Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Leadership and Management)
Apply NowEarly childhood professionals’ scholarship in the areas of leadership and management are enhanced through the study of this postgraduate certificate which focuses on expert knowledge through in-depth exploration of associated issues and trends.
Authentic leadership is a holistic concept that takes into account the whole person, including their emotions, spirituality, and sense of self. The notion of authentic leadership has recently become increasingly popular, since it promotes having a clear moral purpose and is driven by core values and beliefs. In this course you need to critically engage with the course literature to help construct your notion of being an authentic leader, since being authentic implies being fully engaged and present, and most importantly, being yourself. Realising one’s authenticity is essential in early childhood education, since leaders are constantly making decisions that are guided not only by one’s own personal values and beliefs, but also by professional codes of conduct and standards. To further complicate this process, such decisions must be made in consideration of the particular context, which may actually constrain or enable one’s claim to being authentic. Being an authentic leader in early childhood education implies having a strong commitment to high quality professional practices.
This course examines the practical roles and responsibilities of an effective manager in an early childhood education context. In this course, you will study aspects of early childhood education service management, finances and legislative obligations, through the lens of values-based decision making. Managing an early childhood education service is complex and involves working with children, colleagues, family/whānau, the community and governmental agencies. Individuals who work together well, will enhance outcomes for all concerned. This course provides you with information and perspectives across a range of areas that you will encounter as a manager. You are encouraged to focus on your personal and professional values and vision, as these relate to the everyday practical application and operations of being an effective manager.
Academic Entry
Applicants for the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Leadership and Management) must have a Bachelor degree at Level 7 (360 credits), a Postgraduate Diploma or a Master’s degree, or equivalent.
Where an applicant’s qualification has been undertaken outside of New Zealand, NZTC has discretion to determine equivalency to the New Zealand qualification. Equivalency is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
All applicants must declare any physical or learning disability, or diverse needs that may impact on their performance as a student.
Note: Detailed academic entry criteria is determined by our admissions team.
English Language Entry
International applicants must provide evidence of meeting English language requirements according to Rule 22 of the New Zealand Qualifications Authority Programme Approval, Recognition, and Accreditation Rules 2025. Details of these requirements can be found HERE.
If at any point in the selection process New Zealand Tertiary College holds concerns about an applicant’s English language competency, the College will require the applicant to provide evidence of meeting English language requirements.
All students will be required to engage in:
course work
online discussions
tutorials
assessments
Online
Online is a flexible mode of learning without face-to-face attendance requirements. All study is conducted through our learning management system - NZTC Online. Courses are completed and assessed online, and you are part of an online learning community where you can interact with other students and lecturers through online discussion forums to assist your learning.
Blended Learning
Blending the flexibility of online learning with practical experience and face-to-face engagement, all students access the learning management system (NZTC Online) for course materials, research and support materials, and assessment submission and return.
2026 Intakes – Domestic and International
February intake: | Monday, 9 February 2026 |
2026 Fees NZD
Domestic students - $4,524
2025 Fees NZD
International students - $16,800
The following fees are also required:
Student Fee Insurance $50
Covers the insurance to protect student fees. The fee is based upon one stage of study.Student ID card $30
One off payment at beginning of study. Students must submit a photo for a student card to be produced. Replacement cards for lost or stolen cards are $30.Police Vetting Fee $25
One off payment at beginning of study.NZQA Reporting Fee $10
Covers the cost of reporting qualification to NZQA.
If you are applying for Credit Recognition and Transfer (CRT):
CRT Assessment Fee $95
The fee is non-refundable even if no CRT credit is awarded.
International students may also be required to pay the following fees:
Homestay Placement $350
This fee is non-refundable even if no homestay is taken by the student.Medical and Travel Insurance $861 (approx)/annum
Insurance purchased from NZTC meets the conditions for insurance stipulated in the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students. All insurance submitted to NZTC will be evaluated to ensure it meets the conditions. If the insurance does not, no Confirmation of Enrolment will be issued. Please check HERE.
New Zealand Tertiary College qualifications have been designed to link easily into each other, providing you with a flexible range of pathway options into higher level study.Upon completion of the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Leadership and Management) you may be eligible to apply for the following programs. Entry criteria will apply.
Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood Education)
Master of Early Childhood Education
Master of Education (Early Childhood Education)
Download our ECE Study Prospectus
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Ready to apply?
Simply fill out a few details below. From there, you can either go straight to our full application form or wait for one of our team to get in contact with you in the next few days.
If you're an international student, you can apply online with our online application form. Click here to apply as an international student.