the New Zealand Teachers' Council to enable them to teach in a school where a qualified teacher cannot be employed for a particular subject.

Can I do my teaching experience in a school I already work in as a LAT?

It is preferred that you do not complete a teaching experience in the school where you are currently employed. To discuss, you should contact Louise Starkey, Associate Dean (Primary and Secondary Teacher Education) by email: louise.starkey@vuw.ac.nz  or phone 04-463 9768.

What age of students will I be qualified to teach?

Early Childhood 0-5 years
Primary 5-13 years
Secondary 13-18 years

When are my holidays?

Holidays coincide with the trimesters' breaks in the University calendar year.

Can I take leave of absence from a Graduate Diploma qualification?

If you withdraw from the Graduate Diploma of Teaching you need to seek permission from the relevant Associate Dean for leave of absence to return to the programme in the future.

Where can I find out about the job market for teachers?

Information about the availability of teaching jobs in New Zealand can be viewed at www.edgazette.govt.nz

There are various teacher recruitment companies that come to the campus throughout the year to provide information about teaching overseas.

Can I upgrade from my primary teaching diploma to a degree qualification for primary teachers?

Victoria is not currently offering an appropriate upgrade programme.

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Assessment Exercise

What is an Assessment Exercise and do I have to attend?

Attendance at an assessment exercise is compulsory before being considered for entry into a teaching qualification.

When you attend the assessment exercise you will be asked to complete a form giving the University permission to seek a police check. This is required for all students who will spend time in schools or centres as part of their study.

The assessment exercise is a group discussion evaluating your skills in listening, oral communication and working with others and is useful for determining your suitability for your chosen programme. It lasts about two hours and takes place at the Karori Campus in Wellington. Assessments may be available in Auckland, Hamilton or Christchurch for online graduate diploma students.

Assessments are run from October to December each year.

If you require any additional information, please contact the Assessment Team.

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Preparing to Study

Where do I access my timetable?

The timetable can be accessed from the University's Timetables webpage.

Where do I purchase my books and readings?

You can order your books and course materials from VicBooks located in the Student Union Building at Kelburn Campus. You can order online at www.vicbooks.co.nz or for enquiries phone 04-463 5524 or 04-463 5511. Materials can be delivered to Karori Campus for collection.

Where can I update my contact details?

Log on to myVictoria, select Student Records, go to the Update Addresses and phone numbers' link and follow the instructions. Then go to Update email addresses and follow the instructions. 

To change your name in Student Records take the relevant verified documentation, eg. Marriage Certificate, Deed Poll to the Enrolment Office, Level 1, Hunter Building, Kelburn Parade.

How do I get my ID card?

If you have studied at Victoria recently you can have your ID card updated with a new expiry sticker. If you are new to Victoria your ID card can be collected from the Student Administration Office at Karori Campus. You must have provided an ID photo, be fully enrolled and have paid your fees or had your Student Loan Approved. You will receive an email advising you when your ID card is ready to be collected.

If you are studying online, your ID card will be posted to you.

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Online Study

How do I study online?

Online study is delivered via Victoria's online Learning Management System called Blackboard. You can visit the Victoria Blackboard website from the myVictoria portal, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

You log-on to Blackboard using your standard SCS username as provided on your Confirmation of Study.

You are not required to log on for study at specific times, however there will be course deadlines that you will have to meet. It is assumed that you will have basic computer skills and an internet connection (broadband connection works more effectively).

When are the Residencies?

Residency dates for the graduate diplomas will be in February 2011.

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Teaching Experience

Do I arrange my own teaching experience?

Your teaching experience placements will be arranged by our Teaching Experience Office.

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Assessment and Examinations

Can I apply for an aegrotat?

Courses which form part of teacher education qualifications are exempt from the aegrotat provisions of the University.

There is an alternative process available if you feel that your performance in an examination has been impaired. Contact the Student Administration Office within 48 hours of the examination for further information.

Do the graduate diploma courses have exams?

Yes. Examinations occur at the conclusion of seven of the eight compulsory courses in the Graduate Diploma of Teaching programmes.

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Other Questions

What do the Faculty acronyms mean?

Here are some common abbreviations that are used at the Faculty of Education.
  • GDTCEC Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood)
  • GDTCPR Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Primary)
  • GDTCSC Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary)
  • NZQA New Zealand Qualifications Authority
  • NZTC New Zealand Teachers Council
  • IELTS International English Language Testing System
  • LAT Limited Authority to Teach OES Online Enrolment System
  • EPSY These courses are run by the School of Educational Psychology and Pedagogy
  • EPOL These courses are run by the School of Education Policy and Implementation
  • KURA These courses are run by Te Kura Māori

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