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This course examines aspects of the law as they relate to the education sector in New Zealand.
Education Law is the law that pertains to the constituting and functioning of educational systems, institutions or departments. It therefore draws on elements from and requires an understanding of a wide variety of legal specialisations. This course begins with an examination of how laws are made, interpreted and applied including a consideration of the roles played by legislative and judicial bodies and how these roles intersect and, at time, clash. This topic is discussed in the context of how educational institutions are held to account and, in turn, may hold other parties to account through the legal system.The course covers aspects of statutory interpretation, judicial review, employment law and privacy law, as well as issues relating to school discipline, child protection and relating to the legal profession. There will be scope for students to pursue particular elements of education law of interest to them.The course content consists of video presentations, guides to legal research, interaction through adobe connect sessions, chat forums on Learn, guest lectures from legal experts, and readings of articles, statutes and judgments from leading cases.The course is designed for educational leaders and scholars and aims to orient towards the practical whilst being grounded in a sound understanding of legal theory.
Students will be able to:Demonstrate an understanding of the main areas of law that affect education in New ZealandIdentify the nature of legal risks and problems in educational contextsImplement solutions to legal challenges in educationConduct research in relevant areas of the law
Subject to the approval of the Head of School
David Small
The course is run by Dr David Small, a Senior Lecturer in Education and a Barrister of the High Court of New Zealand.
Grading ScaleGrade GPA Value MarksA+ 9 90 – 100A 8 85 – 89.99A- 7 80 – 84.99B+ 6 75 – 79.99B 5 70 – 74.99B- 4 65 – 69.99C+ 3 60 – 64.99C 2 55 – 59.99C- 1 50 – 54.99D 0 40 – 49.99E -1 0 – 39.99
Distance students must participate in the course via Learn to meet the learning outcomes. Students are responsible for obtaining relevant lecture/course information via Learn. This will mean regular engagement with forums and course materials on the Learn site. Participation will enhance your understanding of issues and allow for discussion and clarification of complex issues. Online activity will ensure all students can discuss, debate and reflect. Insufficient participation in the course will jeopardise students passing the course.
Students will be expected to submit their assessment via the online assessment system in the Learn class site by 5.00pm on or before the due date. The lecturer may also ask students to submit assessment work through the software Turnitin, to check for plagiarism. If this option is available students will submit work through Turnitin and obtain a report, after submitting assignments for marking via the Learn site.It is the responsibility of the students to check their Internet access and ability to submit their work via the online system. Any technical difficulties should be notified well in advance of the due date so that assistance can be provided or alternative arrangements can be negotiated. If you require assistance, please email ictservicedesk@canterbury.ac.nz, or phone 366 7001 ext 6060.
Domestic fee $1,690.00
International Postgraduate fees
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see School of Educational Studies and Leadership .