New Zealand Diploma in Adult and Tertiary Teaching (Level 6)

New Zealand Diploma in Adult and Tertiary Teaching (Level 6)

New Zealand Diploma in Adult and Tertiary Teaching (Level 6)

Advance your career in adult and tertiary teaching with the New Zealand Diploma in Adult and Tertiary Teaching (Level 6). Learn the skills and strategies needed for effective, responsive, and innovative management in the adult and tertiary education sector.

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Key Details
SIT2LRN Distance Learning
Qualification:
Diploma
Level:
6
Credits:
120
Duration:

One year full-time

Up to four years part-time (part-time study is recommended)

Intakes are 17 weeks long

Study Modes:
Distance Learning
Dates:

2025 Intake 4: 28 July to 21 November - Applications Close 14 July 2025

2025 Intake 5: 15 September to 09 January - Applications Close 01 September 2025

2026 Intake 1: 26 January to 22 May - Applications Close 19 January 2026

2026 Intake 2: 16 March to 10 July - Applications Close 09 March 2026

2026 Intake 3: 08 June to 02 October - Applications Close 01 June 2026

2026 Intake 4: 27 July to 20 November - Applications Close 20 July 2026
Fees:

SIT Zero Fees Scheme

  • Tuition Fee: $0   Check eligibility
  • Direct material Cost: $7.00 per credit (incl GST)

 

International Fees

$25000

 

Unsure which one is for me? Check Fees Eligibility Check my options

     

This qualification is intended for education practitioners aspiring to be in, or who are in, a leadership role in adult and tertiary teaching or training.

Graduates of this qualification will have the skills and knowledge to engage in in-depth investigation into own practice and improve their own teaching, undertake leadership and kaitiakitanga, and recommend innovation and change in tertiary teaching environments.

By the end of the program, you'll be able to:

  • Design learning using culturally and pedagogically appropriate evidence-based practice to meet specified outcomes in diverse, dynamic contexts.
  • Facilitate and evaluate quality learner-centred teaching that respects the mana and diverse cultural backgrounds of adult learners, and the wider educational and societal context.
  • Use and evaluate a broad range of facilitation and teaching strategies, including technology-enhanced teaching and learning, to enhance learner engagement and outcomes.
  • Select, implement and evaluate assessment and quality assurance processes.
  • Undertake kaitiakitanga and provide leadership and professional support to other practitioners.
  • Undertake environmental analyses and make recommendations for innovation and change.

Note: This qualification has now been unified as part of a national delivery for Te Pūkenga and we are moving to Version 2.

For new students to this programme of study:

  • You will need to complete all nine EDUC courses (120 credits) – details in the ‘Course Content’ tab.  

For returning students who have previously started this programme of study:

  • You will be enrolling in the new version of this qualification for 2024, however, your previous study may be credited towards this version. Please see the table below and course information under the ‘Course Content’ tab before selecting courses.
Version 1 (2020 - 2023) Version 2 (2024) 

ATT100 Theoretical Principles of Adult Learning (6 cr) plus

ATT103 Culturally safe and inclusive adult learning environments in New Zealand (5 cr)

EDUC6101 Principles of Adult Learning and Inclusive Learning Environments (10 cr)
ATT101 Learning Design for Dynamic Contexts (18 cr)EDUC6102 Learning Design for Dynamic Contexts (15 cr)
ATT102 Meeting Needs of Diverse Learners and Contexts (15 cr)EDUC6103 Meeting Needs of Diverse Learners and Contexts (15 cr)
ATT104 Manage adult learning events (10 cr)EDUC6104 Manage adult learning events (10 cr)

ATT105 Professional practice in adult learning (10 cr) plus

ATT106 Leading and supporting other practitioners in an adult learning environment (10 cr)

EDUC6105 Professional Practice in Adult Learning (15 cr)
ATT107 Promote teaching environments that give primacy to learners (10 cr)EDUC6106 Promote teaching environments that give primacy to learners (10 cr)

No equivalent paper

*

EDUC6107 Decision-making, innovation and change in the adult learning environment (15 cr)
ATT109 Quality assurance in assessment of adult learning (15 cr)EDUC6108 Quality assurance in assessment of adult learning (15 cr)
ATT110 Design and evaluation of assessment materials in adult learning (15 cr)EDUC6109 Design and evaluation of assessment materials in adult learning (15 cr)
*  To avoid disadvantaging any ākonga, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for EDUC6107 will be considered if they have completed ATT108 (10 cr) from Version 1 as this meets the same GPO.

Important note: For returning students who have completed one of ATT100 or ATT103, or one of ATT105 and 106, please note that we will be offering these courses in Intakes 1 and 2 only of 2024. Please ensure that you enrol in one of these intakes if you need to complete any of these papers to enable you to be credited with the equivalent EDUC course.

If you have any questions, please email the Programme Operations Manager, Melissa James.

Or, the programme SIT2LRN Administrator email.

To gain this qualification you will need to complete all of the following courses (120 credits).

Throughout these courses you will also complete 120 hours of work-integrated learning in an adult or tertiary teaching setting. To meet this requirement, you must have access to adult learners (e.g. over the age of 18) over the duration of the programme of study in order to undertake learning and reflection in an authentic setting.

EDUC6101 Principles of Adult Learning and Inclusive Learning Environments (10 cr)

This course covers selection, evaluation and application of theory, practice and concepts of learning and learning design applicable to the adult learning experience in diverse and dynamic contexts, and provides you with an understanding of a values-based educational environment in an Aotearoa New Zealand setting.

EDUC6102 Learning Design for Dynamic Contexts (15 cr)

This course covers essential knowledge and skills to craft adaptable, flexible, and responsive learning designs that cater to diverse Aotearoa New Zealand contexts and environments. Learn to develop a learning program that embraces Māori pedagogy, prioritises learner well-being and success, and  incorporates an approach to learning, assessment, and evaluation which demonstrates innovation, creativity, and leadership.

EDUC6103 Meeting Needs of Diverse Learners and Contexts (15 cr)

Note: this course require learners to be in a classroom or teaching environment.

This course covers essential knowledge and skills to apply and evaluate adaptable, technology-infused learning design and facilitation strategies which are adaptable and responsive to diverse learners and contexts, and that consider the impact and use of technology to enhance learner engagement and outcomes.

EDUC6104 Manage adult learning events (10 cr)

Note: this course require learners to be in a classroom or teaching environment.

This course covers the skills and knowledge necessary for designing and organising successful learning events, including reflection of learning event outcomes for future endeavours.

EDUC6105 Professional Practice in Adult Learning (15 cr)

Note: this course requires learners to be in a position to critically reflect on the teaching practices of another adult teaching practitioner.

This course covers the skills and knowledge to implement and evaluate effective leadership practices, exploring and comparing leadership theories, responsibilities, attributes, and analysing the integration of kaitiakitanga concepts and principles.

EDUC6106 Promote teaching environments that give primacy to learners (10 cr)

This course covers the critical knowledge and skills to undertake learning design which is learner-centred, adaptable and responsive to differing contexts and environments, including evaluating your own leadership and influence in supporting other adult teaching practitioners in their implementation of learner-centred design strategies.

EDUC6107 Decision-making, innovation and change in the adult learning environment (15 cr)

This course enables you to undertake critical reflection and analysis of your own practice and educational environment with regards to decision-making, innovation and change, and evaluating different methods through which innovation and change can be implemented.

EDUC6108 Quality assurance in assessment of adult learning (15 cr)

This course covers the knowledge and skills necessary to undertake quality assurance in assessment, and to evaluate the effectiveness of the quality assurance processes in your own practice.

EDUC6109 Design and evaluation of assessment materials in adult learning (15 cr)

This course covers the knowledge and skills necessary to design and evaluate adult learning assessment materials in the context of stakeholder and organisational requirements, and to implement processes for continuous improvement of assessment materials.

Graduates will have the skills and knowledge for roles such as:

  • programme leader
  • lead teacher
  • workplace team leader
  • community educator
  • corporate trainer
     

Applicants for this programme of study must have access to adult learners (e.g. over the age of 18) over the duration of the programme of study in order to enable them to undertake learning and reflection in an authentic setting.

General Admission
Applicants should be a minimum of 16 years of age.

It is highly recommended that the candidate holds a relevant qualification at Level 5 or above or has equivalent knowledge and skills prior to entering into this qualification.

Any ākonga who do not meet the above criteria may be eligible for consideration for Discretionary Admission. In assessing whether to grant Discretionary Admission, the focus is on the applicant’s level of preparedness for their intended programme.

English Language Requirements

All applicants (international and domestic) for whom English is not a first language need to provide evidence that they have the necessary English language proficiency required for the programme.

International applicants are required to have an IELTS score of 6 (general or academic) with no individual band lower than 5.5 from one test taken in the preceding two years, or an equivalent described in NZQA Rules: https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/tertiary/english-language-entry-requirements-for-international-students/

International applicants should contact the SIT International team for advice.

Suggested study path / combinations

Part time study: The number of courses selected per intake will depend on your work, family, and other commitments. It is recommended that you complete study in alternate intakes. It is advisable complete the courses in the order they are listed on the website. 

Full time study: This is completing all courses (120 credits) over two intakes. Full time acceptance into the programme is at the Programme Manager's discretion. Some courses may have weekly assessment  or other engagement requirements, therefore, part time study is recommended, even for students working less than 20 hours per week.

Additional information

  • As a guideline, one credit equates to approximately 10 hours study within an intake period. Click HERE to download a Study Load Calculator (spreadsheet)
  • All courses selected within a particular intake must be completed within that intake unless a transfer is requested (conditions apply; see FAQs)
  • Online enrolments are on a year by year basis and students are welcome to apply for multiple intakes in one enrolment.  Further enrolment is the responsibility of individual students.  There is no automatic enrolment rollover.

Assessments for this programme typically include written reports, preparation and delivery of learning sessions to adult learners, and discussion board postings. There are no exams for this programme.

All SIT2LRN courses require you to have a computer and Internet access. Students are required to use their SIT webmail only for all SIT2LRN communications. All course materials and information, including assessments and due dates, are located on the online Blackboard system and you will have access to this from the Intake start date. However, once you have been accepted into a programme you will receive an Important Information Booklet that includes information to familiarise yourself with our online Blackboard learning environment.

Facilitator Assistance - During the enrolled intake period, students have email access to facilitators, who endeavour to respond to all emails within 48 hours (weekdays only). All students are required, within the first two weeks of an intake, to send an email to their facilitator confirming their start on the programme of study. Students who have not emailed their facilitator or embarked upon their course of study by the end of the 2nd week of an intake, will be Faculty Withdrawn from the programme. Such withdrawals may impact on future access to SIT Zero Fees Scheme and Student Direct Material Costs are still liable for payment.

You can view and download a copy of your Academic Transcript any time from the MySIT page (under My Courses). Please note that it may take up to 6 weeks from the end of an intake for grades to show here.

We recommend students new to SIT2LRN read through the Frequently Asked Questions section of our website for further study and enrolment information.

Please use the following checklist to ensure that all relevant information and documentation has been included. Remember, your application will be assessed based on the information that you provide us with. Processing of your application will be delayed if we need to come back to you for missing information.

  • I have read all sections of the programme information on this page
  • I have read the SIT2LRN Frequently Asked Questions section
  • I have met all admission criteria for the programme (found under "Application Criteria")
  • I have read the outline for all individual papers (found under Course "Content")
  • I have selected the papers I wish to study in each intake(s), and I have selected alternate intakes rather than overlapping intakes (eg., Intakes 1 & 3 or 2 & 4 etc.)
  • I know my intended payment method
  • If my organisation/company is paying for my studies, I have a completed and approved purchase order to attach to my online application. I am aware that should my organisation or company not pay my fees, these will become my responsibility
  • I have completed and attached a cross credit form (if applying for a cross credit)
  • New students - I have provided an active NSN in the name I am enrolling in or I have verified ID and will attach it to my online application
  • New students - I will attach academic documentation (NZQA record of achievement/academic transcripts/certificates). These do not need to be verified. (If you do not have any academic documentation to support your application, please attach a comprehensive CV outlining your education and work experience)
  • I have computer access, an Internet connection and access to software to create electronic documents eg Microsoft Word or Open Office
     

What is the Zero Fees Scheme?

The Zero Fees Scheme means we do not charge tuition fees. However, there is a Student Direct Material Cost that you need to pay. The administration fee is for processing your application and the Student Direct Material Cost gives you secure access to Blackboard® our online learning environment and to student support services throughout your study with us.

Who qualifies for the Zero Fees Scheme?

  • A New Zealand citizen completing the full qualification or 
  • An Australian citizen/New Zealand Resident or Permanent Resident who will be residing in New Zealand for the duration of your enrolment.

Instructions to help you with your application:

  1. Read the Programme Information on this page and the SIT2LRN Frequently Asked Questions and find out if you meet the application criteria for both the programme and the unit/s you wish to study.
  2. Check your eligibility for Zero Fees. If you are not eligible to study under this scheme, please call 
    0800 748 257 for further options.
  3. Complete your online enrolment checking that:

If you are a new student …

  • Provide an active NSN number in the name you are enrolling in (contact NZQA on 0800 697 296 to get your NSN number if you do not know it);
  • If you do not have an active NSN, then attach a copy of your verified ID in the name you are enrolling in - a copy of either your birth certificate AND (marriage certificate if applicable) or passport which has been stamped and signed by any one of the following:  JP, Barrister, Court Deputy Registrar, Member of Parliament, Land Transport NZ, Public Trust, member of the New Zealand Police, School Principal, Minister of Religion or GP.
  • If you are a Resident or Permanent resident of NZ, please provide a copy of proof of residency;
  • Attach all academic documentation to support your application including copies of any certificates of courses you have undertaken / NZQA record of achievement / transcripts / CV;

Attach supporting documents as required and outlined on the previous page.

  1. Please check that you have included all the required information and supporting documents.  Your application will be assessed based on the information that you provide.  Missing information will delay the processing of your application.
  2. Please scan and email all additional documentation to sit2lrn@sit.ac.nz.

What happens next?

  • You will receive an automatic email confirmation when we receive your online application. Processing may take up to three weeks. However, we will get in touch with you sooner if we require further documentation.
  • Once your application has been accepted you will be sent a conditional offer of acceptance with an invoice and instructions on how to make payment.
  • Once we have received your payment (or if you have opted to pay by Credit Card, Student Loan or Purchase Order) you will be sent an Enrolment Confirmation Letter and Important Information Booklet. Closer to the start of the intake you will receive a Time To Get Started Letter which will give you all the necessary information, tools and guidance to start your study with us.

To satisfactorily complete the New Zealand Diploma in Adult and Tertiary Teaching (Level 6), and be awarded this qualification the student must successfully achieve:

  • A minimum of 120 credits in accordance with the Programme schedule for the New Zealand Diploma in Adult and Tertiary Teaching (Level 6)
  • The student will normally be expected to complete the New Zealand Diploma in Adult and Tertiary Teaching (Level 6) full-time over one year or part-time over four years.

Please Note: Students failing to engage in study as per programme requirements may forfeit Zero Fees entitlement.

This qualification builds on the New Zealand Certificate in Adult Education and Training (Level 5), and may lead to Level 7 qualifications in adult and tertiary teaching.

For more information on required and recommended textbooks for this course please refer to the textbook list here. 

Please note that textbooks need to be ordered at least 3-4 weeks prior to the commencement of your study

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