Master of Specialist Teaching MSpecTchg

at University of Canterbury

The MSpecTchg consists of two parts.
 

In Part I, you will complete one compulsory core theory and foundations course (30 points), and three compulsory courses (90 points) from one of the endorsement schedules. Each endorsement includes:

• one specialist theory and foundations course

• one professional practice course (including practical assignments)

• one extended practicum course including experience in specialty practice settings.

On satisfactory completion of Part I with a B grade average or higher, you will be eligible to progress to Part II.
 

Note: completion of the Postgraduate Certificate in Specialist Teaching or equivalent can count as Part I.

Part II consists of two 30-point courses, one chosen from three courses, and one optional course. Part II can be completed by distance study.
 

You can study this Master's in 12–18 months full-time, or up to 6 years part-time.
 

The degree can be awarded unendorsed, or endorsed in one of four areas:

• Complex Educational Needs

• Deaf and Hard of Hearing

• Early Intervention

• Learning and Behaviour

See the Specialist Teaching programme website for more information on each endorsement.
 

The MSpecTchg is made up of two parts; Part I involves courses from the endorsements, including theory and practical work. Part II offers a variety of optional teaching and education courses.
 

Part I

Complete the following courses depending on the endorsement chosen:
 

Complex Educational Needs

• EDST601 Core Theory and Foundations of Specialist Teaching

• EDST651 Theory and Foundations in Complex Educational Needs

• EDST652 Evidence-based Interprofessional Practice in Complex Educational Needs

• EDST653 Practicum in Complex Educational Needs

Deaf and Hard of Hearing

• EDST601 Core Theory and Foundations of Specialist Teaching

• EDST621 Theory and Foundations of Deaf and Hard of Hearing

• EDST622 Evidence-based Interprofessional Practice in Deaf and Hard of Hearing

• EDST623 Practicum in Deaf and Hard of Hearing

To graduate in this endorsement you must also be able to demonstrate proficiency in Aotearoa New Zealand Sign Language.
 

Early Intervention

• EDST601 Core Theory and Foundations of Specialist Teaching

• EDST631 Theory and Foundations of Early Intervention

• EDST632 Evidence-based Interprofessional Practice in Early Intervention

• EDST633 Practicum in Early Intervention

Learning and Behaviour

• EDST601 Core Theory and Foundations of Specialist Teaching

• EDST641 Theory and Foundations of Learning and Behaviour Diversity

• EDST642 Evidence-based Interprofessional Practice in Learning and Behaviour Diversity

• EDST643 Practicum in Learning and Behaviour Diversity

Part II

One of the following:

• EDEM637 Distributing Leadership Through Coaching and Mentoring

• EDEM638 Teachers as Leaders

• EDEM669 Leading and Managing Decision-Making in Organisations

Plus 30 points of courses selected from these options.

To enrol in the Master of Specialist Teaching you must have:
 

• qualified for an Aotearoa New Zealand teacher education degree, or qualified for a recognised three-year diploma in early childhood, primary, or secondary teaching in Aotearoa, with at least a B Grade Point Average in their 300-level courses; and

• hold current teacher registration in Aotearoa (not a requirement for the Early Intervention endorsement); and

• normally acquired at least two years experience as a teacher or educator in a recognised educational, workplace, or community setting.

You must be approved to enrol. The relevance and standard of undergraduate studies and any subsequent professional work experience are the main criteria of approval.
 

English language competency requirements for teaching qualifications
 

You must provide evidence of your English language skills with equivalent or better results in one of the following approved tests within the past three years:
 

FEES (NZD) 2022    180    Special (Set) Programme Fee    $49,500    

Postgraduate study can bring many career benefits, such as specialist skills and enhanced knowledge, entry into specific occupations, higher starting salary/progression rates, research capability/achievement, and evidence of high academic attainment/self-discipline.