Postgraduate Diploma in Infant and Toddler Learning and Development
Pōkairua Tautara i te Akoranga Kōhungahunga me te Whanaketanga
Level: 8
Credits: 120
Intakes: 2 per year
Duration:
Part-time: 2 years
Application closing dates:
Semester 1 2025: 20 January
The first 1,000 days of a child's life will shape their entire future. Study to specialise in the teaching and learning of children aged birth to three during these vital developmental years.
This Level 8 qualification is designed for professionals with a particular interest in infant and toddler learning and development, who want to specialise in this area.
This Postgraduate diploma programme uses philosophies, theories and research to support a holistic view of infant learning, development, and wellbeing.
You will gain expertise in infant and toddler learning, development and wellbeing, with an emphasis on relationships | whanaungatanga, wellbeing | orangatanga, dialogue | matapakinga, and the environment | te taiao.
On completion of this interdisciplinary programme, you will gain enhanced knowledge, skills and abilities relevant to the care and education of infants and toddlers.
When you graduate with the Postgraduate Diploma in Infant and Toddler Learning and Development you may wish to progress on to our Level 9 Master of Education. Two of the four courses in this programme will contribute to the first part of the master’s degree.
Note: This programme is available for international students to study in their home country only.
- Full-time or part-time
- Online
- Offshore learning option
The programme comprises four 30-credit courses, each 16 weeks long, which can be completed over 1 year of full-time study or 2 years of part-time study.
For part-time study, students need to set aside up to 17 hours a week for directed and independent study, including online engagement. For full-time study, students need to set aside up to 34 hours a week.
You will be supported during your studies by our passionate and committed lecturers and pouako, with further in-person support is available for you at any one of our 11 Regional Education Centres.
Assessment
This programme is assessed by internal assessment. Assessments are varied and include essays, reports, PowerPoint presentations, multimedia presentations and other assessment types.
To be eligible for programme admission, you must:
-
Hold an NZQA or equivalent level 7 degree or diploma.
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International students are required to show proficiency in English by achieving an IELTS 6.5 overall (no band lower than 6) or a minimum mark of 58 overall at PTE Academic (no band lower than 50).
NZ residents schooled outside of New Zealand may need to provide other evidence of their English language proficiency.
See: Language Competency Requirements
What is a verified copy?
A verified copy is a photocopy of your original document signed as being a true and accurate copy by
a Justice of the Peace (JP), solicitor, church minister, kaumātua, police officer, school principal, Member
of Parliament or Te Rito Maioha teaching staff member. You can find a list of Justices of the Peace in the
Yellow Pages of the telephone book or at Royal Federation of NZ Justices’ Associations
Documents required to submit an application
1. Primary ID
You must supply a verified copy of one of the documents below:
- New Zealand Birth Certificate issued on or after 1 January 1998 carrying a unique identification number
- New Zealand Passport
- Overseas passport (must include relevant visa/residency permit)
- New Zealand Emergency travel document
- New Zealand refugee travel document
- New Zealand certificate of identity (issued under the Passports Act 1992 to non-NZ citizens who cannot obtain a passport from their country of origin)
- New Zealand certificate of identity (issued under the Immigration Act 1987 to people who have refugee status)
- New Zealand citizenship certificate
2. Secondary ID
You must supply a verified copy of one of the documents below:
- New Zealand Driver’s licence
- 18+ Card
- Community services card
- NZ student photo identification card – from another tertiary institution
- NZ employee photo identification card
- NZ electoral roll record
- Inland revenue number
- NZ utility bill, issued not more than six months earlier.
3. Evidence of Qualification
Semester 1 2025 | |
---|---|
Start Date: | 17 February 2025 |
Mid Semester Break: | 14 – 27 April 2025 |
End Date: | 22 June 2025 |
Semester 2 2025 | |
Start Date: | 14 July 2025 |
Mid Semester Break: | 15 September – 5 October 2025 |
End Date: | 16 November 2025 |
This programme consists of 4 (30-credit) courses.
The First Thousand Days Ngā rā Tuamano |
30 Credits |
Infant and Toddler Learning and Wellbeing Tamariki Kōhungahunga Akoranga me te Orangatanga |
30 Credits |
Infant and Toddler Curriculum and Environments Tamariki Kōhungahunga Marautanga me te Taiao |
30 Credits |
Dialogic Pedagogy Matapakinga Mātauranga |
30 Credits |
Fees cover all tuition costs, student guides and readings.
All fees shown are for domestic students studying in 2025:
Amount per 30 credit course | $1,995 |
Fees may be subject to late payment fees after the due date.
Enrolling as an international student, you will be subject to international fees.
Discover scholarships, grants and loans to finance your studies
- Master of Education (ECE)
“This course is an asset to anyone wanting to delve deeper into how infants and toddlers learn and develop. I have learnt so much this year from the courses and lecturers.
I know the knowledge I have gained is and will continue to benefit and enhance my teaching practice. I have also learnt a lot about myself, especially that I am much more confident and capable than I thought I was.”