The Master of Higher Education at the University of Otago is a postgraduate degree designed for tertiary educators and professional staff who want to deepen their understanding of teaching, learning and leadership in higher education. It suits early- and mid-career academics, academic developers, and managers seeking to combine applied coursework with a research project that addresses real institutional challenges.
The programme combines core and elective papers with a substantial research project or dissertation. Core topics typically include the scholarship of teaching and learning, higher education policy and governance, curriculum design and assessment, contemporary learning technologies, and research methods tailored to education. Elective options allow specialisation in areas such as academic leadership and management, quality assurance, evaluation, equity and diversity in higher education, and indigenous and Pacific perspectives on teaching and learning.
Study pathways are flexible: students may complete the degree mostly by coursework plus a smaller research project, or undertake a larger dissertation-based research component. Teaching and assessment methods include seminars, workshops, reflective portfolios, applied projects, and supervised research. The programme emphasises evidence-informed practice and scholarly enquiry that can be applied in institutional settings.
Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree with honours or a relevant postgraduate diploma, or demonstrate equivalent academic preparation plus relevant professional experience in higher education. Admission also considers academic references and a statement of purpose outlining how the degree relates to the applicant’s professional role and goals. Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the University’s English language proficiency requirements. Specific admission pathways and recognition of prior learning for experienced staff are discussed with the programme coordinator.
Graduates use the degree to advance careers within tertiary institutions and related sectors. Typical roles include teaching-focused academic positions, academic developer or learning and teaching adviser, curriculum or programme manager, learning designer or e-learning specialist, quality assurance and accreditation officer, and policy analyst. The research component also prepares graduates for doctoral study and roles that require applied research skills in institutional research, evaluation and strategic planning.
University of Otago is one of New Zealand’s established research-led universities, with dedicated support for the scholarship of teaching and learning. The Master of Higher Education draws on the university’s academic development expertise and connections across faculties, offering opportunities to work on authentic institutional problems. Students benefit from experienced supervisors, a collegial academic community in Dunedin, and options for part-time or distance study to fit the schedules of working professionals. The programme also incorporates New Zealand-specific contexts such as Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations and Māori and Pasifika approaches to education, preparing graduates to contribute to inclusive and culturally responsive tertiary practice.
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