Programme details

Master of Specialist Teaching

The Master of Specialist Teaching (MSpecTchg) program at UC is designed for educators who support children and learners with special educational needs.

Course description

The Specialist Teaching programme is pertinent for educators involved with children and learners who have special educational needs within the early childhood, primary, and secondary sectors. This programme is structured around coursework, making it particularly suitable for those educators who wish to assume professional leadership roles in their field without the necessity of completing a thesis.

The Master of Specialist Teaching (MSpecTchg) offers a combination of distance and blended learning options, providing flexibility for all students, regardless of their location. The degree may be awarded either unendorsed or with an endorsement in one of four specific areas. Graduates will gain an extensive understanding of their chosen specialism and will be equipped with the expertise, knowledge, interdisciplinary networks, and strategies to implement innovative approaches that effectively address the special educational needs of children and learners in their professional settings.

Specialisations

Complex Educational Needs
Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Early Intervention
Learning and Behaviour.

Occupational Registration

Certain occupations require registration by law in New Zealand. This programme leads to registration with New Zealand Teaching Council.

Immigration benefits

This course may qualify for the following visa rights:
In-study work rights
Partner visitor rights
Partner work rights
Post-study work rights

This course qualifies for 5 points if applying for residency under the Skilled Migrant Category.

Career Prospects

A Master of Specialist Teaching offers career prospects focused on working with individuals who have learning, behavioral, and developmental challenges. Graduates can pursue advanced teaching and specialist roles in a variety of educational and community settings. Some key career opportunities include:

Specialist Teacher (Inclusive Education)
Special Education Adviser
Consultant for Learning and Developmental Disabilities
Early Intervention Teacher

Entry requirements

In order to enroll in the Master of Specialist Teaching, individuals must have completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching with a Grade Point Average of no less than B.

Moreover, it is necessary to obtain enrollment approval from Amo Matua, Ako | Executive Dean of Education.

In order to graduate with the degree endorsed in Deaf and Hard of Hearing, students must also be able to demonstrate proficiency in Aotearoa New Zealand Sign Language.

If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC’s English language requirements. University recognises the following English Language tests and courses:

International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS Academic) – including online and One Skill Retake
Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) – including Home Edition and Paper Edition #
CCEL English for Academic Purposes Level 2 (EAP Level 2) – including online
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)
Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE) – including online
New Zealand Certificate in English Language (NZCEL)
FluentIQ (*FluentIQ should be used where IELTS Indicator or TOEFL cannot be used)
LanguageCert
Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE)
Duolingo English Test (DET)