Support the creation of an equitable education system where all learners' progress is celebrated and learners' identities, languages and cultures are valued.

Massey’s Postgraduate Qualifications in Learning Support are for teachers and other professionals working in the area of Learning Support, particularly Learning Support Coordinators (LSC), and Special Education Needs Coordinators (SENCo). We offer both a Postgraduate Certificate in Learning Support and a Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Support.

Our courses will provide you with opportunities to:

  • develop innovative practices to support inclusive, culturally responsive practices
  • design learning to meet students’ diverse needs, interests and identities.
  • critique curricula, law and policy that inform education provision in Aotearoa
  • learn with, from and about other Learning Support Professionals
  • explore critical issues in inclusive education with experienced specialists in the field.
  • facilitate teams to support whānau, kaiako and ākonga.
  • lead inclusive change through evidence-based approaches

Please note that the Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Support does not qualify you to be a teacher in New Zealand. If you wish to become a teacher, see the Graduate Diploma of Learning and Teaching.

 

What are our graduates saying?

 It's very empowering to be able to craft the SENCo role with the backing of research, guidelines, values and principles. It's important to have this type of study, as most of my learning has involved on-the-job training and there's never enough time to focus on guiding values and principles. 
Rachael Webber

kaiako Southern Regional Health School

 I was enrolled in studying through this network, which has now morphed into finishing the Post Graduate certificate through Massey University. I cannot say enough about how it has supported me, listening to other professionals, RTLB, SENCO leaders in schools and that it was set against the teacher standards was hugely informative. Regarding IEPs and professionals relationships, this learning could not be more complementary and respectful to ensuring and supporting inclusive relationships and all voices. 
Denise Tutaki

Team Leader, SENCo

 

 

What are the entry requirements?

You will need to have an undergraduate degree and relevant teaching or professional qualification and professional experience.

This is a selected entry qualification. This means there are a number of extra requirements you must meet. 

To enter the Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Support you will:

  • have been awarded or qualified for a bachelor’s degree in teaching, or equivalent
  • hold registration as a teacher with a current practising certificate from the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand
  • have completed at least two years of relevant teaching experience
  • have been selected into the diploma on the basis of an application which may include the assessment of a professional portfolio.

More details are available on the University's page for this qualification.

 

What courses can you enrol in?

 

Postgraduate Certificate in Learning Support

 

Compulsory courses (60 credits)

Course code & title

Description

249730 Learning Support: Networked Learning
(30 credits)

An advanced study of the principles and practices of learning support provision in the school sector.

249731 Learning Support: Professional Practice
(30 credits)

An in-depth exploration and application of the specialist knowledge base and skills required for school leaders of learning support.

 

Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Support
Core courses (120 credits):

Course code & title

Description

249730 Learning Support: Networked Learning
(30 credits)

An advanced study of the principles and practices of learning support provision in the school sector.

249731 Learning Support: Professional Practice
(30 credits)

An in-depth exploration and application of the specialist knowledge base and skills required for school leaders of learning support.

249732 Learning Support: Professional Inquiry
(45 credits)

A research-based professional inquiry into teaching and learning in the area of school learning support.

249770 Supervision and Mentoring in Specialist Teaching
(15 credits)

This course critically examines advanced theory and practice in the area of mentoring and supervision in special and inclusive education. Students will engage in practical applications in their teaching and learning context.

 


How long does it take to complete these programmes?

The Postgraduate Certificate in Learning Support takes one year part-time to complete.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Support takes two years part-time to complete, but must be completed within four years.

Neither programme is available for full-time study due to course sequencing issues.

 

Where is this programme available?

You will study online at distance. 

This qualification is not open to international students

 

Is funding support available?

You may be eligible to apply for a Teach NZ Study Award or Study Support Grant.

  

How do you enrol?

To enrol:

  1. Login to the student portal and apply for admission to the programme and endorsement.
  2. Select your courses (as above) for the qualification.

 

Who should you contact?

Dr Nicola Leete
Senior Lecturer
N.Leete@massey.ac.nz

 

A Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Support is a good fit if you:

  • are working in a SENCo (Special Education Needs Coordinator) or Learning Support Coordinator (LSC) role
  • want to make education systems in Aotearoa New Zealand more equitable and inclusive for all learners
  • are ready to try new ways of learning and practice.