Where can I find full details about this programme?

The academyEX prospectus provides in-depth details on all our programmes, including: Course structure and learning outcomes Entry requirements and application process Fees, early bird savings, and refund policies Student support services and international student information Insights from our academic team and community Download the 2026 Domestic Student Prospectus Download the 2026 International Student Prospectus Download the 2027 Domestic Student Prospectus Download the 2027 International Student Prospectus

Who is this programme for?

The Master of Contemporary Education programme is designed for teachers and educators at all levels to be equipped to bring contemporary skills and tools into their classrooms and schools.

How long does this programme take to complete?

The Master of Contemporary Education is made up of 3 parts: Part 1: Digital & Collaborative Learning (courses can also be completed as a PG-Cert). Delivered part-time or full-time. Part-time: 32 weeks (18 hours per week, including 3-5 hours directed study and the remaining hours integrated with teaching practice). Full-time (international students only): 20 weeks (30 hours per week). Part 2: Contemporary Teaching and Project Plan. 15 weeks (15 hours per week) Part 3: Your Practice-Based Change Project. Part-time: 50 weeks (20 hours per week) Full-time: 25 weeks (30 hours per week) Our Master of Contemporary Education is currently run as scheduled facilitated sessions online, enabling teachers to complete this qualification from any location in New Zealand. It also includes full-day, in-person workshops in Auckland (usually held in the school holidays or weekends), which we encourage you to attend. However, there will be an online version available if travel to Auckland isn’t possible.

Can I do this course with colleagues?

Absolutely. We’ve had loads of students do the course alongside family members, friends and colleagues. There are also opportunities to work collaboratively on assessments during the programme and work together on a project of interest. Learning is always better together!

Is this qualification a Research Masters?

Yes, this qualification is categorised by NZQA as a Research Masters when students enrol in the 90 credit Level 9 project course as part of their study.

What does orientation look like?

In the lead up to the start of each intake, fully enrolled students will receive onboarding emails from the team, as well as access to platforms that will be used during your study. An online orientation session is held at the beginning of each intake, and all students are expected to attend in person at academyEX HQ in Auckland. International students learning onshore with us will also be required to attend a separate orientation session. Details will be provided during the application process.

What sets this programme apart from other Master’s programmes?

This is a practice-based Master’s highly relevant to your education context e.g. classroom or school. You will be applying your learning within your education context, and contributing value. Importantly, this Master’s is about your practice - the challenges, problems and opportunities that you face in your classroom (or other education context). This Masters adds value to the Postgraduate Certificate in Digital and Collaborative Learning, which is Part 1 of the 3-part Master of Contemporary Education. The PGC-DCL and MCE become a suite of options for teachers and other educators to choose from and move between. This Master’s focuses on the challenges of contemporary education including digital fluency through leadership and collaboration. The programme recognises all teachers as leaders. The Master of Contemporary Education’s ’Agile Inquiry Process’ is a framework that allows you to tackle complex change in learning environments, where requirements are not fully understood or are ever-changing. Learning is split into small, manageable parts called sprints. This helps people work together and learn from each other. Everyone has a role in learning, and they all share the responsibility for it. You can pick specific sprints that are focused on your needs and context. With continuous improvement, regular reflection and iteration, the solution to the challenge emerges through the process. The Masters has part-time and full-time options.

Will completing this programme allow me to move up the MoE payscale?

Previous candidates have received pay increases after the completion of the Masters. Our understanding is, and has been, if you complete the Masters which is an NZQA-approved Level 9 postgraduate qualification you are entitled to a change in salary upon graduation with a Master’s degree - unless you are already on the highest allowable step. However, as academyEX, we cannot guarantee all graduates will receive a pay increase upon graduation. All employees’ salaries and qualifications need to be assessed individually by the Ministry of Education (MOE) Salary Assessment Team before any change in pay scale is confirmed. We recommend checking the Teachers’ Collective Agreement, Remuneration Clause, contacting the MOE Resourcing Division resourcing@education.govt.nz , or speaking with the Payroll Officer at your school for any clarification.

Can I study fully online or do I need to be able to travel to Auckland, New Zealand for classes?

All students are required to attend the Orientation in person at academyEX HQ in Auckland. We highly recommend that full-day workshops are attended in-person as often as possible as the benefits for connection, networking and learning when in person are significant. Online delivery will also take place at times. All full-day workshops will take place during the New Zealand school holidays.

Can I register as a teacher in New Zealand after completing this programme?

Please note that the MCE programme is not an initial teacher education programme and does not lead to registration as a teacher in New Zealand.

When are the next intakes?

For New Zealand students : Starting from scratch (Part 1): 22 March 2027 (Part-time) 30 August 2027 (Part-time) For International Students: 19th April 2027: 15-month programme at our Auckland campus

When do applications close?

Applications close two weeks before the start date of the intake you are applying for. Applications may be accepted on a case-by-case basis after the application close date at the discretion of academyEX. If applications are closed and you would like to apply, please contact us.

Can I study and work full-time at the same time?

Studying full-time is a significant commitment (35 - 40 hours per week) and we do not recommend working full-time whilst studying full-time. If you have specific circumstances that you would like to discuss, please get in touch with us.

I don’t have an idea for a project, can I still do the Masters?

Yes, Part 2 of the Masters of Contemporary Education is designed to support all students to identify a problem, opportunity or challenge that they can address through their practice-based change project.

What are the entry requirements?

To be admitted to this master’s degree you need to have: A recognised bachelor’s degree in the same or similar discipline (education), with merit achievements, deemed to be an average grade of B- or higher in all Level 7 courses. OR A professional qualification in a relevant discipline, recognised as being equivalent to merit achievement in a bachelor degree or equivalent. Special Admission is possible, please contact us for further information and to discuss eligibility. Evidence of English language proficiency is also required for international students. Getting to know you and your goals For admission into this master’s programme you will have an interview, a conversation to get to know you and your goals, with one of the programme team. It’s a chance for you to ask any questions and ensure that this master’s programme is the right fit for you. You can discuss your professional experience, the support available from our team and the commitment you can give to achieving your learning goals.

Are there any discounts or scholarships available?

academyEX offers a range of scholarships to support people to study and help to minimise barriers to learning. The following scholarships can be applied for, and cover 50% of the programme fees in 2026. Tangata Whenua - for learners who identify as Māori Pacific Ako - for learners who identify as Pacific Taipakeke - for learners who are aged 60 years and over Impact Scholarship - for learners who are positively impacting people, society and/or the planet. Find out more, including scholarship terms and conditions, by visiting our Scholarships page . Early Bird Discount: There is an Early Bird discount of 10% off the course fees for domestic students who apply 4 weeks before the start date of an intake, and 8 weeks before the start of an intake for international students. The discount will be applied to your invoice automatically through the enrolment process. Get in touch with us for more details. Please note: Early Bird Discount and Scholarships cannot both be applied. If you receive a scholarship, the remaining amount payable will not be discounted with the early bird rate.

Can I get a Student Loan to cover my fees for this programme?

Yes, domestic students studying in New Zealand can apply for a StudyLink Student Loan for this programme. Check this StudyLink page for more details on how to apply. Domestic students may be eligible for their final-year Fees Free. Learn more about Fees Free .

Can you help me get support from my organisation to enrol in the programme?

We are very happy to help you to communicate the benefits of studying with academyEX to your employer. If you would like us to provide you with a letter of support or further information, please just ask.

Is there an interview process?

As part of your enrolment for the Master’s programme, you will be interviewed by a member of our programme team. You can book your interview during the application process and our Student Experience team will be on hand to help. You can find out more about what to expect in the interview here in our Master of Contemporary Education Interview Guide .

How will I know if I’m accepted into the programme?

Once you’ve met all entry requirements, we’ll email you an Offer of Place . This confirms that you’ve been accepted into the programme. To secure your place, simply review the offer and formally accept it.

Become the change your learners need.

Master of Contemporary Education

Position yourself to lead in education’s AI era. This master’s builds the digital fluency and bold thinking to lift your learners and reshape what’s possible in your classroom, your school, and beyond.

Apply now

Start Dates

31 Aug 2026 — Part 1

18 Jan 2027 - Part 2
(Domestic only)

Course duration

Complete in
14-18 months

Research Masters

NZQA accredited,
Level 9 (180 Credits)

Flexible study

Study fully online or mix online learning with in-person sessions

Scholarships

Apply for a scholarship covering 50% of your tuition fees.
Learn more

LEARNING OUTCOMES

What you’ll learn

This is not a regular Masters programme. It is practice-based and focused on creating impactful change in your school WHILE you study.
Designed for busy educators, this programme blends scheduled online sessions with optional in-person workshops in Auckland. This flexible structure allows you to balance your studies with professional commitments while benefiting from the support of a collaborative educator community. At academyEX, you'll gain the tools and support to shape the future of education in Aotearoa. The Masters of Contemporary Education extends your knowledge in multiple dimensions, here are just a few:

Lead educational innovation

Lead innovation in education through a hands-on, practice-based approach. By combining research and theory with the creation of a personalised “Change Project,” you'll drive transformative change in your school or community. This project enables you to integrate digital technologies and future-focused teaching practices to improve learning outcomes while collaborating with students, whānau, and other stakeholders.

Create meaningful change

Whether addressing a local challenge or pioneering new educational practices, your Change Project is designed to create meaningful, culturally responsive change. This programme also meets the criteria of a Research Masters, equipping you with expertise to advance excellence in contemporary education.

Future-focused learning

This hands-on, practice-based programme equips you with the tools to tackle challenges, enhance your teaching strategies, and create real solutions while you study. In a rapidly changing world, it prepares you to stay ahead and make an impact where it matters most.

Emerging education challenges

Acquire an understanding of emerging education challenges and how to address areas that need improvement.

Enhance student outcomes

Develop skills to lead and drive sustained pedagogical change to improve student outcomes.

Respond to change

Grow the ability to understand and authentically respond to cultural and social change.

Digital fluency

Gain digital fluency and the ability to effectively implement technology into your day-to-day teaching practice.

This course is ideal for:

Experienced educators – Teachers and leaders ready to deepen their expertise and advance their careers.

Education innovators – Those passionate about driving change and shaping the future of education.

Lifelong learners – Ideal for professionals committed to improving teaching and learning practices

Aspiring leaders – Designed for those looking to take on leadership roles and influence education systems.

COURSE DETAILS

How this Master’s programme works

There are 3 parts to this Master’s programme:

Part 1 - Discovery
20 or 32 weeks

Part one also forms our Postgraduate Certificate. Evaluate digital and collaborative pedagogies and plan innovations to implement in your practice.

Part 2 - Project Proposal
15 Weeks

If you have already completed the Postgraduate Certificate in Digital and Collaborative Learning, you will start here - a 3rd of the way there!

Dive into Contemporary Teaching and develop a proposal for a practice based change project to be implemented in Part 3.

Part 3 - Implementation
25 or 50 weeks

Implement your practice-based change project to create impact in your chosen space.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

What you need to apply

If you are an international student planning to study in New Zealand, please download our International Student guide.

Proof of identity

You will need to provide a copy of your passport or birth certificate to confirm your personal details.

English language proficiency

If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of English language competence e.g. academic IELTS or PTE.
Learn more

Qualifications & work experience

You need to provide proof of previous study and work experience e.g. an academic transcript, graduating certificate, or CV.

Statement of Intent

We want to know why you want to study a Master’s programme! Let us know in the Statement of Intent form.
Download the form

HOW TO APPLY

Application and admissions

If you are applying as an international student, please download our International Student guide for full information (including what documents you need to apply).

Apply online

Choose a Master’s programme that aligns with your goals and complete an application form. Make sure to submit all the required documentation so your application can be processed as quickly as possible.

If you are applying as an international student, please download our International Student guide for full details of entry requirements.

Interview

We’d love to get to know you better! These interviews are a fantastic opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have, share your professional experience, and discuss your learning goals.

This helps ensure that the Master’s programme you’ve chosen is the perfect fit for your aspirations.

Accept offer of place

Once you qualify for the programme you will receive a confirmation email from our enrolments team. Our finance team will then reach out to guide you through the available payment options.

Visa

If you are not a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand, you will need to apply for a visa that permits full-time study. For complete details on the requirements, please visit Immigration New Zealand.

FEES & START DATES

Let’s get started!

Domestic Student Fees:

Domestic Student Fees: Up to $13,800 NZD (incl. GST)
Part 1: Digital and Collaborative Learning — $3,850
Part 2: Contemporary Teaching — $2,462
Part 3: Practice-based Change Project — $7,388

Study part-time and spread the cost across three stages. StudyLink and scholarships are available to help.

International Student Fees:

Up to $46,995 NZD

Available course start dates and session times:

18 Jan 2027 - Part 2(Domestic only)
19 Apr 2027 - Full Time(International only)
12 Jul 2027 - Part 2 - Part Time(Domestic only)

Important Dates:

31 Aug 2026 — Part 1: Discovery begins (Domestic)
Early bird closes 3 Aug 2026 (10% off) · Scholarships close 10 Aug 2026

18 Jan 2027 — Part 2: Project Proposal begins (DCL alumni)
Early bird closes 23 Nov 2026 (10% off) | Scholarships close 07 Dec 2026

To discuss your own situation and learn about what options are available to you, please get in touch to chat with Lisa, one of our programme advisors.

Apply now

MEET THE TEAM

Your course facilitators

Meet your MCE team

Dr. Herbert ThomasProgramme Lead - Master of Contemporary Education

Dr. David ParsonsResearch Director

Jill FarquharsonPostgraduate Director - Master of Contemporary Education

Milla InkiläPostgraduate Director - Digital & Collaborative Learning

Dorcas KayesPostgraduate Director - MCE

postgraduate education leadership New Zealand

Dawn LawrencePostgraduate Director - Master of Contemporary Education

Anna JohnstonePostgraduate Director - MCE

Yuka GrayProgramme Manager

TESTIMONIALS

Hear from our EXceptional students

I might be older, but I've never felt more polished. To those of you who are older—seize the opportunity and make the most of it!