This masters is designed for aspiring or current educational leaders who are passionate about leading improvements that serve diverse communities and learners. The qualification will help you understand, critique and contribute to culturally responsive educational leadership that is shaping Aotearoa New Zealand and improve the quality of education for all young people.

It will allow you to take the next step in your career, strengthen your understanding of your own school or context and your role as a leader within it.

Choose from a variety of different study options to suit your learning preferences and commitments, including a new fully online programme available through Auckland Online.

For some courses, primary and Intermediate teachers may also be eligible for Ministry of Education Tertiary Fees subsidies. 

120-point pathway

This option is for those who already hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, Educational Leadership or equivalent, plus three years' experience in teaching or a related profession. You can choose to complete with or without a research component. 

180-point pathway

This option is for those who already hold an undergraduate degree or graduate diploma in education, plus three years' experience in teaching or a related profession. New in 2020, this programme is the perfect fast-track for those who want to advance their career in educational leadership directly from undergraduate or graduate level study and have the grades to progress directly into masters. Both taught and research options are available.

This pathway is also available through Auckland Online. This will allow you to complete the programme in two years part-time, through a set of prescribed fully-online courses. Learn about Auckland Online.

a. For 1 year (120 points)

You must have at least three years of practical experience in teaching or a related profession, including experience in a formal or informal leadership and/or management role.

Note: If you already hold a masters degree in educational administration, educational management, or substantially similar qualification, you may not be admitted to this programme.

b. For 1.5 years (180 points)

You can also gain entry if you hold a bachelors degree in a relevant subject (including education, psychology, social work, social sciences and sociology), or a relevant professional qualification in education from another tertiary institution and have completed the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (must not be awarded) from the University of Auckland with the required grades.

In addition, you must have at least three years of practical experience in teaching or a related profession, including experience in a formal or informal leadership and/or management role.